U.S. patent application number 13/361288 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-01 for golf glove having regions with microperforations.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kenneth S. Litke. Invention is credited to Kenneth S. Litke.
Application Number | 20130191961 13/361288 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48834025 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130191961 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Litke; Kenneth S. |
August 1, 2013 |
GOLF GLOVE HAVING REGIONS WITH MICROPERFORATIONS
Abstract
Golf gloves having selected perforated and non-perforated
regions are provided. In one preferred embodiment, the glove
contains perforations in the wrist portion, palm portion, each of
the middle, ring, little finger, and thumb portions, and along the
medial edge of the glove body from the wrist section to the little
finger portion. Preferably, the perforations have an average
diameter size of less than 1 mm. The glove fits tightly on a
wearer's hand and provides good gripping strength and a comfortable
feel.
Inventors: |
Litke; Kenneth S.; (Marion,
MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Litke; Kenneth S. |
Marion |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48834025 |
Appl. No.: |
13/361288 |
Filed: |
January 30, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/161.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/146
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/161.2 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/14 20060101
A63B071/14 |
Claims
1. A golf glove, comprising: a body comprising a front layer and
back layer, the front and back layers being joined together to
define a cavity for receiving a wearer's hand, the body including
an open end for inserting the wearer's hand and a closed end having
multiple finger portions and a thumb portion for receiving the
wearer's fingers and thumb respectively; the front layer having an
interior surface and exterior surface, the front interior surface
being in contact with the palm side of the wearer's hand when the
hand is received in the glove; the back layer having an interior
surface and exterior surface, the back interior surface being in
contact with the dorsal side of the wearer's hand when the hand is
received in the glove; the front layer further having a wrist
portion, palm portion; and index, middle, ring, and little finger
portions; and a thumb portion, wherein the front layer contains
multiple perforations solely in the wrist portion, each of the
middle, ring, and little finger portions, and thumb portion, and
along the medial edge of the glove body extending from the wrist
section to the little finger portion, the perforations having an
average diameter size of less than 1 mm.
2. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the front layer is formed of
a substantially inelastic material.
3. The golf glove of claim 2, wherein the inelastic material is
leather.
4. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the back layer is formed of a
substantially inelastic material.
5. The golf glove of claim 4, wherein the inelastic material is
leather.
6. The golf glove of claim 4, wherein the back layer further
contains layers of substantially elastic material, the elastic
material stretching lengthwise along each finger portion.
7. The golf glove of claim 4, wherein the back layer further
contains layers of substantially elastic material, the elastic
material stretching along each knuckle region of the finger
portions.
8. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the perforations have an
average diameter size of less than 0.5 mm.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to golf gloves that
fit tightly around a person's hand while also providing a
comfortable feel. More particularly, the golf glove contains
micro-perforations in selected regions that provide tiny conduits
for ventilation from the glove interior. These micro-perforations
allow the glove to better breathe thus keeping the hand cooler and
drier. The glove also contains non-perforated regions that provide
good gripping strength.
[0003] 2. Brief Review of the Related Art
[0004] Both professional and amateur golfers are interested in
gloves having good durability and flexibility. The durability of
the glove is important, because golfers use a variety of grips on
their clubs and constantly press the glove against the club grip.
Different areas of the glove can become overly worn and even
develop tears and rips after continuous use. Typically, the gloves
are made from natural leather and synthetic leather. It is also
important that the glove has good flexibility. Many conventional
gloves contain a thin piece of elastic material that runs across
the knuckle region. For example, a band of Lycra.RTM. spandex may
be wrapped around the knuckle region in the glove construction.
This stretchable material helps improve flexibility in the finger
and knuckle areas.
[0005] In recent years, the comfort level of the glove also has
become increasingly important. The glove should fit tightly around
the golfer's hand so that he/she can maintain a good grip on the
club, but, at the same time, it should be comfortable to wear. For
example, the hand inside of the glove should feel comfortable even
when the glove is being used in humid conditions. The glove should
not feel sticky and wet. In other words, the glove should
effectively "breathe" and allow air to pass into and out of the
glove so the wearer's hand feels comfortable under all weather
conditions. Golf glove manufacturers have looked to adding small
ventilation holes or perforations as one way for improving glove
breathability.
