U.S. patent application number 16/186484 was filed with the patent office on 2020-05-14 for performance gloves.
The applicant listed for this patent is John C. Uribe Ramirez. Invention is credited to John C. Ramirez, Melina Uribe.
Application Number | 20200146373 16/186484 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 70552085 |
Filed Date | 2020-05-14 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200146373 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ramirez; John C. ; et
al. |
May 14, 2020 |
Performance Gloves
Abstract
The present invention relates to sports apparatus and equipment,
and uses thereof, used in playing the game of various sports. The
present invention and its multi-sport glove embodiments
significantly enhance the overall performance in athletic tasks
and/or execution commonly associated during sports play,
particularly in, but not limited to, football and golf by
configuring to meet the specific requirements of a football
quarterback's throwing hand and a golfer's dominant hand, for
example. The present invention unique finger configurations
completely cover the thumb and pinkie finger of a user's hand.
Additionally, at least a portion of the user's forefinger, middle
finger and ring finger are uncovered. Furthermore, the present
invention may offer grip enhancers on the palm area, the thumb
segment or on any existing finger segments. Additionally, the
present invention may offer protective properties on the dorsal
segment of the glove and any wrist portion thereof.
Inventors: |
Ramirez; John C.; (Redlands,
CA) ; Uribe; Melina; (Redlands, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ramirez; John C.
Uribe; Melina |
Redlands
Redlands |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
70552085 |
Appl. No.: |
16/186484 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 19/0017 20130101;
A63B 71/141 20130101; A41D 19/01558 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 19/00 20060101
A41D019/00; A41D 19/015 20060101 A41D019/015; A63B 71/14 20060101
A63B071/14 |
Claims
1. A glove comprising: a body comprising a palmar portion and a
dorsal portion for overlaying a respective back and palm region of
a human hand when the glove is worn; wherein said dorsal and palmar
portions have distal and proximal ends with a plurality of digital
segments projecting from said distal ends, the plurality of digital
segments including a first digital segment that is adapted to
completely enclose a user's thumb including the fingertip of said
thumb when the glove is worn, and a second digital segment that is
adapted to completely enclose the user's pinkie finger including
the fingertip of said pinkie finger when the glove is worn, and a
third digital segment that is adapted to overlay the user's
forefinger, wherein said third digital segment is adapted to
overlay a proximal phalanx and leave exposed at least a fingertip
of the user's forefinger when the glove is worn, and a fourth
digital segment that is adapted to overlay the user's middle
finger, wherein said fourth digital segment is adapted to overlay a
proximal phalanx and leave exposed at least a fingertip of the
user's middle finger when the glove is worn, and a fifth digital
segment that is adapted to overlay the user's ring finger, wherein
said fifth digital segment is adapted to overlay a proximal phalanx
and leave exposed at least a fingertip of the user's ring finger
when the glove is worn, thereby providing a unique sports glove
enhancing the grip capabilities along critical areas of the user's
digital segments while maintaining or heightening tactile
sensitivities along the exposed fingertips of the user's middle,
ring and forefinger of the user's hand; and wherein said dorsal
portion comprises a securement opening means whereby said
securement opening means is adapted to allow the user to engage and
disengage the glove during active sports activities.
2. The glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said third digital
segment that is designed to expose the user's distal phalanx such
that the skin of the user's finger can touch a device or sporting
object such as a football or golf club when the glove is worn; and,
wherein said fourth digital segment that is designed to expose the
user's distal phalanx such that the skin of the user's finger can
touch a device or sporting object such as a football or golf club
when the glove is worn; and wherein said fifth digital segment that
is designed to expose the user's distal phalanx such that the skin
of the user's finger can touch a device or sporting object such as
a football or golf club when the glove is worn.
3. The glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said glove body palmar
portion is designed to overlay the entire palm of the user's hand
when the glove is worn.
4. The glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said glove further
comprises moisture management recesses.
5. The glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said dorsal portion
further comprises of a slit; and, wherein said securement opening
means comprises of a strap and strap capture mechanism, and is
positioned along the glove body dorsal portion whereby a user can
extend the strap across said slit and engage the strap capture
mechanism, thereby allowing the user to tightly secure the glove on
the user's hand.
6. A glove comprising: a body comprising a palmar portion and a
dorsal portion for overlaying a respective back and palm region of
a human hand when the glove is worn; wherein said dorsal and palmar
portions have distal and proximal ends with a plurality of digital
segments projecting from said distal ends, the plurality of digital
segments including a first digital segment that is adapted to
completely enclose a user's thumb including the fingertip of said
thumb when the glove is worn, and a second digital segment that is
adapted to completely enclose the user's pinkie finger including
the fingertip of said pinkie finger when the glove is worn, and a
third digital segment that is adapted to overlay the user's
forefinger, wherein said third digital segment is adapted to
overlay a proximal phalanx and leave exposed at least a fingertip
of the user's forefinger when the glove is worn, and a fourth
digital segment that is adapted to overlay the user's middle
finger, wherein said fourth digital segment is adapted to overlay a
proximal phalanx and leave exposed at least a fingertip of the
user's middle finger when the glove is worn, and a fifth digital
segment that is adapted to overlay the user's ring finger, wherein
said fifth digital segment is adapted to overlay a proximal phalanx
and leave exposed at least a fingertip of the user's ring finger
when the glove is worn, thereby providing a unique sports glove
enhancing the grip capabilities along critical areas of the user's
digital segments while maintaining or heightening tactile
sensitivities along the exposed fingertips of the user's middle,
ring and forefinger of the user's hand; and wherein said dorsal
portion comprises a securement opening means whereby said
securement opening means is adapted to allow the user to engage and
disengage the glove during active sports activities.
7. The glove as claimed in claim 6, wherein said third digital
segment that is designed to overlay the entire proximal phalanx but
does not cover the fingertip of the user's forefinger when the
glove is worn, thereby exposing the user's distal phalanx such that
the skin of the user's finger can touch a device or sporting object
such as a football or golf club when the glove is worn; and,
wherein said fourth digital segment that is designed to overlay the
entire proximal phalanx but does not cover the fingertip of the
user's middle finger when the glove is worn, thereby exposing the
user's distal phalanx such that the skin of the user's finger can
touch a device or sporting object such as a football or golf club
when the glove is worn; and, wherein said fifth digital segment
that is designed to overlay the entire proximal phalanx but does
not cover the fingertip of the user's ring finger when the glove is
worn, thereby exposing the user's distal phalanx such that the skin
of the user's finger can touch a device or sporting object such as
a football or golf club when the glove is worn.
8. The glove as claimed in claim 6, wherein said glove body palmar
portion is designed to overlay the entire palm of the user's hand
when the glove is worn.
9. The glove as claimed in claim 6, wherein said glove further
comprises moisture management recesses.
10. The glove as claimed in claim 6, wherein said glove further
comprises a grip enhancing mechanism; wherein said grip enhancing
mechanism comprises of a plurality of depressions, a plurality of
projections, or a tackifier, and is adapted to create a higher
coefficient of friction than the surrounding palmar surface area
when the glove is worn.
11. The glove as claimed in claim 6, wherein said third digital
segment has a distal terminal edge whereby said digital segment is
designed to allow the user's forefinger to extend past the terminal
edge to completely expose the distal phalanx when the glove is
worn; and wherein said third digital segment distal terminal edge
is stitched to prevent the material from fraying; wherein said
fourth digital segment has a distal terminal edge whereby said
digital segment is designed to allow the user's middle finger to
extend past the terminal edge to completely expose the distal
phalanx when the glove is worn; and wherein said fourth digital
segment distal terminal edge is stitched to prevent the material
from fraying; wherein said fifth digital segment has a distal
terminal edge whereby said digital segment is designed to allow the
user's ring finger to extend past the terminal edge to completely
expose the distal phalanx when the glove is worn; and wherein said
fifth digital segment distal terminal edge is stitched to prevent
the material from fraying.
12. A glove comprising: a body comprising a palmar portion and a
dorsal portion for overlaying a respective back and palm region of
a human hand when the glove is worn; wherein said dorsal and palmar
portions have distal and proximal ends with a plurality of digital
segments projecting from said distal ends, the plurality of digital
segments including a first digital segment that is adapted to
completely enclose a user's thumb including the fingertip of said
thumb when the glove is worn, and a second digital segment that is
adapted to completely enclose the user's pinkie finger including
the fingertip of said pinkie finger when the glove is worn, and a
third digital segment that is adapted to overlay the user's
forefinger, wherein said third digital segment is adapted to
overlay an entire proximal phalanx and leave exposed at least a
fingertip of the user's forefinger when the glove is worn, and a
fourth digital segment that is adapted to overlay the user's middle
finger, wherein said fourth digital segment is adapted to overlay
an entire proximal phalanx and leave exposed at least a fingertip
of the user's middle finger when the glove is worn, and a fifth
digital segment that is adapted to overlay the user's ring finger,
wherein said fifth digital segment is adapted to overlay an entire
proximal phalanx and leave exposed at least a fingertip of the
user's ring finger when the glove is worn, thereby providing a
unique sports glove enhancing the grip capabilities along critical
areas of the user's digital segments while maintaining or
heightening tactile sensitivities along the exposed fingertips of
the user's middle, ring and forefinger of the user's hand; and
wherein said glove body having a wrist section with a dorsal
portion and palmar portion; said wrist section dorsal portion
comprises a securement opening means whereby said securement
opening means is adapted to allow the user to engage and disengage
the glove during active sports activities.
13. The glove as claimed in claim 12, wherein said third digital
segment has a distal terminal edge whereby said digital segment is
designed to allow the user's forefinger to extend past the terminal
edge to expose the distal phalanx when the glove is worn; and
wherein said third digital segment distal terminal edge is
stitched; wherein said fourth digital segment has a distal terminal
edge whereby said digital segment is designed to allow the user's
middle finger to extend past the terminal edge to expose the distal
phalanx when the glove is worn; and wherein said fourth digital
segment distal terminal edge is stitched; wherein said fifth
digital segment has a distal terminal edge whereby said digital
segment is designed to allow the user's ring finger to extend past
the terminal edge to expose the distal phalanx when the glove is
worn; and wherein said fifth digital segment distal terminal edge
is stitched.
14. The glove as claimed in claim 12, wherein said third digital
segment that is designed to not cover any portion of the user's
fingertip of the user's forefinger when the glove is worn, thereby
exposing the user's entire distal phalanx such that the skin of the
user's finger can touch a device or sporting object such as a
football or golf club when the glove is worn; and, wherein said
fourth digital segment that is designed to not cover any portion of
the user's fingertip of the user's middle finger when the glove is
worn, thereby exposing the user's entire distal phalanx such that
the skin of the user's finger can touch a device or sporting object
such as a football or golf club when the glove is worn; and,
wherein said fifth digital segment that is designed to not cover
any portion of the user's fingertip of the user's middle finger
when the glove is worn, thereby exposing the user's entire distal
phalanx such that the skin of the user's finger can touch a device
or sporting object such as a football or golf club when the glove
is worn.
15. The glove as claimed in claim 12, wherein said glove further
comprises a grip enhancing mechanism; wherein said grip enhancing
mechanism comprises of a plurality of depressions, a plurality of
projections, or a tackifier, and is adapted to create a higher
coefficient of friction than the surrounding palmar surface area
when the glove is worn.
16. The glove as claimed in claim 12, wherein said dorsal portion
further comprises of a slit; and, wherein said securement opening
means comprises of a strap and strap capture mechanism, and is
positioned along the glove body dorsal portion whereby a user can
extend the strap across said slit and engage the strap capture
mechanism, thereby allowing the user to tightly secure the glove on
the user's hand.
17. The glove as claimed in claim 12, wherein said glove body
dorsal portion has an aperture, said aperture designed to extend
across a metacarpophalangeal joint of the user's hand when the
glove is worn.
18. The glove as claimed in claim 12, wherein said glove body
dorsal portion has an aperture, said aperture is shaped in the form
of a heart.
19. The glove as claimed in claim 12, wherein said glove body
comprises a wrist portion and is adapted to overlay the user's
wrist when the glove is worn; and wherein said wrist section dorsal
portion further comprises of a slit; and, wherein said securement
opening means comprises of a strap and strap capture mechanism, and
is positioned along the glove body dorsal portion whereby a user
can extend the strap across said slit and engage the strap capture
mechanism, thereby allowing the user to tightly secure the glove on
the user's hand.
20. The glove as claimed in claim 12, wherein said glove further
comprises of moisture management recesses; and, wherein said
recesses are in the shape of hearts.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to sports apparatus and
equipment, and uses thereof, used in playing the game of various
sports. The present invention and its multi-sport glove embodiments
significantly enhance the overall performance in athletic tasks
and/or execution commonly associated during sports play,
particularly in, but not limited to, football and golf by
configuring to meet the specific requirements of a football
quarterback's throwing hand and a golfer's dominant hand, for
example. The present invention unique finger configurations
completely cover the thumb and pinkie finger of a user's hand.
Additionally, at least a portion of the user's forefinger, middle
finger and ring finger are uncovered. Furthermore, the present
invention may offer grip enhancers on the palm area, the thumb
segment or on any existing finger segments. Additionally, the
present invention may offer protective properties on the dorsal
segment of the glove and any wrist portion thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] An important goal in playing sports in to win. Often that
means proper play execution, good ball control, good grip and feel,
and proper form in the sports fundamentals. Gloves and other types
of hand covers are permitted in most sports. Many individuals use
gloves to enhance, in some way, their competitive edge. Indeed,
gloves have become so important that different types of gloves have
been created for different sports. Even within a sport, different
types of gloves have been invented to, among other things, maximize
performance in specific tasks.
[0003] In FOOTBALL, for example, there are gloves that offensive
and defensive tackles can wear, that have thick padding around part
of the hand. Offensive receivers can purchase more expensive, all
closed-finger, thin gloves to enhance their ability to catch and
grip a football.
[0004] The use of gloves in football is so widespread that nearly
every football player uses them, with the notable exception of
football quarterbacks. You rarely see a quarterback wear gloves,
even if just to keep warm. Most quarterbacks choose to play
football without gloves, especially on their dominant (throwing)
hand. This is largely because prior art consists of generic
full-fingered gloves which are uncomfortable and burdensome on a
quarterback's throwing hand, particularly on those fingers a
quarterback places over the football laces. In addition, the
full-fingered gloves prevent a quarterback to have any significant
`feel` of the football.
[0005] This ability to feel is critical when playing the position
of quarterback. When the quarterback receives the ball from the
teammate playing the Center position, the quarterback especially
during a pass play, has to quickly find the laces on the football
by feeling and not looking at the football. The quarterback has to
look for an open player to pass to, and cannot therefore look down
at the football to find the football laces.
[0006] This need to `feel` a ball with a hand has therefore
resulted in quarterbacks having to make a difficult choice.
Although clearly these players would benefit from added grip
enhancers on the throwing hand to increase their passing receptions
or to decrease fumbles, for example, prior art gloves force a
quarterback to choose between all feel and no feel. Virtually all
quarterbacks have chosen to maintain feel and therefore sacrifice
the ability to better grip the football. It is no surprise that
quarterback fumbles remain a significant problem in football, even
at the highest performance levels, and currently remains an
insoluble problem in the sport for amateurs and professionals
alike.
[0007] Playing the position of quarterback without the help of
gloves, however, can also be an inferior choice. An illustration by
wikihow.com/Throw-a-spiral (FIG. 13) shows a conventional way to
hold and throw a football where the quarterback has his middle
finger and ring on top of the football laces, the Index
[forefinger] finger on the strap at one end of the football and the
pinkie finger at the other end, both unsupported by any football
laces. Finally the thumb is placed on the bottom side of the
football and is the only digital segment on the bottom side of the
football. Whereas the fingers over the laces have a solid grip on
the ball--primarily due to the football laces on the ball--the
three digital segments off the laces (thumb, forefinger and pinkie
finger) are virtually unsupported and therefore have a relatively
weaker grip, creating a weak overall grip on the football.
[0008] This weak overall grip becomes more pronounced when added
stress is placed on the thumb or forefinger. When a quarterback,
intending to pass the football suddenly has to scramble, for
example, or if the quarterback `pumps` the ball (goes through all
the motions and speed of throwing the ball but doesn't actually
release the ball), the grip strength of the thumb and forefinger
can determine whether or not a quarterback fumbles the
football.
[0009] Unfortunately, one need only view the statistics to see that
fumbles persist as an insoluble problem, even at the professional
level today. In the 2010 National Football League (NFL) season,
there were only ten players who had nine or more fumbles in the
season. All ten players were quarterbacks (The Official NFL Record
& Fact Book, 2011).
[0010] Under the `tips` section of Wikihow.com, it further
describes proper football throwing form: "A proper throw will feel
like it's only utilizing the thumb, Index [forefinger], and middle
finger. Good release will `roll` off of your Index and middle
finger, to impart more spin; you may snap your wrist through as you
follow through to the hip. The other three fingers on your hand
stabilize the ball as its being flung. They should not be used to
impart spin on the ball. The most important finger to throwing a
spiral is the Index finger; it is the finger that holds the most
leverage in putting spin on the ball." The conventional way of
playing the position of quarterback therefore requires an ability
to have solid grip and control with the forefinger and thumb,
fingers that are not able to be placed over the football laces; the
resulting glove-less grip creates a strong hold on the ball by all
the fingers except the thumb, the forefinger and the pinkie
finger--the most important fingers when throwing a football. On a
wet football field, during extreme weather conditions (hot or
cold), that weaker or looser grip makes for a much more difficult
completed pass, less success at throwing a spiral, and
inconsistency and inaccuracy in passing.
[0011] Passing the ball is a significant part of the sport of
football, sometimes throwing as much as 103 times in a single game
(e.g., Seattle vs. San Diego, 2002). Thus, developing a solution to
enhance one's ability of better controlling a football and
completing a pass reception would substantially impact the
sport.
[0012] There have been some attempts through the years to solve the
problems of inconsistencies and turnovers in the sport of football.
For example, changes have been made to the actual football in order
to make the ball easier to handle. Changes to the shape and size,
as well as the addition of grip enhancing materials to the
ball--such as the addition of PVC dots--have made it possible to
make the ball more grippable. The ability of the quarterback to
maintain control of the football was still problematic because of
the lack of any grip enhancing device for the player to use; gloves
that could be placed on the throwing hand such that the football
quarterback could now more significantly control a ball with his
arm, thereby creating an overall grip of the football throughout
the football. As a result of this unmet need, inconsistencies and
turnovers were still high in the sport.
[0013] The introduction and subsequent proliferation in the use of
gloves found some success but even with these advancements,
however, fumbles and incompletes still persist today, partly
because none of the prior art gloves could be useful, and are
therefore inoperable, to quarterbacks.
