WO2025085161A1

WO2025085161A1 - Mitt with thumb protection

Info

Publication number: WO2025085161A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/044531
Authority: WO
Inventors: George Anthony ERB; Johnathan Anthony ERB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-10-19
Filing date: 2024-08-29
Publication date: 2025-04-24
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-19

Abstract

An athletic mitt includes a mitt body and a strap system. The mitt body includes a first layer and a second layer that overlaps the first layer, and the mitt body defines a thumb pocket between the first layer and the second layer to receive a thumb of a wearer. The strap system is positioned partially within the thumb pocket of the mitt body, and connects to the first layer and extends toward the second layer. The strap system includes a first strap with a first end connected to the first layer at a first location and a second end connected to the second layer at a second location. The first strap extends from the first location in a radial direction and further extends in a medial direction to the second location, and defines a cradle to receive the wearer's thumb and limit movement of the thumb into extension.

Description

MITT WITH THUMB PROTECTION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/544,915. filed on October 19. 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to strap systems, for example, in athletic mitts or gloves.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In baseball and softball, a defensive player wears an athletic glove for the purpose of fielding or catching a ball that is pitched, thrown, batted, or otherwise propelled to the player. The player’s thumb, which holds the mitt, can be injured from tearing of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) due to hyper-extension or hyperabduction of the thumb when attempting to catch a pitched or thrown ball that hits the mitt on its thumb portion.

SUMMARY

[0004] This disclosure describes strap systems for athletic mitts.

[0005] In some aspects, an athletic mitt includes a mitt body and a strap system. The mitt body includes a first layer and a second layer at least partially overlapping the first layer, the mitt body defining a thumb pocket between the first layer and the second layer, and the thumb pocket to receive a thumb of a hand of a wearer of the athletic mitt. The strap system is positioned at least partially within the thumb pocket of the mitt body, and is connected to the first layer and extends toward the second layer. The strap system includes a first strap having a first end connected to the first layer at a first location and a second end connected to the second layer at a second location. The first strap extends from the first location in a radial direction substantially along the first layer, the first strap further extending in a medial direction to the second location, and the first strap defining a cradle to receive the thumb of the wearer and limit movement of the thumb in the radial direction into extension. [0006] These and other aspects can include one or more of the following features. The strap system can further include a second strap having a third end connected to the first layer at a third location and a fourth end connected to the second layer at a fourth location, the second strap extending from the third location in the medial direction and further extending in the radial direction and to the fourth location, the second strap defining a second cradle to receive the thumb of the wearer and limit movement of the thumb in the medial direction into flexion. The athletic mitt can be a baseball mitt, a softball mitt, or a hockey goalie glove. The first end of the first strap can be fixed to the first layer at the first location on a palm portion of the mitt body, where the first strap includes a first strap portion disposed along the palm portion of the first layer of the mitt body and extending in the radial direction from the first location, the first strap portion including the first end, a second strap portion disposed along the palm portion of the second layer of the mitt body and extending in the medial direction toward the second location, the second strap portion including the second end and being connected to the second layer at the second location, and a third strap portion connected to the first strap portion and the second strap portion and including a concave profile that transitions the direction of the first strap from the radial direction to the medial direction, the third strap portion defining the cradle of the first strap. The second layer can include a perforation through the second layer, and the second strap portion of the first strap can extend through the perforation in the second layer. The perforation can be a first perforation, the second layer can include a plurality of perforations through the second layer, the plurality of perforations including the first perforation, the second strap portion can be bifurcated and include a first tie strap and a second tie strap, the first tie strap can extend through a first perforation of the plurality of perforations, the second tie strap can extend through a second perforation of the plurality of perforations, and the first tie strap and the second tie strap can selectively connect together to at least partially connect the second strap portion to the second layer. The plurality' of perforations can include a first pair of perforations, a second pair of perforations, and a third pair of perforations through the second layer, and the second strap portion can extend through at least one of the first pair of perforations, the second pair of perforations, or the third pair of perforations. The first strap can include a first support strap and a second support strap connected to and extending from the second strap portion, the second strap portion can extend through the first pair of perforations, the first support strap can extend through the second pair of perforations, and the second support strap can extend through the third pair of perforations. The third strap portion can support a thumb of the wearer, and the concave profile of the third strap portion can partially or completely surround the thumb of the wearer. The first strap ca include a first aperture through at least one of the first strap portion or the third strap portion, and the second strap can be disposed through the first aperture. The first strap can include a second aperture separate from the first aperture and through at least one of the second strap portion or the third strap portion, the second strap being disposed through the second aperture. The first strap can include a first set of apertures including the first aperture, and each aperture in the first set of apertures can be disposed through at least one of the first strap portion or the third strap portion. The first strap can include a second set of apertures including the second aperture, where each aperture in the second set of apertures can be disposed through at least one of the second strap portion or the third strap portion. The first strap can include a first width and the second strap can include a second width, where the first width is greater than the second width. The first strap can include a fastening mechanism to selectively fasten the first strap to the second layer. The fastening mechanism can include a hook and loop fastener. The second strap can include a second fastening mechanism to selectively fasten the second strap to the second layer. The second fastening mechanism can include a hook and loop fastener. The medial direction can be opposite to the radial direction. The medial direction can be along an oblique vector that is oblique relative to the radial direction. The oblique vector can be between 120 degrees and 240 degrees from the radial direction.

[0007] In certain instances, an athletic mitt includes a mitt body and a thumb retention strap. The mitt body includes a palmar side and a dorsal side and is arranged to receive a hand of a w earer. The mitt body includes a thumb pocket arranged to receive a thumb of the hand of the w earer. The thumb retention strap is positioned within the thumb pocket of the mitt body, and includes a first end attached to the palmar side of the mitt body at a first location, and a second end attached to a dorsal side of the mitt body at a second location. The first location and second location are positioned on an ulnar side of the thumb pocket, and the thumb retention strap extends from the first location toward a radial side of the thumb pocket and returns back to the second location on the ulnar side of the thumb pocket. The thumb retention strap forms a cradle for the thumb of the w earer that restricts movement of the thumb of the wearer into hyper-extension and hyperabduction. [0008] These and other aspects can include one or more of the following features. The first end of the thumb retention strap can be fixed to the palmar side of the mitt body at the first location, and the thumb retention strap can include a first strap portion disposed along the palmar side of the mitt body and extending toward the radial side of the thumb pocket from the first location, the first strap portion including the first end, a second strap portion disposed along the palmar side of the mitt body and extending toward the medial side of the thumb pocket to the second location, the second strap portion including the second end and being connected to the dorsal side of the mitt body at the second location, and a third strap portion connected to the first strap portion and the second strap portion and including a concave profile that transitions the direction of the thumb retention strap from the first strap portion to the second strap portion, where the third strap portion defines the cradle of the thumb retention strap. The dorsal side of the mitt body can include a perforation through the dorsal side, and the second strap portion of the thumb retention strap can extend through the perforation. The perforation can be a first perforation, the dorsal side of the mitt body can include a plurality of perforations through the dorsal side, the plurality of perforations can include the first perforation, the second strap portion can be bifurcated and can include a first tie strap and a second tie strap, the first tie strap can extend through a first perforation of the plurality of perforations, and the second tie strap can extend through a second perforation of the plurality of perforations, and the first tie strap and the second tie strap can selectively connect together to at least partially connect the second strap portion to the dorsal side of the mitt body. The plurality of perforations can include a first pair of perforations, a second pair of perforations, and a third pair of perforations through the dorsal side, and the second strap portion can extend through at least one of the first pair of perforations, the second pair of perforations, or the third pair of perforations. The thumb retention strap can include a first support strap and a second support strap connected to and extending from the second strap portion, where the second strap portion extends through the first pair of perforations, the first support strap extends through the second pair of perforations, and the second support strap extends through the third pair of perforations. The third strap portion can support a thumb of the wearer, and the concave profile of the third strap portion can at least partially surround the thumb of the wearer.

