HAND WRAP FOR COMBAT TRAINING

Description

This patent application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/693,475, filed September 11, 2024 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This disclosure relates to training equipment for combat environments or combat sports. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a hand wrap for use in training for hand-to-hand combat.

BACKGROUND

Training is an important aspect of any field that requires acquired skill. This is especially important in fields that pose the risk of severe injury or death. To avoid undue injury or death, protective devices are commonplace for training activities. Protective devices used in training may additionally, or alternatively, be referred to herein as training devices.

Professionals in the military, law enforcement, protective services, and similar fields undergo training that is intended to mimic actual hand-to-hand combat. The training, however, is not intended to rise to the level of risk of death or severe injury that might be present in actual combat. Instead, the training is intended to prepare the professionals for actual combat, by mimicking actual combat as much as possible, under reduced risk. Accordingly, combat training requires protective devices that are not otherwise utilized in actual combat. Likewise, athletes of all levels (e.g., professional, amateur, hobbyist, etc.) in hand-to-hand combat activities sports or fitness also undergo training that is intended to mimic actual hand-to-hand combat. Such activities may include martial arts, judo, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, karate, mixed martial arts, boxing, or the like. In these activities, crippling or damaging strikes are commonplace. The training, however, is not intended to rise to the level of severe injury or risk of death that might arise in a fully competitive environment.

Therefore, precautions are taken to protect the professional or athlete’s body. One such example is the practice of taping hands. Hand taping is a practice of wrapping a hand using layered tape and gauze to reinforce a user’s hand in a controlled alignment and under structural force. The hand taping practice is an art and is often done by professionals such as, for example, trainers. Hand taping is not readily available without the assistance of such a third party. Hand taping is also a time-consuming activity and must be performed prior to each training session. Currently, a reusable device has not been developed to supplant hand taping and provide the level of safety imparted by hand taping to the masses.

While gloves have been developed to add cushions, gloves have not supplanted the practice of hand taping to provide the controlled alignment and structural force applied to a hand through hand taping. Gloves simply serve as a sleeve placed overtop of a hand. While a glove may be tightened or secured to the hand at a wrist region, gloves fail to apply the unique alignment and structural force over the entire hand as accomplished by hand taping. Therefore, hand taping remains the preferred practice for such protection but is inaccessible or unavailable to many professionals and athletes, thereby risking injury.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is for a reusable hand wrap device used in training for combat environments or combat sports. The reusable hand wrap device of the present disclosure is a pre-formed arrangement of structural elements that mimic the practice of hand taping and provide the safety thereof. The reusable hand wrap device of the present disclosure does not require the assistance of a third party, such as a trainer who is often relied upon for hand taping. The reusable hand wrap device is easily installable, removable, and reusable.

An example of a hand wrap for combat training may comprise multiple fastening layers overlapping one another upon a chassis. A hand wrap of the present disclosure may comprise a first fastening layer extending from or about a palm side of a chassis. The first fastening layer is additionally removably fastened to a backhand side of the chassis. A hand wrap of the present disclosure may further comprise a second fastening layer extending from a first lateral side of the chassis about the palm side of the chassis. Likewise, the second fastening layer may additionally be removably fastened to a backhand side of the chassis. The second fastening layer may be removably fastened to the backhand side of the chassis adjacent a second lateral side of the chassis that is opposite the first lateral side of the chassis. Further, the second fastening layer may cover a portion of or all of the first fastening layer. A hand wrap of the present disclosure may also comprise a third fastening layer extending from a forward location on the chassis. The third fastening layer may also be removably secured adjacent the second lateral side of the chassis. The third fastening layer may also extend from the second lateral side of the chassis about the palm side and returns to be fastened to the backhand side of the chassis such as, for example, adjacent to the second lateral side of the chassis.

In examples, the third fastening layer covers a portion or all of the first fastening layer and the second fastening layer. In examples the first fastening layer comprises a lateral knuckle strap. The lateral knuckle strap may be drawn about the palm side in a lateral direction. Further, a longitudinal knuckle strap may also be provided and drawn from the lateral knuckle strap in a longitudinal direction, as a part of the first fastening layer. In examples, the second fastening layer comprises a primary wrist anchor. The second fastening layer may also comprise a secondary wrist anchor forward of the primary wrist anchor The second fastening layer may additionally extend in the same direction as the first fastening anchor and/or may be removably secured to the backhand side of the chassis at a different angle. The primary wrist anchor and the secondary wrist anchor may be arranged in a side-by-side arrangement. The backhand side of the chassis may further comprise a first fastening mechanism thereon. The first fastening layer may comprise a second fastening mechanism thereon replacing the first fastening mechanism that is otherwise covered by the first fastening layer. Further, the second fastening layer may comprise a third fastening mechanism thereon replacing one or more of the first fastening mechanism and the second fastening mechanism covered by one or more of the first fastening layer and the second fastening layer. In examples the first fastening mechanism and the second fastening mechanism are concealed by the third fastening layer on the backhand side. The third fastening layer may further comprise a fastening mechanism for being fastened adjacent to the second lateral side of the chassis.

