U.S. patent application number 09/961864 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-01 for golf glove and method of forming same.
Invention is credited to Meagher, Edward C., Terris, Christopher S., Terris, Rita.
Application Number | 20020100105 09/961864 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27559257 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020100105 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Terris, Rita ; et
al. |
August 1, 2002 |
Golf glove and method of forming same
Abstract
A golf glove which includes a glove portion having finger and
thumb portions and dorsal and palm portions. The dorsal and palm
portions meet along at least one conjoining lateral edge and define
a pocket for receiving the eminence of a golfer's hand. The glove
portion also includes a pad made from an elastomeric, non-flowing
gel. The pad is selectively positioned and dimensioned adjacent the
palm portion of the glove according to the golfer's hand dimensions
and/or the golfer's hand position relative to a golf club shaft
which is held by the golfer during play. The pad is selectively
positioned and dimensioned to protect the various aspects of the
golfer's hand from shock and the translation of detrimental
shock-related forces due to ball-to-club impact.
Inventors: |
Terris, Rita; (Bellmore,
NY) ; Terris, Christopher S.; (Bellmore, NY) ;
Meagher, Edward C.; (Greenlawn, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Edward C. Meagher, Esq.
Carter, Deluca, Farrell & Schmidt, LLP
Suite 225
445 Broad Hollow Road
Melville
NY
11747
US
|
Family ID: |
27559257 |
Appl. No.: |
09/961864 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60234670 |
Sep 22, 2000 |
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60255937 |
Dec 15, 2000 |
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60268639 |
Feb 14, 2001 |
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60305116 |
Jul 13, 2001 |
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60305115 |
Jul 13, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/161.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/146 20130101;
A41D 19/01523 20130101; A63B 2208/12 20130101; A63B 69/3608
20130101; A63B 60/54 20151001; A63B 2209/10 20130101; A63B 71/081
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/161.2 |
International
Class: |
A41D 019/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A golf glove, comprising: a glove portion including finger and
thumb portions and dorsal and palm portions, said dorsal and palm
portions meeting along at least one conjoining lateral edge to
define a pocket for receiving the eminence of a golfer's hand; and
a pad comprising an elastomeric, non-flowing gel, said pad being
selectively positioned and dimensioned adjacent the palm portion of
the glove according to at least one of the golfer's hand dimensions
and the golfer's hand position relative to a golf club grip which
is held by the golfer during play.
2. The golf glove according to claim 1 wherein said pad is
positioned and dimensioned in a manner to closely abut the golf
club grip during substantially an entire swing movement.
3. The golf glove according to claim 1 wherein said pad is
positioned and dimensioned to substantially cover the palmar
portion adjacent the hypothenar emminence of the golfer's hand.
4. The golf glove according to claim 1 wherein said pad is
positioned and dimensioned to substantially cover the palmar
portion adjacent the third, fourth and fifth metacarpal bones of
the golfer's hand.
5. The golf glove according to claim 1 wherein a distal end of said
pad is positioned and dimensioned to abut the palmar portion
adjacent the metacarpophalangeal joints of at least one of the
third, fourth and fifth metacarpal bones of the golfer's hand.
6. The golf glove according to claim 5 wherein a proximal end of
said pad is positioned and dimensioned to abut the hamulus of the
hamate bone of the golfers hand.
7. The golf glove according to claim 5 wherein said pad is
positioned and dimensioned to cover to abut the hamulus of the
hamate bone of the golfer's hand.
8. A golf glove system, comprising: a first glove; a second glove;
each of said gloves including: a glove portion having finger and
thumb portions and dorsal and palm portions, said dorsal and palm
portions meeting along at least one conjoining lateral edge to
define a pocket for receiving the eminence of a golfer's hand; and
at least one pad comprising an elastomeric, non-flowing gel, said
pad being selectively positioned and dimensioned adjacent the palm
portion of the glove.
9. The golf glove system according to claim 8 wherein at least one
of said pads from one of said first and second gloves is configured
according to at least one of the golfer's hand dimensions and the
golfer's hand position relative to a golf club grip which is held
by the golfer during play.
10. A golf glove, comprising: a glove portion including finger and
thumb portions and dorsal and palm portions, said dorsal and palm
portions meeting along at least one conjoining lateral edge to
define a pocket for receiving the eminence of a golfer's hand; and
a pad comprising an elastomeric, non-flowing gel, said pad being
disposed adjacent the palm portion of the glove.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:
[0001] This application claims the benefits of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/234,670 entitled "GOLF
GLOVE" filed on Sep. 22, 2000 by Rita Terris and Christopher S.
Terris, Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/255,937
entitled "GOLF GLOVE #2" filed on Dec. 15, 2000 by Rita Terris and
Christopher S. Terris, Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
60/268,639 entitled "GOLF GLOVE AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME" filed
on Feb. 14, 2001 by Rita Terris and Christopher S. Terris,
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/305,116 entitled "GOLF
GLOVE #4 AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME" filed on Jul. 13, 2001 by Rita
Terris and Christopher S. Terris and Provisional Patent Application
Serial No. 60/305,115 entitled "GOLF GLOVE #5 AND METHOD OF FORMING
SAME" filed on Jul. 13, 2001 by Rita Terris, Christopher S. Terris
and Edward C. Meagher, the entire contents of all of these
applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Although golf has recently attracted younger athletes, many
golfers begin playing golf much later in life due to the time and
expense inherently involved with the sport. As a result, some
athletes begin learning the sport in their thirties, forties and
even fifties. Typically, these players enter the game after
abandoning a more intense or more physically demanding contact
sport such as football, hockey, lacrosse, etc. The impression most
beginners have of the sport of golf is that it is a non-strenuous
activity. After all, few professional athletes, except golfers, are
able to pursue and actively participate in their profession into
their forties, fifties and sixties. However and contrary to popular
belief, golf is an intensely demanding activity and can be very
strenuous on certain areas of the body especially the hand and
wrist.