[0014] Consequently, there is also a need for a sport glove of some
kind which permits the quarterback to hold a football more
securely. These problems may be addressed by providing a new sports
glove that is configured to properly address the grip and feel
requirements of the throwing hand of a quarterback, such as the
present invention.
[0015] Quarterbacks are also now starting to intentionally run more
(hereinafter called `rushing`) with the football creating an even
greater need to configure a glove to meet the specific needs of a
quarterback. New art is required that can offer superior grip
enhancing abilities, critical not only in ball control, but also in
quarterback rushing successes.
[0016] Quarterback injuries can also become a big problem in the
sport. Protecting the quarterback from injury is so important that
rules have been established to try and minimize those injuries.
Gloves have proved useful in protecting other users playing other
positions in football, but prior art gloves have not been
configured for use by quarterbacks. To be sure, many quarterback
injuries take place on the quarterback's throwing hand, primarily
on the back portion of the hand, on the side of the hand or palm
area, or on the fingers of the throwing hand.
[0017] Prior art configuration problems cease to protect a
quarterback's throwing hand. As is well known, repeated exposure to
hand injury can cause damage to the systems of the hand, such as
the nervous system, the muscular system or the skeletal system.
Therefore, there is not only an opportunity for new art, but there
is an increasing concern and critical need to solve this
configuration problem as not only professional quarterbacks but
children and teenagers are currently playing this football position
without a glove on their dominant and therefore are playing without
any protection over their hand.
[0018] Consequently, there is also a need for a protective sport
glove of some kind which permits the quarterback to hold a football
securely and still provide adequate protection of the throwing hand
against impacts from opposing players.
[0019] Over the last decade or two, quarterbacks have clearly
increasingly chosen to rush for yardage and act more like a running
back at times. The top five NFC Conference quarterbacks, for
example, rushed for a total of 1,562 yards in the 2010 season. It
is also no surprise, therefore, that there were a total of 731
fumbles in the entire NFL that season, and fully over 25% of all
those fumbles were attributed to quarterbacks (2010 NFL Season). As
this trend continues, especially with more popular offensive
formations such as `the wildcat` and `spread` formation, these
grip-enhancing shortcomings will undoubtedly be more pronounced.
Previous failures to create gloves to support a quarterback's
throwing hand, not only while throwing the football but also while
rushing with the football, is becoming a growing significant
problem in need of a solution at the professional level and
therefore certainly at the collegiate and amateur levels.
[0020] There is therefore a need for significant advances in the
sport of football to assist quarterbacks, a position that touches
and controls the football more than any other position in the
sport. New art needs to be offered, such as the present invention,
to meet the needs of quarterbacks by developing a glove that is
configured to meet the unique needs of that position.
[0021] In the field of GOLF, to be sure, there exists much prior
art in the form of gloves for a golfer's weak (non-dominant) hand.
In fact, most active golf players wear a glove on their weak hand,
and go without a glove for their strong hand (if one were to go to
any major store to buy golf gloves, they would be sold and packaged
in single--one glove--not sold in pairs). Gloves are prevalent in
golf largely because of the role that hand grip plays in a golfer's
overall performance.
[0022] Whereas weak-hand support products seem to be crowded in the
sport of Golf, there is a long existing need for a device that
could offer added support for a golfer's strong hand without
significantly diminishing its ability to adequately feel the golf
club. Inventing a solution to this long standing problem could,
among other things, allow for greater golf swing control and
consistency, and create an entirely new market to support a
golfer's strong-hand.
[0023] There is therefore an opportunity to invent a device that
could offer some `feel` ability for the dominant hand, while
significantly enhancing the grip ability of that same hand. This
would increase overall hand control of a golfer's club swing by
allowing a golfer to have added grip capabilities on both hands,
and therefore greater success in competition.
[0024] In Golf Magazine's April 2005 edition, golf instructor
Charlie King provides an overview of how to grip a golf club. "Good
golf starts with your grip. The proper hold on the club helps you
do three crucial things: Hinge your wrists, control the clubface at
impact and support the club throughout the swing. Here are three
simple grip tips." As King continues, his third tip is "both hands;
solid at the top. An effective grip sets the face square at the
top, with the shaft parallel to the target line. You should feel
most of the club's weight in your left thumb and right forefinger.
Now you're ready to turn it loose." Although prior art seems to be
crowded in offering a glove for the weak-hand to support and better
control the club weight placed on the thumb of the weak hand, there
remains an unmet need for added support on or around the forefinger
of the ungloved strong (dominant) hand. Additionally, constant
swinging of a golf club at real swing speeds often results in
soreness on and between the thumb and forefinger of a golfer's
strong hand wearing no glove. This soreness can often also come
from the rubbing or slipping between the club handle and the
portion between the thumb and forefinger of the strong hand,
suggesting a need to find a way to increase the grip of a golfer's
strong hand, as well as protect this hand from soreness. This is
especially important in the sport of golf because even the smallest
of slipping--during the golf swing or upon impact of the golf
ball--can create enormous inconsistencies and inaccuracies,
critical issues in determining overall performance in golf.
[0025] A further reason why golfers are not using gloves on their
strong hand has to do with the fact that gloves innovations have
not been effectively configured to best conform to a golfer's
preferred golf grip. For example, golfers using the conventional
overlapping grip method overlay their strong hand's pinkie on top
of the weak hand. While this allows for some coordination between
the user's two hands, the strong hand's grip on the weak hand
relies principally on the strong hand's pinkie finger grip on the
strong hand. The pinkie finger is a fairly weak finger, often
slipping during the downswing of a golf swing.
[0026] A preferred configuration for the golfer's strong hand would
be, for example, a glove which could increase the grip capabilities
of the dominant hand's thumb and pinkie finger, while offering the
user to maintain a high level of feel by exposing the fingertips of
the forefinger, the middle finger, and the ring finger, thus
offering the ability of a wearer to simultaneously have significant
grip and feel of a sports apparatus such as football or golf
club.
[0027] Consequently, there are clear indications that an entirely
new market exists for a device that could support a golfer's strong
hand. In particular, there remains an unmet need that would provide
multiple benefits, such as better overall grip and more
coordination with both hands during the practice or play of golf,
and in various other sports activities. The present invention
solves the above mentioned problems by, among other things,
providing a glove configured for use on the dominant hand that can
increase grip abilities on areas primarily responsible for the
gripping a golf club, while allowing portions of the other fingers
to be uncovered and able to maintain necessary feeling
capabilities.
[0028] The golf method of golfers wearing a standard full-fingered
golf glove only on their weak-hand, while increasing the overall
grip of the weak hand, can also be an inferior option in that it
results in a significant loss of tactile capabilities on their
weak-hand. Cognizant of this major deficiency, virtually all
golfers will not wear a glove on their dominant hand while gripping
a golf club, presumably to compensate for the loss of tactile
sensation from wearing a glove on their weak-hand. Although this
method of gripping a golf club, by wearing only one golf glove,
does provide some tactile sensation on the overall grip, the
tactile sensation is limited to only the dominant hand. This
limitation of only allowing skin contact by the dominant hand has
often resulted in several problems such as: difficulty in weak-hand
and dominant hand coordination because skin contact between hands
is blocked by the glove; difficulty in assessing proper golf club
positioning by the weak-hand throughout the golf swing; and
difficulty in getting proper feedback from weak-hand sensations if
one completes an improper golf swing.
[0029] It is no surprise that golfers often have difficulty landing
a golf ball on the fairway, even at the highest performance levels,
and currently remains an insoluble problem in the sport for
amateurs and professionals alike.
[0030] There is, therefore, a long-standing need to invent a
device--and improve prior art--that could offer some `feel` ability
on the weak hand, without significantly diminishing that enhanced
grip ability that gloves offer. The result would of course
significantly improve the current challenging method of swinging a
golf club and increase overall hand control of a golfer's club
swing, and greater success in competition.
[0031] One very popular golf club grip, for example, is called the
interlocking grip. When you use this grip, the forefinger of the
golfer's weak-hand is placed over and wrapped around the strong
(dominant) hand's pinkie finger. With this grip, clearly the role
of the interlocked fingers has Ito do with both grip and
coordination and feel between the user's two hands to more
effectively control the golf swing and to provide greater overall
golf swing consistency. There is, therefore, no real need to cover
all of the weak hand's forefinger, which touches the dominant
hand's interlocked pinkie finger, and uncovering at least part of
the forefinger would actually significantly increase overall
coordination by allowing the now uncovered portion of the weak
hand's forefinger to touch the skin of the dominant hand's pinkie
finger. Embodiments of the present invention would therefore offer
significant improvements to prior art by offering a glove which
leaves at least the fingertips of the forefinger uncovered thereby
offering heightened tactile sensations on the weak hand of a
user.
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION
Overview of the Present Invention
[0032] The present invention provides a glove having dorsal (back)
and palmar (front) portions for overlaying respective back and palm
regions of a human hand, and dorsal and palmar portions having
distal and proximal ends with a plurality of digital segments (or
stalls) projecting from said distal ends. The glove includes a
glove body having a back portion covering at least a portion of the
back of the hand, and a front portion covering the palm of the hand
when the glove is worn. The glove body includes at least one finger
stall (or finger digital segment) and a thumb stall (or thumb
digital segment) each adapted to receive a finger or thumb,
respectively, therein. The glove body is configured such that the
thumb and pinkie finger digital segments completely enclose a
user's thumb and pinkie finger, including enclosing their
respective fingertips. Additionally, the glove body has a
forefinger digital segment that is adapted to overlay the proximal
phalanx and leave exposed at least the fingertip of the user's
forefinger when the glove is worn. In other words, at least a
portion of the user's distal phalanx will be exposed when the glove
is worn such that the skin of the user's finger can touch a device
or sporting object such as a football or golf club when the glove
is worn. Additionally, the glove body has a middle finger digital
that is adapted to overlay the proximal phalanx and leave exposed
at least the fingertip of the user's middle finger when the glove
is worn. In other words, at least a portion of the user's distal
phalanx will be exposed when the glove is worn such that the skin
of the user's finger can touch a device or sporting object such as
a football or golf club. Additionally, the glove body has a ring
finger digital that is adapted to overlay the proximal phalanx and
leave exposed at least the fingertip of the user's ring finger when
the glove is worn. In other words, at least a portion of the user's
distal phalanx will be exposed when the glove is worn such that the
skin of the user's finger can touch a device or sporting object
such as a football or golf club. This particular digital segment
glove configuration creates substantial synergies and surprising
results and thereby making gloves now operable for use during
sports activities such as in throwing a football or playing
golf.
[0033] As will be discussed, using embodiments of the present
invention now allow a football quarterback, for example, to place
the throwing hand's thumb and pinkie finger--now covered by the
present invention glove--on the football and significantly
increasing the grip and control of the football while
simultaneously maintaining maximum tactile abilities by leaving
uncovered the fingertips of his forefinger, middle finger, and ring
finger. This unique digital segment configuration allows the
quarterback the ability to place the exposed fingertips of the
user's forefinger, middle finger, and ring finger over the football
laces unencumbered while simultaneously maintaining significant
feel on the football. This and other features now essentially make
the sports glove more operable, novel and significantly superior to
prior art in these areas.
[0034] In another preferred aspect, the present invention also
comprises a grip enhancing mechanism, such as a plurality of
projections or a plurality of depressions, on a portion or portions
of the palmar surface area of the glove, such as for example, on
any thumb and finger stalls, along any portion of any
metacarpophalangeal joints, and/or between the thumb and forefinger
area, generally defined by the metacarpal of the forefinger and
extending up along the metacarpal of the thumb, and
therebetween.
[0035] The grip enhancing mechanism permits the individual to
better grip a ball or an object or device, and creates a higher
coefficient of friction than the surrounding palmar portion surface
of the glove. In some instances a grip enhancing mechanism is
adapted to create a very high coefficient of friction along the
glove when it consists of a tackifier, a tackifier compound or a
tackified material. The grip enhancing mechanism provides a
football quarterback or a golfer for example with multiple benefits
such as increased control of a ball or device thereby enhancing
performance and overall success at performing a sports task. The
grip enhancing mechanism of the present invention may be integral
to the glove or may be affixed to the glove surface by, for
example, forming a grip enhancing panel and applying the panel onto
a portion of the glove.
[0036] In another preferred aspect, the present invention also
comprises protective properties to protect a user from injury or to
protect an injury. A shock-absorbing member or members may comprise
of a padded layer or layers may be used so that the glove can be
used to protect an injury or to protect an area from being injured.
In general, the shock-absorbing member can comprise of conventional
materials for dissipating pressure across a surface area, can have
varying densities and thicknesses, and can be in the form of a
layer or multiple layers. The shock-absorbing member may be
flexible, compressible and/or resilient.
[0037] The shock-absorbing member or members are located on the
dorsal segment of the glove, preferably covering at least a portion
of the metacarpal of any of the four fingers, the thumb digital
segment, on any existing finger digital segments, or any
combination thereof, where many football injuries occur as a
quarterback throws a football or rushes with the football. Also,
some embodiments may have a shock-absorbing member or members near
and around a portion or throughout the dorsal and palmar portions
of the wrist area, extending up to as much as about five inches
along the carpal bone of the wrist.
[0038] The thickness and dorsal surface locations of the
shock-absorbing members may vary, of course, depending on
preference. In at least one embodiment the entire dorsal segment
comprises a shock-absorbing member, and the shock-absorbing member
can be one uniform cushion, for example, mirroring the design of
the dorsal segment of the glove. The shock-absorbing member is
designed to dissipate pressure across the surface area and thereby
protect said area from injury when impacted by the ground or from
an opposing player when the glove is worn. The shock-absorbing
member absorbs and dissipates impact to a significantly higher
degree than the material forming the glove body dorsal portion.
[0039] Accordingly, embodiments may also provide important added
shock-absorbing member features that can now protect a previously
unprotected quarterback's throwing hand, for example, including the
back of the hand, the thumb and fingers, and wrist areas, and
combinations thereof.
[0040] The glove also provides an expandable opening means at a
wrist end adapted to receive the user's hand. This may comprise of
a wrist portion with a securement opening means, such as but not
limited to a flap/strap which mechanically engages a flap/strap
capture mechanism to secure the glove to the users hand (e.g., a
synthetic hook and loop fastening interface which adheres when
pressed together, commonly using VELCRO). In this case the flap
could overlay a small slit or opening along a portion of the back
of the hand to allow the glove to widen when a user places the
glove on to the hand. Alternatively, the opening means may comprise
of other standard used mechanisms of allowing a user to apply and
disengage the glove, such as an elastic band material along the
wrist portion, or combinations therebetween. The shock-absorbing
member may generally be affixed to the outer surface of the glove
dorsal segment or may be integrally formed on the glove. If
integrally formed, at least one embodiment may include a liner.
[0041] Accordingly, embodiments provide a novel glove with added
features that enhances overall control and sports performance.
[0042] Construction of the present invention may be accomplished by
standard methods, such as, for example, by designing the dorsal and
palm sections to meet along a conjoining lateral edge to define a
pocket for receiving the eminence of a user's hand.
Detail Description of the Present Invention
[0043] Embodiments of the glove is constructed such that includes a
thumb digital segment that completely encloses a user's thumb,
including enclosing the fingertips, and a pinkie digital segment
that completely encloses the user's pinkie finger, including
enclosing the fingertips when the glove is worn.
[0044] In addition, the glove has a forefinger digital segment with
a distal terminal edge. Said forefinger digital segment is adapted
to extend to cover the proximal phalanx of the user's forefinger
but does not cover the fingertip of the forefinger when the glove
is worn. In other words, the forefinger digital segment is adapted
to expose a significant portion of the user's distal phalanx when
the glove is worn, thereby allowing heightened tactile
sensitivities along the fingertip which extends beyond the distal
terminal edge such that the skin of the fingertip can touch a
device or sports object, while simultaneously enhancing grip
capabilities along the covered proximal phalanx of the user's
forefinger when the glove is worn. Covering the proximal phalanx
allows the user to maintain grip along the area where the proximal
phalanx grips a golf club for example, while exposing the distal
phalanx gives the user heightened tactile sensitivities along the
area where the distal phalanx interlock with the opposing hand's
pinkie finger, for example.
[0045] In addition, the glove has a middle finger digital segment
with a distal terminal edge. Said middle finger digital segment is
adapted to extend to cover the proximal phalanx of the user's
middle finger but does not cover the fingertip of the middle finger
when the glove is worn, defining the middle finger segment. In
other words, the middle finger digital segment is adapted to expose
a significant portion of the user's distal phalanx when the glove
is worn, thereby allowing heightened tactile sensitivities along
the fingertip which extends beyond the distal terminal edge such
that the skin of the fingertip can touch a device or sports object,
while simultaneously enhancing grip capabilities along the covered
proximal phalanx of the user's middle finger, for example. Covering
the proximal phalanx allows the user to maintain grip along the
area where the proximal phalanx grips a golf club for example,
while exposing the distal phalanx gives the user heightened tactile
sensitivities along the distal phalanx thereby allowing for
heightened sensitivity along the middle portion of the user's hand
during the golf swing, for example.
[0046] In addition, the glove has a ring finger digital segment
with a distal terminal edge. Said ring finger digital segment is
adapted to extend to cover the proximal phalanx of the user's ring
finger but does not cover the fingertip of the ring finger when the
glove is worn, defining the ring finger segment. In other words,
the ring finger digital segment is adapted to expose a significant
portion of the user's distal phalanx when the glove is worn,
thereby allowing heightened tactile sensitivities along the
fingertip which extends beyond the distal terminal edge such that
the skin of the fingertip can touch a device or sports object,
while simultaneously enhancing grip capabilities along the covered
proximal phalanx of the user's ring finger. Covering the proximal
phalanx allows the user to maintain grip along the area where the
proximal phalanx grips a golf club for example, while exposing the
distal phalanx gives the user heightened tactile sensitivities
along the distal phalanx thereby allowing for heightened
sensitivity along the back portion of the user's hand during the
golf swing, for example.
[0047] The palmar portion of the glove body also covers the palm
segment overlaying the palm of the hand; the dorsal portion of the
glove body also covers the back of the user's hand when the glove
is worn. The glove also has a wrist portion that surrounds the
wrist of the user.
