U.S. patent application number 14/973228 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-27 for golf glove with ultrathin grip coating.
The applicant listed for this patent is CaddieSack LLC/DBA Caddy Daddy. Invention is credited to Greg Derbas, Rod Dunlap.
Application Number | 20170113117 14/973228 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58561649 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170113117 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dunlap; Rod ; et
al. |
April 27, 2017 |
GOLF GLOVE WITH ULTRATHIN GRIP COATING
Abstract
Disclosed is a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating. The
glove construction incorporating the ultrathin grip coating on the
palmar-grip surfaces of the glove's palm and fingers creates a more
secure grip on a golf club handle than golf gloves described in the
prior art. The coating retains its high coefficient of friction
with the golf club handle, even when wet. The more secure grip
leads to fewer missed shots resulting slippage and rotation of the
club handle in the golfer's hands during a golf swing. In some
versions of the glove, the ultrathin coating is a siliconized
rubber coating bonded to an underlying soft fabric which contacts
the skin of the golfer's hand. The siliconized rubber coating is
bonded to the fabric at an interface, wherein the fabric is infused
with the coating material.
Inventors: |
Dunlap; Rod; (Chandler,
AZ) ; Derbas; Greg; (Chandler, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CaddieSack LLC/DBA Caddy Daddy |
Chandler |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58561649 |
Appl. No.: |
14/973228 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62244949 |
Oct 22, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2209/10 20130101;
A63B 2209/00 20130101; A63B 71/146 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/14 20060101
A63B071/14 |
Claims
1. A golf glove comprising: a palm section; a dorsal section
coupled to the palm section; a thumb section coupled to the dorsal
section and the palm section; and an ultrathin coating-fabric
composite coupled to the palm section.
2. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the palm section comprises
the ultrathin coating-fabric composite coupled to an extent of the
palm section covering the entire length of the palm section.
3. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the ultrathin coating-fabric
composite comprises an extent of the palm section less than the
entire palm section.
4. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the ultrathin coating-fabric
composite is less than about six hundred (600) microns thick.
5. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the ultrathin coating-fabric
composite is about four hundred (400) microns thick.
6. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the ultrathin coating-fabric
composite is between about three hundred (300) and about one
thousand (1,000) microns thick.
7. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the ultrathin coating-fabric
composite comprises a silicone compound.
8. The golf glove of claim 7, wherein the ultrathin coating-fabric
composite comprises a coating of about two hundred (200) microns or
less in thickness.
9. The golf glove of claim 7, wherein the ultrathin coating-fabric
composite comprises a coating of greater than about two hundred
(200) microns in thickness.
10. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the dorsal section comprises
a first piece; a second piece coupled to the first piece; and a
third piece coupled to the second piece, wherein the third piece
comprises a ventilation hole.
11. The golf glove of claim 10, wherein the first piece comprises a
ventilation hole.
12. The golf glove of claim 10, wherein the thumb section comprises
a first panel coupled to the third piece and a grip panel coupled
to the first panel and the third piece.
13. The golf glove of claim 12, wherein the grip panel comprises an
ultrathin grip coating.
14. The golf glove of claim 12, wherein the grip panel comprises a
flexion cutout.
15. A method of forming a golf glove comprising: a coating step,
wherein a fabric is coated with an ultrathin grip coating; a
cutting step, wherein the coated fabric is cut to form a palm
section; and a first coupling step, wherein the palm section is
coupled to a dorsal section.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising a second coupling
step wherein a grip section is coupled to the dorsal section.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the ultrathin grip coating is
about two hundred (200) microns or less in thickness.
18. A method of using a golf glove comprising: a donning step,
wherein a user dons a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating; a
gripping step, wherein the user grips a golf club handle of a golf
club in the golf glove; an increasing step, wherein the ultrathin
grip coating increases friction between the golf glove and a golf
club handle; a reducing step, wherein the ultrathin grip coating
reduces slippage of a golf club handle gripped by the user of the
golf glove; and a swinging step, wherein the user of the golf glove
swings a golf club in contact with the ultrathin grip coating.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the reducing step further
comprises reduction of rotational slippage of the golf club handle
gripped by the user of the golf glove.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the ultrathin grip coating is
about two hundred (200) microns or less in thickness.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Patent
Application No. 62/244,949 filed Oct. 22, 2015 and entitled "Golf
Glove with Ultrathin Grip Coating" which is incorporated entirely
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Technical Field
[0003] This invention relates to golf gloves with grip coatings. In
particular, the disclosed invention relates to a fabric golf glove
with a palmar surface bonded to an ultra-thin silicon coating and
methods of formation.