[0003] Therapists know that the various healing structures of the
hand and wrist require protection during play. Moreover, these
structures if injured require rehabilitation, time and rest to
regain enough integrity and strength to resume athletic activities.
Put simply, if not sufficiently rested and/or sufficiently
protected, the muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and tissues are
incapable of healing adequately to prevent a reoccurrence of the
problem.
[0004] Superimposed upon this demand are the following factors
which tend to exaggerate or exacerbate golf-related injuries:
[0005] 1. The fact that many of these "athletes" enter golf having
some degree of skeletal compromise or soft tissue damage due to
past injuries suffered from another sport;
[0006] 2. Athletes who have previously or concomitantly participate
in bat, racquet, or other stick-handling sports are accustomed to
gripping the instrument firmly prior to and/or during contact with
the object, puck, ball, etc. This learned behavior is difficult to
modify when transitioning to golf;
[0007] 3. Human frailties tend to dictate human limitations, e.g.,
nutrition to bones, joints, muscles and tendons and other soft
tissues is significantly reduced as we age and as our overall blood
supply diminishes. This increases human risk of injury and
decreases human ability to recuperate from injury. Moreover, the
risks of repetitive stress and/or cumulative trauma tend to
increase as we age. These issues are well addressed by health
professionals and by governmental agencies who work to protect the
employee in the workplace. Ergonomics have entered our homes,
schools and workplaces with redesigned tools and workstations. In
the game of golf, repetition can only be controlled by the player's
good judgment and discipline; and
[0008] 4. Athletes tend to depend heavily on anti-inflammatory
medications and pain medications in the belief that these
medications will reduce or relieve injuries. Although these
medications are generally beneficial in their ability to control
the re-inflammation of acutely or chronically healing tissues, they
tend to mask the injury rather than help heal the injury. In the
case of an acute injury, it is paramount that the athlete maximize
the degree of primary healing to prevent the likelihood of
re-injuring the healing/healed tissues.
[0009] Pain and injury can be best managed by the use of protective
and preventative measures which have become increasingly essential
in most sporting activities (professional and recreational). Many
athletic programs mandate such protective devices and mandate
certain protective measures for children participating in sporting
activities. The effectiveness of these protective products do not
guarantee safety, but, undeniably, these products reduce the
overall danger associated with participation in the sport.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0010] Several manufacturers have attempted to modify a
conventional golf glove for a variety of different reasons, i.e.,
to improve a golfer's grip on the shaft of a golf club; to
facilitate a golfer grasping the golf club shaft in the proper
and/or ideal manner; and/or to reduce the vibration of a golf club
shaft at impact. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,000,903 provides a
small ridge across the palm of a golf glove which abuts the golf
club shaft to align the shaft relative to the wearer's hand at
address. U.S. Pat. No. 4,329,741 provides two parallel pads which
form a valley to receive the handle of the golf club to facilitate
grasping the shaft with the proper grip. Other known golf gloves
also aid in the gripping of golf club shaft and are known in the
art, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,863,271, 4,329,741, and 5,253,367
disclose golf gloves having padding in the palm of the glove to aid
in positioning and improve hand grip strength.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,022 provides visual markings disposed on
the dorsal portion of the glove to aid a golfer's alignment during
address. U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,827 provides a pad made from deer skin
or elk skin to reduce the vibration of the club at impact. U.S.
Pat. Nos. 3,848,874, 4,962,547, and 5,184,353 also describe the use
of indicia to visually determine and consistently position the
golfer's hands on the shaft depending upon the type of shot
desired, e.g., hook, draw, fade or slice.
[0012] It is also known to make the pads from a variety of
different materials such as foams, rubbers, wools (natural or
synthetic), animal hides and conventional flow-like gels. Other
gloves include multi-layered pads to improve comfort and
performance, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,022.
[0013] Reducing the amount of vibration traveling through the shaft
to the hands at impact can aid in the relief of various maladies
which affect a golfer's play, e.g., arthritis, tendonitis, carpal
tunnel syndrome, "golfer's elbow", common joint disorders, etc.
Golfer's elbow is caused by damage to the tendons connecting the
large muscles of the forearm to the small prominences of the elbow.
As a result, further vibrations and shock can be excruciatingly
painful, may create further damage and may even cause a player to
abandon the sport entirely. A vibration reducing pad may actually
prevent more damage or injury to these affected tendons or
joints.
[0014] Some manufacturers have attempted to cushion these
vibrations through the addition of pad made from conventional shock
absorbing materials. For example, it is known to make these
vibration-reducing pads from a variety of different materials such
as foams, rubbers, wools (natural or synthetic), animal hides and
conventional flow-like gels, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,022.