[0048] One sport where the present invention will clearly enhance
performance is in the sport of football. As previously discussed,
wearing a glove can be very advantageous and is used by most
athletes in most sports activities but are essentially inoperable
on a football quarterback's throwing hand, and on a golfer's
dominant hand. More specifically, for example, one particular unmet
need that the present invention will satisfy by the synergies
created by its unique finger configuration will be with football
quarterbacks. It is often said that quarterback mechanics and
ball-handling skills are vital for offensive success and
consistency. In order for the synergies to be created, the present
invention must always comprise a glove that covers all of the
user's thumb and pinkie finger while the leaving the remaining
three fingers all only partially covered, always leaving exposed at
least the fingertips of said fingers. In other words, glove
embodiments provide digital segments that cover the proximal
phalanx of each of the forefinger, the middle finger, and the ring
finger, but do not extend to enclose the entire finger,
respectively. Consequently in the present invention the distal
phalanx is always exposed and is able to touch a device or sports
object with the skin of the finger when the glove is worn. This
specific and unique finger configuration creates substantial and
significant synergies such that it now allows a quarterback to wear
a glove--the present invention--and increase his grip and overall
control of a football while simultaneously allowing some finger
feel of the football. The rest of the hand, front and back, can be
completely covered by the glove. Additionally, the embodiment can
have a palmar and dorsal portion overlaying at least a portion of
the wrist area. For example, the wrist portion could be stitched on
the glove and be made of an expandable composition whereby the
glove would expand when being placed on a hand, and then naturally
readjust to fit snugly around the user's wrists. The entire palm of
the user's hand is covered and so is essentially the entire back
(dorsal) of the user's hand when the glove is worn.
[0049] The synergies of the unique and specific digital segment
configuration combination of the present invention partly take
place because the digital segment configurations take into account
the physical structure of the football, such as the benefits of the
laces on a football and thereby gives a quarterback the unique
ability to grasp a football over the football laces with the
comfort and feel of not having a glove, while adding significant
grip support that a glove provides over the thumb and pinkie
finger, particularly over the fingertips of the thumb and pinkie
finger if the user's hand when the glove embodiment is worn.
Improvement in throwing accuracy and overall performance will
result from this unique type of support provided by the new
art.
[0050] It is essential that the present invention completely cover
the user's thumb when the glove is worn. When preparing to throw a
football the only digital segment on the bottom side of the
football is the user's thumb which is unsupported by the football
laces which are on the top side of the football. Therefore it is
crucial that the user's thumb be provided with the grip support of
a glove. The usefulness of a glove without a completely enclosed
thumb segment would be significantly minimized because it would
lose the synergies otherwise created. Equally important to the
creation of the synergistic effects of the present invention are
the exposed fingertips of the user's forefinger, middle finger, and
ring finger when the glove is worn. Exposing these fingertips allow
the user to place these fingers over or abutting the cross-stitched
laces on the top side of the football unencumbered by the glove. An
official National Football League football has eight cross-stitched
laces, and the distance between each lace--which is the location
where the quarterback overlays his or her hand when throwing a
football--is one centimeter. The typical width of a finger on a
standard six-foot one inch tall Latino is slightly more than one
inch. So trying to place one's gloved fingertips between the laces
would become so cumbersome that it would make the glove essentially
inoperable of completing its intend task--gripping and successfully
throwing a football. By leaving these specific fingertips of the
user's hand exposed you thereby create synergies that now allow a
quarterback to use a glove on his or her throwing hand.
Furthermore, by covering each and every one of the user's proximal
phalanges (in other words, proximal phalanx of the user's the
thumb, forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger are
each covered by the glove embodiment) the present invention creates
a steady, consistent and enhanced grip throughout the user's hand
when gripping a football.
[0051] The present invention solves the configuration challenges of
prior art and now makes the athletic glove operable for use by
quarterbacks using conventional methods of controlling a football.
The present invention now therefore also offers a new method of
playing the position of quarterback. When throwing a football, for
example, the quarterback will first place the present invention
partial-fingered glove on his throwing hand. After receiving the
football from the Center, he will look down the football field
while using primarily his uncovered fingers to feel and locate the
football laces on the football. After locating the football laces,
he will quickly place the uncovered portion of his middle finger,
ring finger over and in-between the cross-stitched laces on the top
side of the football. He will also either place his forefinger
in-between or abutting the football laces, thus creating a solid
grip over the top half of the football. The quarterback will place
his now fully enclosed thumb on the proximal half of the football,
and his now fully enclosed pinkie on the distal half of the
football thus creating a solid grip throughout the entire football.
The quarterback then locates a teammate to throw the football and
proceeds to throw the football. The quarterback's forefinger
phalanx now partially covered and supported by the glove will be
able to more properly release the football--or more properly spin
the football with his now grip enhanced forefinger--and deliver the
football to the intended target more accurately.
[0052] In addition to offering greater throwing accuracy and
consistency, these and other embodiments should also help minimize
quarterback fumbles by adding support when `pumping` the ball, when
scrambling from being tackled, and when rushing and throwing the
football. When in `shot gun` formation especially, a quarterback
must quickly look down field at his receivers and `feel` for the
football laces. The present invention will allow a quarterback to
maintain a heightened sense of feel in his uncovered fingertips,
while increasing the grip support on the completely covered thumb
and pinkie finger. These significant and substantial features will,
among other things, enhance grip and control while maintaining or
even enhancing overall feel. With quarterback fumbles reaching as
high as 23 fumbles in a single season (Kerry Collins, 2001) these
and other grip enhancing embodiments for football quarterbacks will
significantly impact the sport of football.
[0053] An additional significant benefit will be that the user will
now have critically improved grip at both ends of the football--by
a significantly enhanced grip along from the user's completely
covered thumb, at one end of the football, and by a significantly
enhanced grip from the user's completely covered pinkie finger, at
the other end of the football. The result is a significantly
increase grip along the entire grip of the user's hand, from the
significantly enhanced grip on the bottom side (by the enclosed
thumb), the top side (by the enclosed pinkie finger and partially
covered forefinger), while maintaining the necessary tactile
sensations to both feel and properly use the laces on the top of
the football.
[0054] Additionally, embodiments may comprise of a series of
discreet grip enhancing mechanism each overlaying select portions
of the user's hand to create a higher coefficient of friction. The
discreet grip enhancing mechanism may be provided that only extends
on the metacarpophalangeal joint of the forefinger. In other words,
the grip enhancing mechanism may be provided only on a discreet
location and is therefore bound by the area. The grip enhancing
mechanism may comprise a high friction surface or a textured
surface. The grip enhancing mechanism may further comprise of a
beaded surface pattern projecting out at least 1/2 millimeter, and
which could be integral to the glove material and would preferably
extend throughout the entire designated surface area. Embodiment
may also offer a grip enhancing mechanism on the palmar side of the
existing finger stalls as well as the thumb stall, preferably on a
portion of one or any of the proximal phalanges of the finger and
thumb stalls, thus defining the terminal edges of the grip
enhancing mechanism for the embodiment.
[0055] If preferred, embodiments may provide added grip
capabilities along the palmar portion on and between the thumb
stall and the forefinger stall, and on the pinkie finger, for
example. By providing added grip support in this area, a
quarterback will have further increased control of the football to
better perform common tasks. For example, when a quarterback wants
to throw the football but has to temporarily run, or scramble, to
avoid being tackled the quarterback most often relies primarily on
only the dominant hand to hold on to the football. This added grip
enhancers now allow the quarterback to more securely hold the
football in the throwing position while scrambling by providing
added grip capabilities in select areas, and can throw the football
with greater precision while scrambling if necessary.
[0056] The targeted grip enhancing mechanism may also preferably
overlay any thumb or finger, any of the metacarpophalangeal joints,
or on any portion between the thumb and forefinger, and may be
separately the only grip enhancers on the embodiment, may be used
in combination, or may be throughout the palmar surface.
[0057] The unique finger configurations now allow the quarterback
the critical ability to finally protect his throwing hand from
injury. Embodiments can further comprise, for example, a
shock-absorbing member along the dorsal portion overlaying the
metacarpals and along the dorsal area of the existing finger and
thumb stalls. The shock-absorbing member of this and other
embodiments can comprise of a pad or pads, such as any foam or
cotton-based fabric for example, that are adapted to provide a
cushiony effect to protect the selected areas of the hand. The
padding can extend along at least a portion of the dorsal segment
of the glove. An embodiment, for example, comprises a
shock-absorbing member consisting of a foam padding that overlays
and is bounded by the four metacarpals of the pinkie finger, the
ring finger, the middle finger and the forefinger. Additionally,
this embodiment comprises a shock-absorbing member consisting of a
foam padding that overlays and is separately bounded by the
proximal phalanges of the pinkie finger, the ring finger, and
middle finger and the forefinger, thus defining its terminal edges
(the phalanges and the dorsal surface of the glove). The
shock-absorbing members can be operably attached to the glove, for
example. The foam pads each can be about six millimeters in height,
each encased in separate, preferably flexible materials, such as
flexible plastics or synthetic cottons. Other embodiments may have
various heights, of course. The encased pad, for example, can then
be stitched on to their respective locations, as described. Each of
the encased paddings can be one or a plurality of small cushions.
The shock-absorbing member is stretchable, elastic and configured
to absorb impact from opposing players of from falling on the
ground when the glove is worn.
[0058] This and other embodiments offer superior capabilities,
critical not only in overall ball control and passing the football,
but also in quarterback rush attempts. Over the last decade or two,
quarterbacks have increasingly chosen to rush for yardage and at
times act more like a running back. Through his years in the NFL,
for example, professional football quarterback Michael Vick has
attempted over 650 rushes. More recently, NFL quarterback Tim Tebow
had 43 rush attempts in a single season, with an average of over
3.16 yards per carry.
[0059] Clearly, these trends suggest that successful quarterbacks
will be required to rush more with the football the result will
often mean getting hit on the dominant hand which is usually
protecting the football. Largely because of this, individuals
playing the position of running back almost all wear gloves to be
able to maintain control of the ball during impact; now with
quarterbacks starting to become the second leading rushers on their
respective teams (Tebow, Denver Broncos, 2010) the need for the
quarterback to wear the present invention on his or her dominant
hand grows even higher, so as to maximize ball control while
rushing.
[0060] Embodiments may also offer critical added protection over
the dominant hand of quarterbacks who choose to rush with a
football. College football teams are also requiring quarterbacks to
rush more often, further increasing the critical need for these
embodiments. The 2013 BCS College Orange Bowl between Northern
Illinois University and Florida State University featured a
starting quarterback who was the leading rusher for his team that
season, with 1,771 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns (Jordan
Taylor, 2012, NUIhuskies.com/stats/2012-2013). As the National
Football League continues to address the importance of better
protecting its football players from injuries, it becomes essential
that the present invention be used to protect the currently
unprotected throwing hands of football quarterbacks.
[0061] The shock-absorbing member can comprise of any material that
could provide added protection to a user's thumb, fingers, hand,
wrist, or combinations thereof. The shock-absorbing member comprise
of conventional materials for dissipating pressure across a surface
area, can have varying densities and thicknesses, and can be in the
form of a layer or multiple layers.
[0062] The shock-absorbing member may be flexible, compressible
and/or resilient. The shock-absorbing member can comprise of, for
example, any foam or cotton-based fabrics, cloth paddings, such as
a cushion, foams such as a polyurethane foam pad, and flexible
plastics, and the like, to absorb impact received from opposing
players or from hitting the ground. It can comprise foam-filled
segments, such as polyethylene foam pads, or it can be of cotton or
cloth, or gels. For example, the shock-absorbing member may
comprise of a unitary pad or pad segments, and may comprise any
open cell or closed cell foam, such as BOLLARD foam, polyolefin
foam and the like. The shock-absorbing member may also be made of
any common materials used in providing glove padding, including
natural or synthetic rubber, natural or synthetic rubber foams,
gels, polyester fiber, or cotton or other natural or synthetic
wadding materials. Additionally, it may comprise of a foam
possessing a substantially uniform cell distribution or polyvinyl
chloride foam plastic.
[0063] The shock-absorbing member may comprise of cushions or pads
which can be implemented as any of a variety of conventional
padding material, such as foam rubber of varying densities and
thicknesses, layers of fabric of various types and thicknesses,
conventional gel or plastic material, liquid-holding compartments,
or other types of conventional materials. The shock-absorbing
member may also be fabricated from more rigid materials such as
plastics or fiberglass materials. It will be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art that many other implementations of the
shock-absorbing member are possible.
[0064] The shock-absorbing member need not be very thick but can
be, beginning from about 600 micrometers to several inches. The
thickness may vary according to location, such as finger versus
metacarpal areas, and degree of desired protection but provides a
greater degree of protection than the surrounding dorsal portion of
the glove.
[0065] The thickness of similar embodiments may vary depending on
several factors, such as for example, user preference. In other
words, embodiments may be configured to absorb more or less by the
thickness of the shock absorbing member. The embodiment can thus
create a cushioning effect to, for example, protect an injury. For
example, quarterbacks who rarely rush with the football may only
require a thinner pad, say 0.25 inch or less, as opposed to
quarterbacks who more often need to rush with the ball.
[0066] The shock-absorbing member is located on the dorsal portion
of the glove. Within that parameter, preferably, the
shock-absorbing member can overlay any portion of any thumb or
finger, on any portion of the five metacarpals, or any combination
thereof. In at least one embodiment, the entire dorsal segment
comprises a shock-absorbing member, thereby generally mirroring the
dorsal segment's design or structure of the glove.
[0067] Preferably, embodiments can also have a shock-absorbing
member along the dorsal surface overlaying any portion of the wrist
area including any of the carpometacarpal joints or the carpal
bones, provided a segment overlaying the wrist exists. The
shock-absorbing member overlaying the carpals on the wrist area may
extend to also cover up to about five inches, and may do so as
separate padding segments, for example, to allow for significant
wrist flexibility, or may be configured as one pad.
[0068] The shock-absorbing member can be constructed on the glove
using standard techniques placing paddings on gloves, such as by
stitching for example, or may alternatively be integrally formed on
the glove. For example, the shock-absorbing member may be encased
in a compartment or compartments that are then attached to select
areas of the glove. Alternatively, said compartments may be
integrally formed on the glove and the shock-absorbing member could
be interposed in the glove, with the compartment or plurality of
discreet shock-absorbing protective protrusions projecting out from
the glove. The construction of these compartments may comprise of
any flexible material, such as rubber, or may be of the same
materials that form the glove. Said compartment or compartments
could house and allow said shock-absorbing member to project out to
provide protection in desired areas along generally the dorsal
surface of the glove.
[0069] By way of example, if the shock-absorbing member is placed
onto the outer surface of the dorsal segment, it is envisioned that
the pad could be sewn, bonded or otherwise attached atop the dorsal
segment of the glove. A shock-absorbing member could include an
outer layer of material which encapsulates the pad and enables the
outer periphery of the pad to be positioned without damaging the
pad. For example, it is envisioned that the pad may include an
outer layer made of the same material as the rest of the glove, or
may be a heavier, thicker material, such as synthetic leather. The
shock-absorbing member, in this case a pad, is then inserted into
the compartment. The compartment can then be sewn, adhered to or
otherwise secured on the glove, such as deposed adjacent the dorsal
segment of the thumb stall and thereby provide a greater degree of
cushion and protection than the surrounding dorsal portion of the
glove.
[0070] The shock-absorbing member may also be integrally formed on
the glove. For example, the shock-absorbing member may be located
between the inner surface of the dorsal segment of the glove, and a
liner or sleeve. The liner (or sleeve) material would therefore be
positioned between the shock-absorbing member and a user's hand.
The liner could be attached to the glove by standard methods, such
as by conventional stitching about the perimeter of the dorsal
segment, whereby the padded layer would be inserted and then
sealed.
[0071] A similar method if the shock absorbing member is integrally
formed on the sports glove, comprises a flexible, preferably
integrally molded dorsal member which has a tougher outer
protective surface and a smooth hand contacting inner material,
such as a liner or sleeve, being connected together around the
peripheral edge of the molded member. The outer member may have a
plurality of discrete shock-absorbing protective protrusions
whereby the shock-absorbing members could be housed. The
protrusions may be in a variety of heights and shapes, and of
sufficient dimensions to house each shock-absorbing member and
thereby provide a greater degree of protection than the surrounding
dorsal portion of the glove.
[0072] The lining material (or sleeve) may be comprised of standard
lining materials, such as a smooth, flexible knitted fabric. The
liner may also comprise of flexible and elastomeric material such
as spandex or LYCRA. Other possible materials include a knit of
polyester or simply the same material forming the glove. A soft
cellular plastic could also be preferred. Additionally, the liner
may provide added features to offer warmth and comfort such as by
comprising of a fleece material, for example, especially useful
when competing in the rain or snow.
[0073] These novel features will give a quarterback added
protection from the abrasion from hitting a user's fingers against
the helmet of an opponent, for example, or when wrapping his
throwing hand around the football when rushing. The shock-absorbing
member sections of the present invention offer the unique ability
of being able to protect an injury while maintaining grip
capabilities in select areas by offering padded layer or layers, a
significant and substantial advancement to prior art, such as
bandages and BAND-AID, thus providing a solution to a long-felt
need of being able to protect a quarterback's throwing hand.
[0074] Some embodiments, of course, will not have a shock-absorbing
member on any part of the glove. These embodiments that are absent
of any shock-absorbing member will be useful and significantly
beneficial to football quarterbacks but also especially to those
playing the sport of golf, primarily because the unique finger
configurations of the glove, as well as because of any grip
enhancing mechanism on embodiments. Embodiments comprising a
shock-absorbing member would therefore also require a glove that is
adapted to overlay the back of the user's hand when the glove is
worn.
[0075] Embodiments of the present invention offer football
quarterbacks many benefits including:
[0076] stronger overall grip
[0077] higher completed pass accuracy
[0078] more success at throwing a spiral
[0079] higher consistency and performance in ball handling and
control
[0080] better control resulting in less fumbles
[0081] greater success at quarterback play execution
[0082] added protection, by the shock-absorbing member, on select
areas of the hand and/or wrist
[0083] greater success when a quarterback runs/rushes with a
football
[0084] grip enhancers on the throwing hand of the quarterback
[0085] targeted grip enhancers specifically designed to maximize
quarterback performance
[0086] significant enhanced and vital protection to a quarterbacks
throwing hand
[0087] protection on the throwing hand when the quarterback rushes
with the football
[0088] In football, unstable or weak ball control can, among other
things increase fumbles, increase incompletes and thereby increase
turnovers and decrease performance. The above features offer
significant and substantial benefits which properly address the
concerns currently facing many athletes, such as football
quarterbacks.
[0089] Another sport where the present invention will find much
success is in the sport of Golf. For example, the unique finger
configuration of the present invention creates surprising results
such that users can now use a glove--the present invention--on
their dominant hand. When placed on a golfer's dominant hand, the
golfer can then use the overlapping grip, for example, and have
increased grip with the now covered dominant hand's pinkie finger
which overlays and is in direct contact with the non-dominant
hand's forefinger. This in turn allows to a more solid unified golf
swing by minimizing the likelihood of hand separation during the
golf swing. One of the other substantial benefits of using the
present invention of the dominant hand is that the user would now
have enhanced grip on the dominant hand's fully enclosed thumb and
partially covered forefinger, which is currently glove-less and yet
most responsible for controlling the golf swing using only one golf
glove. Simply completely enclosing the user's thumb and pinkie
finger, however, would not necessarily prove useful on the golfer's
dominant hand because as aforementioned, a golfer uses his or her
dominant hand to provide heightened tactile sensitivities while
swinging a golf club. It is imperative therefore that the
fingertips of the user's forefinger, middle finger and ring finger
be exposed to such a degree as to allow the user to touch a sports
object such as a golf club with the skin of said fingertips in
order to maintain heightened tactile sensitivities during a golf
swing. The results from the partially covered forefinger, middle
finger and ring finger provide feel capabilities on the uncovered
distal phalanges, while offering added grip along the covered
proximal phalanges to more securely hold the golf club throughout
the golf swing. By configuring a glove that solves a long standing
problem will allow golfers to now wear a glove on both hands. This,
in turn will allow the user to have a substantial and significantly
higher grip and control of a golf club.