[0009] The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIGS. 1 and 2 are a schematic front view and a schematic side view, respectively, of a human left hand showing anatomical directions relative to the hand.

[0011] FIGS. 3 A, 3B, and 3C are a side view, a front view-, and a rear view, respectively, of an example athletic mitt.

[0012] FIG. 4A is a schematic bottom perspective view of a second example athletic mitt in a partially dismantled state, and FIG. 4B is a schematic bottom perspective view of the second example athletic mitt in an assembled state.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective partial view of an example strap system that can be used in the second example athletic mitt of FIGS. 4A-4B.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective partial view of a second example strap system that can be used in the second example athletic mitt of FIGS. 4A-4B.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective partial view of a third example strap system that can be used in the second example athletic mitt of FIGS. 4A-4B.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic bottom perspective view of a third example athletic mitt in a partially dismantled state that incorporates the second example strap system of FIG. 6.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective partial view⁷ of a third example strap system that can be used in the second example athletic mitt of FIGS. 4A-4B.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a partial rear perspective view of the second example athletic mitt of FIGS. 4A-4B and showing the first array of perforations and second array of perforations.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a top view of an example first strap that can be used in the third example strap system of FIG. 7, and FIG. 12 is a top view of a second example first strap that can be used in the third example strap system of FIG. 7.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a side view' of an example athletic mitt including a hook and loop pad. [0021] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] This disclosure describes a strap system for an athletic mitt, such as a mitt (or glove) for baseball, softball, hockey, or other sports utilizing a glove for catching objects. The strap system includes a strap positioned within a mitt and that cradles a thumb of the wearer against movement into hyper-extension and hyper-abduction. In use, the strap supports the thumb of the wearer from moving beyond a threshold extension position within the mitt, such as into hyper-extension, hyper-abduction, or both hyperextension and hyper-abduction. Hyper-extension and hyper-abduction are the extended movement of the thumb in the respective radial or palmar directions away from the palm of the hand beyond a normal range of motion of the thumb, and the threshold position can include the maximum peripheral range of normal range of motion. The strap attaches to a body of the mitt at a first end and second end, forms a cradle for securing the thumb between the first end and the second end, and the strap is adjustable on the mitt body to fit varying hand sizes and/or comfort levels of wearers of the mitt. The strap cooperates with a second, existing strap of the strap system, which cradles an opposite side of the thumb opposite to the first strap. In some instances, the second strap assists the wearer in closing the mitt by pulling the wearer’s thumb against the strap toward the palm of the hand of the wearer, and the first strap provides a counter-restraint that provides preventative support for the thumb from further extending beyond normal range of motion of the thumb, even under ballistic impact from a thrown object into the athletic mitt.

[0023] Conventional athletic mitts include a second strap, which holds the thumb in a position of extension relative to the hand. The second strap enables the wearer to close the mitt by pulling against the second strap with their thumb. However, this second strap can place the wearer’s thumb at risk for hyper-extension, hyper-abduction, or both, and at risk for resultant tearing of the UCL of the thumb, such as when a pitched, batted, or throw n ball impacts the thumb portion of the mitt and impact forces on the thumb push the thumb into hyper-extension and/or hyper-abduction. These impact forces can result in injur}’ and tearing of the UCL of the thumb since the second strap may pre-set the thumb at or near its maximum extension position within the normal range of motion. In the present disclosure, the strap system includes a first strap acting generally opposite to (e.g., exactly opposite to or angularly oblique from the opposing vector of) the second strap, and which cradles the thumb against further movement in the radial direction of extension of the thumb. For example, when a thrown, batted, or pitched ball (or other object) impacts the thumb portion of the mitt, the first strap cradles the thumb against further thumb hyper-extension and into hyper-abduction, thereby distributing the impact forces onto other portions of the glove instead of primarily against the thumb of the wearer. In some instances, the strap system of the present disclosure allows the wearer to position their thumb into a desired position within the mitt, the second strap cradles the thumb for the purpose of assisting in closing the mitt upon catching the ball, and the first strap provides a restraint against hyper-extension and hyper-abduction of the thumb using a cradle formed by the first strap. The first strap can be secured outside of the body of the mitt and above the thumb, for example, at a location near the index finger or further toward the little finger of the wearer.

[0024] Thermoplast-type orthosis is sometimes used in existing baseball and softball activities to support the thumb of the wearer. However, such an orthosis does not prevent hyper-extension or hyper-abduction of the thumb, can cause skin abrasions, and may not be comfortable for many wearers. Players also use athletic tape on their thumbs in an attempt to provide stability or support to limit or restrict hyper-extension and hyperabduction, but athletic tape can tear, cause skin irritations, can be uncomfortable, and may require multiple re-taping activities during a sporting activity, such as over the course of a game or practice. In the present disclosure, the strap system provides support and protection for the wearer’s thumb as part of the athletic mitt itself, limiting hyperextension and hyper-abduction of the thumb, and does not require separate tape or thermoplast-type attachment to the wearer’s hand. The strap system is connected to the athletic mitt and forms a cradle(s) that the thumb can easily position itself within and be removed from when removing the athletic mitt.

[0025] FIGS. 1 and 2 are a schematic front view and a schematic side view, respectively, of a human left hand 10 showing anatomical directions relative to a palm 12, a thumb 14, and fingers 16 of the hand 10. The hand 10 includes a palmar side 22 and a dorsal side 24 opposite to the palmar side 22. The palmar side 22 is referred to as the front of the hand 10, and the dorsal side 24 is referred to as the back of the hand 10. In the front view of FIG. 1. extension includes movement of the thumb 14 in the radial direction 18, and flexion includes movement of the thumb 14 toward the fingers 16 in an ulnar (or medial) direction 20. In the side view of the hand 10 of FIG. 2, abduction includes movement of the thumb 14 away from the palm 12 while still in line or parallel with the Radius bone of the forearm , and adduction of the thumb 14 returns it to the palm 12 of the hand 10.