In examples, the hand wrap of the present disclosure may comprise a thumb retainer. The thumb retainer is an enclosed loop extending from the second lateral side of the chassis. In examples, the hand wrap of the present disclosure may comprise a molded knuckle pad extending from the chassis. The molded knuckle pad may extend from the chassis forward of the third fastening layer. In examples, the first fastening layer is drawn over the molded knuckle pad. In examples, the first fastening layer comprises multiple draw strings spaced apart with voids formed therebetween, The multiple draw strings extend over the molded knuckle pad. The multiple draw strings may extend from and are spaced apart across a forward loop extending from the palm side of the chassis The multiple draw strings may extend from the forward loop to a fastening pad on the backhand side of the chassis.

In another example of the present disclosure a hand wrap for combat training may comprise a chassis. The chassis may comprise a lateral knuckle strap, a longitudinal knuckle strap, a primary wrist anchor, a secondary wrist anchor, a back cover strap, a forward loop, and a thumb retainer. In examples, the lateral knuckle strap is drawn laterally across a forward loop of a palm side of the chassis and removably secured to a backhand side of the chassis. In examples, the longitudinal knuckle strap is drawn longitudinally from the forward loop of the palm side of the chassis and removably secured to the backhand side of the chassis. The lateral knuckle strap and the longitudinal knuckle strap form a first fastening layer on the backhand side of the chassis. In examples, the primary wrist anchor and the secondary wrist anchor extend from a lateral side of the chassis opposite the thumb retainer. The primary wrist anchor and the secondary wrist anchor may be drawn about the palm side of the chassis. The primary wrist anchor and the secondary wrist anchor may be removably secured to the backhand side of the chassis. The primary wrist anchor and the secondary wrist anchor may be drawn about the palm side of the chassis in a side-by-side arrangement. The primary wrist anchor and the second wrist anchor form a second fastening layer on the backhand side wherein one or more of the primary wrist anchor and the secondary wrist anchor overlap one or more of the lateral knuckle strap and the longitudinal knuckle strap. In examples, the back cover strap extends from a forward location on the chassis forward of the primary wrist anchor and the secondary wrist anchor. The back cover strap may comprise a longitudinal fastener removably secured to the backhand side. The back cover strap may also comprise a lateral fastener drawn from the longitudinal fastener about the palm side of the chassis. The lateral fastener may be removably secured overtop (or atop) the longitudinal fastener of the back cover strap. The back cover strap forms a third fastening layer The back cover strap covers the lateral knuckle strap, the longitudinal knuckle strap, the primary wrist anchor, and the secondary wrist anchor on the backhand side.

The hand wrap may further comprise a molded knuckle pad. The molded knuckle pad may extend from the chassis forward of back cover strap. In examples, the longitudinal knuckle strap is drawn over the molded knuckle pad. In examples, the longitudinal knuckle strap comprises multiple draw strings spaced apart with voids formed therebetween. The multiple draw strings are drawn over the molded knuckle pad.

A method of wrapping a hand is also provided herein. The method may comprise the steps of: inserting fingers of a hand through a forward loop of a chassis of the hand wrap as described herein; drawing the longitudinal knuckle strap between the fingers and removably securing the longitudinal knuckle strap to a backhand side of the chassis; drawing the lateral knuckle strap about the hand and across the palm side of the hand wrap from the first lateral side to the second lateral side and removably securing the longitudinal knuckle strap to a backhand side of the chassis; drawing the primary wrist anchor and the secondary wrist anchor about the hand across the palm side of the hand wrap and removably securing the primary wrist anchor and the secondary wrist anchor to the backhand side of the chassis; drawing the back cover strap backwards over the backhand side of the chassis and securing the longitudinal fastener to the backhand side of the chassis; and drawing the back cover strap about the hand and across the palm side of the hand wrap and removably securing the back cover strap overtop the longitudinal fastener on the backhand side of the chassis.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the examples will be apparent from the following more detailed descriptions of particular examples as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers represent like parts of the examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which particular examples and further benefits of the examples are illustrated as described in more detail in the description below, in which:

