U.S. patent application number 12/433817 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-20 for mating golf glove with club grip methods.
Invention is credited to PATRICK PINKART.
Application Number | 20090205105 12/433817 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38334719 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090205105 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PINKART; PATRICK |
August 20, 2009 |
MATING GOLF GLOVE WITH CLUB GRIP METHODS
Abstract
A grip system, apparatus, and methods for golfers with weak hand
strength involving: at least one mating glove and a club grip; the
mating glove for use in covering a person's hand and for
interfacing and mating with the club grip; the mating glove
possessing a palm side, a dorsal side, and finger compartments; the
mating glove further comprising loops material for mating with
complementary hooks material integrated into the club grip; the
club grip having a top side, a bottom side, an upper half and a
lower half; the club grip further comprising recesses integrated
within the club grip for housing the hooks material.
Inventors: |
PINKART; PATRICK; (Los Osos,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SINSHEIMER JUHNKE LEBENS & MCIVOR, LLP
1010 PEACH STREET, P.O. BOX 31
SAN LUIS OBISPO
CA
93406
US
|
Family ID: |
38334719 |
Appl. No.: |
12/433817 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11352117 |
Feb 9, 2006 |
7530898 |
|
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12433817 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/161.3 ;
2/169 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/08 20151001;
A63B 69/3632 20130101; A63B 53/14 20130101; A63B 71/0009 20130101;
A63B 60/10 20151001; A63B 60/14 20151001; A63B 71/146 20130101;
A63B 2209/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/161.3 ;
2/169 |
International
Class: |
A41D 19/00 20060101
A41D019/00; A41D 19/02 20060101 A41D019/02; A63B 71/14 20060101
A63B071/14 |
Claims
1. A method of fabricating a grip system, the method comprising the
steps of: providing at least one mating glove; and providing a
grip, the at least one mating glove providing step comprising
providing the at least one mating glove for accommodating at least
one user's hand and for interfacing and mating with the grip, the
at least one mating glove providing step comprising providing a
palm side, providing a dorsal side, and providing a plurality of
finger compartments, the at least one mating glove providing step
further comprising providing a hook and loop fastener material, the
grip providing step comprising providing a top side, providing a
bottom side, providing an upper half, providing a lower half, and
providing at least one recess, the grip providing step further
comprising providing a complementary hook and loop fastener
material flushly disposed in the at least one recess, and the at
least one mating glove hook and loop fastener material providing
step comprising providing the at least one mating glove hook and
loop fastener material as being attachable and detachable in
relation to the grip complementary hook and loop fastener material
in a discreet visually obscured manner.
2. A method, as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one recess
providing step comprises providing a spiraling configuration, and
wherein the complementary hook and loop fastener material providing
step comprises providing the complementary hook and loop fastener
material as being flushly disposable in the at least one recess in
the spiraling configuration.
3. A method, as recited in claim 1, wherein the hook and loop
fastener material providing step comprises providing the hook and
loop fastener material as being integrated into at least one
element selected from a group consisting essentially of the
plurality of finger compartments and the palm side.
4. A method, as recited in claim 1, wherein the grip providing step
comprises providing rubber.
5. A method, as recited in claim 1, wherein the complementary hook
and loop fastener material providing step comprises providing the
complementary hook and loop fastener material being extended
through at least one location selected from a group consisting
essentially of the grip upper half and the grip lower half.
6. A method of fabricating an instructional grip system, the method
comprising the steps of: providing at least one mating glove; and
providing a club grip, the at least one mating glove providing step
comprising providing the at least one mating glove for
accommodating at least one user's hand and for interfacing and
mating with the club grip, the at least one mating glove providing
step comprising providing a palm side, providing a dorsal side, and
providing a plurality of finger compartments, the at least one
mating glove providing step further comprising providing a hook and
loop fastener material, the club grip providing step comprising
providing a top side, providing a bottom side, providing an upper
half, providing a lower half, and providing at least one recess,
the club grip providing step further comprising providing a
complementary hook and loop fastener material being flushly
disposable in the at least one recess, and the at least one mating
glove hook and loop fastener material providing step comprising
providing the at least one mating glove hook and loop fastener
material as being attachable and detachable in relation to the club
grip complementary hook and loop fastener material in a discreet
visually obscured manner under instructional conditions.