[0026] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are a side view, a front view, and a rear view, respectively, of an example athletic mitt 100 including a mitt body 102 formed to receive a human hand, such as the example hand 10 of FIGS. 1-2. The mitt body 102 includes a first layer 104 and a second layer 106 that partially or completely overlaps the first layer. The first layer 104 and second layer 106 mimic the physical shape of a human hand, but is relatively oversized in order to partially surround or enclose a hand of a wearer. In the example athletic mitt 100 of FIGS. 3A-3C, the first layer 104 forms a front shell of the mitt body 102, and the second layer 106 forms a rear shell of the mitt body 102. The first layer 104 and the second layer 106 of the mitt body 102, when positioned to partially or completely overlap each other, form a pocket 108 between the first layer 104 and the second layer 106 for receiving a hand of a wearer. For example, the mitt body 102 defines a thumb portion 110 for receiving a wearer’s thumb, a finger portion 112 for receiving a wearer’s fingers, and a palm portion 114 for receiving a wearer’s palm within the pocket 108 of the mitt body 102. The thumb portion 110, finger portion 112, and palm portion 114 correspond to the locations of the thumb, fingers, and palm, respectively, of the hand of the wearer, and mimic the physical characteristics and/or naming conventions of the human hand. The pocket 108 can be partially or completely separated between the zones of the wearer’s hand. For example, a thumb pocket is formed between the portion of the first layer 104 and the portion of the second layer 106 of the thumb portion 110. In some instances, the first layer 104 and the second layer 106 are connected together along a majority of the perimeter of the first layer 104 and the second layer 106. For example, the first layer 104 and the second layer 106 ca be connected together along the entire perimeter of the first layer 1 4 and the second layer 106 except for a pocket opening 116 at a bottom of the mitt body 102, for example, for accessing the pocket 108 and through which the wearer’s hand is moved into the pocket 108. The first layer 104 and second layer 106 can be connected with a binding, laces, adhesive, a combination of these connections, are integrally formed together, or another type of connection. The example athletic mitt 100 is formed of leather, though other materials can be used to form the example athletic mitt 100, such as synthetic leather, plastic (e g., flexible polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, or other plastics), a combination of these, or other materials. In some implementations, the first layer 104 and second layer 106 of the mitt body 102 is formed of leather, and any bindings or laces are formed of a different material.

[0027] The example athletic mitt 100 also includes a webbing 118 positioned between and connected to the thumb portion 1 10 and the finger portion 112 of the mitt body 102. The webbing 118 covers a U-shaped or V-shaped gap between the peripheral edges of the thumb portion 110 and the finger portion 112. The webbing 118 includes a lattice arrangement of material to fill the gap, and in some instances, includes a number of openings through the webbing 1 18. The shape and material of the webbing 118 can vary. For example, a person skilled in the art of athletic mitts would recognize various arrangements or lattice networks of material that make up the webbing 118 of an athletic mitt.

[0028] In some implementations, the example athletic mitt 100 includes a wrist strap 120 that extends over a portion of the second layer 106 adjacent to the pocket opening 116. The wrist strap 120 is connected on one edge of the wrist strap 120 to the second layer 106, and selectively connected to the second layer 106 along a surface area of some or all of a remainder of the wrist strap 120. For example, the wrist strap 120 is sewn to the second layer 106 with an ”X" stitch, depicted in FIG. 3C. In certain instances, the wrist strap 120 can include a hook-and-loop material that is engageable with a corresponding hook-and-loop material present on the second layer 106, such that the wrist strap 120 is adjustable to adjust a size of the pocket opening 116 and/or a compression against a wearer's hand residing in the pocket 108 of the mitt body 102.

[0029] The mitt body 102 is flexible and deformable, for example, to allow the wearer to move the glove using their hand, and also to allow the wearer to catch an object (e.g.. a ball, hockey puck, or other moving object) with the example athletic mitt 100. In use, the webbing 118 is used to directly receive a thrown object and dampen and disperse any impact forces across the mitt body 102. However, any portion or a combination of portions of the athletic mitt 100 can be used to assist in catching a moving object within the example athletic mitt 100. The example athletic mitt 100 includes a strap system 122 positioned partially or completely within the pocket 108 of the mitt body 102 to position and/or support the wearer’s hand within the pocket 108 of the example athletic mitt 100. The strap system 122 is described in greater detail later. The example athletic mitt 100 of FIGS. 3A-3C is a catcher's mitt for baseball or softball, though the athletic mitt 100 can take other forms. For example, other athletic mitts can include some or all of the same features as the example athletic mitt 100 of FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0030] FIG. 4A is a schematic bottom perspective view of a second example athletic mitt 200 in a partially dismantled state, and FIG. 4B is a schematic bottom perspective view of the second example athletic mitt 200 in an assembled state. The second example athletic mitt 200 is the same as the example athletic mitt 100 of FIGS. 3A-3C. except the second example athletic mitt 200 is depicted in FIG. 4A with the first layer 104 and the second layer 106 partially separated from each other and revealing the strap system 122 that is positioned within the pocket 108 of the second example athletic mitt 200, and in FIG. 4B, the second layer 106 is partially transparent showing the strap system 122 positioned at least partially between the first layer 104 and the second layer 106. The mitt body 102 includes the first layer 104 and the second layer 106, and the portion of the pocket 108 at the thumb portion 110 of the mitt body 102 defines a thumb pocket 202 between the first layer 104 and the second layer 106, and the thumb pocket 202 receives a thumb of a hand of the wearer of the second example athletic mitt 200. The strap system 122 of the second example athletic mitt 200 can be incorporated into a baseball mitt, softball mitt, hockey goalie glove, or other mitts or gloves to protect the thumb of the wearer from hyper-extension and/or hyper-abduction, thereby reducing the potential for tearing of the UCL of the thumb. The mitt body 102 includes a palmar side and a dorsal side, and is arranged to receive a hand of a wearer, where the thumb pocket of the pocket 108 is arranged to receive the wearer’s thumb.

[0031] The strap system 122 of the second example athletic mitt 200 is positioned at least partially within the thumb pocket 202 of the mitt body 102, and includes an arrangement of straps connected to the first layer 104 (e.g., at an inner surface of the first layer 104 facing the pocket 108) and extending toward the second layer 106. In some implementations, the arrangement of straps connect to the second layer 106 (e.g., at an inner, pocket-facing surface of the second layer 106) and extend toward the first layer 104. The strap system 122 of the example athletic mitt 200 includes a first strap 204, or thumb retention strap, having a first end 206 connected to the first layer 104 at a first location, and a second end 208 connected to the second layer 106 at a second location. The first location is disposed on the palmar side of the mitt body 102, and the second location is disposed on the dorsal side of the mitt body 102. The first strap 204 extends from the first location in a radial direction substantially along the first layer 104, and further extends in an ulnar direction generally opposite to the radial direction and to the second location. The first strap 204 defines a cradle 210 to receive the thumb of the wearer and limit movement of the thumb in the radial direction into extension, and in some instances, into abduction, for example, to prevent movement of the thumb into hyper-extension and/or hyper-abduction. The cradle 210 includes a rounded surface profile that contacts and encircles a portion of the thumb (e.g., about half of the circumference of the thumb), and acts as a support surface for the thumb to rest against. The first strap 204 is made from flexible material with little to no stretch, such as leather. The first strap 204 includes a thickness and/or density to afford protection for the thumb and to limit potential for the first strap 204 to tear or break from forces delivered to it by a moving object caught with the athletic mitt 200. For example, the first strap 204 can include a material thickness of greater than or equal to 2.0 millimeters (mm).

[0032] In other implementations, the first end 206 of the first strap 204 is connected to the first layer 104 at the first location, and the second end 208 also connects to the first layer 104, for example, instead of connecting to the second layer 106 at the second location. In these implementations, the first strap 204 forms a loop for cradling the thumb of the wearer, and acts to support the thumb from hyper-extension while also allowing for the user to close the thumb portion 110 of the mitt body 102 by movement of their thumb (e.g.. in an opposite direction to hyper-extension). For example, the first strap 204 can form a tunnel for the thumb of the user that restrains the thumb from hyperextension and also allows the user to pull against the first strap 204 to assist in closing the thumb portion 110 of the mitt body 102 toward the finger portion 112 of the mitt body 102.