However, the vibration reducing effects of the pads must be
carefully weighed against playability with the pad and/or
discomfort associated with wearing the pad during play. As can be
appreciated, bulky, heavy and stiff pads will inhibit a player's
performance and comfort. A golf glove must be thin and flexible to
fit the wearer's hand and allow a good "feel" of the club.
[0015] Moreover and quite importantly, the associated pads, rubber,
foam and/or conventional gels when used in connection with a golf
glove tend to "shape" or "deform" over a short time or as a result
of repeated use. These characteristics do not conform to the
Section 14-3 of the United States Golf Associations Rules of Golf
(USGA) and, as a result, a player cannot wear the glove during
competitive play. For example, section 14-3 of the USGA Rules of
Golf entitled "Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment" reads in
pertinent part: Except as provided in the rules, "during a
stipulated round the player shall not use any artificial device or
unusual equipment:
[0016] a. Which might assist him in making a stroke or in his play;
or
[0017] b. For the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or
conditions which might affect his play; or
[0018] c. Which might assist him in gripping the club, except
that:
[0019] i. plain gloves may be worn;
[0020] ii. resin, powder and drying or moisturizing agents may be
used; and
[0021] iii. a towel or handkerchief may be wrapped around the
grip.
[0022] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved golf glove
which reduces and/or absorbs the detrimental effects of shock
transmission/vibration resonating from the shaft and through the
body as a result of club-to-ball and/or club-to-turf contact.
Additionally there is a need to develop a glove which does not
inhibit the wearer's performance, which will be legal for
tournament and regular play, and maintains a good sense of feel
through the glove.
SUMMARY
[0023] The present disclosure is designed to protect
athletically-oriented patients from new, additional and/or further
injury during the normal course of play. The various embodiments of
the present disclosure explained in detail herein are designed to
reduce the level of shock imposed upon the various parts of the
body when the golf club makes contact with the ball and/or the
turf. The gloves are effective in preventing the exacerbation of
pre-existing conditions as well as reducing the risk of developing
additional or future conditions.
[0024] Patients with such maladies as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
so-called "trigger fingers", arthritis (and variations thereof),
Dupuytren's Contracture, "Tennis elbow" and "Golfer's elbow" have
greatly influenced the development of the present disclosure.
Further research and development led to the development of
additional embodiments of the present disclosure which focus on
addressing more complex hand, wrist and thumb plaguing
injuries.
[0025] The present disclosure generally relates to golf gloves and,
more particularly, to a golf glove and golf glove system which
includes a pad which is preferably made from an elastomeric,
non-flowing gel-like polymer which is designed to effectively
reduce the severity and overall detrimental effects of vibration as
a result of golf club head to golf ball contact. The pad is
designed to be selectively positioned and dimensioned adjacent the
palm portion of the glove and/or to cover and protect other aspects
of the hand according to the dimensions of a golfer's hand and the
golfer's hand position relative to the golf club grip which is held
by the golfer during play.
[0026] The present disclosure also relates to a method of fitting
the golf glove and pad according to a golfer's hand and golfer's
hand position relative to the golf club shaft. The present
disclosure also relates to a method for determining the shock
translation, distribution and dissipation through the fingers,
hand, wrist, arm and shoulder due to ball to club impact during a
golf swing.
[0027] More particularly, the golf glove includes a glove body
having finger and thumb portions and dorsal and palm portions. The
dorsal and palm portions meet along a conjoining lateral edge to
define a pocket for receiving the eminence of a golfer's hand. The
glove also includes a pad which is selectively positioned and
dimensioned adjacent the palm portion of the glove according to the
golfer's hand dimensions and/or the golfers hand position relative
to a golf club shaft which is held by the golfer during play.
[0028] Preferably, the pad is positioned and dimensioned in a
manner to closely abut the golf club shaft during substantially the
entire swing movement. In one embodiment, the pad is positioned and
dimensioned to substantially cover the palmar side of the
hypothenar emminence of the golfer's hand. Alternatively, the pad
can be positioned and dimensioned to substantially cover the palmar
side of the third, fourth and fifth metacarpal bones of the
golfer's hand.
[0029] In another embodiment, the distal end of the pad is
positioned and dimensioned to abut the palmar side of the
metacarpophalangeal joints of the third, fourth and/or fifth
metacarpal bones of the golfer's hand. The proximal end of the pad
may be positioned and dimensioned to cover and/or closely abut the
hamulus of the hamate bone of the golfer's hand.
[0030] In yet another embodiment, the pad is positioned and
dimensioned to cover the palmar branch of the ulnar nerve, the
palmar branch of the median nerve of the golfer's hand, and/or the
hamulus of the hamate bone of the golfer's hand. In other
embodiments the pad is positioned to at least partially encompass a
portion of the golfer's wrist and the various components thereof,
nerves, tendons, bones, etc. Still other embodiments includes
multiple pads which are selectively positioned to cover various
aspects of the golfer's hand and wrist depending upon a particular
purpose or to protect a golfer from certain injury.
[0031] Preferably, the glove includes a flap which forms a
compartment for receiving one or more pads. The compartment may
also be positioned and dimensioned according to the golfer's hand
dimensions and/or the golfer's hand position relative to a golf
club shaft which is held by the golfer during play. It is
envisioned that the pad may be interchanged with at least one
additional pad of different thickness depending upon a particular
purpose or to achieve a different or desired result.