7. A method, as recited in claim 6, wherein the hook and loop
fastener material providing step comprises providing the hook and
loop fastener material being integrated into the plurality of
finger compartments for facilitating training at least one grip
selected from a group consisting essentially of a Vardon-style
nine-finger grip and a Vardon-style ten-finger grip.
8. A method, as recited in claim 6, wherein the hook and loop
fastener material providing step comprises providing the hook and
loop fastener material being integrated into the palm side for
facilitating training at least one grip selected from a group
consisting essentially of a natural-style nine-finger grip and a
natural-style ten-finger grip.
9. A method, as recited in claim 6, wherein the complementary hook
and loop fastener material providing step comprises providing the
complementary hook and loop fastener material being extended
through at least one location selected from a group consisting
essentially of the grip upper half and the grip lower half.
10. A method, as recited in claim 6, wherein the at least one
recess providing step comprises providing a spiraling
configuration, and wherein the complementary hook and loop fastener
material providing step comprises providing the complementary hook
and loop fastener material being flushly disposable in the at least
one recess in the spiraling configuration.
11. A method of fabricating a grip system for training a user
having weak hand strength, the method comprising the steps of:
providing at least one mating glove; and providing a grip, the at
least one mating glove providing step comprising providing the at
least one mating glove for accommodating at least one user's hand
and for interfacing and mating with the grip, the at least one
mating glove providing step comprising providing a palm side,
providing a dorsal side, and providing a plurality of finger
compartments, the mating glove providing step further comprising
providing a hook and loop fastener material, the grip providing
step comprising providing a top side, providing a bottom side,
providing an upper half, providing a lower half, and providing at
least one recess, the grip providing step further comprising
providing a complementary hook and loop fastener material being
lushly disposable in the at least one recess, and the at least one
mating glove hook and loop fastener material providing step
comprising providing the at least one mating glove hook and loop
fastener material as being attachable and detachable in relation to
the grip complementary hook and loop fastener material in a
discreet visually obscured manner under training conditions.
12. A method, as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one
recess providing step comprises providing a spiraling
configuration, wherein the complementary hook and loop fastener
material providing step comprises providing the complementary hook
and loop fastener material being flushly disposable in the at least
one recess in the spiraling configuration, wherein the hook and
loop fastener material providing step comprises providing the hook
and loop fastener material being integrated into at least one
element selected from a group consisting essentially of the
plurality of finger compartments and the palm side, and wherein the
complementary hook and loop fastener material providing step
comprises providing the complementary hook and loop fastener
material being extended through at least one location selected from
a group consisting essentially of the grip upper half and the grip
lower half.
13. A method, as recited in claim 6, wherein the hook and loop
fastener material providing step comprises providing the hook and
loop fastener material being integrated into the plurality of
finger compartments for facilitating training at least one club
grip selected from a group consisting essentially of a Vardon-style
nine-finger grip and a Vardon-style ten-finger grip, wherein the
hook and loop fastener material providing step comprises providing
the hook and loop fastener material being integrated into the palm
side for facilitating training at least one club grip selected from
a group consisting essentially of a natural-style nine-finger grip
and a natural-style ten-finger grip, wherein the complementary hook
and loop fastener material providing step comprises providing the
complementary hook and loop fastener material being extended
through at least one location selected from a group consisting
essentially of the club grip upper half and the club grip lower
half, wherein the at least one recess providing step comprises
providing a spiraling configuration, and wherein the complementary
hook and loop fastener material providing step comprises providing
the complementary hook and loop fastener material being flushly
disposable in the at least one recess in the spiraling
configuration.
14. A method of using a grip system, the method comprising the
steps of: providing at least one mating glove; providing a grip,
the at least one mating glove providing step comprising providing
the at least one mating glove for accommodating at least one user's
hand and for interfacing and mating with the grip, the at least one
mating glove providing step comprising providing a palm side,
providing a dorsal side, and providing a plurality of finger
compartments, the at least one mating glove providing step further
comprising providing a hook and loop fastener material, the grip
providing step comprising providing a top side, providing a bottom
side, providing an upper half, providing a lower half, and
providing at least one recess, the grip providing step further
comprising providing a complementary hook and loop fastener
material flushly disposed in the at least one recess, and the at
least one mating glove hook and loop fastener material providing
step comprising providing the at least one mating glove hook and
loop fastener material as being attachable and detachable in
relation to the grip complementary hook and loop fastener material
in a discreet visually obscured manner; and placing the at least
one mating glove on the grip by attaching the at least one mating
glove hook and loop fastener material to the grip complementary
hook and loop fastener material.