[0033] In some implementations, the strap system 122 can include additional straps. For example, the strap system 122 of the second example athletic mitt 200 also includes a second strap 212 having a third end 214 connected to the first layer 104 at a third location, and a fourth end 216 connected to the second layer 106 at a fourth location. The third location is disposed on the palmar side of the mitt body 102, and the fourth location is disposed on the dorsal side of the mitt body 102. The second strap 212 extends from the third location in the ulnar (or medial) direction substantially along the first layer 104, and further extends in the radial direction generally opposite to the medial direction and to the fourth location. The second strap 212 defines a second cradle 218 to receive the thumb of the wearer and limit movement of the thumb in the medial direction into flexion.

[0034] The first strap 204, second strap 212. or both straps can be fixed to the first layer 104 in a variety of ways. In the second example athletic mitt 200 of FIGS. 4A-4B, the first strap 204 is sewn to the first layer 1 4 at the first location and the second strap 212 is sewn to the first layer 104 at the third location, separate from the first location. In some instances, the first strap 204 and second strap 212 are fixed to the first layer 104 with adhesive, fastener(s), lace or binding, or other connection, or one or both of the first strap 204 or second strap 212 are integrally formed with the first layer 104 at the first location or the third location, respectively. In the second example athletic mitt 200 of FIGS. 4A-4B, the first location on the first layer 104 resides on the palm portion 114 and extends into the thumb pocket on the thumb portion 110 of the mitt body 102, and the third location on the first layer 104 resides in the thumb portion 110 of the mitt body. However, the locations where the first strap 204, second strap 212, or both, can vary from these locations.

[0035] In the second example athletic mitt 200, the first strap 204 includes a first strap portion 220 disposed along the palm portion 114 of the first layer 104 of the mitt body 102 and extending in the radial direction from the first location, a second strap portion 222 disposed along the palm portion 114 of the second layer 106 of the mitt body 102 and extending in the ulnar direction toward the second location, and a third strap portion 224 connected to the first strap portion 220 and the second strap portion 222 and including a concave profile that transitions the direction of the first strap 204 from the radial direction to the medial direction, or ulnar direction. The third strap portion 224 defines the cradle 210 of the first strap 204 and supports the thumb of the wearer. The concave profile of the cradle 210 of the third strap portion 224 at least partially surrounds the wearer's thumb. The overall shape and placement of the first strap 204 mirrors the overall shape and placement of the second strap 212, in that the first strap 204 supports the thumb from movement into hyper-extension and/or hyper-abduction and the second strap 212 supports the thumb in a position to limit flexion and adduction. For example, the second strap 212 includes a fourth strap portion 226 disposed along the thumb portion 110 of the first layer 104 of the mitt body 102 and extending in the ulnar direction from the third location, a fifth strap portion 228 disposed along the thumb portion 110 of the second layer 106 of the mitt body 102 and extending in the radial direction toward the fourth location, and a sixth strap portion 230 connected to the fourth strap portion 226 and the fifth strap portion 228 and including a concave profile (opposite to the concave profile of the third strap portion 224) that transitions the direction of the second strap 212 from the ulnar direction to the radial direction. The sixth strap portion 230 defines the second cradle 218 of the second strap 212.

[0036] The width of the first strap 204 (i.e., the width dimension runs along the longitudinal length of the thumb portion from proximal to distal) is wide enough to provide comfortable support against the thumb of the wearer. In some instances, the width of the first strap 204 is equal to or less than the longitudinal length of a wearer’s thumb, such that the width of the first strap 204 provides support against the entire length of the thumb of the wearer. For example, the width of the first strap 204 can be three inches, two inches, one inch, three-quarter inch, one-half inch, one quarter inch, or another intermediate dimension between one-quarter inch and three inches. In certain instances, the width of the first strap 204 is greater than a width of the second strap 212. In some implementations, the width of the first strap 204 is greater than a width of the second strap 212, for example, to allow the second strap 212 to pass through an opening (e.g., aperture(s) 252 or aperture(s) 254, described later) in the first strap 204, where the width of the opening in the first strap 204 is smaller than the width of the first strap 204 itself. In certain instances, the width of the first strap 204 is sufficiently wide to cover the entire thumb of the wearer from the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb to the tip of the thumb (e.g., distal tip, adjacent the thumbnail). Having the total length of the thumb covered by the first strap 204 can improve the capacity of the strap 204 to restrain extension of the wearer’s thumb, and can provide improved leverage for the first strap 204 to provide support to the wearer’s thumb.

[0037] While the second example athletic mitt 200 shows the first strap 204 and the second strap 212 as oriented substantially opposite to each other and aligned along the opposing directions, the first strap 204 and second strap 212 can be offset from each other at an oblique angle, such as along an oblique vector from the radial direction and/or medial direction. For example, the first strap 204 can extend generally in the medial direction, the second strap 212 can extend generally in the radial direction, and the angular offset between the first strap 204 and second strap 212 is 120 degrees, 240 degrees, or an intermediate angle between 120 degrees and 240 degrees (e.g., 160 degrees, 180 degrees, 200 degrees, or other oblique orientation). The oblique angle between the first strap 204 and the second strap 212 can be between 120 degrees and 240 degrees such that the first strap 204 is positioned along an oblique vector that is angularly offset from the radial direction at the oblique angle. The orientation of the first strap 204 relative to the second strap 212 can vary, for example, to fit the wearer and provide an optimized support for the wearer’s thumb. In some examples, the first strap 204 provides support for the wearer's thumb from movement into hyper-extension and/or hyperabduction, and the second strap 212 provides support for the wearer’s thumb in a position to limit flexion and adduction. Since the wearer’s palm and fingers can be positioned within the example athletic mitt 200, the wearer’s hand is at least partially anchored to the athletic mitt 200 itself. In this way, securing the first strap 204 and the second strap 212 to the first layer 104 and second layer 106 allows for impact forces against the wearer’s thumb (via the thumb portion 110) to be distributed throughout the mitt body 102. For example, an impact force against the wearer’s thumb that would typically extend the wearer's thumb into hyper-extension and/or hyper-abduction is at least partially absorbed by the first strap 204, which dissipates or distributes the force to other portions of the example athletic mitt 200 to support the wearer’s thumb against hyper-extension and/or hyper-abduction. In these examples, the impact force is dissipated by the athletic mitt, or the impact force moves the entirety' of the athletic mitt 200 as a whole (and correspondingly, the wearer's entire hand within the mitt 200) instead of moving just the thumb portion 110 of the example athletic mitt 200. or a combination of these features.

[0038] The first strap 204 and the second strap 212 can connect to the second layer 106 in a variety of ways. In the second example athletic mitt 200. the second layer 106 includes multiple perforations through the second layer 106, through which the first strap 204 and/or second strap 212 can extend. The perforations include slit openings through the second layer 106 that are positioned in the second layer 106 to receive the first strap 204 or second strap 212 from within the pocket 108. The perforations are large enough to receive all or a portion of the first strap 204 or second strap 212 therethrough, and can be approximately the same size or slightly larger than a corresponding cross- sectional size of a strap component. The first strap 204 and/or second strap 212 can be tied to the second layer 106, tied to itself (e.g., in a knot on the outer, dorsal surface of the second layer 106), fastened to the dorsal side of the second layer 106, or otherwise coupled to the second layer 106 to secure the strap at the location of the respective perforation. In some implementations, the example athletic mitt 200 includes a fastening mechanism for securing the first strap 204, second strap 212, or both straps to the second layer 106. The fastening mechanism can include a tied knot, a hook and loop fastener, a ratchet system with a tabbed release, or another fastener that removably connects the strap(s) to the second layer 106. In some examples, the dorsal surface of the second layer 106 includes one or more hook and loop surfaces, and the first strap 204, second strap 212, or both, include corresponding hook and loop surfaces that can selectively engage the hook and loop surfaces of the second layer 106 to connect the respective straps to the second layer 106, while allowing for easy removal and/or positional adjustment of the respective straps on the second layer 106.