[0090] Additionally, the golfer will now also have added grip
capabilities, as well as protection from abrasion, along the
entirely covered thumb and partially covered forefinger of the
dominant hand.
[0091] Embodiments may also provide a grip enhancing mechanism on
any finger stalls or along the metacarpophalangeal joints if
preferred, thus providing added grip capabilities along the area
where the club is gripped. The grip enhancing mechanism may
comprise a non-slip latex coating, such as a nitrile coating for
example, and would be especially useful along the pinkie finger's
metacarpophalangeal joint, the area just below where the weak-hand
forefinger interlocks with the strong hand pinkie finger defining
the terminal edges of this grip enhancing mechanism. Embodiments
may further comprise a grip enhancing mechanism along the glove
body palmar portion. The grip enhancing mechanism should preferably
provide an effective coefficient of friction, preferably a Shore A
Durometer Coefficient of Friction of between 1.5 and 4.5.
[0092] The grip enhancing mechanism can be formed on the glove by
any standard method, for example, embossing, stamping or molding a
portion of the glove to create the gripping means. For example, the
grip enhancing mechanism can comprise, for example, regular
projections of say, about 300 micrometers in height, but may vary
in height depending on preference. The projections may all be the
same height, and may be in rows. They may be embossed elongated
shapes that are interconnected, thus creating a high coefficient of
friction throughout the entire palmar surface area of the glove.
Other embodiments could of course offer different heights,
non-uniform heights, and have a more random pattern on the palmar
portions forming the glove.
[0093] Alternatively, the grip enhancing mechanism may be attached,
affixed or otherwise placed to select areas of the glove by
standard methods and forms of attachment such as by overlaying a
panel to select areas of the glove. This may be accomplished, for
example, by creating a textured surface on a silicone-based layer
and then hot melting said silicone surface onto the bottom surface
of the most proximal end of the middle finger stall, thus providing
a high friction surface on the embodiment. The grip enhancing
mechanism may be affixed to the glove by any other standard methods
of attachment, such as by stitching or adhesion.
[0094] The grip enhancing mechanism is generally located on the
palmar portion of the glove. Within that parameter, preferably, the
grip enhancing mechanism can be on any portion of any thumb stall
or finger stall where a thumb or finger, any portion of the
metacarpophalangeal joints, and any portion between the thumb stall
and forefinger stall, generally defined by the forefinger
metacarpal, the thumb metacarpal, and the glove segment between
said metacarpals. The grip enhancing mechanism can therefore be
specifically positioned to provide enhanced grip and a higher
coefficient of friction along select aspects of primarily the
palmar of the glove. Of course, users may prefer any combination of
the aforementioned. In at least one embodiment all of the above
mentioned comprise of a grip enhancing mechanism including all of
the metacarpals. In at least one embodiment, the palmar segment
itself comprises a grip-enhancer, thereby covering the entire
palmar area of the glove.
[0095] Some embodiments, of course, will not have a grip enhancing
mechanism on any part of the glove. These embodiments absent of any
grip enhancing mechanism will be useful and significantly
beneficial to football quarterbacks but also especially to those
playing the sport of golf, primarily because of the unique finger
configurations of the glove, for example.
[0096] The synergies created by the unique finger configuration of
the present invention will also offer substantial benefits on the
non-dominant hand for those playing the sport of golf using the
conventional interlocking grip method, for example. For example, a
slice can take place for several reasons. One reason has to do with
the dominant hand not moving at the same rate and angle as the weak
hand during a golf swing, or not unhinging at the same time. If
there is even the slightest separation between the two hands during
the golf swing, the club face will not be square at impact; the
resulting open face impact will inevitably result in a slice. One
popular golf grip method used to overcome hand separation and
create a unified golf swing is called the interlocking grip. When
you use this grip, the forefinger of the golfer's weak-hand is
placed over his dominant hand and is interlocked with the dominant
hand's pinkie finger. With this grip, clearly the role of the
weak-hand's forefinger has to do with grip but also much more with
coordination and feel on the strong-hand to more effectively
control the golf swing and to provide greater golf swing
consistency. There is, therefore, no real need to cover all of the
weak-hand's forefinger, and covering the entire forefinger actually
diminishes said forefinger's sensitivities.
[0097] Currently, only full-fingered gloves are used by golfers on
their weak-hand. Prior art gloves therefore do not allow a golfer
to take complete advantage of his/her preferred grip by allowing
for skin contact between both hands and thereby maximizing hand
coordination throughout the golf swing. Embodiments of the present
invention offer significant improvements to prior art by its unique
finger configuration.
[0098] For example, the present invention comprises a glove that
covers all of the weak-hands thumb and pinkie finger while leaving
the fingertips of the middle, ring and forefingers, uncovered such
that the skin of each fingertip can touch an object. Users who
prefer the interlocking grip method will greatly benefit from
significantly increased feel between the now uncovered portion of
the interlocked forefinger of the gloved weak hand with the
ungloved and interlocked pinkie finger of the strong hand. Using
the present invention also allows a user to place their completely
enclosed thumb and covered portions of their middle finger, ring
finger and pinkie finger directly on and touching the golf club to
maintain a solid grip by the glove embodiment, while being able to
substantially increase tactile abilities by leaving the fingertips
of the user's middle finger and ring finger when the glove is worn.
This and other embodiments now allow far greater feel and
coordination lost with prior art especially when gripping a golf
club using the conventional interlocking grip.
[0099] The interlocked fingers now allow for far better feedback
because both interlocked fingers are now to make skin-to-skin
contact, making it easier to adjust a golf swing. Users who prefer
this embodiment will greatly benefit from maximum feel between the
completely uncovered interlocked fingers of both hands. Exposing
the fingertips of the middle and ring fingers are therefore very
important to the creation of synergies, in particular for those
playing golf using the interlocking grip method, for example. And
to those golfers, exposing the fingertip of the forefinger is a
critical feature, and is an essential aspect of the present
invention and in achieving synergies in: the ability to offer
greater golf consistency and accuracy by solving this previously
unsolvable problem in prior art; a far more successfully
coordinated golf swing; and heightened feel capabilities for better
feedback if the golf club inappropriately moves during a golf
swing. Additionally, the user's thumb must be completely covered to
protect the user's from abrasion from the golf club when using the
interlocking grip method. Exposing the fingertip of the user's
thumb for example would essentially make the glove inoperable.
Using this embodiment will allow a user to maximize feel with both
hands not just with only the standard ungloved dominant hand.
[0100] Additionally, a grip enhancing mechanism may be provided
along the palmar surface of the glove to further increase grip
capabilities, if preferred. For example the grip enhancing
mechanism may comprise a plurality of projections formed from a
skid resistant material, such as neoprene, PVC, rubber or the like.
The projections can form a pattern on the palmar surface.
Preferably, the high friction surface includes interstices or
spaces between projections to allow for necessary flexibility.
Preferably, the projections have an average height of about 700
micrometers or more. A grip enhancing mechanism can of course be
formed on this and other embodiments. For example, a grip enhancing
mechanism can also be formed on any finger stalls or along the
metacarpophalangeal joints if preferred, thus providing added grip
capabilities along the area where the club is gripped. For the same
reasons aforementioned, this embodiment would significantly assist
golfers using any of the interlocking, for example. The grip
enhancing mechanism may comprise of stripes, for example,
projecting out about 600 micrometers.
[0101] The grip enhancing mechanism of embodiments may comprise a
discreet grip enhancing mechanism and be formed only on select
finger stalls and create, for example, a high friction textured
surface with a more narrow width, say about 1.5 to three
centimeters. The grip enhancing mechanism may include a plurality
of projections or a plurality of depressions on the surface of the
grip enhancing panel formed from, for example, one of a vinyl
material, a rubber material, or a neoprene material, creating a
grip enhancing mechanism. The material forming the panel may then
be applied to said stalls using any standard bonding methods, such
as adhesion or stitching. The plurality of projections can
preferably be provided, for example, on at least one phalanx or on
only one phalanx of strategically selected portions of a finger
stall, such as on only the thumb and pinkie stalls. The projections
could preferably extend out less than 1/10 of a centimeter or so,
but could range generally from 1/20 of a centimeter to several
centimeters.
[0102] In general, the grip enhancing panel forming the grip
enhancing mechanism may preferably be formed from an elastic
material or fabric, including but not limited to, a knitted fabric,
for example, LYCRA, rayon, neoprene, a rubber material, a vinyl
material, a PVC material, a nitrile material, or the like.
[0103] The grip enhancing mechanism comprised of a grip enhancing
panel provides a higher and more effective coefficient of friction
than the rest of the glove body, preferably providing a Shore A
Durometer Coefficient of Friction of at least 1.5; More preferably,
the grip enhancing mechanism comprised of a grip enhancing panel
provides a Shore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of between 1.5
and 4.5.
[0104] Once the grip enhancing surface on the panel has been
formed, the panel may then be applied to the palmar surface of the
glove by any standard methods, such as by stitches or adhesives,
for example.
[0105] The grip enhancing mechanism of embodiments creates a higher
coefficient of friction than the surrounding material forming the
palmar segment of the glove body, and can further be comprised of
various grip-enhancing materials, coatings, and designs, including
but not limited to, foams, fabrics, PVC dots, perimeter patching
designs, linear and non-linear grooves, or combinations thereof,
high friction surfaces, textured surfaces, a plurality of regular
or irregular projections, a plurality of regular or irregular
depressions, non-slip materials and coatings, such as PVC coatings,
nitrile coatings and latex coatings, and designs creating coarse
surfaces, as well as pebbled or beaded surfaces, convex or concave
bumps, striations, cross-hatches, convex or concave linear and
non-linear lines, angled ribs, random structures, convex or concave
ridges, crevices, elongated segments, and the like. Preferably, the
depths of the depressions and/or heights of projections would be
such that the gap formed by the depressions or projections would
allow for some movement of the palmar surfaces thereby increasing
the grip capabilities of the user. The height or depth ranges can
generally begin at about 100 micrometers to several millimeters or
so.
[0106] The grip enhancing mechanism may further comprise a
plurality of spaced apart stripes or striped projections formed
from a high friction material, such as a PVC material, for example.
Preferably the stripes comprise raised or projecting stripes and
are arranged to extend generally parallel to the axis of any
existing finger stalls. Stripes and other forms may be uniformly
spaced or spaced at varying intervals. Similarly, stripes and other
forms may have varying thicknesses, heights or depths, depending on
preference. The thickness ranges generally can begin at about 100
micrometers to several millimeters or more. These grip-enhancers
may create a pattern, may be in rows or randomly placed, and may
form circular and non-circular shapes, such as spherical,
cylindrical or elongated. Additionally, they may be individually
separated or interconnected.
[0107] Embodiments of the present invention may further comprise
moisture management recesses or microholes generally used on golf
gloves, for ventilation or moisture management purposes. This
embodiment can be in the form of a standard synthetic leather golf
glove, with the dorsal and palmar surface areas essentially
covering all five metacarpals, with the only exception of a slit
along the dorsal surface which allows the golfer to insert the hand
into the glove, and micro recesses along a portion of the glove to
allow for ventilation. These recesses can be circular in shape or
in the shape of triangles. Additionally, some embodiments may
provide moisture management recesses in the form of a identifiable
human body part such as a plurality of hearts.
[0108] In general, a palmar surface of an embodiment can have a
variety of finishes, one portion of the surface can have a smooth
finish, for example, and another portion can have a textured
surface. The textured portion could create a coefficient of
friction, or grip enhancer, on the surface.
[0109] Embodiments of the present invention also comprise of a
wrist securement opening means to secure the glove to the user's
hand. The opening means may be, for example, an elastic means or a
flap which mechanically engages a flap capture mechanism, such as a
synthetic hook and loop fastening interface which adheres when
pressed together, commonly using VELCRO to ensure a strong
attachment to the hand, very important when playing active sports
requiring high velocity movements that the glove hand. The wrist
portion opening means may also further comprise an elastomeric band
fixed around then wrist aperture. Embodiments may also have
combinations of both a flap capture mechanism and an elastomeric
band. The wrist portion may be formed integral with the glove or
may be attached to the glove by standard methods, such as by
sewing.
[0110] The finger segments of embodiments are preferably designed
to fit snugly around a user's fingers, as are typical sports
gloves. In addition, some embodiments may have material treated by
a moisture repellant, for example SCOTCH GUARD or a synthetic
resin, extremely useful during the Winter months, usually during
the football playoffs. In addition, or alternatively, embodiments
may comprise of microrecesses along the dorsal portion of the glove
body, for ventilation purposes.
[0111] Embodiments may be made and manufactured using standard
materials and methods in developing sports gloves, such as
synthetic leather. Materials that can comprise these glove
embodiments include, but are not limited to, woven materials such
as natural, synthetic or blends of natural and synthetic yarns,
thermoextruded or thermoset rubbery embodiments such as those made
from thermoplastic elastomers. Examples of synthetic yarns include
nylon, polyester, and spandex (polyurethane) yarns. Embodiments may
also comprise stretch materials and designs, mesh fabrics, recycled
and flexible materials, cottons, polyester, rayon, spandex, fleece,
leathers and synthetic leathers, rubbers, plastics, woven fabrics,
non-woven fabrics, cloths, LYCRA, a vinyl material, a neoprene
material, a fleece material, or combinations thereof.
[0112] The thickness of the dorsal and palmar segments can
generally begin anywhere from 0.005 inches to 0.040 inches as are
standard sports gloves, for example, and can depend on several
factors such as comfort and durability preferences. Some
embodiments may offer more durable material for the dorsal surface
thus requiring an even thicker dorsal segment. Of course, the more
durable the material for more protection the glove may naturally
provide.
SUMMARY
[0113] As described herein, the present invention overcomes the
limitations of prior art in a number of significant ways. In
general, embodiments of the present invention can generally be used
in conjunction with any type of hand task activity and/or sports
play. As discussed, embodiments offer an individual with the
opportunity to increase overall hand task performance. Maintaining
or increasing overall control, for example, can provide many
benefits to a user of these, and other embodiments. These and other
embodiments:
[0114] offer the ability to grip as well as feel a ball, such as a
football
[0115] offer the ability to grip as well as feel a sports device,
such as a golf club
[0116] provide a unique solution for players who desire better grip
capabilities only in select areas
[0117] offer basic benefits that standard gloves offer, now offered
also to quarterbacks
[0118] offer a more stabilizing overall grip of a ball or object,
by conveying grip-enhancers to select locations of the hand
[0119] provide grip enhancers along the connecting area between the
thumb and forefinger
[0120] allow an individual to maintain or increase control of a
ball or object along the metacarpophalangeal joints
[0121] permit the ability to use a glove on dominant hand
configured to meet the unique needs of a user's preferred golf
grip
[0122] improve performance in hand task execution
[0123] offer more control capabilities throughout a sports task, a
valuable feature when striking a golf club with greater
velocity
[0124] afford more control throughout a football task, such as when
throwing a slippery football or while under duress
[0125] allow more hand coordination by adjusting grip-enhancers to
match a preferred particular golf swing
[0126] decrease the likelihood of football mishandles
[0127] create more safety in playing the position of quarterback
especially for the youth in our country
[0128] finally give quarterbacks the necessary protection already
offered to others who rush with the football, such as running
backs
[0129] These are among the many benefits of the present invention,
and are not to be construed as limitations of the benefits nor
their legal equivalent.
[0130] Although the description of the present invention only
discussed two sports, it is understood that individuals playing
other sports and activities can benefit from embodiments as well,
such as baseball, volleyball and basketball for example.
[0131] Additionally, although some embodiments may have been
discussed in a particular sport, it is only by way of example. In
other words, the embodiments discussed relating to football may
also easily be used in golf, and vice versa. In addition, the term
`overlay` is not meant to limit how the grip enhancing mechanism or
the shock-absorbing member will be created on embodiments of the
present invention. Indeed, as has been demonstrated, the grip
enhancing mechanism and shock-absorbing member may be integrally
formed on many of these embodiments. Therefore, use of the term
`overlay` may be defined more broadly, as "applied, affixed, formed
on or otherwise created on."
[0132] In addition, only some embodiments have been discussed and
in no way is intended to limit all the various embodiments and
other embodiments that the present invention provides, such as but
not limited to, different designs. Embodiments can of course be
used by men and women, boys and girls, professional athletes or
amateurs, as well as by those whose dominant hand is the right hand
or the left.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWING
[0133] It is expressly understood that the following descriptions
and drawings are for illustration purposes only, and in no way are
intended to limit the scope of the present invention and its
various embodiments. For example, the drawings are of embodiments
for the left hand but can easily be created for the right hand.
[0134] FIG. 1 is a drawing of the palmar (front) view of a first
embodiment. The glove completely covers the thumb and pinkie finger
when the glove is worn. Additionally, the glove has a partially
covered forefinger digital segment that is adapted to extend to
cover the proximal phalanx of the user's forefinger but does not
cover the fingertip of the forefinger, a partially covered middle
finger digital segment that is adapted to extend to cover the
proximal phalanx of the user's middle finger but does not cover the
fingertip of the middle finger, and a partially covered ring finger
digital segment that is adapted to extend to cover the proximal
phalanx of the user's ring finger but does not cover the fingertip
of the ring finger when the glove is worn.
[0135] FIG. 2 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG.
1, showing the dorsal (back) view.
[0136] FIG. 3 is a drawing of the palmar view of a second
embodiment. The glove completely covers the thumb and pinkie finger
when the glove is worn. Additionally, the glove has a forefinger
digital segment that is adapted to extend to cover the proximal
phalanx of the user's forefinger but does not cover the fingertip
of the forefinger, a middle finger digital segment that is adapted
to extend to cover the proximal phalanx of the user's middle finger
but does not cover the fingertip of the middle finger, and a ring
finger digital segment that is adapted to extend to cover the
proximal phalanx of the user's ring finger but does not cover the
fingertip of the ring finger when the glove worn.
[0137] FIG. 4 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG.
3, showing the dorsal view.
[0138] FIG. 5 is a drawing of the palmar view of a third
embodiment, shown as a partial-fingered glove. The glove completely
covers the thumb and pinkie finger when the glove is worn.
