U.S. patent application number 12/060457 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-01 for golf glove.
Invention is credited to Suzanne A. Rego.
Application Number | 20090241238 12/060457 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41114908 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090241238 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rego; Suzanne A. |
October 1, 2009 |
Golf Glove
Abstract
Golf gloves having one or more raised element(s) on an interior
surface thereof are disclosed. The raised element(s) are located
such that they cause pressure to be applied to acupuncture points
when the glove is in use.
Inventors: |
Rego; Suzanne A.;
(Fairhaven, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ACUSHNET COMPANY
333 BRIDGE STREET, P. O. BOX 965
FAIRHAVEN
MA
02719
US
|
Family ID: |
41114908 |
Appl. No.: |
12/060457 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/161.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/146 20130101;
A63B 2213/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/161.2 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/14 20060101
A63B071/14 |
Claims
1. A golf glove comprising a palm side and a back side, wherein the
palm side has an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein
the interior surface of the palm side comprises a first raised
element.
2. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the first raised element is
in approximate contact with a first acupuncture point when the
glove is worn.
3. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the interior surface of the
palm side further comprises a second raised element.
4. The golf glove of claim 2, wherein the interior surface of the
palm side further comprises a second raised element.
5. The golf glove of claim 4, wherein the second raised element is
in approximate contact with a second acupuncture point when the
glove is worn.
6. The golf glove of claim 5, wherein the interior surface of the
palm side further comprises a third raised element, and wherein the
third raised element is in approximate contact with a third
acupuncture point when the glove is worn.
7. A golf glove comprising a palm side and a back side, wherein the
back side has an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein
the interior surface of the back side comprises a first raised
element.
8. The golf glove of claim 7, wherein the first raised element is
in approximate contact with a first acupuncture point when the
glove is worn.
9. The golf glove of claim 7, wherein the interior surface of the
back side further comprises a second raised element.
10. The golf glove of claim 8, wherein the interior surface of the
back side further comprises a second raised element.
11. The golf glove of claim 10, wherein the second raised element
is in approximate contact with a second acupuncture point.
12. The golf glove of claim 11, wherein the interior surface of the
back side further comprises a third raised element, and wherein the
third raised element is in approximate contact with a third
acupuncture point when the glove is worn.
13. A golf glove comprising: a palm side having an interior surface
and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface of the palm
side comprises a first raised element in approximate contact with a
first acupuncture point when the glove is worn, and a back side
having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the
interior surface of the back side comprises a second raised element
in approximate contact with a second acupuncture point when the
glove is worn.
14. The golf glove of claim 13, wherein the interior surface of the
palm side further comprises a third raised element in approximate
contact with a third acupuncture point when the glove is worn.
15. The golf glove of claim 13, wherein the interior surface of the
back side further comprises a third raised element in approximate
contact with a third acupuncture point when the glove is worn.
16. The golf glove of claim 14, wherein the interior surface of the
back side further comprises a fourth raised element in approximate
contact with a fourth acupuncture point when the glove is worn.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to golf gloves which
contain markings of meridian pathways and acupuncture points. The
markings may be raised such that pressure is applied to acupuncture
points when the glove is in use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is known to imprint apparel with markings of meridian
pathways and acupuncture points. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
7,309,236 to Ward ("Ward") discloses apparel that has markings of
at least portions of meridian pathways and acupuncture or
acupressure regions that generally correspond to where they are on
the human body when the apparel is worn. The apparel disclosed in
Ward is said to facilitate instructing, practicing or performing a
skill or exercise that relies upon knowing where the meridian
pathways and acupuncture or acupressure regions are on the body
without the need to refer to pictorial diagrams of the human body
that have the pathways and/or points identified. The skills and
exercises identified in Ward include acupressure massage, shiatsu
massage, martial arts, dance, and acupuncture medicine. The apparel
disclosed in Ward may be a body suit, head coverings, hand
coverings and/or foot coverings, and hand coverings may be gloves
or mittens, preferably fingerless or half-fingered or wrist
warmers.
[0003] There remains a need for apparel having raised areas such
that pressure is applied to acupuncture points when the apparel is
in use. The present invention provides such apparel and the use
thereof as a golf glove. Golf gloves of the present invention may
provide one or more of the following benefits: stress relief,
improved concentration, relaxation assistance, and increased
endurance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a
golf glove comprising a palm side and a back side, the palm side
having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the
interior surface of the palm side comprising a first raised
element. The first raised element is preferably in approximate
contact with a first acupuncture point when the glove is worn.