[0004] State of the Art
[0005] Since its modern origins in 15.sup.th century Scotland, golf
has grown to become a popular game worldwide. Currently, golf is
widely played in the United States and throughout the world. Golf
gloves are a relatively recent introduction to the game, first
appearing in the late nineteenth century and only becoming popular
in the 1950's. In addition to protecting the golfer's hand(s) from
blisters, calluses, and abrasions from gripping the club handle,
golf gloves may improve the player's grip on the club handle by
increasing friction and making the club handle less slippery.
Consequently, the palms of some golf gloves have a grip surface.
The surface often is a panel of material which creates increased
friction with the club handle, commonly leather. Many golfers,
however, continue to use a golf glove with no grip surface.
Although a grip surface bonded to the palm of the golf glove may
substantially increase the golfer's grip, golf gloves comprising a
grip surface have disadvantages.
[0006] A fundamental disadvantage is that, grip surfaces add
thickness to the glove fabric. A thicker glove fabric limits and
reduces the tactile sensation transmitted through the glove to the
golfer's hands and fingers. Reduced tactile sensation contributes
to inaccurate shots. A thicker glove fabric also impedes
dissipation of body heat and may increase sweating of the golfer's
gloved hand. A thicker glove fabric which extends onto the palmer
surface of the glove fingers may limit movement of the golfer's
fingers slightly, causing discomfort and even affecting play.
Additionally, a grip surface such as leather loses much of the
increased friction with the club handle when it becomes wet, such
as in a light rain or from condensation on a container filled with
a cold drink. When friction is decreased, the club handle is more
likely to rotate in the golfer's hands during the swing or when
striking the golf ball, causing a missed shot. Decreased grip
friction requires a tighter grip by the golfer which often causes
an irregular swing and a missed shot.
[0007] Accordingly, what is needed is a golf glove with a grip
surface with a high coefficient of friction--whether dry or
wet--that is thin but durable, lightweight, breathable, flexible,
and readily transmits tactile sensation to the golfer's palms and
fingers contacting the golf club through the glove.
DISCLOSURE OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
from the following more particular description of the invention and
the accompanying drawings.
[0009] Disclosed is a golf glove comprising a palm section, a
dorsal section coupled to the palm section, and a thumb section
coupled to the dorsal section and the palm section.
[0010] In some embodiments, the palm section comprises an ultrathin
coating-fabric composite. In some embodiments, the palm section
comprises the ultrathin coating-fabric composite coupled to an
extent of the palm section covering the entire length of the palm
section. In some embodiments, the ultrathin coating-fabric
composite comprises an extent of the palm section less than the
entire palm section. In some embodiments, the composite is less
than about six hundred (600) microns thick. In some embodiments,
the composite is about four hundred (400) microns thick. In some
embodiments, the composite is between about three hundred (300) and
about one thousand (1,000) microns thick. In some embodiments, the
composite comprises a silicone compound. In some embodiments, the
silicone compound comprises a coating of about two hundred (200)
microns or less in thickness. In some embodiments, the composite
comprises a synthetic fabric. In some embodiments, the synthetic
fabric comprises nylon. In some embodiments, the synthetic fabric
comprises rayon. In some embodiments, the synthetic fabric
comprises a polyester-polyurethane copolymer. In some embodiments,
the composite comprises a natural fabric. In some embodiments, the
composite comprises a blended fabric.
[0011] In some embodiments, the dorsal section comprises a first
piece and a second piece coupled to the first piece. In some
embodiments, the first piece comprises a synthetic fabric. In some
embodiments, the first piece comprises a natural fabric. In some
embodiments, the first piece comprises an elastomeric fabric. In
some embodiments, the first piece comprises a mesh fabric. In some
embodiments, the second piece comprises a thickened fabric. In some
embodiments, the second piece comprises a ventilation hole.
[0012] In some embodiments, the thumb section comprises a first
panel coupled to the third piece and a grip panel coupled to the
first panel and the third piece. In some embodiments, the first
panel comprises a synthetic fabric. In some embodiments, the first
panel comprises a natural fabric. In some embodiments, the first
panel comprises an elastomeric fabric. In some embodiments, the
first panel comprises a mesh fabric. In some embodiments, the grip
panel comprises an ultrathin grip coating. In some embodiments, the
grip panel comprises a flexion cutout.