[0039] In some implementations, the first strap 204, second strap 212, or both, removably connect to the second layer 106 of the example athletic mitt 200, such as the outer surface of the second layer 106. For example, in use, a wearer of the example athletic mitt 200 can adjust the first strap 204 to a desired position to support the wearer's thumb, and connect the first strap 204 to the second layer 106 by a tied knot, hook and loop fastener, or other means of connection. With the wearer still wearing the example athletic mitt 200, it is desirable for the wearer to be able to single-handedly adjust the second strap 212 to a desired position and tension, and also single-handedly secure the second strap 212 to the second layer 106 at the desired position and tension of the second strap 212 with the first strap 204 already positioned and secured to the second layer 106. In some examples, a hook and loop connection on the outer surface of the second layer 106 of the example athletic mitt 200 and a complementary hook and loop feature on the second strap 212 provides a single-handed securement for the wearer using the wearer's other hand (e.g., the hand that is not positioned within the athletic mitt 200). FIG. 13 is a side view of an example athletic mitt 1300 similar to the example athletic mitt 200 of previous figures, but the example athletic mitt 1300 includes a hook and loop pad 1302 on the outermost surface of the second layer 106 for securing the second strap 212 to the second layer 106. The second strap 212 can include corresponding hook and loop sections that can engage the hook and loop pad 1302. In the example athletic mitt 1300 of FIG. 13, a wearer of the example athletic mitt 1300 can single-handedly adjust the connection and position of the second strap 212 with one of the wearer’s hands while the other hand resides within the pocket of the example athletic mitt 1300. The hook and loop pad 1302 can be sewn, adhered, or otherwise coupled to the second layer 106, and the second strap 212 can be removed from and reconnected to the hook and loop pad 1302 any number of times, providing an ease of use for the wearer, for example, when adjusting, retightening, repositioning, or otherwise adjusting the example athletic mitt 1300 on the wearer’s hand. In practice, such as during a game of baseball, the second strap 212 is not likely to experience significant ballistic forces from a caught ball in the athletic mitt 1300 to cause the second strap 212 to come undone from the hook and loop pad 1302, so a hook and loop fastener for the second strap 212 is sufficient for operation while still allowing for easy (e.g., single-handed) adjustment of the second strap 212 on the second layer 106.

[0040] The number and location of the perforations can vary. The second example athletic mitt includes a first array of perforations 232 (two shown, 240 and 242) and a second array of perforations 234 (two shown, 248 and 250). One or more perforations of the first array of perforations 232 can receive the first strap 204, such as the second strap portion 222 of the first strap 204, to secure the second end 208 of the first strap 204 to the second layer 106. One or more perforations of the second array of perforations 234 can receive the second strap 212, such as the fifth strap portion 228 of the second strap 212, to secure the fourth end 216 of the second strap 212 to the second layer 106. However, perforations on second layer 106 can be positioned in other locations on the second layer 106, such as nearer to the finger portion of the athletic mitt, for example, nearer to a ring finger portion or little finger portion of the athletic mitt.

[0041] In some implementations, the second strap portion 222 is bifurcated into a first tie strap 236 and a second tie strap 238 and can extend through a pair of perforations in the first array of perforations 232. For example, the first tie strap 236 can extend through a first perforation 240 of the first array of perforations 232, and the second tie strap 238 can extend through a second perforation 242 of the first array of perforations 232. The first tie strap 236 and the second tie strap 238 selectively connect together (e.g., tied together) to connect the second strap portion 222 to the second layer 106.

[0042] The first perforation 240 and second perforation 242 make up a first pair of perforations of the first array of perforations 232. The first array of perforations 232 can include additional pairs of perforations, for example, so that the first strap 204 can connect to the second layer 106 at different locations based on desired comfort, function, and/or support of the thumb of the wearer. The example athletic mitt 100 of FIG. 3 includes multiple pairs of perforations: the first pair of perforations 124 (including the first perforation 240 and second perforation 242), a second pair of perforations 126, a third pair of perforations 128, and a fourth pair of perforations 130. The second strap portion 222 of the first strap 204 can extend through at least one of these pairs of perforations 124, 126, 128, 130 to connect and secure the second strap portion 222 to the second layer 106.

[0043] In certain implementations, the fourth strap portion 228 of the second strap 212 is bifurcated into a third tie strap 244 and a fourth tie strap 246 and can extend through a pair of perforations in the second array of perforations 234. For example, the third tie strap 244 can extend through a third perforation 248 of the second array of perforations 234, and the fourth tie strap 246 can extend through a fourth perforation 250 of the second array of perforations 234. The third tie strap 244 and the fourth tie strap 246 selectively connect together (e.g., are tied together) to connect the fifth strap portion 228 to the second layer 106 at the second location. FIG. 10 is a partial rear perspective view of the second example athletic mitt 200 of FIGS. 4A-4B showing the first array of perforations 232 and second array of perforations 234 with the bifurcated strap portions of the first strap 204 and second strap 212 extending through the respective perforations. The tie strap portions of the first strap 204 are shown as untied in FIG. 10, though these can be pulled and tied together per a wearer's desired comfort and positioning. Similarly, the tie strap portions of the second strap 212 are shown as untied in FIG. 10, and these can be pulled and tied together per a wearer's desired comfort and positioning.