[0005] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to
a golf glove comprising a palm side and a back side, the back side
having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the
interior surface of the back side comprising a first raised
element. The first raised element is preferably in approximate
contact with a first acupuncture point when the glove is worn.
[0006] In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed
to a golf glove comprising a palm side having an interior surface
and an exterior surface, and a back side having an interior surface
and an exterior surface. The interior surface of the palm side
comprises a first raised element in approximate contact with a
first acupuncture point when the glove is worn. The interior
surface of the back side comprises a second raised element in
approximate contact with a second acupuncture point when the glove
is worn.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the interior surface of the palm
side of a golf glove according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the interior surface of the palm
side of a golf glove according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the interior surface of the back
side of a golf glove according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the interior surface of the back
side of a golf glove according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Meridians are the pathways of chi (i.e., "life energy") and
blood flow through the body. It is believed that massaging or
applying pressure to particular points along the pathways (i.e.,
acupuncture points) stimulates the flow of energy, blood,
nutrients, and nerve impulses to corresponding organs/body systems.
This stimulation is believed to clear energy blockage and
congestion along the nerve and meridian pathways, thereby reducing
accumulated stress and encouraging pain release. Therapies in which
acupuncture points are manipulated (e.g., acupuncture, acupressure,
massage therapy, reflexology) are based on these concepts.
[0012] By the present invention, it has been found that curative
properties can be engaged during golf play by utilizing gloves
marked with meridian pathways and/or acupuncture points. In one
embodiment, the glove contains raised elements such that pressure
is applied to acupuncture points, thereby engaging curative
properties, when the golfer grips a golf club. In another
embodiment, the glove contains one or more markings of acupuncture
points illustrating where the golfer is to apply pressure to engage
the curative properties. Thus, the markings on the glove correspond
to where they are on the human body when the glove is worn. The
location of meridian pathways and acupuncture points on the human
body are well known.
[0013] Using gloves of the present invention preferably reduces
stress, improves concentration, promotes relaxation, and/or
increases endurance.
[0014] Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1-4 describe a portion
of a golf glove of the type often worn by golfers to ensure a firm
grip on a club handle. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the interior surface of
the palm side of a golf glove 1 according to the present invention.
Like conventional gloves, the glove 1 includes fingers 2, a body 3,
and a thumb portion 5. The thumb portion 5 can be part of the same
piece of material used for the body 3. Alternatively, the thumb
portion 5 can be a separate piece of material attached to the glove
1 by conventional means known by those of ordinary skill in the
art. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the interior surface of the back side of a
golf glove 13. Like conventional gloves, the glove 13 includes
fingers 14, a body 15, and a thumb portion 17. The thumb portion 17
can be part of the same piece of material used for the body 15.
Alternatively, the thumb portion 17 can be a separate piece of
material attached to the glove 13 by conventional means known by
those of ordinary skill in the art. The back side optionally
contains a slit 18 for laterally opening a lower portion of the
glove body 15 when a hand is inserted into the glove 13.
[0015] In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a
golf glove comprising a palm side and a back side, wherein the palm
side has an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the
interior surface of the palm side comprises a raised element. The
raised element is located at a point such that it is in approximate
contact with any one of the multiple acupuncture points on the palm
side of the hand when the glove is worn. While the present
invention is not limited by the raised element being in contact
with a particular acupuncture point, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment
wherein a raised element 7 is located on the interior surface of
the palm side of the glove 1 such that it is in approximate contact
with the acupuncture point referred to as Laog ng when the glove is
worn. Laog ng is located on the palm of the hand between the 2nd
and 3rd metacarpal bones which the tip of the middle finger touches
when the fist is clenched.