[0013] Disclosed is a method of forming a golf glove comprising a
coating step, wherein a fabric is coated with an ultrathin grip
coating; a cutting step, wherein the coated fabric is cut to form a
palm section; and a first coupling step, wherein the palm section
is coupled to a dorsal section.
[0014] In some embodiments, the method further comprises a second
coupling step wherein a grip section is coupled to the dorsal
section. In some embodiments, the ultrathin grip coating is about
two hundred (200) microns or less in thickness.
[0015] Disclosed is a method of using a golf glove comprising a
donning step, an increasing step, and a reducing step, and a
swinging step.
[0016] In some embodiments, the donning step comprises donning a
golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating. In some embodiments, the
increasing step comprises increasing friction between an ultrathin
grip coating and a golf club handle. In some embodiments, the
reducing step comprises reducing slippage of a golf club handle
gripped by a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating. In some
embodiments, the swinging step comprises swinging a golf club
gripped by a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating.
[0017] Disclosed is a method of using an ultrathin grip coating
comprising a step donning a golf glove with an ultrathin grip
coating; a step increasing friction between an ultrathin grip
coating and a golf club handle; a step reducing slippage of a golf
club handle gripped by a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating;
and a step swinging a golf club gripped by a golf glove with an
ultrathin grip coating.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1a is a front view of a golf glove with an ultrathin
grip coating;
[0019] FIG. 1b is a palmar perspective view of a donned golf glove
with an ultrathin grip coating;
[0020] FIG. 1c is an alternative palmar perspective view of a
donned golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating;
[0021] FIG. 2a is a back view of a golf glove with an ultrathin
grip coating;
[0022] FIG. 2b is a back perspective view of a golf glove with an
ultrathin grip coating with an open closure tab;
[0023] FIG. 3a is a rear perspective view of a donned glove with an
ultrathin grip coating;
[0024] FIG. 3b is an alternative rear perspective view of a donned
golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating;
[0025] FIG. 3c is an additional rear perspective view of a donned
golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating;
[0026] FIG. 4a is a thumb-side perspective view of a donned golf
glove with an ultrathin grip coating;
[0027] FIG. 4b is front perspective view of a thumb section of a
donned golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating;
[0028] FIG. 4c is a thumb-side perspective view of a donned golf
gloved with an ultrathin grip coating;
[0029] FIG. 4d is a rear perspective view of a thumb section of a
donned golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the steps of a
method of forming a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating;
and
[0031] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the steps of a
method of using a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0032] As discussed above, the disclosed invention relates to golf
gloves with grip coatings. In particular, the disclosed invention
relates to a fabric golf glove with a palmar surface bonded to an
ultra-thin silicon coating and methods of formation.
[0033] A wide range of golf gloves with various club-handle grip
surfaces are commercially available. Depending on the particular
grip, however, these available gloves fail to simultaneously meet a
golfer's needs of a grip surface that has a high coefficient of
friction with a club handle, maintains friction when wet, is thin
yet durable, lightweight, breathable, flexible, and readily
transmits tactile sensation to the golfer's palms and fingers
contacting the golf club through the glove.
[0034] For example, leather grips can be made fairly thin, are
soft, flexible, and generally very comfortable. Leather grips
transmit considerable tactile sensation to the golfer's hand and
fingers gripping the club handle. Leather grips do not, however,
maintain a high coefficient of friction with the club handle when
they become wet. Consequently, the golfer must use a tighter grip
which may negatively affect the golfer's swing and lead to missed
shots. Further, when wet leather dries, it often becomes hard and
brittle, losing its wearability and its tactile sensitivity. The
thin leather material which is most comfortable and most effective
at transmitting tactile sensation is not durable, tending to
wear-through fairly quickly and to tear easily.
[0035] Rubberized grips are also available. In some cases, patches
of a rubberized fabric, such as thin neoprene, is incorporated into
the glove surface by stitching. Rubberized grips have a very high
coefficient of friction, which is retained under wet conditions.
Rubberized grips are more durable than leather. Rubber, or
rubberized fabric, however, is relatively thick and does not
transmit touch well. Rubberized grip surfaces are also insulators,
causing heat retention with palmar sweating, becoming uncomfortable
for the golfer during play.