[0032] The present disclosure also relates to a golf glove system
which includes first and second gloves which each include a glove
portion having a wrist portion, finger and thumb portions and
dorsal and palm portions which meet along a conjoining lateral edge
to define a pocket for receiving the golfer's hand. Each glove
preferably includes a pad having an elastomeric, non-flowing
gel-like polymer which is selectively positioned and dimensioned
adjacent the palm portion of the glove (or relative to other parts
of the golfer's hand or wrist). The pad(s) from at least one of the
first and second gloves is configured according to at least one of
the golfers hand dimensions and/or the golfer's hand position
relative to a golf club shaft which is held during play.
[0033] The present disclosure also relates to a method of fitting a
golf glove which includes the steps of: measuring a golfer's hand
and retrieving measurement data; constructing a glove according to
the measurement data, the glove including: a glove portion having
finger and thumb portions, dorsal and palm portions and a wrist
portion. The dorsal and palm portions meet along conjoining lateral
edges to define a pocket for receiving the eminence of a golfer's
hand; and a pad.
[0034] The method also includes the step of: positioning and
dimensioning the pad adjacent the palm portion of the glove
according to the measurement data such that the pad closely abuts a
golf club shaft which is held by the golfer during play.
[0035] Preferably, the golf glove of the constructing step is
constructed from an elastomeric, non-flowing gel-like polymer and
is positioned to substantially cover the palmar side of the
hypothenar emminence of the golfer's hand. It is envisioned that
the measurement data is retrieved using a computer algorithm. As
mentioned above, the pad may also be selectively positioned to
cover various aspects of the golfer's hand or wrist depending upon
a particular purpose or to protect the golfer from a particular
injury.
[0036] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a
method for determining the shock translation, distribution and
dissipations through the fingers, hand, wrist, arm and shoulder due
to ball-to-club impact during a golf swing. It is known that
repeated shock and/or undampened or uncontrolled translation may
cause injury, prevent healing after injury and/or contribute to
overall golfer fatigue during play.
[0037] One particular method relates to the positioning of a series
of sensor devices or bio-feedback interfaces at varying positions
on the hand, wrist, arm, elbow and shoulder. Each sensor may be
designed to operate independently or as a part of a group of
sensors to determine the translation of the shock though the
aforementioned parts of the body. The method also includes placing
at least one sensor at varying locations on the hand, wrist, elbow,
arm and/or shoulder to ascertain the resultant dampening effects of
each pad with respect to the pad's particular placement or
positioning on the various aspects of the hand, wrist or other body
part. A series of different pads may also be positioned and
measured to determine the overall dampening effects of the pad
array and to maximize dampening effects as needed.
[0038] Various design combinations can address individual needs and
preferences. Specific and individual problems can be evaluated, and
designs can be tailored to the specific ailments of each user. For
example, one embodiment include pads which are designed to protect
the base of the thumb. The reference chart embodied in FIGS.
13A-13D taken in combination with the various aspects of the hand
and wrist disclosed in FIGS. 1-12 are examples of specific
structures which may be protected by selectively positioning the
pad proximate to and or to encompass these aspects. It is intended
that these aspects of the hand and wrist are incorporated by
references herein as examples of areas of the hand and wrist which
may be protected in accordance with the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] Other objects and features of the present disclosure will
become apparent from the following detailed description considered
in connection with the accompanied drawings. It should be
understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purpose
of illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the
present disclosure.
[0040] An illustrative embodiment of the subject golf glove and
golf glove system and method are described herein with reference to
the drawings wherein:
[0041] FIGS. 1-12 are illustrations of the various aspects (e.g.,
bones, ligaments, tendon, muscles and nerves) of the human hand and
wrist;
[0042] FIGS. 13A and 13D are cross-referencing charts for use in
identifying the various body elements illustrated in FIGS.
1-12;
[0043] FIG. 14A is perspective view of a golf glove according to
the present disclosure having an elastomeric, non-flowing gel-like
pad disposed adjacent the palmar surface of the golfer's hand;
[0044] FIG. 14B is a cross sectional view taken along line 14B-14B
of FIG. 14A;
[0045] FIG. 15 is a front, perspective view of another embodiment
of the golf glove according to the present disclosure having two
gel-like pads disposed proximate the wrist of a golfer's hand;
[0046] FIG. 15A is a front, perspective view of another embodiment
of the golf glove according to the present disclosure having two
gel-like pads each disposed proximate the wrist of a golfer's
hand;
[0047] FIG. 15B is a dorsal, perspective view of a right-handed
golf glove according to the present disclosure;
[0048] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
golf glove according to the present disclosure having a gel-like
pad disposed proximate the base of a golfer's thumb;
[0049] FIG. 17 is a front, perspective of another embodiment of the
golf glove according to the present disclosure having a gel-like
pad disposed proximate the palmar surface of a golfer's hand and
extending across the metacarpal ligaments and joints;
[0050] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
golf glove according to the present disclosure having a plurality
of gel-like pads disposed at various positions about the palm,
wrist and thumb of a golfer's hand;
[0051] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
golf glove according to the present disclosure having a gel-like
pad disposed proximate the palmar surface of the hand and extending
across the radial and ulnar portions of the wrist;
[0052] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
golf glove according to the present disclosure having a plurality
of stacked, gel-like pads disposed proximate the palmar
surface;
[0053] FIG. 21A is a side view of a golfer gripping a golf club
shaft during the swing movement while wearing the golf glove
according to the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 21B is a view of the golfer at mid-swing;
[0055] FIG. 21C is an enlarged view showing the gel-like pad
maintaining the golfer's hand in close contact with the golf club
shaft/grip during the swing movement;
[0056] FIG. 21D is an enlarged view of a conventional golf glove
illustrating the formation of a gap between the golfer's hand and
the shaft during the swing movement; and
[0057] FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing a series of biofeedback
sensors which are positioned on the various aspects of the hand,
wrist, arm and shoulder to determine the shock translation through
these body components as a result of club to ball/turf impact.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0058] It is envisioned that the various embodiments of the present
disclosure as described herein act as an "enabling tool" to allow
golfers to readily progress back to the sport without causing
further injury and/or regression in the golfer's rehabilitation.