Additionally, the glove has a partially covered forefinger digital
segment that is adapted to extend to cover the proximal phalanx and
the entire middle phalanx of the user's forefinger but does not
cover the fingertip of the forefinger, a partially covered middle
finger digital segment that is adapted to extend to cover the
proximal phalanx and the entire middle phalanx of the user's middle
finger but does not cover the fingertip of the middle finger, and a
partially covered ring finger digital segment that is adapted to
extend to cover the proximal phalanx and the entire middle phalanx
of the user's ring finger but does not cover the fingertip of the
ring finger when the glove is worn.
[0139] FIG. 6 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG.5,
dorsal view.
[0140] FIG. 7 is a drawing of the palmar view of a fourth
embodiment, shown as a partial-fingered glove. The glove completely
covers the thumb and pinkie finger when the glove is worn.
Additionally, the glove has a forefinger digital segment that is
adapted to extend to cover the proximal phalanx of the user's
forefinger but does not cover any portion of the user's distal
phalanx, a middle finger digital segment that is adapted to extend
to cover the proximal phalanx of the user's middle finger but does
not cover any portion of the user's distal phalanx when the glove
is worn.
[0141] FIG. 8 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG.7,
showing the dorsal view.
[0142] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, showing a liner
and shock-absorbing members.
[0143] FIG. 10 is a drawing of the palmar view of a fifth
embodiment, shown as a partial-fingered glove. The glove completely
covers the thumb and pinkie finger when the glove is worn.
Additionally, the glove has a forefinger digital segment that is
adapted to extend to cover the proximal phalanx of the user's
forefinger but does not extend to cover any portion of the user's
distal phalanx, a middle finger digital segment that is adapted to
extend to cover the proximal phalanx of the user's middle finger
but does not extend to cover any portion of the user's distal
phalanx, and a ring finger digital segment that is adapted to
extend to cover the proximal phalanx of the user's ring finger but
does not extend to cover any portion of the user's distal phalanx
when the glove is worn.
[0144] FIG. 11 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in
FIG.10, showing the dorsal view.
[0145] FIG. 12 is an illustration of a user gripping a golf club
using the conventional interlocking grip method.
[0146] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a standard way of gripping a
football when preparing the throw a football.
[0147] FIG. 14 is a replication of a recent ad promotion which
illustrates a standard method of gripping a football when preparing
to throw the football down the field.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0148] It is expressly understood that the drawings are for the
purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended
as a definition of the limits of the invention.
[0149] Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an embodiment of the
present invention is shown and designated as 10. The palmar view of
a glove is drawn in FIG. 1 and the dorsal view of the same glove is
drawn in FIG. 2. This partial-fingered embodiment provides a glove
having a dorsal portion 11, a palmar portion 31 for overlaying
respective back and palm regions of a human hand, said dorsal and
palmar portions having distal and proximal ends with a plurality of
digital segments (or stalls) projecting from said distal ends. The
glove includes a glove body having a back portion 11 covering the
back of the hand, and a front portion 31 covering the palm or front
of the hand when the glove is worn.
[0150] In the illustrated embodiment the glove is constructed such
that it includes a thumb digital segment 12 that fully encloses a
user's thumb, including enclosing the fingertips, and a pinkie
digital segment 13 that fully encloses the user's pinkie finger,
including enclosing the fingertips when the glove is worn.
[0151] In addition, the glove has a forefinger digital segment 14
with a distal terminal edge 32. Said forefinger digital segment is
adapted to extend to cover the entire proximal phalanx of the
user's forefinger but does not cover the fingertip of the
forefinger when the glove is worn, defining the forefinger segment.
In other words, the forefinger digital segment is adapted to expose
a significant portion of the user's distal phalanx when the glove
is worn, thereby allowing heightened tactile sensitivities along
the fingertip which extends beyond the distal terminal edge such
that the skin of the fingertip can touch a device or sports object,
while simultaneously enhancing grip capabilities along the covered
proximal phalanx of the user's forefinger when the glove is worn.
Covering the proximal phalanx allows the user to maintain grip
along the area where the proximal phalanx grips a golf club for
example, while exposing the distal phalanx gives the user
heightened tactile sensitivities along the area where the distal
phalanx interlock with the opposing hand's pinkie finger, for
example.
[0152] In addition, the glove has a middle finger digital segment
15 with a distal terminal edge 33. Said middle finger digital
segment is adapted to extend to cover the entire proximal phalanx
of the user's middle finger but does not cover the fingertip of the
middle finger when the glove is worn, defining the middle finger
segment. In other words, the middle finger digital segment is
adapted to expose a significant portion of the user's distal
phalanx when the glove is worn, thereby allowing heightened tactile
sensitivities along the fingertip which extends beyond the distal
terminal edge such that the skin of the fingertip can touch a
device or sports object, while simultaneously enhancing grip
capabilities along the covered proximal phalanx of the user's
middle finger. Covering the proximal phalanx allows the user to
maintain grip along the area where the proximal phalanx grips a
golf club for example, while exposing the distal phalanx gives the
user heightened tactile sensitivities along the distal phalanx
thereby allowing for heightened sensitivity along the middle
portion of the user's hand during the golf swing, for example.
[0153] In addition, the glove has a ring finger digital segment 16
with a distal terminal edge 34. Said ring finger digital segment is
adapted to extend to cover the entire proximal phalanx of the
user's ring finger but does not cover the fingertip of the ring
finger when the glove is worn, defining the ring finger segment. In
other words, the ring finger digital segment is adapted to expose a
significant portion of the user's distal phalanx when the glove is
worn, thereby allowing heightened tactile sensitivities along the
fingertip which extends beyond the distal terminal edge such that
the skin of the fingertip can touch a device or sports object,
while simultaneously enhancing grip capabilities along the covered
proximal phalanx of the user's ring finger. Covering the proximal
phalanx allows the user to maintain grip along the area where the
proximal phalanx grips a golf club for example, while exposing the
distal phalanx gives the user heightened tactile sensitivities
along the distal phalanx thereby allowing for heightened
sensitivity along the back portion of the user's hand during the
golf swing, for example.
[0154] The palmar portion of the glove body 31 also covers the palm
segment overlaying the palm of the hand; the dorsal portion of the
glove body 11 also covers the back of the user's hand when the
glove is worn. The glove also has a wrist portion 17 that surrounds
the wrist of the user.
[0155] The thumb stall 12 is defined by a dorsal portion 35 and a
palmar portion 36. The forefinger stall 14 is defined by a dorsal
portion 37 and a palmar portion 38. The middle finger stall 15 is
defined by a dorsal portion 39 and a palmar portion 40. The ring
finger stall 16 is defined by a dorsal portion 41 and a palmar
portion 42. The pinkie finger stall 13 is defined by a dorsal
portion 43 and a palmar portion 44.
[0156] Furthermore, the forefinger segment distal terminal edge 32,
the middle finger segment distal terminal edge 33, and the ring
finger segment distal terminal edge 34 are each reinforced by
stitching 45. Stitching the forefinger segment, the middle finger
segment and the ring finger segment along or around the opening is
very important because the opening would otherwise easily tear,
destroying the finger segments and therefore the glove, making the
glove inoperable. Therefore the stitching 45 is adapted to encircle
the entire distal terminal edges 32, 33, 34 in order to be
effective at preventing tearing along the forefinger terminal edge
32, the middle finger terminal edge 33 and the ring finger terminal
edge 34.
[0157] The wrist portion 17 is expansible so as to hold more
securely to the user's wrist. Therefore the embodiment also has an
expandable opening means 20 at a wrist end comprises an elastic
material 20 along the wrist portion, such as an elastomeric band 20
fixed around throughout the wrist portion. In addition, the glove
further comprises a securement opening means 22 at the open end of
the glove body dorsal portion for fastening the glove body secure
about the wrist area, critical in sports activities where the
user's hand moves very rapidly such as in golf or football. The
securement opening means may be unitary with the glove body and may
include strap and strap capture mechanism such as VELCRO fasteners
23, 24, buttons, and the like or other suitable closures thereon.
The securement opening means allows the user to ensure a tight fit
around the user's hand so that it will not disengage from the
user's hand during high velocity sport movements such as swinging a
driving wood golf club or throwing a Hail Mary football pass. The
securement opening means also allows the user to quickly engage and
disengage the glove, important aspects during active sports play
such as in golf and in football. The wrist portion further
comprises a slit 25. The slit allows the user to quickly take off
or put on the glove, and doing so very easily.
[0158] Providing a slit and securement opening means is especially
valuable to users who play a sport that requires the constant
removal of the glove, such as in football--where players generally
take off their gloves during a change of possession, and
golf--where virtually all players take off their glove when
preparing to putt a golf ball. The securement opening means is
adapted to allow the user to mechanically stretch the securement
opening means, such as a strap across the slit and fasten the glove
to the user's hand.
[0159] This embodiment further shows how the present invention may
comprise a grip enhancing mechanism. Although the embodiment now
provides a higher coefficient of friction on a golfer's weak hand,
one now can further increase grip areas by adding a grip enhancing
mechanism on select areas or on the entire palmar surface of the
glove.
[0160] This embodiment may also comprise a detachable ball marker
26. A ball marker is often used when playing golf. During certain
times, such as when reaching the green or when obstructing another
player's direct path to the golf hole, the golfer may pick his ball
and place a ball marker directly behind the golf ball; the golfer
can then pick up the golf ball. The embodiment provides a
convenient, detachable ball marker on the glove. The detachable
ball marker in this embodiment is a small circular object with a
design that points to where the golf ball exactly is located.
[0161] The detachable ball marker 26 is secured by any standard
fastening means 28, such as by a compartment 28, by magnetism or
snap fastening, for example. The illustrated embodiment shows a
compartment 28 within the strap on the dorsal segment of the glove.
The compartment secures the ball marker by VELCRO fasteners 19, 29,
but other commonly known fasteners will work just as well. The ball
marker may be circular or non-circular in design.
[0162] Additionally, embodiments may offer a liner 46 in the
interior of the glove using methods known in the art, such as
stitching. The liner 46 may be integrally formed on the glove. For
example, the liner (or sleeve) could be attached to the glove by
standard methods, such as by conventional stitching about the
perimeter of the dorsal segment, the palmar segment or both.
[0163] The lining material (or sleeve) may be comprised of standard
lining materials, such as a smooth, flexible knitted fabric. The
liner may also comprise of flexible and elastomeric material such
as spandex or LYCRA. Other possible materials include a knit of
polyester or simply the same material forming the glove. A soft
cellular plastic 46 could also be preferred. Additionally, the
liner may provide added features to offer warmth and comfort such
as by comprising of a fleece material, for example, especially
useful when competing in harsher conditions or during extended
practices on the golf range, for example. The liner may be infused
with Aloe Vera 47.
[0164] It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that
many other implementations of liners are possible.
[0165] A plurality of moisture management micro recesses 49 of
about 0.120 millimeters in diameter may be randomly disposed
throughout the front and back of the glove body and on any finger
and thumb stalls of the glove, thereby providing added comfort and
more ventilation.
[0166] The dorsal surface may comprise of a different material than
the palmar surface, such as a more durable fabric, but would
preferably also be rather flexible. If the dorsal surface is
comprised of more durable fabrics, such as synthetic leather, then
some added elasticity capabilities may be also preferable on select
areas of the dorsal surface, in particular around the
metacarpophalangeal joints. For example, the dorsal surface may
comprise of an aperture on the forefinger's metacarpophalangeal
joint, the middle finger's metacarpophalangeal joint, the ring
finger's metacarpophalangeal joint, and on the pinkie finger's
metacarpophalangeal joint. Alternatively, embodiments may simply
comprise of a more elastic material, such as any of those
aforementioned such as spandex, on the dorsal surface overlaying
said metacarpophalangeal joints, or seams or slits, while the rest
of the dorsal surface is comprised of a more durable material. The
elastic material could be stitched onto those areas, and therefore
replacing the more durable materials along those select areas.
[0167] The palmar and dorsal surfaces, and any wrist portions, may
then be conjoined on any finger and thumb portions, dorsal and palm
portions and a wrist portion using any standard methods, such as by
stitching, thus defining a pocket for receiving a user's hand.
[0168] The materials forming the illustrated embodiment may
comprise those discussed in reference to the present invention.
Likewise, any previously discussed methods of construction may be
applied to this embodiment. For example, the dorsal surface may
comprise of a different material than the palmar surface, such as a
more durable fabric, but would preferably also be rather flexible.
If the dorsal surface is comprised of more durable fabrics, such as
synthetic leather, then some added elasticity capabilities may be
also preferable, though not required, on select area of the dorsal
surface, in particular around the metacarpophalangeal joints 21.
For example, the dorsal surface may comprise of an aperture on the
forefinger's metacarpophalangeal joint, the middle finger's
metacarpophalangeal joint 21, the ring finger's metacarpophalangeal
joint 21, and on the pinkie finger's metacarpophalangeal joint 21.
Alternatively, embodiments may simply comprise of a more elastic
material on the dorsal surface overlaying said metacarpophalangeal
joints while the rest of the dorsal surface is comprised of a more
durable material. The elastic material could be stitched onto those
areas, and therefore replacing the more durable materials along
those select areas. The shape of these apertures are in the shape
of hearts 21.
[0169] The palmar and dorsal surfaces, and any wrist portions, may
then for example be conjoined on any finger and thumb portions,
dorsal and palm portions and a wrist portion using any standard
methods, such as by stitching, thus defining a pocket for receiving
a user's hand.
[0170] Referring now to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, an embodiment of the
present invention is shown and designated as 50. The palmar view of
a glove is drawn in FIG. 3 and the dorsal view of the same glove is
drawn in FIG. 4. This partial-fingered embodiment provides a glove
having a dorsal portion 52, a palmar portion 51 for overlaying
respective back and palm regions of a human hand, said dorsal and
palmar portions having distal and proximal ends with a plurality of
digital segments (or stalls) projecting from said distal ends. The
glove includes a glove body having a back portion 52 covering the
back of a user's hand, and a front portion 51 covering the palm or
front of the hand when the glove is worn.
[0171] In the illustrated embodiment the glove is constructed such
that it includes a thumb digital segment 53 that fully encloses a
user's thumb, including enclosing the fingertips, and a pinkie
digital segment 54 that fully encloses the user's pinkie finger,
including enclosing the fingertips when the glove is worn.
[0172] In addition, the glove has a forefinger digital segment 55
with a distal terminal edge 56. Said forefinger digital segment is
adapted to extend to cover the entire proximal phalanx of the
user's forefinger but does not cover the fingertip of the
forefinger when the glove is worn. In other words, the forefinger
digital segment is adapted to expose at least a significant portion
of the user's distal phalanx when the glove is worn such that the
skin of the fingertip can touch a device or sports object, thereby
allowing heightened tactile sensitivities along the fingertip and
simultaneously enhancing grip capabilities along the covered
proximal phalanx of the user's forefinger. Additionally, the
forefinger digital segment further covers the user's middle phalanx
when the glove is worn, defining the forefinger segment. Covering
the proximal phalanx allows the user to maintain grip along the
area where the proximal phalanx grips a golf club for example,
while exposing the distal phalanx gives the user heightened tactile
sensitivities along the area where the distal phalanx interlock
with the opposing hand's pinkie finger, for example.
[0173] In addition, the glove has a middle finger digital segment
57 with a distal terminal edge 58. Said middle finger digital
segment is adapted to extend to cover the entire proximal phalanx
of the user's middle finger but does not cover the fingertip of the
middle finger when the glove is worn. In other words, the middle
finger digital segment is adapted to expose a significant portion
of the user's distal phalanx when the glove is worn, thereby
allowing heightened tactile sensitivities along the fingertip and
simultaneously enhancing grip capabilities along the covered
proximal phalanx of the user's middle finger. Additionally, the
middle finger digital segment further covers the user's middle
phalanx when the glove is worn, defining the middle finger segment.
Covering the proximal phalanx allows the user to maintain grip
along the area where the proximal phalanx grips a golf club for
example, while exposing the distal phalanx gives the user
heightened tactile sensitivities along the distal phalanx such that
the skin of the fingertip can touch a device or sports object,
thereby allowing for heightened sensitivity along the middle
portion of the user's hand along the golf club during the golf
swing, for example.
[0174] In addition, the glove has a ring finger digital segment 59
with a distal terminal edge 60. Said ring finger digital segment is
adapted to extend to cover the entire proximal phalanx of the
user's ring finger but does not cover the fingertip of the ring
finger when the glove is worn. In other words, the ring finger
digital segment is adapted to expose a significant portion of the
user's distal phalanx when the glove is worn such that the skin of
the fingertip can touch a device or sports object, thereby allowing
heightened tactile sensitivities along the fingertip and
simultaneously enhancing grip capabilities along the covered
proximal phalanx of the user's ring finger. Additionally, the ring
finger digital segment further covers the user's middle phalanx
when the glove is worn, defining the ring finger segment. Covering
the proximal phalanx allows the user to maintain grip along the
area where the proximal phalanx grips a golf club for example,
while exposing the distal phalanx gives the user heightened tactile
sensitivities along the distal phalanx thereby allowing for
heightened sensitivity along the middle portion of the user's hand
along the golf club during the golf swing, for example.
[0175] The glove also has a wrist portion 61 that surrounds the
wrist of the user. The thumb stall 53 is defined by a dorsal
portion 63 and a palmar portion 62. The forefinger stall 55 is
defined by a dorsal portion 65 and a palmar portion 64. The middle
finger stall 57 is defined by a dorsal portion 67 and a palmar
portion 66. The ring finger stall 59 is defined by a dorsal portion
69 and a palmar portion 68. The pinkie finger stall 54 is defined
by a dorsal portion 71 and a palmar portion 70.
[0176] Additionally, the distal terminal edge of the forefinger
digital segment, the distal terminal edge of the middle finger
digital segment, and the distal terminal edge of the ring finger
digital segment are each further sealed 72. When cutting certain
materials to form the glove such as synthetic materials 55, 57, 59
including synthetic leather it is virtually impossible to keep the
edges from fraying and splitting, or from allowing atmospheric
moisture to enter into the material through the formed edges,
thereby eroding and destroying the glove material. Therefore it is
preferable that the terminal edge 56 of the forefinger digital
segment, the middle finger digital segment 58 and the ring finger
digital segment 60 be permanently sealed 72, preferably by hot
knife sealing 72. The industrial hot knife is preferably used to
melt the fabric edges of the terminal edge such that the terminal
edge is entirely sealed thereby preventing fraying, fabric
splitting, and atmospheric moisture from entering into the glove
body through the terminal edges. If any portion of the distal
terminal edge is not sealed, in other words if there portions along
the terminal edge which are not completely sealed, these portions
along the terminal edge will fray or split eroding the integrity of
the glove structure and its valuable and unique benefits to the
user. Hot knife sealing will also create a smooth finish along the
entire distal terminal edge allowing for easier glove application
principally be allowing the user's fingertips to smoothly engaging
and disengaging the respective digital segment. Hot knife sealing
can only be performed on certain materials such as synthetic
leathers and plastics otherwise the material will burn and cause
harm. Cotton material for example will burn and therefore hot knife
sealing cannot be performed on that type of material.