[0006] For example, Smeltzer, U.S. Patent Application Publication
U.S. 2009/0313742 discloses a golf glove having sections made of
elastic and inelastic material. The glove includes a palmar and
dorsal section. There are perforated holes positioned throughout
the glove for dissipating heat and moisture out of the glove.
Particularly, the perforations are spaced throughout every region
(palm, dorsal, wrist, finger, and thumb) of the glove as opposed to
being strategically positioned in selected regions of the
glove.
[0007] Although some golf gloves containing perforations are
generally effective in ventilating the interior of the glove, there
is a continuing need for improved glove constructions having good
durability and flexibility as well as breathability. The present
invention provides golf glove constructions having such properties
as well as other advantageous features and benefits.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to golf gloves that can fit
tightly on a wearer's hand and provide a comfortable feel. The
glove contains perforations in designated regions only and this
helps the glove breathe. Other areas of the glove do not contain
perforations, and this helps enhance the gripping strength of the
glove. These non-perforated areas further reduce the risk of tears
forming in the leather. Furthermore, the glove has good overall
durability and flexibility.
[0009] More particularly, in one preferred embodiment, the glove
includes a body comprising a front layer and back layer that are
joined together to define a cavity for receiving a wearer's hand.
The glove body further includes an open end, wherein the wearer can
insert his/her hand along with a closed end having multiple finger
portions and a thumb portion for receiving the wearer's fingers and
thumb, respectively. The front layer has an interior surface and
exterior surface so that the front interior surface is in contact
with the palm side of the wearer's hand when the hand is placed
into the glove. The back layer also has an interior surface and
exterior surface so that the back interior surface is in contact
with the dorsal side of the wearer's hand when the hand is placed
into the glove. The front layer further comprises a wrist portion,
palm portion; and index, middle, ring, and little finger portions;
and a thumb portion. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the
front layer contains multiple perforations solely in the wrist
portion, each of the middle, ring, little finger, and thumb
portions, and along the medial edge of the glove body extending
from the wrist section to the little finger portion. In this
embodiment, no other glove regions contain any perforations.
Preferably, the perforations have an average diameter size of less
than 1 mm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The novel features that are characteristic of the present
invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the
preferred embodiments of the invention, together with further
objects and attendant advantages, are best understood by reference
to the following detailed description in connection with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a golf glove of
the present invention showing micro-perforations in selected
regions of the glove;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a back view of the glove shown in FIG. 1; and
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the glove shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a left-handed golf glove (10) is
shown. The Figures illustrate a left-handed glove, but it should be
understood that the counterpart right-handed glove is a mirror
image having the same structure with a different orientation, and
does not need not be described and illustrated separately.
Moreover, although the glove will be described in this
specification as primarily a golf glove, it should be understood
the glove can be used in other end-use applications including, for
example, baseball, football, racquetball, cycling, weight-training,
gardening, work, construction, and the like in accordance with this
invention. The golf gloves shown in FIGS. 1-3 are for illustration
purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of
the invention.
[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the golf glove (10) generally includes a
body (12) comprising a front layer (14) and, as illustrated in FIG.
2, a back layer (16). The front and back layers (14, 16) are joined
together to define an interior cavity for receiving a person's
hand. More particularly, the glove body (12) generally includes an
open end (18) for inserting the hand and a closed end (20) having
sections for receiving the fingers (22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d) and a
section for receiving the thumb (24). The front layer (14) further
includes a palm portion (25). In one embodiment, the front layer
(14) including the finger portions (22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d) are
formed of a single piece of material and the separate thumb portion
(24) is joined to the palm portion (25) by stitching or other
suitable techniques such as welding, bonding, or adhesives. In
other embodiments, the finger portions (22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d);
thumb portion (24); and palm portion (25) can be provided in any
number of pieces of material and then joined together. In yet
another version, the finger portions (22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d),
thumb portion (24), and palm portion (25) are included in a single
piece of material.