[0036] Siliconized materials, including silicone rubber, have
similar coefficients of friction as rubberized materials. Silicon
coatings and siliconized rubber can be made thinner, and therefore
more tactile, than rubber. Generally, the greater the silicone
content of the material, the thinner and more tactile the material
is that can be used in a golf glove. Additionally siliconized
coatings have been developed which are incorporated into a base
fabric, coating the fabric with the material. Although thinner than
rubber, siliconized coatings used in sports gloves, such as those
worn by football receivers, are greater than about 0.6 to 0.8
millimeters (six hundred to eight hundred microns) thick and
markedly limit tactile sensation when compared to other materials
used in golf gloves, such as thin leather, for example. These
thicker silicone-coated fabrics are relatively inelastic and
therefore wrinkle where they cover a flexor surface of a joint,
such as the flexor surfaces of the fingers the thumb joints.
[0037] The disclosed embodiments provide an inventive solution to
the aforementioned problems. The golf glove with ultrathin grip
coating incorporates a grip surface onto a golf glove wherein the
grip surface has a high coefficient of friction with the club
handle, maintains friction even when wet. The grip surface
comprises an ultrathin coating-fabric composite--an ultrathin
material which transmits tactile sensations well, is comfortable
and durable--and extends uninterrupted, in some embodiments, to
cover the entire palmar surface of the golfer's hand and fingers.
Other functional elements include panels shaped to prevent bunching
and wrinkling of the grip surface, and provisions for ventilation.
Methods of using the disclosed invention provide for increasing
friction between the golfer's gloved hand and the club handle so
that less grip force is needed, reducing club slippage in the
golfers hands and the number of resulting missed shots. The
increased friction provided by the ultrathin coating-fabric
composite is particularly useful in resisting rotation of the club
handle in the golfer's hand from torsional forces generated in the
club shaft when the golf club head impacts the golf ball.
[0038] FIGS. 1a-c show the palmar elements of a golf glove 100.
FIG. 1a is a front view of a golf glove with an ultrathin grip
coating. FIG. 1b is a palmar perspective view of a donned golf
glove with an ultrathin grip coating. FIG. 1c is an alternative
palmar perspective view of a donned golf glove with an ultrathin
grip coating.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1a-c, golf glove 100 comprises three
sections: a palm section 110, a dorsal section 120 (not shown in
FIGS. 1a-c), and a thumb section 130. In some embodiments, these
three sections are cut and assembled independently to provide for
increased flexibility without wrinkling or bunching of less elastic
materials relative to more elastic materials, particularly over the
flexor (palmar) surfaces of the fingers and palm. Additionally,
multiple sections allow for maximal movement of the joints of the
hand and fingers without causing resistance to or limitation of
hand and finger movement.
[0040] Palm section 110 is coupled to dorsal section 120 and thumb
section 130 to form golf glove 100. Palm section 110, dorsal
section 120, and thumb section 130 are cut and coupled to one
another to form golf glove 100 by an acceptable method, in some
embodiments, such as by stitching, application of bonding
adhesives, thermal bonding, and the like. These examples are not
meant to be limiting; additional acceptable coupling methods are
used, in some embodiments.
[0041] When a user-golfer dons golf glove 100, as shown in FIG. 1b
and FIG. 1c, palm section 110 completely covers the golfer's palm
and extends distally along the palmar surface of the fingers to the
fingertips, and proximally onto the palmer surface of the wrist, in
some embodiments. The width of sections of palm section 110
extending onto the fingers is adequate for palm section 110 to
extend at least slightly onto the radial and ulnar surfaces of the
fingers when coupled to dorsal section 120, wherein the entire
palmar surface and a portion of the radial and ulnar surfaces of
the fingers are covered by palm section 110 when golf glove 100 is
donned, as seen in FIG. 1b and FIG. 1c.