[0177] The wrist portion 61 is expansible so as to hold more
securely to the user's wrist. Therefore the embodiment also has an
expandable opening means 73 at a wrist end comprises an elastic
material 73 along the wrist portion 61, such as an elastomeric band
73 fixed around throughout the wrist portion. In addition, the
glove further comprises a securement opening means 74 at the open
end of the glove body dorsal portion for fastening the glove body
secure about the wrist area, critical in sports activities where
the user's hand moves very rapidly such as in golf or football. The
securement opening means may be unitary with the glove body and may
include strap and strap capture mechanism such as VELCRO fasteners
75, 76, buttons, and the like or other suitable closures thereon.
The securement opening means allows the user to ensure a tight fit
around the user's hand so that it will not disengage from the
user's hand during high velocity sport movements such as swinging a
driving wood golf club or throwing a Hail Mary football pass. The
securement opening means also allows the user to quickly engage and
disengage the glove, important aspects during active sports play
such as in golf and in football. The wrist portion further
comprises a slit 77. The slit allows the user to quickly take off
or put on the glove, and doing so very easily.
[0178] Providing a slit and securement opening means is especially
valuable to users who play a sport that requires the constant
removal of the glove, such as in football--where players generally
take off their gloves during a change of possession, and
golf--where virtually all players take off their glove when
preparing to putt a golf ball. The securement opening means is
adapted to allow the user to mechanically stretch the securement
opening means such as a strap, across the slit and fasten the glove
to the user's hand.
[0179] This embodiment further shows how the present invention may
comprise a grip enhancing mechanism 78 and thereby provide a higher
coefficient of friction on select areas of the glove palmar
surface.
[0180] The grip enhancing mechanism may comprise of a plurality of
projections, a plurality of depressions or tackifiers including
tackifier resins, such as rosins and their derivatives, terpenes,
aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and aromatic resin, and any of a variety
of hydrocarbon-type resins, tackifier coatings, tackified materials
such tackified leathers and synthetic leathers, and other tackifier
substances well commercially known in the art, strategically placed
along the palmar portion of the glove body, thus providing very
high grip capabilities to a user, especially to football
quarterbacks and golfers.
[0181] In the illustrated embodiment, the glove palmar portion
further comprises of a grip enhancing mechanism comprised of a
plurality of discreet tackified locations. More specifically, the
entire palmar portion of the thumb digital segment comprises a
tackified material 79, such as impregnating a leather 79 with a
tackifier resin 80 and then affixing said material onto the rest of
the palmar portion of the glove body. This particular configuration
provides for maximum grip capabilities for a user, such as a
golfer. The less flexible thumb segment is not of importance to a
golfer because the weak hand's thumb does not need to bend at any
time during a golf swing. In addition, the entire palmar portion of
the pinkie digital segment comprises a tackified material 82.
[0182] As aforementioned, the grip enhancing mechanism formed of
these tackfied materials integral to the glove body or formed of
tackified grip enhancing panels, are preferably configured to
provide a significantly higher coefficient of friction, preferably
of at least a Shore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of between
2.0 and 4.5; Still more preferably a Shore A Durometer Coefficient
of Friction of between 2.5 and 4.5.
[0183] Once the grip enhancing mechanism have been formed, they may
then be applied to the palmar surface of the glove by any standard
methods, such as by stitches or adhesives, for example.
[0184] Additionally, embodiments may offer a liner is fixed to the
interior of the glove using methods known in the art, such as
stitching. The liner 81 may be integrally formed on the glove. For
example, the liner (or sleeve) could be attached to the glove by
standard methods, such as by conventional stitching about the
perimeter of the dorsal segment, the palmar segment or both.
[0185] The lining material (or sleeve) may be comprised of standard
lining materials, such as a smooth, flexible knitted fabric. The
liner may also comprise of flexible and elastomeric material such
as spandex or LYCRA. Other possible materials include a knit of
polyester or simply the same material forming the glove. A soft
cellular plastic 81 could also be preferred. Additionally, the
liner may provide added features to offer warmth and comfort such
as by comprising of a fleece material, for example, especially
useful when competing in harsher conditions or during extended
practices on the golf range, for example.
[0186] It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that
many other implementations of liners are possible.
[0187] A plurality of moisture management recesses 85 may be
randomly disposed about the front, back and finger and thumb stalls
of the glove, thereby providing added comfort and adequate
ventilation. This embodiment shows heart shaped recesses 85 on the
pinkie digital segment and thumb digital segment.
[0188] The dorsal surface may comprise of a different material than
the palmar surface, such as a more durable fabric, but would
preferably also be rather flexible. If the dorsal surface is
comprised of more durable fabrics, such as synthetic leather, then
some added elasticity capabilities may be also preferable on select
areas of the dorsal surface, in particular around the
metacarpophalangeal joints. For example, the dorsal surface may
comprise of an aperture on the forefinger's metacarpophalangeal
joint, the middle finger's metacarpophalangeal joint, the ring
finger's metacarpophalangeal joint, and on the pinkie finger's
metacarpophalangeal joint. Alternatively, embodiments may simply
comprise of a more elastic material 83, such as any of those
aforementioned such as spandex, on the dorsal surface overlaying
said metacarpophalangeal joints, or seams or slits, while the rest
of the dorsal surface 52 is comprised of a more durable material.
The elastic material could be stitched onto those areas, and
therefore replacing the more durable materials along those select
areas.
[0189] The materials forming the illustrated embodiment may
comprise those discussed in reference to the present invention.
Likewise, any previously discussed methods of construction may be
applied to this embodiment. This dorsal segment may be constructed
as many standard golf gloves, made primarily of a durable but
flexible material, such as synthetic material like synthetic
leather, while providing a much more elastic fiber 83 such as
spandex 83, along the metacarpophalangeal joints of the four
fingers 84 of the user's hand when the glove is worn.
[0190] The palmar and dorsal surfaces, and any wrist portions, may
then be conjoined on any finger and thumb portions, dorsal and palm
portions and a wrist portion using any standard methods, such as by
stitching, thus defining a pocket for receiving a user's hand.
[0191] Referring now to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, an embodiment of the
present invention is shown and designated as 90. The palmar view of
a glove is drawn in FIG. 5 and the dorsal view of the same glove is
drawn in FIG. 6. This partial-fingered embodiment provides a glove
having a dorsal portion 92, a palmar portion 91 for overlaying
respective back and palm regions of a human hand, said dorsal and
palmar portions having distal and proximal ends with a plurality of
digital segments (or stalls) projecting from said distal ends. The
glove includes a glove body having a back portion 92 covering the
back of a user's hand, and a front portion 91 covering the palm or
front of the hand when the glove is worn.
[0192] In the illustrated embodiment the glove is constructed such
that it includes a thumb digital segment 93 that fully encloses a
user's thumb, including enclosing the fingertips, and a pinkie
digital segment 94 that fully encloses the user's pinkie finger,
including enclosing the fingertips when the glove is worn.
[0193] In addition, the glove has a forefinger digital segment 95
with a distal terminal edge 96. Said forefinger digital segment is
adapted to extend to cover the entire proximal phalanx and the
entire middle phalanx of the user's forefinger but does not cover
the fingertip of the forefinger when the glove is worn, defining
the forefinger segment of the glove. In other words, the forefinger
digital segment is adapted to expose a significant portion of the
user's distal phalanx when the glove is worn such that the skin of
the fingertip can touch a device or sports object, thereby allowing
heightened tactile sensitivities along the fingertip and
simultaneously enhancing grip capabilities along the covered
proximal phalanx of the user's forefinger. Covering the proximal
phalanx allows the user to maintain grip along the area where the
proximal phalanx grips a golf club for example, while exposing the
distal phalanx gives the user heightened tactile sensitivities
along the area where the distal phalanx interlock with the opposing
hand's pinkie finger, for example.
[0194] In addition, the glove has a middle finger digital segment
97 with a distal terminal edge 98. Said middle finger digital
segment is adapted to extend to cover the entire proximal phalanx
and the entire middle phalanx of the user's middle finger but does
not cover the fingertip of the middle finger when the glove is
worn, thereby defining the middle finger segment of the glove. In
other words, the middle finger digital segment is adapted to expose
a significant portion of the user's distal phalanx when the glove
is worn such that the skin of the fingertip can touch a device or
sports object, thereby allowing heightened tactile sensitivities
along the fingertip and simultaneously enhancing grip capabilities
along the covered proximal phalanx of the user's middle finger.
Covering the proximal phalanx allows the user to maintain grip
along the area where the proximal phalanx grips a golf club for
example, while exposing the distal phalanx gives the user
heightened tactile sensitivities along the distal phalanx thereby
allowing for heightened sensitivity along the middle portion of the
user's hand along a golf club during the golf swing, for
example.
[0195] In addition, the glove has a ring finger digital segment 99
with a distal terminal edge 100. Said ring finger digital segment
is adapted to extend to cover the entire proximal phalanx and the
entire middle phalanx of the user's ring finger but does not cover
the fingertip of the ring finger when the glove is worn, thereby
defining the ring finger segment of the glove. In other words, the
ring finger digital segment is adapted to expose a significant
portion of the user's distal phalanx when the glove is worn such
that the skin of the fingertip can touch a device or sports object,
thereby allowing heightened tactile sensitivities along the
fingertip and simultaneously enhancing grip capabilities along the
covered proximal phalanx of the user's ring finger. Covering the
proximal phalanx allows the user to maintain grip along the area
where the proximal phalanx grips a golf club for example, while
exposing the distal phalanx gives the user heightened tactile
sensitivities along the distal phalanx thereby allowing for
heightened sensitivity along the middle portion of the user's hand
along a golf club during the golf swing, for example.
[0196] The glove embodiment also has a wrist portion 101 that
surrounds the wrist of the user. The thumb stall 93 is defined by a
dorsal portion 103 and a palmar portion 102. The forefinger stall
95 is defined by a dorsal portion 105 and a palmar portion 104. The
middle finger stall 98 is defined by a dorsal portion 107 and a
palmar portion 106. The ring finger stall 99 is defined by a dorsal
portion 109 and a palmar portion 108. The pinkie finger stall 94 is
defined by a dorsal portion 111 and a palmar portion 110.
[0197] Furthermore, the forefinger segment distal terminal edge 96,
the middle finger segment distal terminal edge 98, and the ring
finger segment distal terminal edge 100 are each reinforced by
stitching 112 or by sealing. Stitching the forefinger segment, the
middle finger segment and the ring finger segment along or around
the opening is very important because the opening would otherwise
easily tear, destroying the finger segments and therefore the
glove, making the glove inoperable. Therefore the stitching 112 is
adapted to encircle the entire distal terminal edges 96, 98, 100 in
order to be effective at preventing tearing or fraying along the
forefinger terminal edge 96, the middle finger terminal edge 98 and
the ring finger terminal edge 100. The finger digital segment
distal terminal edges may alternatively be sealed, however. When
cutting certain materials such as synthetic materials 91 including
synthetic leather 91 it is virtually impossible to keep the edges
from fraying and splitting, or from allowing atmospheric moisture
to enter into the material through the formed edges, thereby
eroding and destroying the glove material. Therefore it is
essential that the entire terminal edge of the finger digital
segments be permanently sealed or stitched.
[0198] The wrist portion 101 is expansible so as to hold more
securely to the user's wrist. Therefore the embodiment also has an
expandable opening means 114 at a wrist end comprises an elastic
material 114 along the wrist portion, such as an elastomeric band
114 fixed around throughout the wrist portion. In addition, the
glove further comprises a securement opening means 115 at the open
end of the glove body dorsal portion for fastening the glove body
secure about the wrist area, critical in sports activities where
the user's hand moves very rapidly such as in golf or football. The
securement opening means may be unitary with the glove body and may
include strap and strap capture mechanism such as VELCRO fasteners
116, 117, buttons, and the like or other suitable closures thereon.
The securement opening means allows the user to ensure a tight fit
around the user's hand so that it will not disengage from the
user's hand during high velocity sport movements such as swinging a
driving wood golf club or throwing a Hail Mary football pass. The
securement opening means also allows the user to quickly engage and
disengage the glove, important aspects during active sports play
such as in golf and in football. The wrist portion further
comprises a slit 118. The slit allows the user to quickly take off
or put on the glove, and doing so very easily.
[0199] Providing a slit and securement opening means is especially
valuable to users who play a sport that requires the constant
removal of the glove, such as in football--where players generally
take off their gloves during a change of possession, and
golf--where virtually all players take off their glove when
preparing to putt a golf ball. The securement opening means is
adapted to allow the user to mechanically stretch the securement
opening means such as a strap or flap across the slit and fasten
the glove to the user's hand.
[0200] Additionally, embodiments may offer a liner is fixed to the
interior of the glove using methods known in the art, such as
stitching. The liner 119 may be integrally formed on the glove. For
example, the liner (or sleeve) could be attached to the glove by
standard methods, such as by conventional stitching about the
perimeter of the dorsal segment, the palmar segment or both.
[0201] This embodiment further shows how the present invention may
comprise a grip enhancing mechanism. The grip enhancing mechanism
creates a higher coefficient of friction then the surrounding glove
palmar surface.
[0202] This embodiment further shows how the present invention may
comprise a grip enhancing mechanism 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125,
126, 127, 128, 130, 131, 132, 133, 148 along the glove palmar
surface. Although the embodiment now provides a higher coefficient
of friction than what the skin of throwing hand of a quarterback or
a golfer's dominant hand would otherwise provide for example, one
may now further increase grip areas by adding a grip enhancing
mechanism on select areas of the palmar portion of the glove. In
general, the grip enhancing mechanism of the present invention may
be integral to the glove or may be affixed to the glove surface by,
for example, forming a grip enhancing panel and applying the panel
onto a portion of the palmar portion of the glove body.
[0203] The glove body may include a grip enhancing mechanism
comprising a plurality of depressions or a plurality of projections
formed on select areas of the palmar portion, thereby creating a
higher coefficient than on the rest of the glove body.
[0204] Formed on the illustrated glove is a plurality of
depressions 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 130, 131,
132, 133 and tackified materials 148. These square-like and
circular depressions preferably are spaced apart to allow for added
grip and flexibility. The plurality of depressions are preferably
provided on at least one phalanx of any finger stalls 120, 121,
122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128.
[0205] The grip enhancing mechanism comprising a plurality of
depressions overlay, more specifically, for example, the entire
palmar portion 120 of the thumb stall palmar segment 93. In
addition, a plurality of depressions overlay the middle phalanx
122, and the proximal phalanx 123 of the forefinger stall palmar
portion. In addition, a plurality of depressions over the proximal
phalanx 124 of the middle finger stall palmar portion. In addition,
a plurality of depressions overlay the proximal phalanx 125 of the
ring finger stall palmar portion. In addition, a plurality of
depressions overlay the distal phalanx 126, the middle phalanx 127
and the proximal phalanx 128 of the pinkie finger. In addition, a
plurality of depressions overlay the forefinger metacarpophalangeal
joint 130, the middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint 131, the
ring finger metacarpophalangeal joint 132, and pinkie finger
metacarpophalangeal joint 133.
[0206] The grip enhancing mechanism comprising a plurality of
depressions may be integrally formed on, or may be affixed to the
glove body palmar portion. For example, the plurality of
depressions may be affixed the glove body by forming said plurality
of depressions onto a panel, and then affixed the panel onto select
areas of the glove body by any standard methods, such as by
stitching or adhesion for example.
[0207] The grip enhancing mechanism provide a higher and more
effective coefficient of friction than the rest of the glove body
palmar surface.
[0208] Furthermore, a grip enhancing mechanism 148 overlays the
pinkie finger's metacarpal. Said grip enhancing mechanism comprises
a discreet grip enhancing panel 148 that overlays the pinkie
finger's metacarpal, whereby said grip enhancing panel is a
tackified material 148; said grip enhancing panel is configured to
overlay the pinkie finger metacarpal, in part or in its entirety,
but not to extend beyond said metacarpal. Providing a grip
enhancing mechanism along this location provides increased grip
along a critical grip area especially important when controlling a
football. In addition, many novice golfers find it difficult to
keep the golf club shaft from moving on the downswing. Often, the
shaft will be held toward the top of the pinkie metacarpal, closest
to the metacarpophangeal joint, but as a golfer completes the
downswing, the shafts uncontrollably moves down toward the bottom
of the pinkie metacarpal, clearly resulting in inconstant golf
swings. Thus, providing a grip enhancing mechanism along the pinkie
metacarpal will serve to resolve these grip deficiencies.
[0209] Once the grip enhancing panels have been formed, these
panels may then be applied to the palmar surface of the glove by
any standard methods, such as by stitches or adhesives, for
example.
[0210] Additionally, embodiments such as this one, may be
completely coated with a with a water repellant substance 152 such
as a synthetic resin 152 on the glove palmar surface or throughout
the entire glove. The glove may also provide a plurality of
moisture management recesses 153 in the form of micro recesses of
about 0.120 millimeters or so in diameter may be randomly disposed
about the front, back and finger and thumb stalls of the glove,
thereby providing added comfort and more ventilation.
[0211] The materials forming the illustrated embodiment may
comprise those discussed in reference to the present invention.
Likewise, any previously discussed methods of construction may be
applied to this embodiment. The dorsal surface may comprise of a
different material than the palmar surface, such as a more durable
fabric, but would preferably also be rather flexible. If the dorsal
surface is comprised of more durable fabrics, such as synthetic
leather, then some added elasticity capabilities may be also
preferable on select areas of the dorsal surface, in particular
around the metacarpophalangeal joints. For example, the dorsal
surface may comprise of an aperture 154, 155, 156, 157 on the
forefinger's metacarpophalangeal joint 154, the middle finger's
metacarpophalangeal joint 155, the ring finger's
metacarpophalangeal joint 156, and on the pinkie finger's
metacarpophalangeal joint 157. Said apertures 154, 155, 156, 157
are in the shape of hearts.
[0212] The palmar and dorsal surfaces, and any wrist portions, may
then be conjoined on any finger and thumb portions, dorsal and palm
portions and a wrist portion using any standard methods, such as by
stitching, thus defining a pocket for receiving a user's hand,.
[0213] Referring now to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, another embodiment of
the athletic glove of the present invention is shown and designated
as 170. The palmar (front) view of an embodiment is drawn in FIG. 7
and the dorsal (back) view of the same glove is drawn in FIG. 8.
This partial-fingered embodiment provides a glove having a dorsal
portion 172 and a palmar portion 171 for overlaying respective back
and palm regions of a human hand, said dorsal and palmar portions
having distal and proximal ends with a plurality of digital
segments (or stalls) projecting from said distal ends. The glove
includes a glove body having a back portion 172 covering the dorsal
surface of a user's hand, and a front portion 171 covering
essentially the entire palm surface of the hand when the glove is
worn. The glove body includes finger segments and a thumb segment
each adapted to receive a finger or thumb, respectively,
therein.