FIG. 1 is a palm side view of a hand wrap fully wrapped on a hand, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a backhand side view of a hand wrap fully wrapped on a hand, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a forward side perspective view of a hand wrap fully wrapped on a hand, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a palm side view of a hand wrap partially wrapped on a hand, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a backhand side view of a hand wrap partially wrapped on a hand, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a forward side perspective view of a hand wrap partially wrapped on a hand, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a palm side view of a hand wrap unwrapped, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a backhand side view of a hand wrap partially unwrapped, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a backhand side view of a hand wrap fully unwrapped, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a hand wrap, absent a hand, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a backhand side view of a hand wrap, absent a hand, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a palm side view of a hand wrap, absent a hand, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a first lateral side view of a hand wrap, absent a hand, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a second lateral side view of a hand wrap, absent a hand, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a knuckle end view of a hand wrap, absent a hand, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 is an arm end view of a hand wrap, absent a hand, in accordance with an example of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to training equipment for combat environments or combat sports. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to hand wraps for use in training for combat environments or combat sports and, specifically, hand-to-hand combat. The hand wrap of the present disclosure is a reusable wearable that replicates provisionally taped hands. The hand wrap of the present disclosure provides the optimal protection afforded by traditional taped wraps that are professionally applied by a trainer or third party but in the form of a reusable and easily installable device that may be used by any skill level without the assistance of a third party. Specifically, the hand wraps of the present disclosure make hand wrapping capabilities accessible to everyone and not just professionals with training support. The hand wraps of the present disclosure thereby extend the safety attributed to taped wraps to non-professionals or amateurs. The wraps of the present disclosure are applied to a hand substantially faster and removed from a hand substantially faster than a traditional tape wrap making them also beneficial to professionals in training environments. The wrap of the present disclosure is an autonomous, reusable wearable that does not require the complex installation of cloth wraps (‘cloth wraps’ ‘tape wraps’ ‘taped hands’ and ‘hand taping’ are used synonymously herein). The wrap of the present disclosure may further comprise additional components attributed to improved training such as, for example, molded knuckles, silicone surfaces, thumb retainer, etc.

The hand wrap of the present disclosure comprises a chassis that is a central hub or base for supporting supplemental support elements or features such as, for example, straps, cushions, braces, loops, or the like which extend therefrom in multiple arrangements and directions. These supplemental supports provide an overlapping support system relative to the chassis that mimics the professional hand taping. Multiple anchoring locations and stabilizing structures are provided without the use of cloth wraps or trainer support. As used herein, a chassis refers to a central structure or frame that the remaining support structures extend from and are supported by. In other words, the chassis is a central frame having multiple functional elements extending therefrom in a variety of controlled orientations and directions.

The stabilizing structures of the hand wrap of the present disclosure may include at least four structural straps that are each positioned to apply a specific force upon being removably secured into place. A cover, or a back cover strap, as further described with respect to the figures below in combination with the chassis, engages each of the support structures in a layered arrangement that replicates traditional cloth wraps. For example, a first strap, referred to below in the figures as a longitudinal knuckle strap, draws a knuckle section (that may further comprise a molded knuckle structure) into the hand. A second strap, referred to below in the figures as a lateral knuckle strap, clamps down immediately behind the knuckles to prevent forward slip (e.g., forward slip of the wrap and, more specifically, forward slip of the longitudinal knuckle strap and/or knuckle section). The lateral knuckle strap provides the advantage of clamping the knuckle section or structure in a transverse manner, relative to the manner the longitudinal knuckle straps clamp the knuckle section. This prevents movement in multiple planes. Specifically, movement is thereby restricted in the backward direction as well as in the lateral direction, This is consistent with professional cloth wrapping or hand taping where the cloth wrap not only wraps about the hand but is also wrapped between the fingers where the various directional wraps are drawn together. A third strap, referred to below in the figures as a primary wrist strap, is also provided. The primary wrist strap holds or secures the chassis to the back of the wrist. A fourth strap may be provided and is referred to below as a secondary wrist strap. The secondary wrist strap supports additional forward angular support at the wrist and may be angled in a manner that locks the hand and wrist together. Finally, a top cover strap, referred to in the figures as a back cover (strap i.e., corresponding to the backhand side of the hand wrap), wraps the entire system and applies uniform compression across each of the above-mentioned structures. This ultimately mimics layered tape and gauze applied by a professional (i.e., a trainer). Together, the above components replicate the application and distribution of force used in professional hand taping, without the need for cloth wraps to be applied. Further, the wrap of the present disclosure is a reusable wearable that delivers the taped-hand experience that may be installed by the user without third-party support.