[0016] Preferably, the front layer (14) is formed primarily of a
substantially inelastic material such as, for example, natural
leather, synthetic leather, other non-woven materials, natural
fabric, and synthetic fabric, among others. Suitable leather
materials include, for example, sheepskin, deerskin, doeskin, steer
hide, goatskin, and kangaroo skin, among others. In one preferred
embodiment, leather produced from the skins of sheep having hair
instead of wool (commonly referred to as "cabretta leather") is
used to form the front layer (14). Suitable non-woven materials
include, for example, nylon, nylon-acrylic, neoprene, or
terrycloth, among others. Polyurethane-coated nylons may be used as
the material for making the front layer (14) in one particular
embodiment. It also is recognized that other thermoplastic
materials can be used to form the front layer (14) in accordance
with this invention. As discussed above, in one preferred
embodiment, cabretta leather is used to form the front layer (14).
This leather material, when used in the glove constructions of this
invention, helps provide the glove with good wear-resistance and
comfort. Suitable leathers are available from Pittards PLC,
Sherborne Road, Yeovil, Somerset BA21 5BA, Great Britain.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 2, the back layer (16) of the glove (10)
is shown. The back layer (16) includes a dorsal section (32) having
a slit or opening (34) (shown in the closed position) that extends
from the wrist edge (37) towards the finger portions (22a, 22b,
22c, and 22d) of the glove. The slit (34), when opened, allows a
person to slip his/her hand into the glove more easily. The dorsal
section (32) further includes a flap or strap (35) having a
fixed-end portion (36) and free-end portion (38). The dorsal
section (32) and/or flap (35) may be imprinted with a logo,
tradename, symbol, or other mark as is customary with golf gloves.
The wearer places one hand into the glove (10) and uses the other
hand to grasp the flap (35) and pull it over the slit (34). Then,
the flap (35) is fastened to the opposing dorsal section (32) of
the glove to tighten and secure the glove on the wearer's hand.
Preferably, hook-and-loop fasteners such as Velcro.RTM. fasteners
are used to lock the flap (35) in place. More particularly, the
flap (35) has exterior (39) and interior (not shown) surfaces. Tiny
hook/loop fasteners are arranged on the interior surface of the
flap (35) and complementary hook/loop fasteners are arranged on the
opposing dorsal section (not shown) of the glove. When the flap
(35) is pulled over the slit (34), it is releasably attached to the
opposing dorsal side of the glove by mating the complementary
hook/loop fasteners together. The wearer of the glove may release
the flap (35) by simply pulling on it in an upward direction, and
then his/her hand may be removed easily. It is recognized that
other closure systems (for example, snap-on buttons, ties,
buttons/button holes, buckles, elastics, and the like) may be used
in addition to or in place of a hook/loop fastening system.
[0018] The back layer (16) also is preferably formed of a
substantially inelastic material such as, for example, natural
leather, synthetic leather, other non-woven materials, natural
fabric, and synthetic fabric, among others as discussed above.
Suitable leather materials include, for example, sheepskin,
deerskin, doeskin, steer hide, goatskin, and kangaroo skin, among
others. In one preferred embodiment, cabretta leather is used to
form the back layer (16). Suitable non-woven materials include
nylon, nylon-acrylic, neoprene, or terrycloth, among others. The
back layer (16) can further contain sections made of elastic
material to provide stretch in various directions. For example, an
elastic material may be disposed along the length of each finger
portion (22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d) to provide flexibility to these
areas. An elastic material also may be disposed over the knuckle
region (30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d) of each finger portion. The elastic
material stretches across each knuckle to provide flexibility. One
example of a suitable elastic material that can be used in the
glove is Lycra.RTM. spandex, available from DuPont.
[0019] Referring back to FIG. 1, the glove (10) includes a lateral
side (44) (that is, the side farthest away from the body) and
medial side (46) (that is, the side closest to the body). In FIG.
