Hand Protector

Abstract

An impact reducing hand protector which can minimize injuries associated with boxing and martial arts training. The wearer's fist is separated from the rear of the padding at the front of the hand protector preventing impact on the wearer's fingers and knuckles when the hand protector strikes a target. A gripping member extends across the fist space. A support strap encircles the wrist section of the hand protector and can be fastened around the wrist portion holding the wrist portion of the hand protector around the wrist of the wearer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A hand protector for use in boxing and martial arts training made from foam rubber 
     
     
         2 . A hand protector of  claim 1 , wherein the foam rubber comprises polyethylene foam rubber 
     
     
         3 . A hand protector of  claim 1 , comprises a front end portion which is used to strike a surface, such as a punching bag 
     
     
         4 . A hand protector of  claim 1 , comprises longitudinal walls which cover the sides of the wearer's hand 
     
     
         5 . A hand protector of  claim 1 , comprises a rear portion which covers the back of the wearer's hand, wrist and forearm 
     
     
         6 . A hand protector of  claim 1 , comprises a hand grip laterally traversing the opening between the longitudinal walls, 
     
     
         7 . A hand protector of  claim 1 , comprises a hand grip configured to permit the hand to form a fist about the hand grip 
     
     
         8 . A hand protector of  claim 1 , comprises a hand grip covered with a cushioning material 
     
     
         9 . A hand protector of  claim 1 , comprises a lateral space of at least a quarter of an inch between the rear of the front end portion and the wearer's fingers and knuckles when the hand grip is held 
     
     
         10 . A hand protector of  claim 1 , wherein the hand protector is generally symmetrical and the hand grip extends generally normal to the plane of symmetry. 
     
     
         11 . A hand protector of  claim 1 , comprises a support strap which encircles the wearer's forearm 
     
     
         12 . A hand protector of  claim 1 , wherein the support strap is substantially rigid such that when tightened about the forearm the strap impedes flexion of the wrist and forearm 
     
     
         13 . A hand protector of  claim 1 , wherein the support strap comprises a non-stretch material. 
     
     
         14 . A hand protector of  claim 1 , wherein the hand protectors are selected from a group consisting of small, medium, large and extra-large sizes.