To replicate the professional application of cloth wraps or hand taping, the support structures of the present disclosure are secured in multiple overlapping layers. Generally, there may be three recognized layers. A first fastening layer extends from a forward position of the chassis and, also, from a lateral side of the chassis. The first fastening layer further extends about a palm side of the chassis in multiple orientations and is removably fastened to a backhand side of the chassis. The first fastening layer may comprise the lateral knuckle strap and the longitudinal knuckle strap. A second fastening layer extends from a first lateral side of the chassis about the palm side of the chassis and is removably fastened to a backhand side of the chassis. The second fastening layer, upon extending about the palm side of the chassis, may be fastened adjacent a second lateral side of the chassis. The second lateral side of the chassis is opposite the first lateral side of the chassis. The second fastening layer may cover a portion of the first fastening layer. The second fastening layer may comprise the primary wrist anchor and the secondary wrist anchor. Finally, a third fastening layer extends from a forward location on the chassis. The third fastening layer is removably secured in a location adjacent to the second lateral side of the chassis on the backhand side of the chassis. The third fastening layer may then further extend from this second lateral side of the chassis about the palm side and returns to the backhand side of the chassis. The third fastening layer may ultimately be fastened adjacent to the second lateral side of the chassis for a complete wrap. The third fastening layer may comprise the back cover strap. The third fastening layer covers, and may even lock, isolate, and further secure, a portion (or all) of the first fastening layer and/or the second fastening layer. These features are further illustrated below with respect to the figures.

As used herein, the term ‘longitudinal’ refers to a direction or axis corresponding to the length of a straightened arm with the hand aligned therewith and extending therefrom. ‘Forward,’ as referred to herein, is in a direction extending from the wrist to the fingertips, with a ‘forward location’ being a location that is forward of a position it is described relative to. The ‘lateral’ direction refers to an axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction or axis. For example, the lateral direction extends from the ulnar side of a hand to the thumb side of hand, or vice versa. As noted above, the ulnar side of a hand is referred to as the first lateral side and the thumb side of a hand is referred to as the second lateral side. The ‘palm side’ refers to a position relative to the bottom of the hand or the palm of the hand. The ‘backhand side’ refers to a position relative to the top of the hand or the back of the hand.

FIG. 1 illustrates a palm side of an example of a hand wrap 100 of the present disclosure. As used herein, the hand wrap 100 of the present disclosure is oriented relative to a first lateral side 10 (i.e., ulnar side of a hand 1000), a second lateral side (20i.e., thumb side of a hand 1000), a forward longitudinal end (30i.e., extending in a direction toward the fingertips of a hand 1000), and a back longitudinal end 40 or back of wrist (i.e., extending in a direction of the arm relative to the hand 1000). For illustrative purposes, a left hand 1000 is illustrated by the figures. However, it is contemplated herein that the same may be applied to a right-handed wrap based on the description and orientation provided herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a backhand side of the hand wrap 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 further illustrates a forward perspective view of the hand wrap 100 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 4-6 further illustrate the example of the hand wrap 100 of FIGS. 1-3, but only partially wrapped. To assist with further describing the features of the hand wrap of FIGS. 1-6,FIGS. 7-9 are described below with respect to various states of an unwrapped hand wrap 100 of FIGS. 1-6 for illustrative purposes.

FIG. 7 illustrates a palm side view of an unwrapped hand wrap 100. The hand wrap 100 comprises a chassis 110 from which the support structures extend. These support structures include a first strap referred to herein as a longitudinal knuckle strap 120 that draws across the knuckle section 112 (i.e., relative to the knuckles of a hand) in a longitudinal direction from the palm side about a forward end onto the backhand side. The longitudinal knuckle strap 120 may comprise multiple draw strings. Three draw strings 122, 124, 126 are illustrated by the present example. Any number or draw strings are contemplated herein. The draw strings 122, 124, 126 are spaced apart across a forward loop extending from the lateral sides of the backhand side about the palm side for placement of fingers. Voids 134, 136 are formed between the draw strings 122, 124, 126 and/or voids 132, 138 are formed between the draw strings 122, 124, 126 and the outer extent of the forward loop 130 for placement of fingers. In the example of FIG. 7 each void 132, 134, 136, 138 supports a single finger 1100 (as illustrated by FIGS. 1-6). However, it is contemplated herein a void may support multiple fingers.