15. A method, as recited in claim 14, further comprising the step
of placing the at least one mating glove on at least one hand of a
user.
16. A method, as recited in claim 15, further comprising the step
of swinging the at least one mating glove being attached on the
grip.
17. A method, as recited in claim 15, further comprising the step
of training a user by way of the grip system.
18. A method, as recited in claim 17, wherein the training step
comprises training the user in swinging a golf club, and wherein
the grip comprises a golf club grip.
19. A method, as recited in claim 17, wherein the training step
comprises training the user in strengthening at least one weakened
hand.
20. A method, as recited in claim 14, further comprising the steps
of: placing the at least one mating glove on at least one hand of a
user; swinging the at least one mating glove being attached on the
grip; and training a user by way of the grip system, wherein the
training step comprises training the user in swinging a golf club,
wherein the grip comprises a golf club grip, and wherein the
training step comprises training the user in strengthening at least
one weakened hand.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This document is a continuation application that is related
to, and claims priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/352,117, also entitled "Mating Golf Glove with Club Grip
Methods," and filed on Feb. 9, 2006, which is commonly owned, and
which is hereby incorporated by this reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention technically relates to sporting goods.
More particularly, the present invention technically relates to
golf equipment. Even more particularly, the present invention
technically relates to golf training equipment.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Golf requires a certain amount of gripping force with the
club to allow swinging action and impact with a golf ball. Golfers
who experience a weakened grip due to complications with arthritis,
carpal tunnel syndrome, accretions of hand and wrist injuries,
congenital defects, nerve injury, and normal aging processes lack
the sufficient gripping power needed to ensure golf club stability,
control, and alignment during swing and impact with the golf ball.
For those people who are afflicted with a weakened grip, they may
find golf virtually impossible to play. Golfers with weakened hand
strength, or golfers who have not been taught a fundamentally sound
or technically-correct grip configuration, will often have
difficulty squaring the clubface at impact with the golf ball which
can lead to twisting of the golf club and club face, thereby
producing an inaccurate shot, whereby inaccurate shots veer from
the intended trajectory. Furthermore, as a golfer's hands fatigue
during a round of golf, play becomes even more difficult and the
club may completely slip out of the hands and become airborne
creating a serious hazard to people standing nearby.
[0004] The golfing and sporting industries have not adequately
addressed the problems encountered by those with weakened hand
strength. Furthermore, these industries have not provided effective
grip training aids for teaching golfers a technically-correct
gripping configuration.
[0005] Although there are many schools of thought regarding the
correct grip of the gripping portion of the golf club shaft, golf
instruction schools predominately teach two styles of gripping
configuration. In the Vardon grip, the little finger of the
trailing hand (the hand disposed lower on the club, e.g., the right
hand for a right-handed player) is placed between the index and
middle finger on the lead hand (the hand disposed higher on the
club). The lead-hand thumb should fit in the "lifeline" of the
trailing hand. The second technique teaches that the grip should be
located in the palm of the hands, thereby avoiding interlocking
between the fingers. This second style is referred to as the
"Natural Grip."
[0006] Some other attempts have been made to solve these problems
in the related art; however, these approaches are cumbersome. Some
golfers have resorted to the use of pine tar which only lasts a
short time, thereby requiring frequent re-application which tends
to transfer pine tar to the clothing, the golf ball, and the
equipment, thereby further hindering the player's game. Some grip
manufacturers have integrated enlarged golf grips or raised ridges
or dots on the grip surface. However, these changes do not
sufficiently solve the aforementioned problems in the related
art.
[0007] Unfortunately, the prior art offered in the marketplace has
not solved these issues. U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,942 does attempt to
enable a person to attain a better grasp of the golf club; however,
this product is cumbersome to use. The strap mechanism is difficult
and awkward to fasten around a person's hand(s). If a golfer is
experiencing bilateral weakness, thereby requiring both hands to be
strapped, third party assistance is required. In addition, this
product may be embarrassing for some golfers to use in the company
of friends, family, or strangers due to its appearance and
laborious application.