[0044] In use with a wearer having inserted their hand into the second example athletic mitt 200 and their thumb into the strap system 122, the second strap 212 provides the wearer with the ability to close the second example athletic mitt 200 by pressing their thumb against the second strap 212, and the first strap provides the thumb support from moving into hyper-extension and/or hyper-abduction. In some instances, since the second strap 212 pushes the thumb of the wearer in the direction of extension , the first strap 204 acts to limit or prevent the thumb from moving further in the direction of extension and abduction, for example, into hyper-extension and hyper-abduction, without degrading the ability of the wearer’s ability to close the second example athletic mitt 200 using the second strap 212. The array of perforations and apertures in the second layer 106 and/or the strap system 122 allow the strap system 122 to be customizable to the wearer. For example, since the size, shape, positioning, and comfort levels of earer’s thumbs vary by wearer, the wearer can adjust the strap system 122. namely, the first strap 204 and/or second strap 212, on the mitt body 102 to fit the wearer's preferences. [0045] The structure and construction of the first strap 204 and the second strap 212 of the strap system 122 can substantially mirror each other, and in some instances, follow pathways that intersect with each other. The first strap 204, the second strap 212, or both the first strap 204 and the second strap 212, can include one or more apertures through the respective straps to allow the other of the straps to pass through. In the second example athletic mitt 200 of FIGS. 4A-4B, the first strap 204 includes a first set of apertures 252 (four shown) and a second set of apertures 254 (two shown), and the second strap 212 extends through one of the apertures of the first set of apertures 252, loops back around, and extends through one of the apertures of the second set of apertures 254. The apertures are shown as linear slits through the first strap 204, though the shape and orientation of the apertures can vary. The first set of apertures 252 is disposed through the first strap portion 220, the third strap portion 224, or both, and the second set of apertures 254 is disposed through the second strap portion 222, the third strap portion 224, or both. The number of apertures in the first set of apertures 252 and second set of apertures 254 can vary, for example, from one aperture to multiple apertures. Multiple apertures allow the wearer to modify the strap system 122 to better correspond to a desired position, comfort, and/or size of the wearer’s thumb within the strap system 122. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective partial view of an example strap system 500 that can be used in the second example athletic mitt 200 of FIGS. 4A-4B. The example strap system 500 is the same as the strap system 122 of the second example athletic mitt 200 of FIGS. 4A-4B, except that it is shown in FIG. 5 separate from the mitt body of the athletic mitt. The first set of apertures 252 of the example strap system 500 includes four apertures arranged along the first strap 204, and the second strap 212 can extend through any one of the apertures of the first set of apertures 252. The wearer can modify the second strap 212 to be disposed through any aperture of the first set of apertures 252, as desired by a wearer.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective partial view of a second example strap system 600 that can be used in the second example athletic mitt 200 of FIGS. 4A-4B. The second example strap system 600 is the same as the example strap system 500 of FIG. 5, except that the second example strap system 600 also includes a first support strap 602 and a second support strap 604 connected to and extending from the second strap portion 222 of the first strap 204. The first support strap 602 and second support strap 604 can provide additional support to the first strap 204, for example, by providing lateral support relative to the longitudinal length of the second strap portion 222. FIG. 8 is a schematic botom perspective view of a third example athletic mit 800 in a partially dismantled state that incorporates the second example strap system 600 of FIG. 6. The third example athletic mit 800 is the same as the second example athletic mit 200 of FIGS. 4A-4B, except that the strap system 600 includes the first support strap 602 and second support strap 604 that provides additional support to the first strap 204. In some implementations, the second strap portion 222, the first support strap 602, and the second support strap 604 extend toward and connect to the second layer 106. For example, the second strap portion 222 can connect to the first perforation 240, the second perforation 242, or both perforations, the first support strap 602 can connect to the second pair of perforations 126, and the second support strap 604 can connect to the third pair of perforations 128. In certain instances, the first strap 204 can include additional support straps extending from the second strap portion 222, third strap portion 224, first support strap 602, second support strap 604, a combination of these, or a different portion of the first strap 204 that connects to the second layer 106. The additional support straps can provide longitudinal support (e.g.. along the length of the first strap 204), lateral support (perpendicular to the length of the first strap 204), oblique support (support at an angle between longitudinal and lateral relative to the length of the first strap 204), or provide support in a combination of these orientations. For example, in the third example athletic mit 800 of FIG. 8, the strap system 600 includes a third support strap 802 extending outward from the first support strap 602 to a fourth pair of perforations 808 (also depicted in FIGS. 3A- 3C), where a first tie strap 804 of the third support strap 802 and a second tie strap 806 of the third support strap 802 are inserted through the fourth pair of perforations 808 through the second layer 106 and tied together.

[0047] The example strap system 600 of the third example athletic mit 800 of FIG. 8 can include fewer or additional strap portions, such as fewer or more support straps, than depicted in the example strap system 600. Additional straps providing support in a number of different directions provides additional support for a wearer’s thumb being cradled by the first strap 204, and the direction and orientation of the straps provide support in respective directions, including directions exactly in the medial direction, approximately in the medial direction, or any oblique direction angled from the medial direction.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective partial view of a third example strap system 700 that can be used in the second example athletic mit 200 of FIGS. 4A-4B. The third example strap system 700 is the same as the example strap system 500 of FIG. 5, except that instead of the second strap 212 extending through one of a first set of apertures 252 then through one of a second set of apertures 254, the first strap 204’ includes a single, larger opening 702 through the first strap 204’ that the sixth strap portion 230 extends through to form the second cradle 218. In using the single opening 702, a wearer can adjust the second strap 212 relative to the first strap 204 without resistance from material of the first strap 204’. For example, the second strap 212 can be loosened or tightened to fit a wearer’s thumb without having to alter the opening through which the second strap 212 extends through.

[0049] FIG. 11 is a top view of an example first strap 1 100 that can be used in the third example strap system 700 of FIG. 7, and FIG. 12 is a top view of a second example first strap 1200 that can be used in the third example strap system 700 of FIG. 7. The example first strap 1100 and the second example first strap 1200 include the single opening 702. In the second example first strap 1200 of FIG. 12, an additional support strap 1202 extends away from the body of the second example first strap 1200 at an oblique angle betw een the longitudinal length direction and the lateral direction of the second example first strap 1200. The additional support strap 1202 can provide support for a wearer’s thumb along the oblique direction when positioned within an athletic mitt such as the example athletic mitt 200 of FIGS. 4A-4B. The additional support strap 1202 connects to the second example first strap 1200 at the cradle portion of the additional support strap 1202, which supports the second example first strap 1200 from moving up or down a wearers thumb during operation where the second example first strap 1200 is positioned within an example athletic mitt. In some implementations, the additional support strap 1202 provides additional support to the second example first strap 1200 to restrain the thumb of the wearer from moving into hyper-extension by covering, partially or completely, the interphalangeal (IP) joint of the thumb. The additional support strap 1202 can connect to the second layer 106 of the example athletic mitt 200, for example, by forming a knot on an exterior side of a perforation in the second layer, thereby securing the additional support strap 1202 to the second layer and tensioning the additional support strap 1202 during use.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective partial view of a third example strap system 900 that can be used in the second example athletic mitt 200 of FIGS. 4A-4B. The third example strap system 900 is similar to the example strap system 500 of FIG. 5, except that the first strap 902 and the second strap 904 are connected to the first layer 104 at a common base strap 906. The base strap 906 can extend between the first location and the third location on the first layer 104. In some instances, the majority or the entirety of the first strap 902 and the second strap 904 are formed from bifurcated strap portions that can extend to respective perforations in the second layer 106 of the athletic mitt.

[0051] In a first aspect, an athletic mitt comprises a mitt body comprising a first layer and a second layer at least partially overlapping the first layer, the mitt body defining a thumb pocket between the first layer and the second layer, the thumb pocket configured to receive a thumb of a hand of a wearer of the athletic mitt, and a strap system positioned at least partially within the thumb pocket of the mitt body, the strap system being connected to the first layer and extending toward the second layer. The strap system comprising a first strap comprising a first end connected to the first layer at a first location and a second end connected to the second layer at a second location, the first strap extending from the first location in a radial direction substantially along the first layer, the first strap further extending in a medial direction to the second location, the first strap defining a cradle configured to receive the thumb of the wearer and limit movement of the thumb in the radial direction into extension.

[0052] In a second aspect according to the first aspect, the strap system further comprises a second strap comprising a third end connected to the first layer at a third location and a fourth end connected to the second layer at a fourth location, the second strap extending from the third location in the medial direction and further extending in the radial direction and to the fourth location, the second strap defining a second cradle configured to receive the thumb of the wearer and limit movement of the thumb in the medial direction into flexion.

[0053] In a third aspect according to the first aspect or the second aspect, the athletic mitt is a baseball mitt, a softball mitt, or a hockey goalie glove.