Still referring to FIG. 7, the support structures further include a second strap referred to herein as a lateral knuckle strap 140. The lateral knuckle strap 140 extends or draws from (i.e. is affixed to the backhand side of the chassis 110 from a lateral side and extends around the palm side. Specifically, the lateral knuckle strap 140 is drawn from the first lateral side (as illustrated by FIG. 1) toward the second lateral side (as illustrated by FIG. 1) to mirror the natural angle of force created when engaging a fist. By drawing or pulling the lateral knuckle strap 140 in this direction it locks the knuckle section 112 (and/or the molded knuckle pad as further described below) against the metacarpal arch. It also prevents the knuckle section 112( and/or the molded knuckle pad as further described below) from driving backward or rolling under impact. Finally, it also counteracts the outward rotation tendency of the pinky-side metacarpals of a user’s hand, which is often the reason for and where most hand bone fractures arise. In view of these noted advantages, the lateral knuckle strap recreates the exact directional force a trainer applies when laying tape between the knuckles to transform cloth wraps and hand taping from a passive cover into a secure impact platform. In similar fashion, the lateral knuckle strap 140 may then be removably secured to the backhand side on the second lateral side, forward of a thumb loop 150 (see, for example, FIGS. 1-6 )to support such a secure impact platform. The lateral knuckle strap 140 may be affixed to, and removably secured to, the backhand side in a manner that it draws across the palm side to clamp down immediately behind the knuckle section 112 (i.e., the user’s knuckles) to prevent said forward slip of the wrap on a user’s hand 1000. As noted above, this includes preventing forward slip of the longitudinal knuckle strap 120 and/or the knuckle section 112 as well.

Also illustrated by FIG. 7 is a third strap referred to as a primary wrist strap 160. The primary wrist strap 160 holds and secures the chassis 110 to the back of the wrist by extending from (i.e., is affixed to) the backhand side of the chassis 110. The primary wrist strap 160 is drawn from the backhand side of the chassis 110 on the first lateral side (as illustrated by FIG. 1) and around the palm side to the second lateral side (as illustrated by FIG. 1) until it may be removably secured to the backhand side. A fourth strap referred to as a secondary wrist strap 170 may also be provided. The secondary wrist strap 170 further supports the wrist and hand, together. The secondary wrist strap 170 is forward of the primary wrist strap 160. The secondary wrist strap 170 extends from (i.e., is affixed to) and is drawn from the backhand side on the first lateral side (as illustrated by FIG. 1) and around the palm side and the second lateral side (as illustrated by FIG. 1) until it may be removably secured to the backhand side. Because the primary wrist strap 160 operates to hold the chassis 110 to the back of the wrist, an angle of the secondary wrist strap 170 may vary or be adjusted to provide forward support for the wrist (already secured by the primary wrist strap 160) onto the hand or to additionally lock the hand, and wrist together.

Finally, a back cover strap 180 is further provided as illustrated by FIG. 7 The back cover strap 180 extends from (i.e., is affixed to) a forward position on the backhand side of the chassis 110 behind the knuckle section 112. The back cover strap 180 is drawn backward over the other support structures that may previously be removably secured to the backhand side. The back cover strap 180 may cover the other support structures secured to the backhand side of the chassis 110 (see, for example, FIG. 2. In an example, the back cover strap 180 may completely cover, or fully conceal, the other support structures on the backhand side of the chassis 110.

The above-mentioned features are also illustrated by FIGS. 8-9, relative to the backhand side of the chassis 110. Specifically, FIG. 8 illustrates the backhand side of the chassis 110 with the lateral knuckle strap 140, the primary wrist strap 160, the secondary wrist strap 170, and the back cover strap 180 not yet removably secured thereto. However, in FIG. 8, the longitudinal knuckle strap 120 is illustrated as being removably secured to the backhand side of the chassis 110. The longitudinal knuckle strap 120 may further comprise a stirrup puller 128. One or more or each of the draw strings 122, 124, 126 may extend therefrom (i.e. are affixed thereto). The stirrup puller 128 assures the draw strings 122, 124, 126 are drawn together in unison and secured under equal force with a single anchor. In contrast, FIG. 9 illustrates the longitudinal knuckle strap 120 and the stirrup puller 128 thereof not yet removably secured to the backhand side of the chassis 110. FIG. 9 is otherwise labeled as described with respect to FIG. 8.