[0042] Palm section 110, in some embodiments, is formed from a
cloth material bonded to a coating to form an ultrathin
coating-fabric composite. The coating comprises a high-friction
material which is sufficiently thin as to transmit a high level of
tactile sensation through the coating to the golfer's hand, when
glove 100 is donned. In some embodiments, the high-friction
material is siliconized rubber. In some embodiments, the
high-friction material comprises alternative compounds. In some
embodiments wherein siliconized rubber is used, the siliconized
coating provides a contact surface with the club handle that
maintains a very high coefficient of friction, regardless of the
presence of moisture. Importantly, the ultrathin coating-fabric
composite is manufactured very thin and therefore is not only more
comfortable but also more effective in transmitting tactile
sensation to the user than thicker coatings and thicker fabrics
described in the prior art. This ultrathin coating is bonded to an
underlying fabric and does not separate from the fabric. The
coating-fabric composite is thin and flexible. An external surface
of the coating-fabric composite contacts the club handle and, in
some embodiments, is a glossy silicon surface with a high
coefficient of friction. An internal surface of the ultrathin
coating-fabric composite comprising uncoated woven cloth material,
when donned, contacts the skin of the hand and fingers of the
user.
[0043] "Very thin" is used synonymously here with "ultrathin," and
means, in some embodiments, less than about six hundred (600)
microns in thickness. In some embodiments, the ultrathin coating
fabric-composite comprising palm section 110 is about four hundred
(400) microns thick. In some embodiments, the ultrathin coating
fabric-composite comprising palm section 110 is about or less than
two hundred (200) microns thick. The internal surface and the
external surface are irreversibly bonded together at a fusion layer
wherein the substance of the external siliconized layer infuses the
woven cloth substance of the internal cloth layer. The internal
surface that contacts the user's skin comprises the fabric layer
inner surface which is substantially devoid of the siliconized
coating. Consequently, the inner surface feels soft, comfortable,
and slightly moisture absorbent against the skin of user's hand.
The external layer's siliconized material does not directly contact
the user's skin, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the
internal fabric layer comprises a synthetic fabric, such as nylon,
rayon, polyester, polyurethane, Spandex.RTM., or the like. In some
embodiments, the fabric layer comprises a natural fabric, such as
cotton. In some embodiments, the fabric layer comprises a blended
fabric, such as a nylon-Spandex.RTM. blend or a cotton-rayon blend,
for example. These examples are not meant to be limiting; the
fabric layer is formed from a fabric or blended fabric which is
suitably soft and comfortable for the user, in some embodiments.
Therefore, palm section 110 presents a soft, comfortable internal
surface to the user's skin and a glossy, high-friction external
surface to the club handle.
[0044] FIGS. 1a-c additionally shows a plurality of ventilation
holes 102. In some embodiments, including the embodiments shown in
the figures, palm section 110 comprises a plurality of ventilation
holes 102, and additional elements of golf glove 100 discussed
later herein below. Ventilation holes 102, in some embodiments, are
relatively small holes punched through the material comprising palm
section 110 and other elements of golf glove 100. The size and
number of ventilation holes 102 is sufficient to provide palm
section 110 with breathability, despite incorporation of relatively
non-breathable materials, such as siliconized rubber for example,
wherein the user's comfort is increased.
[0045] Other elements of golf glove 100 shown in FIGS. 1a-c include
a gathered segment 108 and a first panel 132 of thumb section 130.
These elements are discussed in detail herein below, in conjunction
with other of the drawing figures.
[0046] FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b are back perspective views of golf glove
100. As shown in FIG. 2a, dorsal section 120 of golf glove 100
comprises three pieces: a first piece 122, a second piece 124, and
a third piece 126. Dorsal section 120 does not contact a golf club,
therefore dorsal section 120 is designed for general fit, comfort
and durability. As mentioned herein above, dorsal section 120 is
coupled along its edges to palm section 110, wherein dorsal section
120 and palm section 110 are sized, cut, and coupled to fit snugly
over the user's hand and comprise golf glove 100, absent thumb
section 130.
[0047] First piece 122 is coupled to second piece 124 and palm
section 110. First piece 122 covers the back of the user's hand and
is designed to fit snugly, but comfortably, so that the portion of
palm section 110 coupled to first piece 122 is drawn snugly across
the user's palm and does not slip or shift against the user's hand,
allowing for a secure grip on a golf club. Accordingly, first piece
122 is formed from a durable section of natural or synthetic
fabric, or a blended fabric in some embodiments, such as natural
leather, synthetic microfiber, a cotton-polyester blend, a
cotton-Spandex.RTM. blend, and the like. Generally, first piece 122
is thicker than other elements of golf glove 100, in some
embodiments. In some alternative embodiments, first piece 122 is
formed of a relatively inelastic mesh-weave fabric, wherein the
mesh weave creates breathability and the relatively inelasticity
keeps palm section 110 stretched across the golfer's palm when
glove 100 is donned, tending to prevent wrinkles or bunching in
palm section 110 which would decrease friction with a club handle
gripped by the user of golf glove 100.