[0054] In a fifth aspect according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, the first end of the first strap is fixed to the first layer at the first location on a palm portion of the mitt body, and the first strap comprising: a first strap portion disposed along the palm portion of the first layer of the mitt body and extending in the radial direction from the first location, the first strap portion comprising the first end. a second strap portion disposed along the palm portion of the second layer of the mitt body and extending in the medial direction toward the second location, the second strap portion comprising the second end and being connected to the second layer at the second location, and a third strap portion connected to the first strap portion and the second strap portion and comprising a concave profile that transitions the direction of the first strap from the radial direction to the medial direction, the third strap portion defining the cradle of the first strap.

[0055] In a fifth aspect according to the fourth aspect, the second layer comprises a perforation through the second layer, and the second strap portion of the first strap extends through the perforation in the second layer.

[0056] In a sixth aspect according to the fifth aspect, the perforation is a first perforation, the second layer comprises a plurality of perforations through the second layer, the plurality of perforations including the first perforation, the second strap portion is bifurcated and comprises a first tie strap and a second tie strap, the first tie strap extending through a first perforation of the plurality of perforations, and the second tie strap extending through a second perforation of the plurality of perforations, and the first tie strap and the second tie strap are configured to selectively connect together to at least partially connect the second strap portion to the second layer.

[0057] In a seventh aspect according to the sixth aspect, the plurality of perforations comprises a first pair of perforations, a second pair of perforations, and a third pair of perforations through the second layer, the second strap portion configured to extend through at least one of the first pair of perforations, the second pair of perforations, or the third pair of perforations.

[0058] In an eighth aspect according to the seventh aspect, the first strap comprises a first support strap and a second support strap connected to and extending from the second strap portion, the second strap portion is configured to extend through the first pair of perforations, the first support strap is configured to extend through the second pair of perforations, and the second support strap is configured to extend through the third pair of perforations.

[0059] In a ninth aspect according to any one of the fourth aspect to the eighth aspect, the third strap portion is configured to support a thumb of the wearer, and the concave profile of the third strap portion is configured to at least partially surround the thumb of the wearer. [0060] In a tenth aspect according to any one of the fourth aspect to the ninth aspect, the first strap comprises a first aperture through at least one of the first strap portion or the third strap portion, and the second strap is disposed through the first aperture.

[0061 ] In an eleventh aspect according to the tenth aspect, the first strap comprises a second aperture separate from the first aperture and through at least one of the second strap portion or the third strap portion, the second strap being disposed through the second aperture.

[0062] In a twelfth aspect according to the eleventh aspect, the first strap comprises a first set of apertures including the first aperture, each aperture in the first set of apertures disposed through at least one of the first strap portion or the third strap portion.

[0063] In a thirteenth aspect according to the twelfth aspect, the first strap comprises a second set of apertures including the second aperture, each aperture in the second set of apertures disposed through at least one of the second strap portion or the third strap portion.

[0064] In a fourteenth aspect according to any one of the second aspect to the thirteenth aspect, the first strap comprises a first width and the second strap comprises a second width, the first width being greater than the second width.

[0065] In a fifteenth aspect according to any one of the first aspect to the fourteenth aspect, the first strap comprises a fastening mechanism configured to selectively fasten the first strap to the second layer.

[0066] In a sixteenth aspect according to the fifteenth aspect, the fastening mechanism comprises a hook and loop fastener.

[0067] In a seventeenth aspect according to any one of the second aspect to the sixteenth aspect, the second strap comprises a second fastening mechanism configured to selectively fasten the second strap to the second layer.

[0068] In an eighteenth aspect according to the seventeenth aspect, the second fastening mechanism comprises a hook and loop fastener.

[0069] In a nineteenth aspect according to any one of the first aspect to the eighteenth aspect, the medial direction is opposite to the radial direction. [0070] In a twentieth aspect according to any one of the first aspect to the eighteenth aspect, the medial direction is along an oblique vector that is oblique relative to the radial direction.

[0071] In a twenty -first aspect according to the twentieth aspect, the oblique vector is between 120 degrees and 240 degrees from the radial direction.

[0072] In a twenty-second aspect, an athletic mitt comprises a mitt body comprising a palmar side and a dorsal side and arranged to receive a hand of a wearer, the mitt body comprising a thumb pocket arranged to receive a thumb of the hand of the wearer, a thumb retention strap within the thumb pocket of the mitt body, the thumb retention strap comprising a first end attached to the palmar side of the mitt body at a first location, and a second end attached to a dorsal side of the mitt body at a second location, wherein the first location and second location are positioned on an ulnar side of the thumb pocket, the thumb retention strap extending from the first location toward a radial side of the thumb pocket and returning back to the second location on the ulnar side of the thumb pocket, the thumb retention strap thereby forming a cradle for the thumb of the w earer that restricts movement of the thumb of the wearer into hyper-extension and hyperabduction.

[0073] In a twenty-third aspect according to the twenty -second aspect, the first end of the thumb retention strap is fixed to the palmar side of the mitt body at the first location, the thumb retention strap comprising: a first strap portion disposed along the palmar side of the mitt body and extending toward the radial side of the thumb pocket from the first location, the first strap portion comprising the first end, a second strap portion disposed along the palmar side of the mitt body and extending tow ard the medial side of the thumb pocket to the second location, the second strap portion comprising the second end and being connected to the dorsal side of the mitt body at the second location, and a third strap portion connected to the first strap portion and the second strap portion and comprising a concave profile that transitions the direction of the thumb retention strap from the first strap portion to the second strap portion, the third strap portion defining the cradle of the thumb retention strap.

[0074] In a twenty-fourth aspect according to the twenty-third aspect, the dorsal side of the mitt body comprises a perforation through the dorsal side, and the second strap portion of the thumb retention strap extends through the perforation. [0075] In a twenty-fifth aspect according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the perforation is a first perforation, the dorsal side of the mitt body comprises a plurality of perforations through the dorsal side, the plurality of perforations including the first perforation, the second strap portion is bifurcated and comprises a first tie strap and a second tie strap, the first tie strap extending through a first perforation of the plurality of perforations, and the second tie strap extending through a second perforation of the plurality of perforations, and the first tie strap and the second tie strap are configured to selectively connect together to at least partially connect the second strap portion to the dorsal side of the mitt body.

[0076] In a twenty-sixth aspect according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the plurality of perforations comprises a first pair of perforations, a second pair of perforations, and a third pair of perforations through the dorsal side, the second strap portion configured to extend through at least one of the first pair of perforations, the second pair of perforations, or the third pair of perforations.

[0077] In a twenty -seventh aspect according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the thumb retention strap comprises a first support strap and a second support strap connected to and extending from the second strap portion, wherein the second strap portion is configured to extend through the first pair of perforations, the first support strap is configured to extend through the second pair of perforations, and the second support strap is configured to extend through the third pair of perforations.

[0078] In a twenty-eighth aspect according to any one of the twenty-third aspect to the twenty -seventh aspect, the third strap portion is configured to support a thumb of the wearer, and the concave profile of the third strap portion is configured to at least partially surround the thumb of the wearer.