A forward loop 130 and the thumb loop 150 are further illustrated in FIGS. 8-9. The forward loop 130 and the thumb loop 150 are enclosed loops providing ancillary support to the support systems described above. The forward loop 130 and the thumb loop 150 may also be referred to herein as forward restraint and thumb restraint, respectively. For example, by anchoring the chassis 110 in a thumb restraint 150, the thumb restraint 150 effectively locks the hand into the system which allows the forces created by the straps to transfer through a fixed structure. This is in contrast to structures that are not fixed in this manner and that simply serve as compression padding. The thumb restraint 150 anchored to the chassis 110 provides additional rearward support to the knuckle section. This is accomplished by controlling the direction of pull of the support structures for the knuckle section through the thumb anchor 150 rather than just around the hand. This provides an additional stabilizing force onto the wrist because the thumb restraint 150 pulls tension across the metacarpal arch and into the carpal region of the hand. The result is a triangular force or triangular support structure extending across the hand wrap of the present disclosure. By example, with taping, the result may only be linear compression. However, once the thumb restraint 150 is engaged, a closed system is formed with tension distributed between the knuckles, the thumb, and the wrist. This triangular support structure is the very configuration professional trainers set out to achieve when they lace tape around the base of the thumb in a properly wrapped hand-wrap. This arrangement prevents rolling, shifting, and rotation of the hand inside the taped wrap. In other words, the thumb restraint 150 does not just hold the thumb, it activates the entire structure by creating a fixed origin point for forces generated by the strap. The forward loop 130 supports a similar structure as an additional anchor around the hand.

In the examples of the present figures, the support elements are removably secured to the backhand side of the chassis using a hook-and-loop attachment mechanism 190 as the fastening element. The hook or the loop configuration 190 may be provided directly on the backhand side of the chassis 110. Accordingly, the alternative to the hook-and-loop attachment mechanism 190 (i.e., the vice versa of the hook or loop) may be provided on the support feature to be secured to the backhand side of the chassis 110. This same arises with respect to additional areas illustrating a hook-and-loop attachment mechanism in the figures. As illustrated by FIGS. 7-9, many, or all of, the support elements may further comprise a similar attachment mechanism 190 on their back sides. This has the impact of replacing, or supplanting, the fastening elements utilized by these features when these features themselves are removably secured to the backhand side of the chassis. This ensures additional support elements may be further secured to the backhand side of the chassis in a stacked or layered arrangement as discussed above.

For example as illustrated by FIG. 8,the longitudinal knuckle strap 120 (i.e., the stirrup puller 128 comprises a hook-and-loop attachment mechanism 190 thereon to replace the hook-and-loop attachment mechanism surface it otherwise covers on the backhand side of the chassis 110). Similar arrangements are found on each side of the lateral knuckle strap 140, the primary wrist anchor 160, and the secondary wrist anchor 170 (i.e., with a first side comprising a hook-and-loop attachment mechanism surface illustrated in FIG. 7 and the other side illustrating a hook-and-loop attachment mechanism surface illustrated in FIGS. 8-9). It is contemplated herein that the nature and operation of a hook-and-loop attachment mechanism is understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. It is also contemplated herein that other fastening elements may be relied on to removably secure the features herein. For example, features herein may be removably secured using any fastening elements known in the art such as for example, snaps, buckles, clamps, clips, adhesives (e.g., reusable or replaceable adhesives), ties, tape, ratchets, folds ,any combination thereof, or the like.

Now referring back to FIGS. 4-6, FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the hand wrap 100 of the present disclosure in an intermediate stage of wrapping or partially wrapped. In FIGS. 4-6, a first fastening layer is removably secured to the backhand side of the chassis 110. In other words, the longitudinal knuckle strap 120 and the lateral knuckle strap 140 have been removably secured to the backhand side of the chassis 110. As noted above, not only do the longitudinal knuckle strap 120 and the lateral knuckle strap 140 comprise a fastening mechanism 190 to be removably secured to the backhand side of the chassis, the longitudinal knuckle strap 120, and the lateral knuckle strap 140 further comprise a fastening mechanism 190 on their back side to replace, or supplant, the fastening mechanism 190 they utilized. These additional fastening mechanisms are illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 as now being available for removably securing a second and/or a third fastening layer. In FIGS. 4-6, the second fastening layer is illustrated in a manner that it is removably secured to the backhand side of the chassis 110 (as compared to FIGS. 7-9 where the same is illustrated as not yet being removable secured to the backhand side of the chassis 110). In other words, the primary wrist anchor 160 and the secondary wrist anchor 170 are wrapped or have been removably secured to the backhand side of the chassis 110 in FIGS. 4-6 and have not yet been wrapped or have not yet been removed secured to the backhand side of the chassis 110 in FIGS. 7-9. Similarly, the third fastening layer is also illustrated in a manner that is not yet removably secured to the backhand side of the chassis 110 in FIGS. 4-9. In other words, the back cover strap 180 is not yet wrapped or has not yet been removably secured to the backhand side of the chassis 110. FIG. 4 illustrates the above-mentioned features from a palm side view. FIG. 5 illustrates the above-mentioned features from a backhand side view. FIG. 6 illustrates the above-mentioned features from a forward side perspective view.