Apart from the inherent rehabilitative and medical benefits
associated with the present disclosure, many of these players also
noted significant improvement in their game due to the player's
improved comfort level and ability to more easily control the
complex integration of body movements required to swing the club
effectively.
[0059] In general, the various embodiments of the golf gloves
described herein operate to effectively reduce the level of shock
imposed upon a golfer's body when the club makes contact with the
ball and/or the turf. The gloves may also prove to be effective in
preventing the exacerbation of pre-existing conditions as well as
reducing the risk of developing new, additional or future
conditions.
[0060] Referring now to the drawings in which like reference
numerals identify similar or identical elements throughout the
several views, FIGS. 1-12 illustrate the bones, muscles, tendons,
ligaments, arteries, veins and nerves which are normally associated
with the human hand and wrist. FIGS. 13A-13D is a table which cross
references the names commonly associated with the various parts of
the human hand as detailed in FIGS. 1-12. For the purposes herein,
the table of FIGS. 13A-13D and the various named elements therein
are hereby incorporated by reference into this section of the
specification for the purposes of accuracy and completeness and for
satisfying the requirements of 35 USC .sctn.112.
[0061] FIGS. 14A-20 show various embodiments of a golf glove 100
according to the present disclosure. The golf glove 100 includes a
glove body having four finger portions 114, a thumb portion 112, a
dorsal portion 120, a palm portion 118 and a wrist portion 116. The
dorsal and palm portions 120, 118 meet along a conjoining lateral
edge to define a pocket 130 for receiving the eminence of a
golfer's hand. The glove 100 also includes a pad e.g., 150a-150g,
made from an elastomeric, non-flowing gel, which is selectively
positioned and dimensioned according to the golfer's hand
dimensions and/or the golfer's hand position relative to a golf
club shaft 160 (See FIGS. 21A and 21B) which is held by the golfer
during play.
[0062] The glove 100 is preferably made from leather or synthetic
leather materials or a combination thereof and can be dimensioned
for right-handed players, left-handed players, male and female
players, and junior players. The glove 100 can also be sized to
accommodate varying hand dimensions, e.g., small, medium, large,
wide width, narrow width, elongated, etc.
[0063] The glove 100 may include a series of additional elements
known in the industry to improve player comfort and feel. For
example, the glove 100 may include a plurality of pin-like holes
124 disposed along the finger portions 114, thumb portions 112 or
dorsal surface 120 to permit the hand to "breath" during play which
will add to player comfort. An elastic wrist band 126 may also be
included with the wrist portion 116 which secures the glove about
the golfer's wrist during play. The glove 100 may also include a
flap 130 which mechanically engages a flap capture mechanism 132 to
secure the glove 100 to the player's hand during play, e.g., a
synthetic hook and loop fastening interface which adheres when
pressed together commonly sold under the trademark VELCRO.RTM. (see
FIG. 15B). Other fastening devices are also contemplated, e.g.,
snap-locks, buttons, locking tabs, adhesive gels, etc.
[0064] As mentioned above, the glove 100 includes a pad 150a which
is preferably made from an elastomeric, non-flowing gel-like
polymer which may be selectively positioned according to a player's
hand dimensions or a player's hand position relative to the shaft
during play. Positioning the pad 150a-15-g in this manner is
effective in maintaining glove-to-grip contact during the golf
swing. The pad 150a-150g also absorbs shock and protects the hand
from the detrimental effects of shock translation. One such
gel-like polymer is manufactured by Action Products, Inc. of
Maryland and is sold under the trademark AKTON.RTM.. Other unique
aspects of these polymers over conventional gels are that these
polymers do not leak, flow, or bottom-out over time and they do not
absorb body fluids or odors. Some of the polymers are also
fire-rated as self-extinguishing. Moreover, these polymers also
tend to reduce overall pressure and shear which is known to reduce
the onset of "pressure sores".