[0214] In the illustrated embodiment the glove is constructed such
that it includes a thumb digital segment 173 that fully encloses a
user's thumb, including enclosing the fingertips, and a pinkie
digital segment 174 that fully encloses the user's pinkie finger,
including enclosing the fingertips when the glove is worn.
Enclosing the thumb and pinkie finger significantly increases the
user's grip of a football, for example, by substantially increasing
the user's grip at the two opposite ends of the football
simultaneously when throwing a football for example.
[0215] In addition, the glove has a forefinger digital segment 175
with a distal terminal edge 176. Said forefinger digital segment is
adapted to extend to cover the entire proximal phalanx of the
user's forefinger but does not cover any portion of the user's
distal phalanx when the glove is worn. In other words, the
forefinger digital segment is adapted to expose the user's distal
phalanx when the glove is worn such that the skin of the fingertip
can touch a device or sports object, thereby allowing heightened
tactile sensitivities along the fingertip and simultaneously
enhancing grip capabilities along the covered proximal phalanx of
the user's forefinger. In addition, the forefinger digital segment
is adapted to cover at least a portion the user's middle phalanx,
defining the forefinger segment of the glove. Covering the proximal
phalanx allows the user to maintain grip along the area where the
proximal phalanx is unsupported by the football laces when throwing
a football for example, thereby increasing the user to impart more
spin and accuracy when throwing the football.
[0216] In addition, the glove has a middle finger digital segment
177 with a distal terminal edge 178. Said middle finger digital
segment is adapted to extend to cover the entire proximal phalanx
of the user's middle finger but does not cover any portion of the
user's distal phalanx when the glove is worn. In other words, the
middle finger digital segment is adapted to expose the user's
distal phalanx when the glove is worn such that the skin of the
fingertip can touch a device or sports object, thereby allowing
heightened tactile sensitivities along the fingertip and
simultaneously enhancing grip capabilities along the covered
proximal phalanx of the user's middle finger. In addition, the
middle finger digital segment is adapted to cover at least a
portion the user's middle phalanx, defining the middle finger
segment of the glove. Covering the proximal phalanx allows the user
to maintain grip along the area where the proximal phalanx is
unsupported by the football laces when throwing a football for
example, while exposing the distal phalanx allows the user to place
the middle finger's fingertip on top of the football laces
unencumbered by a glove material.
[0217] In addition, the glove has a ring finger digital segment 179
with a distal terminal edge 180. Said ring finger digital segment
is adapted to extend to cover the entire proximal phalanx of the
user's ring finger but does not cover any portion of the user's
distal phalanx when the glove is worn. In other words, the ring
finger digital segment is adapted to expose the user's distal
phalanx when the glove is worn such that the skin of the fingertip
can touch a device or sports object, thereby allowing heightened
tactile sensitivities along the fingertip and simultaneously
enhancing grip capabilities along the covered proximal phalanx of
the user's ring finger. In addition, the ring finger digital
segment is adapted to cover at least a portion the user's middle
phalanx, defining the ring finger segment of the glove. Covering
the proximal phalanx allows the user to maintain grip along the
area where the proximal phalanx is unsupported by the football
laces when throwing a football for example, while exposing the
distal phalanx allows the user to place the ring finger's fingertip
on top of the football laces unencumbered by a glove material.
[0218] The glove also has a wrist portion 181 that surrounds the
wrist of the user. The thumb stall 173 is defined by a dorsal
portion 183 and a palmar portion 182. The forefinger stall 175 is
defined by a dorsal portion 185 and a palmar portion 184. The
middle finger stall 177 is defined by a dorsal portion 187 and a
palmar portion 186. The ring finger stall 179 is defined by a
dorsal portion 189 and a palmar portion 188. The pinkie finger
stall 174 is defined by a dorsal portion 191 and a palmar portion
190.
[0219] Furthermore, the forefinger segment distal terminal edge
176, the middle finger segment distal terminal edge 178, and the
ring finger segment distal terminal edge 180 are each reinforced by
stitching 192 or by sealing. Stitching the forefinger segment, the
middle finger segment and the ring finger segment along or around
the opening is important because the opening would otherwise easily
tear, destroying the finger segments and therefore the glove,
making the glove inoperable. Therefore the stitching 192 is adapted
to encircle the entire distal terminal edges 176, 178, 180 in order
to be effective at preventing tearing along the forefinger terminal
edge 176, the middle finger terminal edge 178 and the ring finger
terminal edge 180.
[0220] The wrist portion 181 is expansible so as to hold more
securely to the user's wrist. Therefore the embodiment also has an
expandable opening means 194 at a wrist end comprises an elastic
material 194 along the wrist portion, such as an elastomeric band
181 fixed around throughout the wrist portion. In addition, the
glove further comprises a securement opening means 195 at the open
end of the glove body dorsal portion for fastening the glove body
secure about the wrist area, critical in sports activities where
the user's hand moves very rapidly such as in golf or football. The
securement opening means includes a strap 195 which may be unitary
with the glove body and may include VELCRO fasteners 196, 197,
buttons, and the like or other suitable closures thereon. The strap
means allows the user to ensure a tight fit around the user's hand
so that it will not disengage from the user's hand during high
velocity sport movements such as swinging a driving wood golf club
or throwing a Hail Mary football pass. The strap means also allows
the user to quickly engage and disengage the glove, important
aspects during active sports play such as in golf and in football.
The wrist portion further comprises a slit 198. The slit allows the
user to quickly take off or put on the glove, and doing so very
easily.
[0221] Providing a slit and securement opening means is especially
valuable to users who play a sport that requires the constant
removal of the glove, such as in football--where players generally
take off their gloves during a change of possession, and
golf--where virtually all players take off their glove when
preparing to putt a golf ball. The securement opening means is
adapted to allow the user to mechanically stretch the securement
opening means such as a strap across the slit and fasten the glove
to the user's hand.
[0222] This embodiment further shows how the present invention may
also comprise a grip enhancing mechanism 201, 202, 203, 204, 205,
208, 209, 206, 207, 210, 211, 212. Although the embodiment now
provides a higher coefficient of friction on the throwing hand of a
quarterback or on a golfer's dominant hand, one may now further
increase grip areas by adding a grip enhancing mechanism on select
areas.
[0223] In general, the grip enhancing mechanism of the present
invention may be integral to the glove or may be affixed to the
glove surface by, for example, forming a grip enhancing panel and
applying the panel onto a portion of the glove.
[0224] The glove body may include a grip enhancing mechanism
comprising a plurality of depressions or a plurality of projections
formed on select areas of the palmar portion, thereby creating a
higher coefficient than on the rest of the glove body palmar
surface.
[0225] Formed on the illustrated glove is a plurality of
projections 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 208, 209, 206, 207, 210, 211,
212. These circular projections preferably are spaced apart to
allow for added grip and flexibility.
[0226] The illustrated embodiment has a grip enhancing mechanism on
select areas of the front of the hand, specifically along the four
digital segments as well as along the region between the thumb and
forefinger segments. The grip enhancing mechanism comprises oval
projections, each having a height of at least about three hundred
micrometers, and are further grouped in diamond shaped clusters to
allow for greater hand flexibility and movement.
[0227] The grip enhancing mechanism comprising a plurality of oval
projections 201, 202 are located on the thumb stall 201 and
forefinger stall 202 such that it only overlays the user's proximal
phalanx when the glove is worn, to maximize grip abilities of a
user's thumb and forefinger. In addition, a grip enhancing
mechanism comprising a plurality of projections located along
substantially the entire pinkie finger palmar portion 203, 204,
205. In addition, a grip enhancing mechanism comprising a plurality
of projections 206 overlay substantially the pinkie finger's
metacarpophalangeal joint, and an additional one on a substantial
portion of the pinkie finger's metacarpal 207 and formed from a
nitrile material 207, for example.
[0228] In addition, a grip enhancing mechanism comprising of a
plurality of projections overlay the proximal phalanx 208 of the
middle finger stall palmar portion but does not overlay any portion
of the user's distal phalanx when the glove is worn. In addition, a
plurality of projections overlay the proximal phalanx 209 of the
ring finger stall palmar portion but does not overlay any portion
of the user's distal phalanx when the glove is worn as the digital
segment does not overlay the distal phalanx.
[0229] In the illustrated embodiment, the grip enhancing mechanism
further comprises a plurality of projections overlaying key areas
of the user's palm surface, including and on any finger
metacarpophalangeal joints, such as the forefinger
metacarpophalangeal joint 210, the middle finger
metacarpophalangeal joint 211, and the ring finger
metacarpophalangeal joint 212.
[0230] The grip enhancing mechanism comprising of these grip
enhancing panels preferably provide a higher and more effective
coefficient of friction than the material forming the surrounding
palmar portion of the glove body.
[0231] Additionally, embodiments such as this one, may be
completely coated with a with a water repellant substance such as
SCOTCH GUARD on the palmar surface or throughout the entire glove.
Alternatively, moisture management recesses in the form of a
plurality of micro recesses of about 0.120 millimeters or so in
diameter may be randomly disposed about the front, back and finger
and thumb stalls of the glove, thereby providing added comfort and
more ventilation.
[0232] As aforementioned, the present invention, including this
embodiment may be constructed using standard materials and methods
of construction known in the art of making sports gloves. For
example, construction of this embodiment may be accomplished by
standard methods, such as, by designing the dorsal and palmar
sections to meet along a conjoining lateral edge to define a pocket
for receiving the eminence of a user's hand. Said dorsal and palmar
sections could be conjoined by sewing, for example. One could use
any standard method of manufacture and assembly or
construction.
[0233] The embodiment is suitably a substantially conventionally
constructed sports glove, modified as aforementioned. This
particular glove can be made of a polyester and cotton blend for
superior comfort or of a synthetic leather latex coated glove for
added durability. Other materials that could comprise these glove
embodiments include, but are not limited to woven materials that
include natural, synthetic or blends of natural and synthetic
yarns, thermoextruded or thermoset rubbery embodiments including
those made from thermoplastic elastomers, and cloths. Examples of
synthetic yarns include nylon, polyester, and spandex
(polyurethane) yarns. Additionally, embodiments such as this one,
may be coated with a with a water repellant substance, such as a
synthetic resin throughout the entire outer surface of the
glove.
[0234] Embodiments may also preferably comprise of a
shock-absorbing member 215, 219, 220, 221, 222, 216, 217 along any
portion of the dorsal surface 172, such as any or all existing
finger and thumb stalls, along the dorsal surface overlaying any or
all of the metacarpals, or combinations thereof.
[0235] Embodiments may preferably comprise a shock-absorbing member
215 along substantially all of the dorsal surface overlaying the
thumb of the user's hand when the glove is worn. The
shock-absorbing member overlaying the user's thumb is in the
pattern of a diamond 215, and is configured as a padded segment 215
that is adapted to overlay the user's proximal and distal phalanges
of the user's thumb when the glove is worn. Other embodiments may
prefer to overlay the thumb as separate padding segments, for
example, to allow for significant finger flexibility by having one
pad overlaying only the proximal phalanx, and a second pad
overlaying only the distal phalanx of the thumb. By not covering
any of the thumb joints you have added flexibility but less
protection.
[0236] The length of the shock-absorbing member is further
restricted to the length of the thumb segment extending from the
glove and, as mentioned, the dorsal surface area of the thumb
segment 183--allowing for the shock-absorbing member to extend
circumferentially along the sides of the thumb segment but not
extending onto the palmar surface of the thumb segment, therefore
not extending over one hundred and eighty degrees.
[0237] This embodiment also has a shock-absorbing member 219 along
substantially all of the dorsal surface overlaying the forefinger
of the user's hand when the glove is worn. The shock-absorbing
member overlaying the forefinger is in the pattern of a square 219,
and is configured as a one pad segment 219.
[0238] The length of the shock-absorbing member is further
restricted to the length of the forefinger segment extending from
the glove and, as mentioned, the dorsal surface area of the
forefinger segment 185--allowing for the shock-absorbing member to
extend circumferentially along the sides of the forefinger segment
but not extending onto the palmar surface of the forefinger
segment.
[0239] This embodiment also has a shock-absorbing member 220 along
substantially the dorsal surface overlaying the proximal phalanx of
the middle finger but does not extend to cover any portion the
middle finger's distal phalanx when the glove is worn. The
shock-absorbing member overlaying the middle finger is in the
pattern of a square 220, and is configured as a one pad segment
220, for example. The length of the shock-absorbing member would
further be restricted to the length of the middle finger segment
extending from the glove and, as mentioned, the dorsal surface area
of the middle finger segment 187--allowing for the shock-absorbing
member to extend circumferentially along the sides of the middle
finger segment but not extending onto the palmar surface of the
middle finger segment.
[0240] This embodiment also has a shock-absorbing member 221 along
the dorsal surface overlaying the proximal phalanx of the ring
finger but does not extend to cover any portion the ring finger's
distal phalanx when the glove is worn. The shock-absorbing member
overlaying the ring finger is in the pattern of a square 221, and
is configured as a one pad segment 221. The length of the
shock-absorbing member would further be restricted to the length of
the ring finger segment extending from the glove and, as mentioned,
the dorsal surface area of the ring finger segment 189--allowing
for the shock-absorbing member to extend circumferentially along
the sides of the ring finger segment but generally not extending
onto the palmar surface of the ring finger segment.
[0241] This embodiment also has a shock-absorbing member along
substantially the dorsal surface overlaying the metacarpals of the
user's four fingers 222 when the glove is worn. The shock-absorbing
member overlaying the four metacarpals is in the pattern of a
rectangle 222, and is configured as aforementioned, such as a
conventional padding material, such as foam rubber 222. The length
and width of the shock-absorbing member of this embodiment is
generally restricted to the dorsal portion of the glove overlaying
the metacarpals of the hand, and therebetween, 223 in part or in
their entirety.
[0242] Embodiments may also preferably comprise of a
shock-absorbing member along any portion of the dorsal surface
overlaying any of the carpometacarpals or wrist portion. The
embodiment wrist portion also comprises a shock-absorbing member
that protrudes on the dorsal segment 216 and 217, along the carpals
about 1/2 inch or so. This will give the user added protection from
the abrasion such as from hitting said fingers and wrist on the
ground or while the quarterback rushes with the football.
[0243] As mentioned, the shock-absorbing member may be affixed to
the glove by any standard methods of attachment, such as by
stitching or adhesion. For example, it can be in the form of
pouches or attachments to the glove and then bonding these second
layers to the back of the glove, using heat sealing or other
methods.
[0244] As illustrated, the the shock-absorbing members are integral
with the material that form the glove, and may be applied to select
areas of the glove by standard methods and forms of attachment
methods such as, for example, by the dorsal segment comprising of a
vinyl sheet material with a stretch nylon backing and the liner (or
sleeve) 224 made of a knit of polyester. The liner is positioned
along the inner surface of the dorsal segment of the glove whereby
the padded layer or layers would be inserted and then sealed. The
cushions may also be secured to the glove by conventional
stitching.
[0245] The liner 224 can be interposed between the shock-absorbing
member and the interior of the glove, and separates the
shock-absorbing member from the user's hand, fingers, thumb and
metacarpals, such as disclosed above, allowing easy insertion of
the user's hand. Preferably, the liner is fixed to the dorsal
segment interior using methods known in the art, such as stitching,
to fix the shock-absorbing member to the glove. Padding can be
interposed between the dorsal segment and the liner. The liner
secures the shock-absorbing member between the user's hand the
dorsal segment. Of course, other methods of attachment that are
known in the art may be used, such as by chemical bonding.
[0246] The shock-absorbing members now give the user protection
from the abrasion from hitting said fingers against the helmet of
an opponent, for example. The shock-absorbing member of the present
invention offer the unique ability of being able to protect an
injury while maintaining grip capabilities in select areas by
offering padded layer or layers, a significant and substantial
advancement to prior art, such as bandages and BAND-AID, thus
providing a solution to a long-felt need of being able to protect a
quarterback's throwing hand. And as trend of quarterbacks now
rushing more continues, embodiments with shock-absorbing members
will undoubtedly prevent throwing hand injuries by now allowing
users to play the position of quarterback with a glove on their
throwing hand.
[0247] The paddings can be made of a neoprene material or of any
other material aforementioned. The illustrated dorsal segment may
be constructed of material aforementioned such as a thicker, more
durable material, such as a synthetic leather for added protection
comprising the dorsal portion 172 of the glove. The dorsal segment
may be joined to the palmar segment 171, by methods known in the
art such as by sewing, to form an opening for receiving the user's
hand.
[0248] This embodiment has a second layer shock-absorbing member
501, 502,503,504 along a proximal phalanx dorsal surface overlaying
the user's digital segment when the glove is worn. The
shock-absorbing member overlaying the digital segment is in the
pattern of a square 501, 502, 503, 504 and is comprises any
material aforementioned, such as an open cell or closed cell foam
501, 502, 503, 504 such as BOLLARD foam material, for example.
Other embodiments may prefer to offer additional separate padding
segments, for example, with a second pad overlaying only the
proximal phalanx and a third pad overlaying only a second phalanx
of a digital segment.
[0249] The length of the second layer shock-absorbing member is
further restricted to the length of the protrusion along the
proximal phalanx on the digital segment. The shock-absorbing member
may be square-like 501 or of any identifiable shape such as a heart
502, 503 or diamond 504, for example.
[0250] This embodiment has a second layer shock-absorbing member
505 along a dorsal surface overlaying a metacarpal of the user's
hand when the glove is worn. The second shock-absorbing member
layer overlaying the user's metacarpals is in the pattern of a
square 505, and is comprises any material aforementioned, such as
an open cell 505 or closed cell foam, such as BOLLARD foam
material, for example. Other embodiments may prefer to offer
additional separate padding segments, for example, with a second
pad overlaying only one metacarpal, and a third shock absorbing
member layer overlaying only an additional metacarpal of the user's
hand when the glove is worn.
[0251] The length of the second layer shock-absorbing member is
further restricted to the length of the protrusion 505 along the
dorsal portion of the glove body dorsal portion. The
shock-absorbing member may be square-like 505 or of any
identifiable shape such as a heart or diamond, for example.
[0252] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIGS. 7-8, showing the
liner and protrusions. For example, the illustration shows a
digital segment 173, whereby the shock-absorbing member 215 lies
between the inner surface 225 of the dorsal segment of a digital
segment 183 and the liner 224. The thickness of the shock-absorbing
member can vary by user preference, such as about 1/4 inch for
example. The shock-absorbing member may be constructed with known
material and those aforementioned, such as cotton, for example.
Preferably, the liner is fixed to the dorsal segment interior using
methods known in the art, such as stitching, to fix the
shock-absorbing member to the glove.