[0079] While this disclosure contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations. Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0080] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0081] Thus, particular implementations of the subject matter have been described. Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. Various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An athletic mitt, comprising: a mitt body comprising a first layer and a second layer at least partially overlapping the first layer, the mitt body defining a thumb pocket between the first layer and the second layer, the thumb pocket configured to receive a thumb of a hand of a wearer of the athletic mitt; a strap system positioned at least partially within the thumb pocket of the mitt body, the strap system being connected to the first layer and extending toward the second layer, the strap system comprising: a first strap comprising a first end connected to the first layer at a first location and a second end connected to the second layer at a second location, the first strap extending from the first location in a radial direction substantially along the first layer, the first strap further extending in a medial direction to the second location, the first strap defining a cradle configured to receive the thumb of the wearer and limit movement of the thumb in the radial direction into extension.

2. The athletic mitt of claim 1, wherein the strap system further comprises: a second strap comprising a third end connected to the first layer at a third location and a fourth end connected to the second layer at a fourth location, the second strap extending from the third location in the medial direction and further extending in the radial direction and to the fourth location, the second strap defining a second cradle configured to receive the thumb of the wearer and limit movement of the thumb in the medial direction into flexion.

3. The athletic mitt of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the athletic mitt is a baseball mitt, a softball mitt, or a hockey goalie glove.

4. The athletic mitt of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first end of the first strap is fixed to the first layer at the first location on a palm portion of the mitt body, the first strap comprising: a first strap portion disposed along the palm portion of the first layer of the mitt body and extending in the radial direction from the first location, the first strap portion comprising the first end, a second strap portion disposed along the palm portion of the second layer of the mitt body and extending in the medial direction toward the second location, the second strap portion comprising the second end and being connected to the second layer at the second location, and a third strap portion connected to the first strap portion and the second strap portion and comprising a concave profile that transitions the direction of the first strap from the radial direction to the medial direction, the third strap portion defining the cradle of the first strap.

5. The athletic mitt of claim 4, wherein the second layer comprises a perforation through the second layer, and the second strap portion of the first strap extends through the perforation in the second layer.

6. The athletic mitt of claim 5, wherein: the perforation is a first perforation, the second layer comprises a plurality of perforations through the second layer, the plurality of perforations including the first perforation, the second strap portion is bifurcated and comprises a first tie strap and a second tie strap, the first tie strap extending through a first perforation of the plurality of perforations, and the second tie strap extending through a second perforation of the plurality of perforations, and the first tie strap and the second tie strap are configured to selectively connect together to at least partially connect the second strap portion to the second layer.

7. The athletic mitt of claim 6, wherein the plurality of perforations comprises a first pair of perforations, a second pair of perforations, and a third pair of perforations through the second layer, the second strap portion configured to extend through at least one of the first pair of perforations, the second pair of perforations, or the third pair of perforations.

8. The athletic mitt of claim 7, wherein the first strap comprises a first support strap and a second support strap connected to and extending from the second strap portion, wherein the second strap portion is configured to extend through the first pair of perforations, the first support strap is configured to extend through the second pair of perforations, and the second support strap is configured to extend through the third pair of perforations.

9. The athletic mitt of any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the third strap portion is configured to support a thumb of the wearer, and the concave profile of the third strap portion is configured to at least partially surround the thumb of the wearer.

10. The athletic mitt of any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the first strap comprises a first aperture through at least one of the first strap portion or the third strap portion, and the second strap is disposed through the first aperture.

11. The athletic mitt of claim 10, wherein the first strap comprises a second aperture separate from the first aperture and through at least one of the second strap portion or the third strap portion, the second strap being disposed through the second aperture.

12. The athletic mitt of claim 11, wherein the first strap comprises a first set of apertures including the first aperture, each aperture in the first set of apertures disposed through at least one of the first strap portion or the third strap portion.

13. The athletic mitt of claim 12. wherein the first strap comprises a second set of apertures including the second aperture, each aperture in the second set of apertures disposed through at least one of the second strap portion or the third strap portion.

14. The athletic mitt of any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the first strap comprises a first width and the second strap comprises a second width, the first width being greater than the second width.

15. The athletic mitt of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first strap comprises a fastening mechanism configured to selectively fasten the first strap to the second layer.

16. The athletic mitt of claim 15. wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a hook and loop fastener.

17. The athletic mitt of any one of claims 2 to 16, wherein the second strap comprises a second fastening mechanism configured to selectively fasten the second strap to the second layer.

18. The athletic mitt of claim 17, wherein the second fastening mechanism comprises a hook and loop fastener.

19. The athletic mitt of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the medial direction is opposite to the radial direction.

20. The athletic mitt of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the medial direction is along an oblique vector that is oblique relative to the radial direction.

21. The athletic mitt of claim 20, wherein the oblique vector is between 120 degrees and 240 degrees from the radial direction.

22. An athletic mitt, comprising: a mitt body comprising a palmar side and a dorsal side and arranged to receive a hand of a wearer, the mitt body comprising a thumb pocket arranged to receive a thumb of the hand of the wearer; a thumb retention strap within the thumb pocket of the mitt body, the thumb retention strap comprising a first end attached to the palmar side of the mitt body at a first location, and a second end attached to a dorsal side of the mitt body at a second location, wherein the first location and second location are positioned on an ulnar side of the thumb pocket, the thumb retention strap extending from the first location toward a radial side of the thumb pocket and returning back to the second location on the ulnar side of the thumb pocket, the thumb retention strap thereby forming a cradle for the thumb of the wearer that restricts movement of the thumb of the wearer into hyper-extension and hyperabduction.

23. The athletic mitt of claim 22. wherein the first end of the thumb retention strap is fixed to the palmar side of the mitt body at the first location, the thumb retention strap comprising: a first strap portion disposed along the palmar side of the mitt body and extending toward the radial side of the thumb pocket from the first location, the first strap portion comprising the first end, a second strap portion disposed along the palmar side of the mitt body and extending toward the medial side of the thumb pocket to the second location, the second strap portion comprising the second end and being connected to the dorsal side of the mitt body at the second location, and a third strap portion connected to the first strap portion and the second strap portion and comprising a concave profile that transitions the direction of the thumb retention strap from the first strap portion to the second strap portion, the third strap portion defining the cradle of the thumb retention strap.

24. The athletic mitt of claim 23. wherein the dorsal side of the mitt body comprises a perforation through the dorsal side, and the second strap portion of the thumb retention strap extends through the perforation.

25. The athletic mitt of claim 24. wherein: the perforation is a first perforation, the dorsal side of the mitt body comprises a plurality of perforations through the dorsal side, the plurality of perforations including the first perforation, the second strap portion is bifurcated and comprises a first tie strap and a second tie strap, the first tie strap extending through a first perforation of the plurality of perforations, and the second tie strap extending through a second perforation of the plurality of perforations, and the first tie strap and the second tie strap are configured to selectively connect together to at least partially connect the second strap portion to the dorsal side of the mitt body.

26. The athletic mitt of claim 25. wherein the plurality of perforations comprises a first pair of perforations, a second pair of perforations, and a third pair of perforations through the dorsal side, the second strap portion configured to extend through at least one of the first pair of perforations, the second pair of perforations, or the third pair of perforations.

27. The athletic mitt of claim 26. wherein the thumb retention strap comprises a first support strap and a second support strap connected to and extending from the second strap portion, wherein the second strap portion is configured to extend through the first pair of perforations, the first support strap is configured to extend through the second pair of perforations, and the second support strap is configured to extend through the third pair of perforations.

28. The athletic mitt of any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the third strap portion is configured to support a thumb of the wearer, and the concave profile of the third strap portion is configured to at least partially surround the thumb of the wearer.