[0065] The elastomeric, non-flowing gel-like polymer is unlike
conventional gels in that the gel-like polymer reverts to its
original configuration after each deformation and only deforms to
dissipate impact or shock. The pads, rubbers, foams and
conventional gels of the prior art when used in connection with a
golf glove tend to "shape" or "deform" over a short period of time
or as a result of repeated use. As mentioned above, these
characteristics do not conform to the Section 14-3 of the United
States Golf Associations Rules of Golf (USGA) and, as a result, a
player cannot wear the glove 100 during competitive play. Due to
the unique characteristics of the elastomeric, non-flowing gel-like
polymer which do not "shape" or "deform" over time or over repeated
use, several embodiments of the present disclosure have already
been approved for competitive play and have not been deemed in
violation of Section 14-3.
[0066] The protection/prevention/comfort aspects afforded by the
gel-like padding are substantially dependent on the placement of
the pads 150a-150g. Therefore, it is envisioned that the pad(s)
150a-150g are selectively positioned on the various aspects of the
hand and/or hand and wrist according to a particular ailment or
protect the hand from the onset of a particular ailment.
Accordingly, the gloves 100 may be manufactured to protect the hand
from injuries associated with the most common ailments relating to
golf or the gloves 100 may be custommade according to the
particular ailments of an individual golfer.
[0067] For example, FIGS. 14A and 14B show one embodiment of the
glove 100 wherein the pad 150a is disposed adjacent the palm
surface 118 of the glove and extends proximate the wrist area 116.
It is envisioned that the unique characteristics of the gel-like
padding coupled with the novel positioning of the gel-like padding
150a relative to the palmar surface 118 of the glove 100 provides
superior shock absorption and vibration dampening during impact of
the club with the ball and the turf. As a result, direct
translation of these detrimental forces to the various aspects of
the hand, wrist and elbow is minimized. Moreover, further
translation to the shoulder and torso may be effectively
eliminated.
[0068] It is envisioned that the glove 100 of FIGS. 14A and 14B may
also reduce a golfer's tendency to "overgrip" the club grip 164
which is known to be detrimental for several reasons:
[0069] 1. Overgrip is known to increase the amount of shock
suffered by the structures of the hand directly underlying the
shaft (i.e., overgrip decreases the potential for dissipating the
shock efficiently with less risk of trauma);
[0070] 2. Overgrip also causes the golfer to overuse the small
intrinsic muscles of the hand ("cupping" or "clenching" action) and
the long extrinsic muscles in the forearm that bend the small
joints of the fingers ("curling" or "squeezing"). This overuse
leads to premature fatigue of these muscle structures.
[0071] 3. Overgrip also initiates an increase in "motor firing"
with respect to the museles that control the wrist, forearm and
elbow, i.e., "muscle tension". An increase in muscle tension is
known to decrease the dissipation of shock; a system under
excessive muscle tension which is exposed to shock and vibration
cannot efficiently dissipated shock. This, in turn:
[0072] i) predisposes the muscle belly (the tendons connected to
the muscles and the joints) to increased detrimental forces;
[0073] ii) predispose muscle fibers to trauma, e.g., Microtrauma to
individual muscle fibers which is known to lead to "crossbridge
formation" (i.e., adhesions) between the individual fibers; and
[0074] iii) "Trigger points" (areas of "hypoxia") may also develop.
These changes in muscle can occur at multiple sites within the same
muscle and are known to reduce muscle strength and endurance.
[0075] The comfort aspect afforded by the gel-like padding 150a
allows the golfer to ease his/her grip yet still feel effective
control over the club 160 during the swing. Even if the golfer
continues to overgrip initially, the gel pad 150a will provide
significantly reduced trauma due to the pads 150a inherent
impactabsorbing capacity. Additionally, less overgrip reduces the
"wear and tear" on the glove 100 (commonly seen at the heel of the
hand near the small finger side of the palm). It is envisioned that
this may increase the "lifetime" of the glove 100.
[0076] It is also envisioned that the glove 100 and pad 150a design
of FIGS. 14A and 14B may provide other or additional benefits such
as providing protection for the various anatomical structures,
providing protection against exacerbation of various medical
conditions and promoting healing of certain medical conditions
associated with the following known medical conditions:
[0077] Carpal Tunnel Syndrome;
[0078] Ulnar Nerve at Guyon's Canal/Ulnar Nerve compression
neuropathy;
[0079] Hook of the Hamate fracture;
[0080] Stenosing Tenosynovitis ("trigger fingers");
[0081] Dupuytren's Contracture;
[0082] Tendonitis of the wrist;
[0083] "Golfer's Elbow";
[0084] "Tennis Elbow";
[0085] Arthritis and ligament injuries at interphalangeal
joints;
[0086] Arthritis and ligament injuries at metacarpophalangeal
joints;
[0087] Arthritis, instability, metacarpal boss at carpometacarpal
joints;
[0088] Arthritis, joint instability or subluxation at basal joint
of the thumb;
[0089] Arthritis and ligamentous wrist injuries at intercarpal
articulations (carpal bones and intercarpal ligaments);
[0090] Arthritis and Distal Radius fractures at radiocarpal
joint;
[0091] Growth Plates of all of the skeletal long bones ( Epiphyseal
injury); and
[0092] "Raynaud's Disease" which effects the vascular structures in
hand.
