Gripping Device For An Article Of Clothing

Abstract

A gripping device coupled to an article of clothing. The gripping device can be coupled to the article of clothing by an extension leash operatively coupled between the gripping device and the article of clothing. In some implementations, the extension leash is in sliding engagement with the article of clothing and configured to allow the gripping device to be extended and retracted from the article of clothing. The disclosed apparatus can be configured to transition the gripping device from a non-use, stored, or stowed position to an extended position capable of being used by a wearer or user to increase the gripping effectiveness, strength or protection of the user.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An clothing article comprising:
 a clothing structure;   a gripping device operatively secured to the clothing structure, wherein the gripping device is configured to increase gripping effectiveness of the user.   
     
     
         2 . The protective clothing article according to  claim 1  wherein the gripping device further includes a gripping surface capable of being selectively engaged with an object to be handled by a user. 
     
     
         3 . The clothing article according to  claim 2  wherein the gripping surface is configured to increase the sliding resistance between the gripping device and the object. 
     
     
         4 . The clothing article according to  claim 3 , wherein the gripping device further includes a cavity formed between a first layer and second layer. 
     
     
         5 . The clothing article according to  claim 4 , wherein the cavity between the first and second layers forms a pocket like structure. 
     
     
         6 . The clothing article according to  claim 3  wherein the pocket like structure includes a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer and second layer are coupled together to form a cavity for insert a hand of a user. 
     
     
         7 . The clothing article according to  claim 6  wherein the first layer and second later are coupled to each other along at least three edges. 
     
     
         8 . The clothing article according to  claim 6  wherein the first layer and second layer are intermittently coupled along each of the edges extending from the open edge associated with the open to the cavity formed there between to a distal edge generally opposite the cavity opening. 
     
     
         9 . The clothing article according to  claim 6  wherein the intermittently coupling of the first layer and second layer are configure to permit at least a portion of a users hand to extend outside the gripping device perimeter. 
     
     
         10 . The clothing article according to  claim 4  wherein the outer surface of the second layer further includes a gripping surface. 
     
     
         11 . The clothing article according to  claim 4  wherein the outer surface of the second layer is coupled to a high friction component. 
     
     
         12 . The clothing article according to  claim 2  wherein the object is at least one of a jar, can, bottle, storage container, cooking utensil, bakeware or cookware. 
     
     
         13 . The protective clothing article according to  claim 1 , comprising an adjustment mechanism configured to permit the gripping device to be extended and retracted from the clothing article structure. 
     
     
         14 . The clothing article according to  claim 13  wherein the adjustment mechanism further includes an extension leash coupled between the clothing structure and the gripping device. 
     
     
         15 . The clothing article according to  claim 14  wherein the extension leash is fixedly coupled to the gripping device and moveably coupled to the clothing structure. 
     
     
         16 . The clothing article according to  claim 14  wherein the extension leash is removably coupled to the gripping device and movably coupled to the clothing structure. 
     
     
         17 . The clothing article according to  claim 15  wherein the extension leash is slidingly coupled to the clothing structure. 
     
     
         18 . The clothing article according to  claim 16  wherein the extension leash is coupled to the clothing structure in at least 1 location. 
     
     
         19 . The clothing article according to  claim 14  wherein the extension least is fixedly coupled to the gripping device at a first end, slidingly coupled to the clothing structure and removably coupled to the gripping device at a second end. 
     
     
         20 . The protective clothing article according to  claim 18  wherein the extension leash is coupled to the clothing structure by passing though the clothing structure in at least 1 location.