1, the front and back layers (14, 16) are shown attached to each
other along medial (42) side stitch line. The glove (10) shown in
FIG. 1 does not contain a lateral side stitch line. In some
versions, however, there may be a lateral side stich line, whereby
the front and back layers (14, 16) are joined together. In other
versions, there is no lateral stitch line or other lateral
attachment means for joining the front and back layers. Rather, the
front layer (14) of the glove simply wraps continuously around the
lateral side (44) to the back layer (16). The lateral side (44)
also can be referred to as radial side, and the medial side (46)
can be referred to as the ulnar side, the radius and ulna being the
two long bones in the forearm. When the arms are let down at the
sides of the body and the palms of the hands face forward, the ulna
is located at the side of the forearm closest to the body (medial
side). In addition, a wrist portion (50) extends from along the
proximal portion of the glove from a stitch line (52) on the ulnar
side (46) to a stitch line (54) on the radial side (44).
[0020] In FIG. 1, the thumb portion (24) is shown having a proximal
end (56) and a distal end (58). A stitch line (60) extends along
the thumb portion (24) to join the front and back layers of the
thumb. The thumb portion (24) is attached to the palm portion (25)
along an annular stitch line (62). Each finger portion (22a, 22b,
22c, and 22d) also includes proximal ends and distal ends. Stitch
lines also extend down the sides of the finger portions to join the
front and back layers (14, 16) of the glove along the fingers.
[0021] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the front and back layers (14, 16) of the
glove are shown containing perforations (70, 72). As discussed
further below, the front layer (14) contains perforations in
specifically designated regions. The back layer (16) may have
various designs and patterns, and it is not required that the back
layer contains perforations. A wide variety of back layer (16)
constructions, patterns, and designs may be used in the glove
constructions of this invention. It should be understood that the
front and back layers (14, 16) shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are for
illustrative purposes only and not meant to be restrictive. Other
perforation patterns and glove constructions may be made in
accordance with the present invention.
[0022] In conventional manufacturing methods used for producing
glove perforations, sheet material is fed between rollers and long,
pointed needles puncture all of the material. Then, the perforated
material is cut into various sections for assembling the glove. For
example, a Pecarry/Pigtex machine, operated by Hauser and Renner
e.k., (Ichenhausen, Germany) may be used to process the glove
material before the glove is assembled. In the present invention,
the micro-perforations are preferably formed in the designated
areas of the sheet material (for example, natural leather,
synthetic leather, or other fabric as discussed above) prior to
assembly of the glove. A relatively thin sheet(s) of material is
placed in a die having a shape corresponding to the contour of the
glove that ultimately will be produced. The die contains relatively
small durable pins in selected regions of the glove area. It is
important that the pins are sized properly and have the required
diameters. As discussed further below, the pins preferably have a
diameter size of less than about 1 mm so they may form
"micro-perforations." Furthermore, the pins must have sufficient
mechanical strength and durability so they can be used repeatedly
in the die-cutting operation. The spacing and alignment of the pins
can vary to provide the desired perforation pattern in the glove.
In one preferred embodiment, the pins are spaced apart so the
distance between neighboring pins is about 3 mm to about 7 mm, and
more preferably about 5 to 6 mm. During the die-cutting operation,
the pins are pressed against the sheet material in the selected
regions, thereby puncturing the material. The resulting
perforations provide the glove with ventilation spots and make the
glove more comfortable to wear as discussed further below.
[0023] The front layer (14) of the glove (10) of this invention
preferably contains micro-perforations, which have an average
diameter size smaller than conventional perforations in golf
gloves. By the term, "micro-perforations" as used herein, it is
meant perforations having an average diameter size of less than
about 1 mm. The micro-perforations may have an average diameter
size of less than about 0.8 mm and even less than 0.5 mm in some
instances. By the term, "standard-perforations" as used herein, it
is meant perforations having an average diameter size of about 1 mm
or greater. In one embodiment, both the front and back layers (14,
16) are made of leather and each layer contains micro-perforations.