[0048] In some embodiments of golf glove 100, additional elements
are coupled to first piece 122. As shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b,
gathered segment 108 extends across first piece 108. In some
embodiments, gathered segment 108 comprises an internally-coupled
elastomeric member stitched to the externally-located first piece
122 of dorsal section 120 and palm section 110. Gathered segment
108 allows the elastomeric member to snugly but comfortably tighten
the opening of golf glove 100 around the wrist of the user by
bunching a portion of first piece 122, when donned. A closure tab
104 is coupled to first piece 122, in some embodiments. Closure tab
104 is coupled to first piece 122 proximate to an adjustable cutout
123 of first piece 124, as shown in FIG. 2b, wherein closure tab
104 reversibly couples to a closure patch 105, which is coupled to
first piece 122 opposite adjustable cutout 123 from closure tab
104. Closure tab 104 and coupling patch 105 comprise a
complementary coupling means, such as a hook-and-loop coupling
means similar to that shown in FIG. 2b, which allows for adjustable
tensioning of first piece 122 across the back of the user's hand
via adjustable cutout 123. In some embodiments, a ball marker 106
is coupled to first piece 122, as shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b.
Ball marker 106, in some embodiments, comprises a detachable snap
which may be removed by the user to mark the location of the user's
ball on the putting green, wherein the user must remove his ball to
allow another golfer an unobstructed putt. After use, the user
snaps ball marker 105 back onto a receiving member (not shown)
coupled to first piece 122.
[0049] Second piece 124 couples to first piece 122 and third piece
126 to form dorsal section 120, which covers the entire back of the
hand and fingers when donned by a user. Second piece 124, in some
embodiments, comprises a breathable fabric with a slightly
elastomeric weave. The elastomeric weave allows second piece 124 to
stretch across the flexed knuckles of the user's hand as the user
grips a club and recoil to its un-stretched size when the user
opens her hand. As shown in FIG. 2b, second piece 124 is
additionally coupled to palm section 110 wherein the elastomeric
composition of second piece 124, in some embodiments, maintains
consistent tension on palm section 110, keeping palm section 110
flat against the user's palm, regardless of whether the user's hand
is clenched or relaxed. In some embodiments, second piece 124
comprises the same fabric as forms the internal layer of palm
section 110, but without the bonded ultra-thin grip coating. Second
piece 124 is not subject to the tension, shear, and frictional
forces of various other elements of golf glove 100 and, therefore,
second piece 124 need not be thick or particularly durable. Rather,
second piece 124, in some embodiments, is the thinnest, most
flexible, and most breathable element of golf glove 100, and
provides for the user's comfort above other considerations. In some
embodiments, second piece 124 comprises an elastomeric-nylon weave
fabric. In some embodiments, second piece 125 comprises an
elastomeric-blended cotton and Spandex.RTM. fabric. In some
embodiments, second piece 124 comprises a "fishnet" mesh-weave
fabric. These aforementioned examples are not meant to be limiting;
second piece 124 may be formed from any suitable elastomeric or
non-elastomeric fabric known in the textile arts which is
sufficiently lightweight and breathable to afford comfort to the
user of golf glove 100.
[0050] Third piece 126, in some embodiments, comprises a plurality
of segments wherein third piece 126 covers the distal segment of
the user's fingers and thumb. Unlike second piece 122, third piece
124 is subject to some degree of increased stress and abrasion
because third piece 124 covers the fingernails and thumbnail of a
user of golf glove 100. Accordingly, third piece 126 is formed, in
some embodiments, from a material that is relatively thicker and
more durable, similar to first piece 122.
[0051] In some embodiments, first piece 122, third piece 126, or
first piece 122 and third piece 126 comprise a plurality of
ventilation holes 102, as shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b.
[0052] FIGS. 3a-c are rear perspective views of a donned glove with
an ultrathin grip coating. As shown in FIGS. 3a-c, golf glove 100
fits snugly on the hand of a user. In the embodiments shown,
closure tab 104 is coupled to and partially overlaps coupling patch
105, illustrating the continuous adjustability of the closure means
across the full width of adjustable cutout 123.