[0008] Therefore, a long-felt need exists in the golfing industry
for a system and/or apparatus that enables golfers and other
athletes, with a weakened grip, to grasp a club with the
appropriate force as to stabilize the golf club and to avoid club
head twisting at impact with the golf ball.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention comprises a specially configured golf
glove and gripping portion of a golf club shaft. It can provide the
solution to enable a golfer who is handicapped by weakened and
insufficient hand-grip strength to play golf. In addition, the
present system, apparatus and methods impart a feel that is nearly
identical with that of existing golf gloves; and the gripping
portion of the golf shaft, with the special features thereof, is
not readily noticeable by other golfers.
[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a system,
an apparatus, and methods designed especially for golfers with
weakened hand strength to attain a grip with sufficient strength to
control the golf club to limit club twisting such that the clubface
will be square upon impact with the ball resulting in a more
accurate shot which will give the golfer a sense of confidence.
This enhanced grip will enable a golfer to strike a golf ball by
squaring a clubface upon impact with the ball. The present
invention will provide a feel nearly identical with that of a
standard golf glove. Moreover, the system and apparatus will be
relatively discrete as its enabling features are not readily
visible to others.
[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
system, an apparatus, and methods for teaching golfers a
technically correct grip of a golf club. This is achieved by
placing various patterns of hook material or loop material on the
glove in order to accommodate a specific golf grip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the below-referenced accompanying Drawing(s).
Reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the
present invention throughout the several figures of the
Drawing(s).
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a glove and grip system,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2a is a top view of a glove, according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2b is a side view of a glove, according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2c is a bottom view of a glove, according as a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a grip, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3b is a perspective view of a grip, according to an
alternate embodiment of the present invention
[0019] FIG. 3c is a perspective view of a grip, according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a grip, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a glove and grip system in
use, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a glove, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a glove, according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
MODE(S) FOR CARRYING-OUT THE INVENTION
[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a glove and grip system, apparatus, and methods, are
used to enable people with weakened hand strength to sufficiently
secure a grip of a golf club. The present invention is also used to
teach a golfer the correct technique for gripping a golf club. The
present invention imparts a "feel" that is nearly identical to that
of a golf glove. The present invention configures a golf glove in
such a way that the hand, upon which it is to be used, can attain a
forceful, grasping, and linking relationship with the golf club
grip portion of a golf club shaft during the address and swing of a
golf club.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the glove and
grip system S, in accordance with the present invention. Grip
system S includes at least one glove 101 and a club grip 102. Both
the glove 101 and the club grip 102 are adapted to securely mate
with each other. Glove 101 comprises a golf glove having a gripping
feature. The glove 101 has a palm side, a dorsal side, and finger
compartments. The palm side comprises a planar surface which
interfaces with the palm of a golfer. The dorsal side comprises a
back surface of the glove 101 which interfaces with the back side
of a golfer's hand. The finger compartments accommodate a golfer's
fingers. The golf glove comprises any suitable material.
[0026] The gripping feature of the glove 101 comprises a fastener,
such as a hook-and-hoop material (commonly known as Velcro.RTM.)
disposed on the palm side of the glove 101. In some preferred
embodiments where the glove 101 comprises loop material, the loop
material will mate with the hook material of the club grip 102. In
preferred embodiments, wherein the glove 101 comprises the hook
material, the hook material will mate with the loop material of the
club grip 102.
[0027] FIGS. 2a-c further illustrate the glove 101. The glove 101
comprises the loop material 103, e.g., being sewn thereto. Since
the interface is disposed between the palm side of the glove 101
with the grip 102, the only side of the glove 101 which will have
the loop material or the hook material is the palm side. The
fasteners, e.g., loop material or the hook material may be affixed
to the glove by a technique, such as sewing or adhering; and such
fasteners may be used to retrofit the glove 101.
[0028] Since many golf instructors may beg to differ as to the
proper methods of gripping a golf club, various patterns of
fasteners, e.g., loop material or hook material, may be used in
order to facilitate these different types of grips. Perhaps the
most popular type of grip is the "Vardon" style grip. The Vardon
style grip places the club grip in the fingers of a user rather
than the palm. When using a Vardon grip, the user may employ the
glove 601 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6. Alternatively,
if a user prefers a "Natural" grip, the user may place the club
grip in the palms with a "10-finger grip". This glove 701 of the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 is shown. Other types of golf
grips, whether they use interlocking fingers, etc., may be taught
using accommodating patterns of loop material or hook material
affixed to the glove 101. For this reason, a panoply of different
embodiments for the glove 101 are encompassed by the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 3a-c illustrate alternate preferred embodiments of the
club grips 102', 102'', and 102'''. Golf club grips abound in many
different styles and comprise a panoply of materials. Materials,
such as polymers, e.g., ethylene propylene diene monomer (epdm),
leather, e.g., cowhide, calfskin, mammal, amphibious, reptile, and
any other animal skins, rubber (natural or synthetic), cotton,
various types of cord (such as "classic", "GX", or "tour wrap"), or
granulated cork are all adaptable for use with the present
invention. For this reason, the materials used for fabricating the
club grips 102', 102'', 102''' may comprise any suitable material.