[0016] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to
a golf glove comprising a palm side and a back side, wherein the
palm side has an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein
the interior surface of the palm side comprises at least two raised
elements. Each of the at least two raised elements is located at a
point such that it is in approximate contact with any one of the
multiple acupuncture points on the palm side of the hand when the
glove is worn. While the present invention is not limited by a
particular number of raised elements or by each raised element
being in contact with a particular acupuncture point, FIG. 2 shows
an embodiment wherein raised elements 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12
are located on the interior surface of the palm side of the glove 1
such that the raised elements are in approximate contact with the
acupuncture points referred to as K{hacek over (o)}uchu ngxue, Laog
ng, Yatongxue, X nj xue, Duohanxue, Weichangx e, and K{hacek over
(o)}uchu{hacek over (a)}ngxue, respectively, when the glove is
worn. K{hacek over (o)}uchu ngxue is located on the palm of the
hand at the middle of the transverse crease of the
metacarpo-phalangeal joint of the middle finger. As stated above,
Laog ng is located on the palm of the hand between the 2nd and 3rd
metacarpal bones which the tip of the middle finger touches when
the fist is clenched. Yatongxue is located on the palm of the hand
about 1 tsun behind the transverse crease of the finger and palm,
between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones. X nj xue is located on
the radial side of the metacarpo-phalangeal joint of the small
finger, lying on the palm surface of the hand. Duohanxue is located
at the center of the palm of the hand. Weichangx e is located on
the palm of the hand on the midpoint of the line connecting Laog ng
and Daling. Daling, not shown in FIG. 2, is located on the palm of
the hand on the middle of the transverse crease of the wrist
between the two tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor
carporadial. K{hacek over (o)}uchu{hacek over (a)}ngxue is located
on the palm of the hand on the ulnar side of the
metacarpo-phalangeal joint of the index finger.
[0017] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to
a golf glove comprising a palm side and a back side, wherein the
back side has an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein
the interior surface of the back side comprises a raised element.
The raised element is located at a point such that it is in
approximate contact with any one of the multiple acupuncture points
on the back side of the hand when the glove is worn. While the
present invention is not limited by the raised element being in
contact with a particular acupuncture point, FIG. 3 shows an
embodiment wherein a raised element 19 is located on the interior
surface of the back side of the glove 13 such that it is in
approximate contact with the acupuncture point referred to as Zu
g{hacek over (u)}shenjingxue when the glove is worn. Zu g{hacek
over (u)}shenjingxue is located at the dorsum of the hand between
the 4th and 5th metacarpo-phalangeal joints, near to the 4th
metacarpo-phalangeal joint.
[0018] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to
a golf glove comprising a palm side and a back side, wherein the
back side has an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein
the interior surface of the back side comprises at least two raised
elements. Each of the at least two raised elements is located at a
point such that it is in approximate contact with any one of the
multiple acupuncture points on the back side of the hand when the
glove is worn. While the present invention is not limited by a
particular number of raised elements or by each raised element
being in contact with a particular acupuncture point, FIG. 4 shows
an embodiment wherein raised elements 19, 27, 29, 30, 33, and 34
are located on the interior surface of the back side of the glove
13 such that the raised elements are in approximate contact with
the acupuncture points referred to as Zu g{hacek over
(u)}shenjingxue, J{hacek over (i)}ngxiangxue, Yanh uxue, F xiexue,
Y otu{hacek over (i)}xue, and Bit ngxue, respectively, when the
glove is worn. As stated above, Zu g{hacek over (u)}shenjingxue is
located at the dorsum of the hand between the 4th and 5th
metacarpo-phalangeal joints, near to the 4th metacarpo-phalangeal
joint. J{hacek over (i)}ngxiangxue is located at the dorsum of the
hand between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpo-phalangeal joints, near to
the 2nd metacarpo-phalangeal joint. Yanh uxue is located at the
dorsum of the hand between the 3rd and 4th metacarpo-phalangeal
joints, near to the 3rd metacarpo-phalangeal joint. F xiexue is
located at the dorsum of the hand between the 3rd and 4th
metacarpo-phalangeal joints, 1 tsun posterior to the joints. Y
otu{hacek over (i)}xue is located at the dorsum of the hand 1.5
tsun in front of the transverse crease of the wrist, one on the
radial side of the tendon of the extensor muscle of the 2nd finger,
and another on the ulnar side of the tendon of the extensor muscle
of the 4th finger. Bit ngxue is located at the dorsum of the hand
between the base of the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones.