[0053] FIG. 4a-d show detail of thumb section 130 of golf glove
100. Thumb section 130 is formed from patches of material separate
from palm section 110 and dorsal section 120 to allow for greater
flexibility and better fit of golf glove 100 over the thumb of a
user. The shape of the elements comprising thumb section 130 is
important to provide a smooth fit of glove 100 over the golfer's
thumb.
[0054] FIG. 4a is a thumb-side perspective view of a donned golf
glove 100 with an ultrathin grip coating. As shown in FIG. 4a,
thumb section 130 comprises a first panel 132 coupled to third
section 126. First panel 132 is coupled to third section 126, such
as by stitching, use of an adhesive, a thermal means, or the like,
similar to the coupling of other elements of golf glove 100.
Similar to second piece 122 of dorsal section 120, first panel 132
of thumb section 130 comprises an elastomeric fabric, in some
embodiments. This fabric is chosen based upon comfort-related
properties such as breathability and flexibility over durability.
This consideration is in keeping with first panel 132 covering the
extensor surface of the user's thumb, and therefore needing to be
elastomeric, stretching with thumb flection and returning to its
original size and shape with relaxation or extension of the
thumb.
[0055] FIG. 4b is front perspective view of a thumb section of a
donned golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating. FIG. 4b shows a
grip panel 136 of thumb section 130, coupled to first panel 132,
third piece 126, and palm section 110. Grip panel 136 comprises an
ultrathin coating-fabric composite. As shown in FIG. 4b, grip panel
136 is located on the palmar surface of glove 100, coupled to palm
section 110. Therefore, when glove 100 is donned, grip panel 136
extends to cover the entire palmar surface of the golfer's thumb,
in some embodiments. In some embodiments, grip panel 136 is formed
from an identical coated fabric composite as the ultrathin
coating-fabric composite of palm section 110, described in detail
herein above. In some embodiments, grip panel 136 of thumb section
130 is formed from a similar ultrathin coating-fabric composite as
the ultrathin coating-fabric composite of palm section 110. FIG. 4b
additionally shows a flexion cutout 137 of palm section 110.
Flexion cutout 137 is a notch-shape cut into the contour of an edge
of palm section 110, in some embodiments, coupled which allows for
increased flexibility of thumb section 130 without wrinkling or
bunching grip panel 136 when the thumb is flexed, such as when
gripping a golf club.
[0056] FIG. 4c and FIG. 4d show a rear-side perspective detail view
of the coupling between first panel 132 of thumb section 130 and
palm section 110. As these figures show, the coupled seam between
palm section 110 and first panel 132 is a generally smooth curve
interrupted by flexion cutout 137, in some embodiments.
[0057] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the steps of a
method 200 of forming a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating.
As shown in FIG. 5, method 200 comprises a coating step 210, a
cutting step 220, and a coupling step 230.
[0058] Coating step 210 comprises coating a cloth material with a
high-friction material to form an ultrathin coating-fabric
composite. In some embodiments, the high-friction material is
siliconized rubber; in some embodiments, another suitable
high-friction material is used. This ultrathin coating is bonded to
an underlying fabric and does not separate from the fabric. The
coating-fabric composite is thin and flexible. An external surface
of the coating-fabric composite contacts the club handle and, in
some embodiments, is a glossy silicon surface with a high
coefficient of friction. An internal surface of the ultrathin
coating-fabric composite comprising uncoated woven cloth, in some
embodiments. In some embodiments of method 200, the ultrathin grip
coating is about two hundred (200) microns or less in
thickness.
[0059] Cutting step 220 comprises cutting the coated fabric to form
a palm section. A suitable cutting method utilizing a blade, such
as a knife blade, a scissors blade, or an industrial cutting blade
is used, in some embodiments. The palm section is cut to a
predetermined size and shape according to a glove pattern, in some
embodiments.
[0060] First coupling step 230 comprises coupling the palm section
to a dorsal section. In some embodiments, stitching the palm
section to the dorsal section is used. A coupling technique,
including but not limited to, stitching, gluing, annealing, or the
like is used, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, method 200
further comprises comprising a second coupling step wherein a grip
section is coupled to the dorsal section.
[0061] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the steps of a
method 300 of using a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating. As
shown in FIG. 6, method 300 comprises a donning step 310, an
increasing step 320, a reducing step 330, and a swinging step
340.