[0253] This embodiment has a second layer shock-absorbing member
501, 502,503,504 along a proximal phalanx dorsal surface overlaying
the user's digital segment when the glove is worn.
[0254] The shock-absorbing member overlaying the digital segment is
in the pattern of a square 501, 505 or of any identifiable shape
such as a heart 502, 503 or diamond 504, for example and may
comprise of any material aforementioned, such as an open cell or
closed cell foam 501, such as BOLLARD foam material, for example.
Other embodiments may prefer to offer additional separate padding
segments, for example, with a second pad overlaying only the
proximal phalanx, and a third pad overlaying only the distal
phalanx of a digital segment.
[0255] The length of the second layer shock-absorbing member is
further restricted to the length of the protrusion 501 along the
proximal phalanx on digital segment, say about 0.20 inch or so for
example, and other dimensions to snugly enclose the aforementioned
pads.
[0256] Additionally, the embodiment is configured such that a
second protrusion 227 exists on a digital segment 173, located over
an interphalangeal joint 228 of the digital segment dorsal surface,
such as over a proximal interphalangeal joint 228. This protrusion
does not contain a second shock-absorbing member thus providing the
user with added flexibility capabilities along the interphalangeal
joint, especially beneficial if the dorsal segment is generally
constructed with a more durable material, such as a leather latex
glove. Also, the liner may be made of a fleece material 224 thus
offering additional comfort and warmth for the user, especially
useful during rainy conditions.
[0257] Referring now to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, another embodiment of
the athletic glove of the present invention is shown and designated
as 230. The palmar (front) view of an embodiment is drawn in FIG.
10 and the dorsal (back) view of the same glove is drawn in FIG.
11. This partial-fingered embodiment provides a glove having a
dorsal portion 232 and a palmar portion 231 for overlaying
respective back and palm regions of a human hand, said dorsal and
palmar portions having distal and proximal ends with a plurality of
digital segments (or stalls) projecting from said distal ends. The
glove includes a glove body having a back portion 232 covering the
dorsal surface of a user's hand, and a front portion 231 covering
essentially the entire palm surface of the hand when the glove is
worn. The glove body includes a pinkie finger digital segment and a
thumb digital segment each adapted to receive a pinkie finger and a
thumb, respectively, therein.
[0258] In the illustrated embodiment the glove is constructed such
that it includes a thumb digital segment 233 that completely
encloses a user's thumb, including enclosing the fingertips, and a
pinkie digital segment 234 that completely encloses the user's
pinkie finger, including enclosing the fingertips when the glove is
worn.
[0259] In addition, the glove has a forefinger digital segment 235
with a distal terminal edge 236. Said forefinger digital segment is
adapted to extend to cover the proximal phalanx of the user's
forefinger but does not extend to cover any portion of the user's
distal phalanx when the glove is worn. In other words, the
forefinger digital segment is adapted to expose the user's distal
phalanx when the glove is worn such that the skin of the fingertip
can touch a device or sports object, thereby allowing heightened
tactile sensitivities along the fingertip and simultaneously
enhancing grip capabilities along the covered proximal phalanx of
the user's forefinger. In addition, the forefinger digital segment
is adapted such that it does not cover any portion the user's
middle phalanx, defining the forefinger digital segment of the
glove. Covering the proximal phalanx allows the user to maintain
grip along the area where the proximal phalanx grips a golf club
for example, while exposing the distal phalanx gives the user
heightened tactile sensitivities along the area where the distal
phalanx interlock with the opposing hand's pinkie finger, for
example.
[0260] In addition, the glove has a middle finger digital segment
237 with a distal terminal edge 238. Said middle finger digital
segment is adapted to extend to cover the proximal phalanx of the
user's middle finger but does not cover any portion of the user's
distal phalanx when the glove is worn. In other words, the middle
finger digital segment is adapted to expose the user's distal
phalanx when the glove is worn such that the skin of the fingertip
can touch a device or sports object, thereby allowing heightened
tactile sensitivities along the fingertip and simultaneously
enhancing grip capabilities along the covered proximal phalanx of
the user's middle finger. In addition, the middle finger digital
segment is adapted such that it does not cover any portion the
user's middle phalanx, defining the middle finger digital segment
of the glove. Covering the proximal phalanx allows the user to
maintain grip along the area where the proximal phalanx grips a
golf club for example, while exposing the distal phalanx gives the
user heightened and new tactile sensitivities along the area where
the middle finger distal phalanx touches and grips the shaft of the
golf club.
[0261] In addition, the glove has a ring finger digital segment 239
with a distal terminal edge 240. Said ring finger digital segment
is adapted to extend to cover the proximal phalanx of the user's
ring finger but does not cover any portion of the user's distal
phalanx when the glove is worn. In other words, the ring finger
digital segment is adapted to expose the user's distal phalanx when
the glove is worn such that the skin of the fingertip can touch a
device or sports object, thereby allowing heightened tactile
sensitivities along the fingertip and simultaneously enhancing grip
capabilities along the covered proximal phalanx of the user's ring
finger. In addition, the ring finger digital segment is adapted
such that it does not cover any portion the user's middle phalanx,
defining the ring finger digital segment of the glove. Covering the
proximal phalanx allows the user to maintain grip along the area
where the proximal phalanx grips a golf club for example, while
exposing the distal phalanx gives the user heightened and new
tactile sensitivities along the area where the ring finger distal
phalanx touches and grips the shaft of the golf club.
[0262] The palmar section also covers the palm segment
231overlaying the palm of the hand; the dorsal section 232 also
covers the back of the hand. The glove also has a wrist portion 251
that surrounds the wrist of the user. The thumb stall 233 is
defined by a dorsal portion 242 and a palmar portion 241. The
forefinger stall 235 is defined by a dorsal portion 244 and a
palmar portion 243. The middle finger stall 237 is defined by a
dorsal portion 246 and a palmar portion 245. The ring finger stall
239 is defined by a dorsal portion 248 and a palmar portion 247.
The pinkie finger stall 234 is defined by a dorsal portion 250 and
a palmar portion 249.
[0263] Furthermore, the forefinger segment distal terminal edge
236, the middle finger segment distal terminal edge 238, and the
ring finger segment distal terminal edge 240 are each reinforced by
stitching 252. Stitching the forefinger segment, the middle finger
segment and the ring finger segment along or around the opening is
important because the opening would otherwise easily tear,
destroying the finger segments and therefore the glove, making the
glove inoperable. Therefore the stitching 252 is adapted to
encircle the entire distal terminal edges in order to be effective
at preventing tearing along the forefinger terminal edge 336, the
middle finger terminal edge 238 and the ring finger terminal edge
240.
[0264] Embodiments of the present invention may further comprise
moisture management recesses for ventilation or moisture management
purposes. These recesses can be circular in shape or in the shape
of triangles 272. Additionally, some embodiments may provide
moisture management recesses in the form of an identifiable human
body part such as a plurality of hearts.
[0265] The wrist portion 251 is expansible so as to hold more
securely to the user's wrist. Therefore the embodiment also has an
expandable opening means 254 at a wrist end comprises an elastic
material 254 along the wrist portion 251, such as an elastomeric
band 254 fixed around throughout the wrist portion. In addition,
the glove further comprises a securement opening means 255 at the
open end of the glove body dorsal portion for fastening the glove
body secure about the wrist area, critical in sports activities
where the user's hand moves very rapidly such as in golf or
football. The securement opening means 255 may include a hook and
loop structure 255 whereby a strap 256 or flap is configured to
loop around a receiving structure 257 with the glove body and may
also include VELCRO fasteners 258, 359, buttons, and the like or
other suitable closures thereon. The securement opening means
comprising of a hook and loop structure allows the user to ensure
an extremely tight fit around the user's hand so that it will not
disengage from the user's hand during high velocity sport movements
such as swinging a driving wood golf club or throwing a Hail Mary
football pass. The securement opening means also allows the user to
quickly engage and disengage the glove, important aspects during
active sports play such as in golf and in football. The receiving
structure 257 may be formed of any resilient and preferred
nonelastic material such as a hard plastic 257 or metal such as
aluminum, for example. The wrist portion further comprises a slit
271. The slit allows the user to quickly take off or put on the
glove, and doing so very easily.
[0266] Providing a slit and securement opening means is especially
valuable to users who play a sport that requires the constant
removal of the glove, such as in football--where players generally
take off their gloves during a change of possession, and
golf--where virtually all players take off their glove when
preparing to putt a golf ball. The securement opening means is
adapted to allow the user to mechanically stretch the strap across
the slit and fasten the glove to the user's hand.
[0267] This embodiment further shows how the present invention may
also comprise a grip enhancing mechanism 260. Although the
embodiment now provides a higher coefficient of friction on the
throwing hand of a quarterback or on a golfer's dominant hand for
example, one may now further increase grip areas by adding a grip
enhancing mechanism on select areas.
[0268] The glove body may include a grip enhancing mechanism 260
comprising a plurality of depressions, a plurality of projections
270 or a tackifier 261 formed on select areas of the palmar
portion, thereby creating a higher coefficient than on the rest of
the glove body.
[0269] Formed on the illustrated glove is a plurality of
projections 270 on a digital segment. These circular projections
preferably are spaced apart to allow for added grip and
flexibility.
[0270] The illustrated embodiment has a grip enhancing mechanism
270 on select areas of the front of the hand, specifically along
the palmar portion of the pinkie finger digital segment 249. The
grip enhancing mechanism 260 may comprise a plurality of oval-like
projections 270, each having a height of at least about three
hundred micrometers, and are clustered to allow for greater hand
flexibility and movement while gripping a device or sports
object.
[0271] In addition, the palmar portion of the thumb digital segment
comprises a grip enhancing mechanism 260 comprising a discreet
tackified material 261, such as impregnating a leather 261 with a
tackifier resin 261 and then affixing said material onto the rest
of the palmar portion of the glove body. This particular
configuration provides for maximum grip capabilities for a user,
such as a football quarterback. As aforementioned, the
quarterback's thumb is not supported by the laces of the football
and can therefore slip during harsh weather conditions or when the
quarterback is under sudden duress and has to run to avoid being
sacked. The glove body palmar portion further comprises of a
tackified material 262 that extends to overlay at least a portion
of the metacarpophalangeal joint 263 of the user's forefinger when
the glove is worn.
[0272] The grip enhancing mechanism formed of these tackfied
materials integral to the glove body or formed of tackified grip
enhancing panels, are preferably configured to provide a
significantly higher coefficient of friction, preferably of at
least a Shore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of between 2.0
and 4.5; Still more preferably a Shore A Durometer Coefficient of
Friction of between 2.5 and 4.5.
[0273] As aforementioned, the grip enhancing mechanism comprising
of tackifiers may include tackifier resins, such as rosins and
their derivatives, terpenes, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and aromatic
resin, and any of a variety of hydrocarbon-type resins, tackifier
coatings, tackified materials such tackified leathers and synthetic
leathers, and other tackifier substances well commercially known in
the art.
[0274] Additionally, embodiments such as this one, may be
completely coated with a with a water repellant substance 264 such
as SCOTCH GUARD 264 throughout the glove surface.
[0275] As aforementioned, the present invention, including this
embodiment may be constructed using standard materials and methods
of construction known in the art of making sports gloves. For
example, construction of this embodiment may be accomplished by
standard methods, such as, by designing the dorsal and palmar
sections to meet along a conjoining lateral edge to define a pocket
for receiving the eminence of a user's hand. Said dorsal and palmar
sections could be conjoined by sewing, for example. One could use
any standard method of manufacture and assembly or
construction.
[0276] The embodiment is suitably a substantially conventionally
constructed sports glove, modified as aforementioned. This
particular glove can be made of a polyester and cotton blend for
superior comfort or of a synthetic leather latex coated glove for
added durability. Other materials that could comprise these glove
embodiments include, but are not limited to woven materials that
include natural, synthetic or blends of natural and synthetic
yarns, thermoextruded or thermoset rubbery embodiments including
those made from thermoplastic elastomers, and cloths. Examples of
synthetic yarns include nylon, polyester, and spandex
(polyurethane) yarns. Additionally, embodiments such as this one,
may be coated with a with a water repellant substance, such as a
synthetic resin throughout the entire outer surface of the
glove.
[0277] FIG. 12 is an illustration of a user gripping a golf club
using the conventional interlocking grip method 400.
[0278] As aforementioned, the present invention provides users with
several important benefits, in multiple sports. For example, those
playing the sport of golf may use this embodiment on their weak
hand thereby allowing the golfer significantly more grip
capabilities while simultaneously being able to have heightened
tactile abilities at the same time on key areas of the
interlocked--and partially uncovered--forefinger 402. As discussed,
the unique digital segment configuration creates synergistic
effects. By fully enclosing the user's thumb segment 403 the
embodiment maintains critical grip along the user's thumb,
essential for a proper golf swing. The fully enclosed thumb also
protects the thumb from abrasion especially during the golf down
swing. Exposing the thumb would cause the user harm and quite
possible make the glove inoperable for use in golf. Equally
important is a fully enclosed pinkie finger. The pinkie finger is
at the bottom of the shaft and is responsible for minimizing
movement by the shaft during the golf downswing. Therefore, it is
important that the pinkie finger be enclosed 404 and prevent
abrasion. The enclosed pinkie finger also ensures solid grip at one
end of the golf grip while enclosing the thumb ensures solid grip
at the other end of the weak hand.
[0279] When you use the interlocking grip method, the forefinger
405 of the golfer's weak-hand is placed over his dominant hand and
is interlocked with the dominant hand's pinkie finger 406. With
this grip, clearly the role of the weak-hand's forefinger has to do
with grip but also much more with coordination and feel on the
strong-hand to more effectively control the golf swing and to
provide greater golf swing consistency. There is, therefore, no
real need to cover all of the weak-hand's forefinger, and covering
the entire forefinger actually diminishes said forefinger's
sensitivities.
[0280] Currently, only full-fingered gloves are used by golfers on
their weak-hand. Prior art gloves therefore do not allow a golfer
to take complete advantage of his/her preferred grip by allowing
for skin contact between both hands and thereby maximizing hand
coordination throughout the golf swing. Embodiments of the present
invention offer significant improvements to prior art by its unique
finger configuration.
[0281] For example, the present invention comprises a glove that
covers all of the weak-hands thumb and pinkie finger while leaving
the fingertips of the middle, ring and forefinger uncovered such
that the skin of each fingertip 407, 408, 402 can touch an object.
Users who prefer the interlocking grip method will greatly benefit
from significantly increased feel between the now uncovered portion
of the interlocked forefinger of the gloved weak hand with the
ungloved and interlocked pinkie finger of the strong hand. Using
the present invention also allows a user to place their completely
enclosed thumb and covered portions of their middle finger, ring
finger and pinkie finger directly on and touching the golf club to
maintain a solid grip by the glove embodiment, while being able to
substantially increase tactile abilities by leaving the fingertips
of the user's middle finger and ring finger when the glove is worn.
This and other embodiments now allow far greater feel and
coordination lost with prior art especially when gripping a golf
club using the conventional interlocking grip. The interlocked
fingers now allow for far better feedback because both interlocked
fingers are now to make skin-to-skin contact, making it easier to
adjust a golf swing. Users who prefer this embodiment will greatly
benefit from maximum feel between the completely uncovered
interlocked fingers of both hands. Exposing the fingertips of the
middle and ring fingers are therefore very important to the
creation of synergies, in particular for those playing golf using
the interlocking grip method, for example. And to those golfers,
exposing the fingertip of the forefinger is a critical feature, and
is an essential aspect of the present invention and in achieving
synergies in: the ability to offer greater golf consistency and
accuracy by solving this previously unsolvable problem in prior
art; a far more successfully coordinated golf swing; and heightened
feel capabilities for better feedback if the golf club
inappropriately moves during a golf swing. Additionally, the user's
thumb must be completely covered to protect the user from abrasion
from the golf club when using the interlocking grip method.
Exposing the fingertip of the user's thumb for example would
essentially make the glove inoperable. Using this embodiment will
allow a user to maximize feel with both hands not just with only
the standard ungloved dominant hand, a far superior option than by
using the prior art 409.
[0282] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a standard way of gripping a
football when preparing the throw a football 410. The illustration
is provided on the webpage wikihow.com/Throw-a-spiral which shows a
conventional way to hold and throw a football where you place your
middle finger 411 and ring finger 412 on top of the football laces
413, your Index [forefinger] finger 414 on the strap at one end of
the top portion of the football and away from the laces, and your
pinkie finger 415 at the other end of the top portion of the
football and also away from the laces 413. Finally your thumb 416
is placed on the bottom side of the football and is the only
digital segment on the bottom side of the football.
[0283] Whereas the middle and ring fingers over the laces have a
solid grip on the ball--primarily due to the football laces on the
ball--the three digital segments off the laces (thumb, forefinger
and pinkie finger) are virtually unsupported and therefore have a
relatively weaker grip, creating a weak overall grip on the
football. This weak overall grip becomes more pronounced when added
stress is placed on the thumb or forefinger which is not able to
use any portion of the football laces when gripping the football.
Unfortunately, one need only view the statistics to see that
fumbles persist as an insoluble problem, even at the professional
level today. In the 2010 National Football League (NFL) season,
there were only ten players who had 9 or more fumbles in the
season. All ten players were quarterbacks (The Official NFL Record
& Fact Book, 2011). It is therefore essential that the thumb
and pinkie finger of the user's hand be supported by fully
enclosing said digital segments with the glove and thereby provide
necessary and critical grip capabilities. At the same time, at
least the fingertips of the user's middle finger and ring finger
must be exposed so that it will not be encumbered and able to fit
snugly between and on top of the football laces as well as to
provide necessary heightened tactile sensitivities with these
fingers.
[0284] FIG. 14 is a replication of a recent ad 420 promoting the
Nov1, 2018 NFL game of the evening between the Oakland Raiders and
the San Francisco 49ers. Illustrated is prima facie evidence of a
standard method of a standard method of gripping a football when
preparing to throw the football. Shown is the Oakland Raiders
Quarterback Derek Carr's 421 glove-less throwing hand which has his
middle finger 423 and ring finger 424 on top of the football laces
425 while his thumb, forefinger 426 and pinkie finger 427 are
holding the football as best they can.
[0285] As has been discussed using embodiments of the present
invention now allow a football quarterback, for example, to place
the throwing hand's thumb and pinkie finger--now covered by the
present invention glove--on the football and significantly
increasing the grip and control of the football while
simultaneously maintaining maximum tactile abilities by leaving
uncovered the fingertips of his forefinger, middle finger, and ring
finger. This unique digital segment configuration allows the
quarterback the ability to place the exposed fingertips of the
user's forefinger, middle finger, and ring finger over the football
laces unencumbered while simultaneously maintaining significant
feel on the football. This and other features now essentially make
the sports glove more operable, novel and significantly superior to
prior art in these areas.
* * * * *