FIGS. 2 and 5 illustrate the backhand side of the chassis 110 in different wrapped states. FIG. 2 illustrates the backhand side of the chassis 110 fully wrapped while FIG. 5 illustrates the backhand side of the chassis 110 partially wrapped. FIG. 5 illustrates the second fastening layer comprising the primary wrist anchor 160 and the secondary wrist anchor 170 removably secured to the backhand side of the chassis 110. In this regard, these features of the second fastening layer are illustrated relative to the first fastening layer of the longitudinal knuckle strap 120 and the lateral knuckle strap 140, also removably secured to the backhand side of the chassis in FIG. 5. The stacking and overlapping of the fastening mechanisms 190 creates localized rigid attachment zones. These zones are necessary to lock the straps into the chassis 110 and enable force transfer in the proper direction – consistent with a professionally tape-wrapped hand. Without the noted attachment zones, the straps simply lay over the backhand side (i.e., like a loose cover) and fail to create meaningful compression or alignment. The stacking of the layers provides a strap system which functions as a contiguous structural element that transfers energy through the entire system that is further secured by the fastening mechanism 190. FIG. 5 further illustrates while the backhand side of the chassis 110 may be covered and secured by the back cover strap 180 (as illustrated by FIG. 2), the back cover strap 180 may be substantially removed (with the exception of its forward attachment location) from the backhand side of the chassis 110 to provide access for attachment of the first and/or second fastening layers. The backhand side of the chassis comprises a lateral fastening mechanism 192 (as illustrated by FIG. 5) on the second lateral side (as illustrated by FIG. 1 )that may attach directly to the fastening mechanism 190 of the backhand side of the chassis 110. Once secured, the back cover strap 180 wraps around the palm side of the chassis to return to the backhand side of the chassis to be further removably secured to the backhand side of the chassis 110, This further locks the chassis into place and distributes all of the independent support elements and/or independent fastening layers under a single applied force. It additionally conceals each underlying support element and/or fastening layer, preventing the same from becoming unsecured and providing a continuous and even (i.e., smooth) exoskeleton.

The hand wrap of the present disclosure may further comprise a molded knuckle pad extending therefrom. More specifically, a molded knuckle pad may extend directly from the chassis. A molded knuckle pad 200 is illustrated in each of FIGS. 2-3, 5-6, and 8-9. An example of the molded knuckle pad 200 is formed via a molding process to yield a single-piece structural element. The molded knuckle pad 200 is purpose-shaped and attached directly to the chassis 110. It is not laminated or stitched between layers of the hand wrap 100. In other words, it remains exposed, is an external element, and is not enclosed within fabric or other enclosures. It remains visually detectable from the exterior. In examples, the molded knuckle pad 200 is of a different material than the hand wrap which may be made from a textile (i.e., flexible wrap textile). The molded knuckle pad 200 may comprise a concave foam component that is designed and purpose-built using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and formed by a molding process. The product is a purpose-shaped product that is not cut from or shaped from a foam block. The molded knuckle pad 200 geometry and structure is shaped to support the knuckles with said concave foam component 240 (as illustrated by FIGS. 10, 11, and 16). Specifically, the molded knuckle pad 200 is molded with an intentional cavity and thickness variations shaped to follow a user’s knuckle profile. The molded knuckle pad 200 may also comprise a form-correcting knuckle structure that interfaces directly with the strike surface that is not otherwise capable using a foam that is cut and provided within a fabric enclosure In other words the molded knuckle pad 200 serves as an exposed exoskeleton. Because the padding is molded it may be modified for foam density and for compound mixes, allowing the hand wrap to perform under multiple contexts (e.g., bag work without gloves, light sparring, standalone training aid, or the like, etc.). This is in contrast to being a liner, such as padding found or stuffed within a boxing glove. As used herein, ‘molded’ refers to a manufacturing process where a material (i.e., a foam, elastomer, thermoplastic compound, or the like) is injected or formed inside a shaped tool (i.e., a mold) and cured into a specific, three-dimensional geometry. This is in contrast to a block of foam or flat foam which may be cut from a sheet. Comparatively. a molded component comprises built-in contours, thickness variations, and structural rigidity that may vary throughout the shape and/or be engineered into the shape in a single contiguous product (i.e., not layered).