[0062] Donning step 310 comprises donning a golf glove with an
ultrathin grip coating. Donning step 310 is performed, in some
embodiments, by a golfer placing the golf glove on the golfer's
non-dominant hand prior to beginning play. In some embodiments,
donning step 310 further comprises selecting a properly sized
glove. In some embodiments, donning step 310 further comprises
adjusting and reversibly coupling a closure tab to a coupling patch
as to create a snug fit of the glove over the golfer's palm without
unduly constriction the golfer's gloved hand.
[0063] Increasing step 320 comprises increasing friction between an
ultrathin grip coating and a golf club handle. The ultrathin grip
coating provides the structure with which increasing step 320 is
performed, wherein the ultrathin grip coating comprises a
relatively thin, such as four hundred (400) microns, for example,
coating-fabric composite, such as a cloth fabric material bonded to
a siliconized rubber coating. This is by way of non-limiting
example only, other cloth fabric materials and coatings are used to
from the ultrathin coating-fabric composite, in some embodiments.
The ultrathin grip coating, in some embodiments, completely
overlays the golfer's palm and the palmer surface of the entire
length of the golfer's fingers, such that increasing step 320 is
accomplished by maximizing the surface area of the ultrathin grip
coating in contact with the handle of a golf club.
[0064] Given that the total frictional force is the product of the
coefficient of friction between two contacting materials and the
surface area comprising the contacted surfaces, increasing either
or both of 1) the coefficient of friction between the surfaces; and
2) the total surface-contacted surface are will increase the total
frictional force. Embodiments of increasing step 300 accomplish
increasing the friction between the ultrathin grip coating and the
handle of a golf club by providing an ultrathin grip coating with a
high coefficient of friction. Some embodiments of increasing step
200 additionally accomplish increasing the friction between the
ultrathin grip coating and the handle of a golf club by covering
the entire palmar surface of the golfer's hand and fingers, wherein
the total contacted surface between the ultrathin grip coating and
the golf club handle is maximal.
[0065] Reducing step 330 comprises reducing slippage of a golf club
handle gripped by a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating.
During a golf swing, and when hitting a golf ball, rotational
torque is generate in the handle of the golf club gripped by the
golfer. Friction between the golfer's hand and the club handle
tends to oppose this rotational torque. Reducing step 330 is
performed by virtue of the increased frictional force caused by
increasing step 320. Reducing slippage of a golf club handle
gripped by a golfer is greatly desired, because to his an accurate
shot, the golf club should not slip or otherwise move within the
hands of the golfer during the golf swing, or upon contacting the
golf ball during the golf swing.
[0066] Given again that the total frictional force mentioned herein
above is the product of the frictional force multiplied by that
portion of the gripping force normal (perpendicular) to the
contacted surfaces, increasing the total frictional force by
increasing the coefficient of friction allows for decreasing the
normal force; i.e., the golfer's gripping force on the club handle,
while maintaining the same resistance to club slippage. Otherwise
stated, reducing step 330 is accomplished by use of an ultrathin
grip coating wherein the golfer may loosen his or her grip slightly
without allowing slippage of the golf club handle as he or she
swings the club and hits the shot. In golf, a firm but relaxed grip
allows for accurate shots, while an excessively tight grip may
create altered swing dynamics leading to inaccurate shots. The
ultrathin coating-fabric composite, therefore, creates a higher
number of accurate shots by allowing the golfer to relax the grip
slightly while retaining the same amount of friction between the
golf glove and the club grip surface.
[0067] Swinging step 340 comprises swinging a golf club gripped by
a golf glove with an ultrathin coating-fabric composite. As
discussed herein above, swinging a golf club with a relaxed but
adequately firm grip without allowing slippage of the club allows
for an accurate shot, depending upon the skill of the golfer.
[0068] A golf glove with ultrathin coating-fabric composite and a
method of use has been described. The golf glove overcomes
deficiencies in the prior art by providing a grip surface
comprising a high-friction grip on a golf club handle, even when
wet, while remaining lightweight, flexible, and effectively
transmitting a high degree of tactile sensation to the hand and
fingers of the user. The method of use effectively results in
reduced slippage of a golf club handle swung by a golfer wearing a
golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating, eliminating missed shots
caused by the golf club handle rotating in the golfer's hands
during the golf swing.
[0069] The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented
in order to best explain the present invention and its practical
application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the
art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill
in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and
examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and
example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.
Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the
teachings above.
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