In another embodiment, the front and back layers (14, 16) are made
of different materials and the front layer (14) contains
micro-perforations while the back layer (16) contains
standard-perforations. The micro-perforations (70) allow air to
pass into and out of the glove and reduce heat build-up. The
interior of the glove is cooled naturally in this manner. These
micro-perforations (70) provide micro-channels for sweat and
moisture to escape from the hand. Sweat and moisture can be removed
efficiently from the hand, thus keeping the hand drier and more
comfortable. Because the gloves effectively breathe and circulate
air throughout the glove, they are comfortable to wear. As shown in
FIG. 1 and as discussed further below, the glove contains
perforations in only selected regions. Other regions of the glove
(for example, the central palm area) do not contain perforations.
This perforated and non-perforated structure helps improve
durability, grip, and breathability. The glove has good
flexibility, particularly around the finger and thumb portions, as
well as good gripping strength. The golfer can press the club
firmly against the palm of their hand, wrap their fingers tightly
around the club grip, and maintain a good hold as the club face
makes impact with the ball. The non-perforated regions help improve
the gripping strength and durability of the glove. Meanwhile, the
selected perforated regions provide a means for air to pass into
and out of the glove and provide the wearer with a comfortable
feel.
[0024] More particularly, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1,
the micro-perforations (70) are disposed about the middle finger
(22b), ring finger (22c), and little finger (22d) portions. In
addition, the micro-perforations (70) are disposed about the thumb
portion (24). In this embodiment, neither the index finger portion
(22a) nor palm portion (25) contains any perforations. However, as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, there is also a series of
micro-perforations (70) extending along the medial edge (46) of the
glove body from the wrist section (50) to the little finger portion
(22d). In addition, the wrist section (50) contains perforations
extending from the wrist edge (37) of the glove to the base of the
thumb portion (24).
[0025] The glove of the present invention is designed to fit snugly
on a wearer's hand without sacrificing a nice feel. The glove is
skintight and yet it remains comfortable. As discussed above, the
glove contains micro-perforations in selected areas and this helps
the glove breathe. Other areas of the glove (for example, the
central palm portion) do not contain perforations, and these
non-perforated areas help enhance the gripping strength of the
glove. That is, the glove contains specially designated perforated
and non-perforated regions. More particularly, in one preferred
embodiment, about 55% of the surface area of the glove's front
layer contains micro-perforations. More preferably, the front layer
contains micro-perforations, wherein the lower limit of the
perforated surface area is about 55% or 65% or 70% or 75% and the
upper limit of perforated surface area is about 80% or 85% or 90%
or 95%. This perforated and non-perforated glove structure helps
the glove breathe and improve gripping strength. The wearer is
better able to grip the golf club while their hands inside of the
glove remain comfortable. Furthermore, the glove is durable and has
good wear-resistance. The wearer can press the golf club firmly
against the non-perforated palm region of their glove hand and
maintain a good grip as he/she swings and the club face makes
impact with the ball. Meanwhile, the perforated regions provide
tiny conduits for circulating air throughout the glove and this
helps provide a more comfortable feel to the wearer.
[0026] It should be understood the golf gloves shown in FIGS. 1-3
are for illustrative purposes only and not meant to be restrictive.
Other golf glove constructions can be made in accordance with this
invention. For example, in another embodiment, the golf glove
contains micro-perforations (70) disposed about the following
sections of the glove only: middle finger (22b), ring finger (22c),
little finger (22d) portions; wrist section (50); and along the
medial edge (46) of the glove body extending from the wrist section
(50) to the little finger (22d). There are no micro-perforations
disposed about the thumb portion (24), the index finger portion
(22a), or palm portion (25) in this one alternative version of the
glove.
[0027] When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are
set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these
values may be used. Other than in the operating examples, or unless
otherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges,
amounts, values and percentages such as those for amounts of
materials and others in the specification may be read as if
prefaced by the word "about" even though the term "about" may not
expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly,
unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set
forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations
that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be
obtained by the present invention.
[0028] It is understood that the golf gloves described and
illustrated herein represent only some embodiments of the
invention. It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that
various changes and additions can be made to compositions and
products without departing from the spirit and scope of this
invention. It is intended that all such embodiments be covered by
the appended claims.
* * * * *