Still referring to the molded knuckle pad 200 in FIGS. 2-3, 5-6, and 8-9, the molded knuckle pad 200 may further comprise structural ribs 210 or recesses 220 and contours 230 that provide rigidity and resist deformation. In this regard the molded knuckle pad 200 delivers support in its molded arrangement without requiring external compression (i.e., being forced into a fabric enclosure or the like) to activate the material or provide sufficient padding. In this regard, the molded knuckle pad 200 improves alignment and reduces the risk of bending or folding. As noted above, density may be controlled or vary in different regions during the molding process. For example, the molded knuckle pad 200 may be firmer over the knuckles softer at the edges, etc. This allows the hand wrap of the present disclosure to properly function and be utilized with or without being supplemented by a boxing glove. In this regard, the molded knuckle pad 200 bears force directly. Finally, because the shape of the molded knuckle pad 200 is fixed, the user is provided with the same protection and alignment upon every use. The molded component is able to maintain its shape over time and resist collapse that is otherwise present in cut foam components which compress, bend, mislocate within fabric enclosures and eventually flatten and degrade within the restrictions of such an enclosure.

As illustrated by FIGS. 2-3 and 5-6, the molded knuckle pad 200 may comprise recesses 220 which additionally receive the support system of the hand wraps. Specifically, the molded knuckle pad 200 comprises recesses 220 that are channels that the draw strings 122, 124, 126 of the longitudinal knuckle strap 120 are positioned within. The recesses 220 may be precisely positioned to provide visual and physical channels made to receive the draw strings 122, 124, 126 of the longitudinal knuckle strap 120. The channels may correspond to spaces between knuckles allowing the user to precisely draw back and secure the knuckle section in the intended position under every use.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the hand wrap 100 of the present disclosure may also comprise a silicone interface 300 the chassis 110 and the user's skin. The silicone interface is provided to serve as a friction-based grip layer. The silicone prevents slippage to support and maintain distributing pressure under the hand wrap 100 evenly. The silicone further resists sweat absorption and ensures the hand wrap 100 and the molded knuckle pad 200 stay firmly aligned during use. In contrast, fabric interfaces are susceptible to moisture absorption and slippage.

FIGS. 10-16 are further provided to illustrate a hand wrap 100 of FIGS. 1-3 but in the absence of a hand (e.g., to illustrate the silicone interface 300 and component 240 (as illustrated in FIGS. 10-11 and 16 ) that are contemplated herein to be present in FIGS. 1-3 but not otherwise visible in FIGS. 1-3). Features as described with respect to FIGS. 1-9 are present in FIGS. 10-16 and are as described and illustrated with respect to FIGS. 1-9. FIGS. 10-16 further illustrate a variation in layering between the second and third fastening layers.

The present disclosure also supports a method of wrapping a hand. The method of wrapping the hand may comprise: inserting fingers of a hand through a forward loop of a chassis of a hand wrap of the present disclosure; drawing the longitudinal knuckle strap between the fingers and removably securing the longitudinal knuckle strap to a backhand side of the chassis; drawing the lateral knuckle strap about the hand and across the palm side of the hand wrap from the first lateral side to the second lateral side and removably securing the longitudinal knuckle strap to a backhand side of the chassis; drawing the primary wrist anchor and the secondary wrist anchor about the hand and across the palm side of the hand wrap and removably securing the primary wrist anchor and the secondary wrist anchor to the backhand side of the chassis; drawing the back cover strap backwards over the backhand side of the chassis and securing the longitudinal fastener to the backhand side of the chassis; and drawing the back cover strap about the hand and across the palm side of the hand wrap and removably securing the back cover strap overtop the longitudinal fastener on the backhand side of the chassis. A method of unwrapping a hand may be undertaken in reverse fashion by removing the removably secured components.

While this invention has been described with reference to examples thereof, it shall be understood that such description is by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed examples. Accordingly, the scope and content of the examples are to be defined only by the terms of the following claims, Furthermore, it is understood that the features of any example discussed herein may be combined with one or more features of any one or more examples otherwise discussed or contemplated herein unless otherwise stated.