Moreover, other characteristics or components of a grip which may
be integrated such as small holes, grooves, or ridges may also be
incorporated with the present invention. However, small holes,
grooves, or ridges are strictly optional for use with the present
invention.
[0030] The club grips 102, 102', 102'', 102''', in some preferred
embodiments, are specially engineered, die-cast molded rubber golf
club grips having integrated hook material 104 (or loop material in
some preferred embodiments) around the club grips 102, 102', 102'',
102'''. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, recesses are used
to accommodate the hook material or the loop material for flush
disposition with the surface of the club grip 102, 102', 102'',
102'''. The purpose of the recesses is to obscure the view of the
hook material or the loop material on the club grips 102, 102',
102'', 102'''. The primary reason for obscuring the view of the
hook material or the loop material is to alleviate any insecurity
or conflicting emotions of a golfer when playing or practicing with
other golfers. Another reason is that the recesses may be more
comfortable to the touch for some golfers. The use of recesses is
preferred, but not specifically required by the present invention.
In other words, some embodiments may incorporate the recesses and
others may not.
[0031] Turning now to FIGS. 3a-c in the first embodiment, only the
top portion of the club grips 102, 102', 102'', 102'''incorporate
the hook material 104. Since most golfers only use one glove for
the hand on the upper portion of the club grip 102, 102'', the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3a will probably be the embodiment
most often used.
[0032] FIG. 3b and FIG. 5 illustrate an alternative preferred
embodiment of the club grip 102'' of the present invention. In this
bilateral embodiment, two gloves 501, 502 are used. Although this
is unorthodox for most golfers, it may help those golfers with
weakened hand strength. Since this bilateral embodiment is meant to
be used with gloves 501, 502 on both hands, the club grip 102''
integrates the hook material 104 (and the loop material in some
preferred embodiments) in alternate spiraling rows down the entire
length of the club grip 102''.
[0033] FIG. 3c illustrates another preferred bilateral embodiment
of the club grip 102'''. In this bilateral embodiment both gloves
501, 502 are used. Unlike club grip 102'', club grip
102'''integrates the hook material 104 throughout the entire
surface area of the club grip 102'''.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of a club grip
102. In preferred embodiments where the club grip 102 is recessed,
the club grip 102 is recessed in such a way such that the hook
material (or the loop material in some preferred embodiments) is
flush with the grip surface. The hooks or loops material are
embedded within the recess 106. This method of integrating the hook
material (or loop material in some preferred embodiments) is
preferable, because it is less noticeable to the naked eye. This
recessed design is also more comfortable to the touch.
[0035] That numerous changes may be made in embodiments described
herein will be apparent without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention. Further, features of the embodiments shown in the
various figures may be employed with the embodiments of the other
figures. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be determined
by the terminology of the following claims and the legal
equivalents thereof. As such, the invention taught herein by
specific examples is limited only by the scope of the claims.
[0036] Information as herein shown and described in detail is fully
capable of attaining the above-described object of the invention,
the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is, thus,
representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated
by the present invention. The scope of the present invention fully
encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those
skilled in the art, and is to be limited, accordingly, by nothing
other than the appended claims, wherein reference to an element in
the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless
explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more." All structural and
functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described
preferred embodiment and additional embodiments that are known to
those of ordinary skill in the art are hereby expressly
incorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the
present claims.
[0037] Moreover, no requirement exists for a device or method to
address each and every problem sought to be resolved by the present
invention, for such to be encompassed by the present claims.
Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present
disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of
whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly
recited in the claims. However, that various changes and
modifications in form, material, and fabrication material detail
may be made, without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as set forth in the appended claims, should be readily
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. No claim herein is
to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, sixth
paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase
"means for."
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0038] The present invention industrially applies to sporting
goods. More particularly, the present invention industrially
applies to golf equipment. Even more particularly, the present
invention industrially applies to golf training equipment.
* * * * *