[0093] FIG. 14B shows the position of the pad 150 against an
inner-facing surface 119 of the palm portion 118. It is envisioned
that the pad could be sewn or other wise attached atop the palm
portion 118 depending upon a particular purpose. More particularly,
after the appropriate position of the pad 150a is determined (as
explained in more detail below with respect to the one the methods
described herein), the pad 150a is sewn (or otherwise attached)
against the inner-facing surface 119 of the palm portion 118. The
pad 150a may include an outer layer 152 of material which
encapsulates the gel-like pad 150 and enables the outer periphery
of the pad 150a to be positioned without damaging or compromising
the gel. For example, it is envisioned that the pad may include an
outer layer 152 made from leather or other materials such as
MOLESTICK.TM. manufactured by Allimed.
[0094] FIGS. 15A and 15B show another embodiment according the
present disclosure which includes a glove 100 having a series of
pads 150b and 150c which are specifically positioned to provide
shock absorption and cushioning along the various aspects of the
wrist and lower base portion of the thumb. It is known that during
a normal golf swing, the wrist joint moves through a full arc of
radial and ulnar deviation causing the carpal bones associated with
the wrist to move or slide relative to one another. As a result,
undue stress is placed on the multitude of complex intercarpal
ligaments associated with the wrist. It is contemplated that
disposing pads 150b and 150c on the radial and ulnar aspects of the
glove 100 and securing the pads against the wrist joint will
enhance the cushioning and shock absorption characteristics of the
glove 100 with respect to the various aspects of the joints,
ligaments, tendons and nerves of the wrist.
[0095] Positioning pad 150c (or 150d described below) relevant the
lower base of thumb portion 112 is envisioned to provide comfort
and protection for the arthritic, subluxed or unstable
carpometacarpal joint of the thumb. This decreases trauma to the
particular cartilage and ligamentous structure of this complex
joint. It is contemplated that positioning the pad 150c in this
manner may also protect tendons of the thumb (i.e., DeQuervains)
and also protect underlying scaphoid bone (i.e., carpal bone).
[0096] FIG. 15B shows the back of the glove 100 which includes a
flap-like strap 130 for securing the glove 100 to the golfer's hand
during play. The glove 100 is designed to be non-restrictive and
provide comfort for the thumb as the club weight bears on the thumb
during the back swing and follow through phases of the golf
swing.
[0097] It is also envisioned that the glove 100 and pad 150b, 150c
configuration of FIGS. 15A and 15B may benefit the following known
medical conditions:
[0098] DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis;
[0099] Wrist tendonitis associated with the extensor and flexor
tendons of the carpi ulnaris and carpi radialis tendons;
[0100] Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) strains and
tears;
[0101] Distal Radioulnar instability;
[0102] Arthritis and joint instability;
[0103] Bennett's Fracture;
[0104] Scaphoid Fractures, e.g., Kienbock's Disease
[0105] Intercarpal ligaments and articulations
[0106] Ligament Injuries, e.g., ligamentous laxity (commonly seen
in women and during youth); and
[0107] Ligamentous wrist injury
[0108] FIGS. 16-20 show other envisioned glove designs which
include pads 150d-150f which are uniquely shaped and positioned to
reduce the level of shock imposed upon the various aspects of the
hand and wrist during impact and/or reduce the translation of the
shock to the other parts of the body after impact. For example,
FIG. 16 shows another envisioned glove 100 design wherein the pad
150d is disposed adjacent the base of the thumb portion 112. The
pad 150d is shaped to at least partially extend into the palm
portion 118.
[0109] FIG. 17 shows another pad 150e which is shaped to cover the
palm portion 118 of the glove 100 and extend across the
metacarpophalangeal joints of the third, fourth and fifth
metacarpal bones 13c-13e (FIG. 1B), respectively, of the golfer's
hand. FIG. 18, shows yet another embodiment of the present
disclosure wherein the glove 100 includes a plurality of pads,
150a, 150b, and 150d which protect the palm, wrist and base of the
thumb, respectively, of the golfer's hand. As can be appreciated,
any combination of the pads 150a-150g may be selectively positioned
within the glove 100 to protect the various aspects of the golfer's
hand, wrist, elbow, arm and shoulder during play.
[0110] FIG. 19 shows still yet another pad 150f which is positioned
adjacent the palm portion 118 and extends across the wrist portion
116 to dissipate shock to these aspects of the hand and wrist. FIG.
20 shows a double-layered pad 150g which is disposed adjacent the
palm portion 118 of the glove 100. It is envisioned that the
double-layered design may further reduce the shock to these aspects
of the golfer's hand. One or more of the aforedescribed pads
150a-150g may also be designed to have multiple layers of the
gel-like polymer with other fluids disposed therebetween which may
further reduce the detrimental effects of vibration and shock to
the hand and wrist at impact or during translation.
[0111] As mentioned above, It is envisioned that the pads 150a-150g
and/or placement of the pads 150a-150g tend to reduce a golfer's
tendency to "overgrip" the club grip 164 since the pad 150a-150g
enables the golfer to maintain a consistent grip with the club grip
164 during the entire swing movement. For example, FIGS. 21A-21D
show the swing movement of a golfer while gripping a golf club 160.