[0019] In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed
to a golf glove comprising a palm side and a back side, wherein
each of the palm side and back side has an interior surface and an
exterior surface, wherein the interior surface of the palm side
comprises at least one palm side raised element, and wherein the
interior surface of the back side comprises at least one back side
raised element. Each of the one or more raised elements of the palm
side is located at a point such that it is in approximate contact
with any one of the multiple acupuncture points on the palm side of
the hand when the glove is worn. Each of the one or more raised
elements of the back side is located at a point such that it is in
approximate contact with any one or the multiple acupuncture points
on the back side of the hand when the glove is worn.
[0020] "Golf glove" is defined herein as a glove specifically
marketed for use during golf play, and not to a glove marketed for
non-golf purposes that may occasionally be worn while playing
golf.
[0021] "Approximate contact" with an acupuncture point is defined
herein as direct contact with an acupuncture point or within 0.250
inches thereof.
[0022] "Raised element" is defined herein as an area which extends
outward from the interior surface of a glove. At the widest part of
the raised element, the raised element is generally 0.30 inches or
less, or 0.25 inches or less, or 0.19 inches or less, and generally
extends 0.25 inches or less, or 0.19 inches or less, or 0.125
inches outward from the interior surface of the glove at the
highest point of the raised element. The present invention is not
limited by a particular material for forming the raised elements.
Suitable compositions for forming the raised elements include those
which are firm enough to apply pressure to acupuncture points when
the glove is in use, and soft enough such that discomfort does not
result. Examples of such compositions include, but are not limited
to, felt, natural and synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomers,
thermoplastic vulcanizates, and cork. Also suitable for forming
raised elements are crystals and stones, and especially crystals
and stones that are known to have healing properties, such as
abalone, agate, blue lace, botswana, fire, moss, albite,
alexandrite, amazonite, amber, amethyst, ammonite, angelite, apache
tears, apatite, apophyllite, aqua aura, aquamarine, aragonite,
aventurine, azurite, barite/barium, beryl stone, bloodstone, boji
stone, brass, calcite, lime green, calcite, carnelian, cat's eye,
celestite, cerussite, chalcedony, charoite, chrysoberyl,
chiastolite, chinese writing stone, chrysocolla, chrysoprase,
citrine, cobalt, copper, coral, corundum, creedite, cuprite,
danburite, desert rose, diamond, diopside/enstatite, dioptase,
dolomite, eilat stone, elestial, emerald, epidote, fairies' cross,
flint, fluorite, fuchsite, garnet, gem silica, geodes, gold,
goldstone, granite, hawk's eye/falcon's eye, hematite, herkimer
diamonds, hiddenite, howlite, iolite, ivory, jade, jasper, jet,
kundalini quartz, kunzite, kyanite, labradorite, lapis lazuli,
larimar, lepidolite, lodestone, malachite, marascite, marble,
meteorite, microline, mochi balls, moldavite, moonstone,
morganite/pink beryl, mother of pearl, muscovite, nephrite,
obsidian, onyx, opal, pearl, pecos diamond, peridot, petalite,
petrified wood, phenacite, platinum, prehnite, pyrite, quartz, rose
quartz, rhodochrosite, rhodonite, rhyolite, rubellite/red
tourmaline, ruby, rutilated/rutile quartz, sapphire, star sapphire,
sard, sardonyx, selenite, serpentine, shiva lingham, silica,
silver, smithsonite, smoky quartz, sodalite, spectrolite, spinel,
star ruby, staurolite, stichtite, stilbite, sugilite, sulphur,
sunstone, tanzanite, tektite, tiger's eye, topaz, tourmaline,
tourmalinated quartz, turquoise, ulexite, unakite, variscite,
worry/stress stone, wulfenite, zebra stone, zircon, and zoisite. In
embodiments of the present invention wherein the glove comprises
more than one raised element, any one of the raised elements may be
formed from the same composition as or a different composition than
any other of the raised elements. Also, in embodiments of the
present invention wherein the glove comprises more than one raised
element, any one of the raised elements may be of a size that is
the same as or different than the size of any other of the raised
elements.
[0023] While the illustrative embodiments of the invention have
been described with particularity, it will be understood that
various other modifications will be apparent to and can be readily
made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not
intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to
the illustrations, descriptions, and examples set forth herein, but
rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all of the
features of patentable novelty which reside in the present
invention, including all features which would be treated as
equivalents thereof by those of ordinary skill in the art to which
the invention pertains.
* * * * *