It is known that at a point when the golfer's swing movement
reaches the top of the swing (FIG. 21B), the club grip 164 tends to
pivot away from the golfer's hand/glove 100 thus forming a gap 170
between the golfer's glove 100 and the grip 164 (see FIGS. 21C and
21D). Ideally, the downward swing movement reinitiates the same
glove-to-grip 164 interface causing proper and consistent ball
flight. However, this is not always the case and, typically, some
slip between the hand and glove 100 is evident which may cause the
ball to fly off-line (e.g., hook, slice, etc.). FIG. 21C shows an
enlarge view of the glove 100 according to the present invention
wherein the gap 170 is minimal compared to the gap 170' formed
utilizing the conventional glove 100' of FIG. 21D. As can be
appreciated, selectively positioning pad 150a for the particular
golfer will maintain the golfer's club grip 164 in substantial
contact with the glove 100 during the entire swing movement thus
reducing the formation of a gap 170 and reducing the chances of
club slippage. It is envisioned that this reduction in slippage
will promote more consistent ball flight.
[0112] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a
method for determining the shock translation, distribution and
dissipations through the hand 5, thumb 8, wrist 6, elbow 7 and
upper portions of the arm 9 (bicep and shoulder) due to
ball-to-club impact during a golf swing. One particular method
relates to the positioning of a series of sensor devices or
bio-feedback interfaces 200a-200i at varying positions on the hand
5, thumb 8, wrist 6, elbow 7 and upper portions of the arm 9. Each
sensor 200a-200i may be designed to operate independently or as a
part of a group of sensors to determine the translation of the
shock though the aforementioned parts of the body.
[0113] The method also includes placing at least one sensor
200a-200i at varying locations on the hand 5, thumb 8, wrist 6,
elbow 7 and upper portions of the arm 9 to ascertain the resultant
dampening effects of each pad, e.g., 150a, with respect to the
pad's 150a particular placement or positioning on the various
aspects of the hand, wrist or other body part. A series of
different pads 150a-150g may also be positioned and measured to
determine the overall dampening effects of the pad array and to
maximize dampening effects as needed.
[0114] For example and with respect to the multitude of different
embodiments described with respect to the abovementioned
disclosures (and those incorporated by reference herein), the
method may involve placing pad 150a at a particular location on the
palm of the hand 5. A series of bio-feedback sensors 200a-200i are
placed at various positions on the hand 5, wrist 6, thumb 8, elbow
7, and arm 9 to determine the dampening effects of the pad 150a at
a particular location. It is envisioned that the pad 150a may
incorporate a sensor (not shown) to determine shock on the actual
pad 150a and translational forces traveling through the pad
150a.
[0115] The positioning of each pad 150a relevant to the golfer's
hand, wrist or thumb, may be mapped to determine the overall
dampening effect of the particular pad 150a or pads (150a-150g) and
the pad's 150a position. A computer interface (not shown) may be
employed to map the shock wave and dissipation through the various
parts of the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Pad placement,
thickness, size, shape are then determined and categorized
according to dampening effects on individual body parts, e.g.,
hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, etc. As can be appreciated, the ideal
pad position for maximum dampening effect for the individual golfer
may then be ascertained. It is envisioned that a plurality of pads
150a-150g may be positioned and utilized in a cooperative manner to
maximize impact absorption and overall translation. These pads
150a-150g may be of the same or different size and shape depending
upon a particular purpose.
[0116] This step is repeated to determine the various effects that
different pad(s) (size, thickness, shape) and the varying positions
effect the dampening of the shock waves through the various body
parts.
[0117] A glove 100 is then constructed in accordance with the
particular placement of the pad(s) 150a-150g to prevent injury or
protect the relevant body structures. It is envisioned that a glove
100 may be designed to prevent injury and/or reduce the shock
associated with particular ailments. As can be appreciated,
different gloves can be tailored for specific injuries. Commercial
models may be developed to concentrate on more common injuries
which result from common or typical shock translation.
[0118] Of course prior to establishing the initial pad position, it
may be necessary to establish a shock pattern used as a control
reference for determining the effect of the pad (optional step
which may be more generalized if it is determined that similar
shock patterns are typical with all subjects). This may be
particularly true when customizing a glove 100 due to a particular
injury as explained herein.
[0119] As mentioned above, the pad 150a-150g itself may also
incorporate a bio-feedback mechanism (sensor) 200a-200i to
determine the translation of the shock and the dissipation thereof
through the pad 150a-150g itself. Other embodiments of the pad
150a-150g and the aforementioned method may employ other sensors
200a-200i or devices which can measure heat, vibration, initial or
impact shock versus dissipation thereof, stress, strain, torque,
twist etc. It is envisioned that the pads 150a-150g may be
positioned to reduce one or more of these elements depending upon a
particular purpose and/or to reduce/relieve/prevent injury or
fatigue. It is also envisioned that the pad(s) 150a-150g may be
designed to cooperate with a thermo-sensitive device (not shown) to
apply temperature to specific areas of the hand and wrist as needed
to reduce/relieve/prevent injury or fatigue.
[0120] From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure
drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain
modifications can be made to the present disclosure without
departing from the scope of the same. For example, wearing the
aforedescribed glove on the non-dominant (traditional side) can
also benefit the dominant un-gloved hand, wrist and elbow. This is
due to the degree of shock effectively absorbed by the gloved hand
which is not translated to the un-gloved hand. Alternatively, the
golfer may choose to wear a glove 100 according to the present
disclosure on both hands to maximize shock absorption and
dissipation.
[0121] While several embodiments of the disclosure have been
described herein, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited
thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope
as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise.
Therefore, the above description should not be construed as
limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments.
Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within
the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *