U.S. patent application number 17/016382 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-31 for open palm hand covers & uses of said covers.
The applicant listed for this patent is John C. Ramirez. Invention is credited to John C. Ramirez.
Application Number | 20200406121 17/016382 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005078913 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200406121 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ramirez; John C. |
December 31, 2020 |
Open Palm Hand Covers & Uses of Said Covers
Abstract
The present invention has a palmar portion with only one large
recess of substantial sixe to enable skin contact with the skin
exposed by the one opening. The one large opening is positioned
along the glove palmar portion and does not expose any of the
wearer's five metacarpophalangeal joints as well as the thumb
metacarpal when the glove is worn.
Inventors: |
Ramirez; John C.; (Redlands,
CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ramirez; John C. |
Redlands |
CA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
1000005078913 |
Appl. No.: |
17/016382 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15990776 |
May 28, 2018 |
10828553 |
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17016382 |
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14544887 |
Mar 3, 2015 |
10016671 |
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15990776 |
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13374868 |
Jan 20, 2012 |
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14544887 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 2600/10 20130101;
A63B 71/141 20130101; A41D 19/0017 20130101; A63B 2243/007
20130101; A41D 19/0013 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/14 20060101
A63B071/14; A41D 19/00 20060101 A41D019/00 |
Claims
1. A basketball glove comprising: a partial palmless glove, said
partial palmless glove having a palmar portion that is adapted to
overlay a palm of a wearer's hand, said glove having one large
recess extending principally in a middle of the glove body palmar
portion and thereby exposing a middle of the wearer's palm when the
glove is worn; said one large recess having a proximal edge and a
distal edge; wherein said glove body palmar portion has a top
portion comprising: a material the overlays a forefinger
metacarpophalangeal joint, a middle finger metacarpophalangeal
joint, a ring finger metacarpophalangeal joint, and a pinkie finger
metacarpophalangeal joint of the wearer's palm when the glove is
worn; and, wherein said one large recess proximal edge is adapted
to abut but not expose a top portion of the wearer's palm, thereby
not exposing the wearer's metacarpophalangeal joints of the
wearer's pinkie finger, ring finger, middle finger or forefinger
when the glove is worn.
2. The basketball glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said glove
is absent of any digital segments thereby completely exposing a
thumb, forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger of
the wearer's hand when the glove is worn.
3. The basketball glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein one large
recess does not extend to expose any portion of a thumb metacarpal
when the glove is worn.
4. The basketball glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said glove
body palmar portion is adapted to overlay a metacarpal of the
thumb, a metacarpal of the forefinger, a metacarpal of the middle
finger, a metacarpal of the ring finger, and a metacarpal of the
pinkie finger when the glove is worn; wherein said one large recess
is the only recess along the glove body palmar portion of
substantial size to touch a basketball.
5. The basketball glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said glove
palmar portion comprises of a grip enhancing means that is adapted
to overlay a metacarpophalangeal joint of the wearer's forefinger,
a metacarpophalangeal joint of the wearer's ring finger, and a
metacarpophalangeal joint of the wearer's pinkie finger when the
glove is worn; and, wherein said grip enhancing means is configured
to create a higher coefficient of friction than a surrounding glove
body material forming the glove body palmar portion.
6. The basketball glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said glove
further comprises of a dorsal portion that is adapted to overlay a
back of the wearer's hand, said glove dorsal and palmar portions
each having distal and proximal ends; wherein said basketball glove
having distal ends such that the wearer's thumb, forefinger, middle
finger, ring finger and pinkie finger are each exposed and
uncovered by the glove; and, wherein said glove body palmar and
dorsal portions each having a hypothenar eminence section that is
adapted to overlay a hypothenar eminence of the wearer's hand when
the glove is worn.
7. The basketball glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said glove
further comprises a grip-enhancing means that is positioned along a
top portion of the glove palmar portion and is adapted to increase
grip along said top portion than a surrounding palmar portion,
thereby allowing the wearer to better control a basketball when the
glove is worn by increasing grip along said top portion as compared
to the surrounding palmar portion; said grip enhancing means
comprising of a plurality of projections configured to create a
higher coefficient than the surrounding glove body material forming
the glove palmar portion.
8. The basketball glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said glove
palmar portion has a thumb metacarpal portion that is configured to
overlay a thumb metacarpal of the wearer's hand.
9. The basketball glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one
large recess is the only large recess on the glove palmar portion
overlaying the wearer's palm; and wherein said palmar portion
further comprises a grip enhancing means consisting of a plurality
of projections.
10. The basketball glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said glove
palmar portion top portion comprises of a grip-enhancing means that
is configured to create a higher coefficient of friction than a
surrounding glove palmar portion, thereby increasing the grip
capabilities of the wearer along said palmar top portion when the
glove is worn.
11. The basketball glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said glove
palmar portion top portion comprising of a grip-enhancing means
that is adapted to create a higher coefficient of friction than a
surrounding glove palmar portion, thereby increasing the grip
capabilities of the wearer along said palmar top portion when the
glove is worn; wherein said grip-enhancing means consists of PVC
dots.
12. The basketball glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one
large recess is substantially on the middle of the palm area,
having a radius of up to about one inch, thereby defining the
boundary of the palm opening substantially on the middle of the
wearer's palm.
13. The basketball glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one
large recess is the only recess along the palmar portion.
14. A sports glove comprising: a partial palmless glove, said
partial palmless glove having a palmar portion that is adapted to
overlay a palm of a wearer's hand, said glove having one large
recess extending in a middle area of the glove body palmar portion
to thereby expose principally only a middle of the wearer's palm
when the glove is worn; said one large recess having a proximal
edge and a distal edge; wherein said glove body palmar portion has
a top portion comprising: a material the overlays a forefinger
metacarpophalangeal joint, a middle finger metacarpophalangeal
joint, a ring finger metacarpophalangeal joint, and a pinkie finger
metacarpophalangeal joint of the wearer's palm when the glove is
worn; and, wherein said one large recess proximal edge is adapted
to abut but not expose a top portion of the wearer's palm, thereby
not exposing the wearer's metacarpophalangeal joints of the
wearer's pinkie finger, ring finger, middle finger or forefinger
when the glove is worn; and, wherein said distal edge is adapted to
abut but not expose a thumb metacarpal when the glove is worn; and,
wherein said wherein said one large recess is positioned along the
glove body palmar portion such that it does not expose a pinkie
metacarpal when the glove is worn; and, wherein said one opening is
positioned along the palmar portion such that said opening extends
to leave exposed only a shooter's gap region of the wearer's palm,
and thereby allowing the wearer to focus attention on maintaining
the shooter's gap region from touching the basketball while
shooting the basketball, and providing instant feedback if said
shooter's gap is breached by the basketball touching an exposed
palm portion when the glove is worn; and, wherein said glove body
dorsal portion further comprises of at least one weight adapted to
strengthen hand muscles when the glove is worn; and, wherein said
one weight is enclosed in a compartment integral or affixed to the
glove body dorsal portion.
15. The sports glove as claimed in claim 14, wherein said glove
palmar top portion comprises of a grip-enhancing means that creates
a higher coefficient of friction than a surrounding glove palmar
portion, thereby increasing the grip capabilities of the wearer
along said palmar top portion when the glove is worn; wherein said
grip enhancing means is adapted to not extend beyond said glove
palmar top portion such that the remaining palmar portion is free
of said grip enhancing means.
16. The sports glove as claimed in claim 14, wherein said glove
having open distal ends that are adapted such that the wearer's
thumb, forefinger, middle finger, and ring finger are each entirely
exposed and uncovered by the glove when the glove is worn.
17. The sports glove as claimed in claim 14, wherein said glove In
addition, the embodiment has a highlighted area along the perimeter
of the one large recess so that trainers can more easily see if a
shooting violation is taking place while she shoots the ball;
whereon a entire perimeter of the one large recess is highlighted
with a bright material or coating in order to be capable of being
seen from a distance when a basketball is being properly held on
the wearer's shooting hand when the glove is worn.
18. The sports glove as claimed in claim 14, wherein said
basketball glove palmar top portion further comprises of a
grip-enhancing means; wherein said grip-enhancing means is adapted
to increase the grip along the metacarpophalangeal joints of the
wearer's palm when gripping a basketball with the shooting hand
using a preferred shooting grip; wherein said grip enhancing means
is adapted to create a higher coefficient of friction than a
surrounding glove palmar portion material which is free of said
grip enhancing means.
19. The sports glove as claimed in claim 14, wherein said glove has
a distal lateral edge; wherein the glove body palmar portion and
the glove body dorsal portion meet at a distal lateral edge;
wherein a plurality of digital segments project from the distal
lateral edge of the body forming a terminal edge, said distal
lateral edge creating a plurality of individual digital ringlets
such that a finger can extend past the terminal edge to completely
expose a finger when the glove is worn; said terminal edge creating
separate ringlets such that a thumb, a forefinger, a middle finger,
and a ring finger can each individually extend past the terminal
edge to completely expose the thumb, forefinger, middle finger,
ring finger, and pinkie finger when the glove is worn.
20. The sports glove as claimed in claim 14, wherein said one large
recess is on the middle of the palm area of the glove; and wherein
said one opening second lower edge follows a thumb bulge crease of
the wearer's hand when the glove is worn; and wherein said sports
glove has open distal ends such that the wearer's thumb, ring
finger, forefinger, middle finger, and pinkie finger are each
exposed by the glove; and glove palmar top portion comprises of a
grip-enhancing means comprising of a reinforced layer affixed to
the glove body top portion; said reinforced layer being configured
to create a higher coefficient of friction than a surrounding glove
palmar portion, thereby increasing the grip capabilities of the
wearer along said palmar portion when the glove is worn; wherein
said grip enhancing means is adapted to not extend beyond said
glove palmar top portion such that the remaining palmar portion is
free of said grip enhancing means; wherein said one large recess
extends to leave exposed only the middle of the wearer's palm
defining a basketball shooter's gap region, and thereby allowing a
wearer to focus attention on maintaining a shooter's gap region
while shooting the basketball, and providing immediate feedback if
the shooter's gap region is breached by allowing said basketball to
touch the exposed shooter's gap region of the wearer's palm when
the glove is worn.
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part to application
Ser. No. 15/990,776, which is a Continuation-In-Part to application
Ser. No. 14/544,887, which is a Continuation to application Ser.
No. 13/374,868, filed on Jun. 20, 2012, in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relatesto sports apparatus and
equipment, and uses thereof, used in playing the game of various
sports. The present invention and its multi-sport embodiments
enhance the overall performance in athletic tasks or execution
during sports play and practice by creating gloves that allow
golfers and basketball players better perform hand tasks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An important goal in playing sports is 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.
[0004] In the sport 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 player swear 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 singles--one glove--not sold in pairs). Gloves are prevalent in
golf largely because of the important role that hand grip and
control play in a golfer's overall performance.
[0005] Although there are many types of gloves for a golfer's
weak-hand, they all attempt to maximize a golfer's weak-hand grip
without regard to a golfer's weak-hand feel, and hand coordination
needs. It is no surprise, therefore, that prior art consists of
full-fingered, closed palm (entire palm is covered) gloves. As a
result, a typical golfer must rely on his or her weak-hand to
provide all of the enhanced grip support from a golf glove, and on
his strong-hand to provide all of the `feel` in his golf swing.
This of course is a significant weakness as it minimizes tactile
sensitivities along the weak hand. Indeed, having direct
skin-to-club contact at both ends of a standard, two handed golf
grip using the overlapping or interlocking golf grip method would
substantially increasing the golfer's ability to complete a proper,
hand-unified golf swing.
[0006] There is, therefore, an opportunity to invent a device--and
significantly improve prior art--that could offer some `feel`
ability for the weak-hand, without significantly diminishing that
enhanced grip ability that hand covers offer. This new ability to
feel the club with both hands--and therefore throughout the entire
grip--would increase overall hand control as well as hand
coordination of a golfer's club swing, and therefore greater
success in competition.
[0007] The golf grip and hand coordination are of course very
important in successful play execution. In a popular 1989 video
titled "Golf for Juniors" by Billy Casper, a golf instructor states
"with over 50 years golf experience the two points that we stress
are, one, the grip. I firmly believe that the grip is the most
important fundamental because it's the only contact that the body
has with the golf club and the golf ball." Coordination is a key
aspect and could be enhanced by properly feeling the golf club
throughout the entire golf swing.
[0008] New art would therefore significantly and substantially
enhance golf performance by providing the ability to feel
throughout the club grip, for a more stable feel and, equally if
not more importantly, also allow a golfer to better feel if one
part of the club improperly moves. For example, although prior art
golf gloves offer grip capabilities on the fingers of the golfer,
it also covers the entire palm area which therefore desensitizes
the palm in feeling of any movement by the golf club during a golf
swing. By offering a partially open-palm glove with a strategically
placed large recess exposing only a portion of the palm would
enable the wearer to feel if a slight movement has taken place
during a golf swing by the golf club. Slight golf club movements
indicate improper golf swing mechanics often resulting in poor golf
performance. More specifically, the strongest grip points of a golf
grip are around the thumb and forefingers of both hands, as well as
along the golfer's metacarpophalangeal joints; these areas of the
golfer's hand must therefore be covered by a sports glove to
maintain heightened grip to control the golf club when swinging the
golf club. A weaker area of a golfer's grip is often along the edge
of the weak hand--principally on and around the pinkie finger
metacarpal. In fact a common problem for golfers has to do with not
being able to keep the golf club from slipping down the edge of the
golfer's hand during the golf swing. When slippage happen, the
result is a poor and unpredictable impact of the golf club on the
golf ball. With this being a common and significant problem in
golf, it is important for the golfer to first notice when the golf
club slips down the pinkie finger metacarpal and then adjust
accordingly. However, as poor ball contact in a golf club swing may
be the result of several issues, such as improper golf stance or
late unhinging of one's wrists, conventional golf gloves lack a
structural feature that allows the wearer to notice whether a poor
golf swing was the result of golf club slippage. The golfer is left
with having to reflect on poor impact and memory to ponder whether
the golf club may have slipped along the pinkie finger metacarpal
as opposed to knowing with certainly and immediately when swinging
the golf club.
[0009] Golf club slippage may occur for several reasons. For
example, one performs a downswing by moving the golf club at very
high speeds that increase in velocity by unhinging the wrist, all
of which can result in a slight movement of the golf club during
the golf club downswing. A simple test can more easily reveal this
significant problem. Constant swinging of a golf club at real club
swing speeds, for example, often results in soreness along and
around the edge of the glove, principally on or around the pinkie
finger metacarpal and ring finger metacarpal. This soreness can
also come from the rubbing or slipping along the area between the
club handle and the weak-hand grip before and through golf ball
impact. This is especially important in the sport of golf because
even the smallest of club 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
the sport of golf, for example.
[0010] The problem is compounded because prior art gloves
completely cover the entire edge and entire palm of the weak hand,
minimizing the ability to have much feel in that area, and
therefore making it very difficult to notice if there was any
movement of the golf club during the downswing of the golf
swing.
[0011] Therefore, a significant `feel` problem and opportunity
currently exists to create a glove that can provide a golfer with
the important ability to have a necessary feel of a golf club.
Providing a glove that is substantially uncovered in only a select
area of the palm--such as below and substantially parallel where
the golf club shaft is properly held along the wearer's palm--while
leaving other areas of the glove covered to maintain the important
grip capabilities of the weak-hand--such as and especially the palm
top portion which is defined as all of the wearer's five
metacarpophalangeal joints--solves this problem. Creating this
solution to the problem allows for high grip capabilities to be
maintained where crucial while increasing overall feel, naturally
resulting in a more productive performance in golf by, among other
things, decreasing inconsistencies and inaccuracies, critical
issues in determining overall performance.
[0012] In the sport of basketball, there is a significant void when
it comes to grip enhancers that one can use to enhance performance,
or even simply for aesthetic purposes or for use during actual game
play. Although there are several generic multisport gloves in the
market today, virtually none of the over 100 million basketball
players around the globe use gloves when playing basketball. A
primary reason why basketball players choose not to use gloves is
that basketball players often need to be able to simultaneously
both grip and feel the basketball. Although many hand tasks require
a good grip, no art currently exists that would adequately provide
these players with enhanced grip capabilities, or enhanced
protection, without having to sacrifice the critical ability of
being able to properly feel the basketball as well.
[0013] One clear hand task in basketball requiring this specific
and particular grip and feel combination is in shooting the
basketball with the intention of making a score or basket.
Conventional jump-shot shooting form requires, among other things,
that the player hold the basketball largely with the fingertips of
both hands, and creating a small opening between the ball and the
palm area of the player's strong-hand. This, in turn, requires that
a portion of the palm area--hereinafter called a shooter's
gap--remain untouched by the basketball. This shooters gap is
especially important when properly shooting free throws as
well.
[0014] There are several figures from those skilled in the art of
basketball that emphasize the same areas where a basketball should
be touched by the hand when using proper form. For example, the
website dicksbasketballcamp.com, highlights the areas as primarily
the fingertips (notably at least the entire distal phalanx of each
of the four fingers), the top portion of the palm area (defined as
the metacarpophalangeal joints of each of the four fingers), and
part of the thumb bulge (notably at least the metacarpal of the
thumb). In an authoritative training book, Play Better Basketball
(Pruitt, 1982), the author also has essentially delineated the
identical areas in its drawing (page 81, and as replicated in FIG.
9). The shooter's gap region then re presents the area of the palm
area that should not be touched by the hand. The boundaries of the
shooter's gap region represent and expose the middle of the palm,
generally following the edges of the thumb bulge down to the wrist
crease area. Additionally, the bottom boundary--or the distal edge
of the shooter's gap region represents approximately the hypothenar
eminence up to part, though certainly not more than 50 percent of
the hypothenar eminence. Preferably, the hypothenar eminence is
essentially not exposed. The top edge of the shooters gap region,
or the proximal edge, begins below the top portion of the palm
which, as aforementioned represents the metacarpalphalangeal joints
of the forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger.
Therefore, the boundary of the shooter's gap region may abut but
not extend over the metacarpalphalangeal joints of the forefinger,
middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger. The widest length of
the shooters gap region is about 2 inches or so and the widest
width is about 2 inches or so, depending on the dimensions of the
wearer's hand.
[0015] No prior art exist that would increase the gripping
abilities along the top portion of a basketball player's hand which
touch a basketball when properly shooting the basketball while
leaving the rest of the hand--especially the shooters gap
region--uncovered and thus free to feel if the basketball is
touching the palm area, indications that would mean that the player
is improperly shooting the basketball.
[0016] Basketball players need to both grip and feel, especially if
she misses a shot and needs to adjust accordingly. This need to
feel is so important in shooting a basketball that virtually
everyone chooses not to wear gloves and instead settles for lesser
ball control primarily because they forego wearing a grip enhancing
glove.
[0017] Referring again to the book Play Better Basketball (1982),
Pruitt discusses proper shooting form. "Here are some of the basic
things to check for proper form: Are you elevating the ball, i.e.,
shooting from your forehead and not from the chest, is the ball
centered so your arms form a triangle, are you shooting the ball
off the heels of your hand and not burying it in your palms or
using just the fingertips . . . ." In other words, when using
proper shooting form, the basketball touches her hand's heel pad,
represented principally by the thumb bulge and the hypothenar
eminence. And, by contrast, when using proper shooting form, the
basketball should not touch the middle of the palm, principally on
and around the middle finger metacarpal & ring finger
metacarpal.
[0018] Prior art offers limited assistance in maintaining or
learning to maintain this shooter's gap. For example there is the
SHOTLOCK product that one places on one's hand, that looks and
feels like brass knuckles, and is supposed to keep the basketball
from touch the center of the palm by physically keeping the ball
elevated and away from the palm center. This has major limitations,
of course as the device hinders the development in properly
developing muscles in the fingers to support elevated ball when not
using the device.
[0019] Although offering some advantages using prior art, in the
form of more generic multisport gloves, these gloves also create
major disadvantages that often forces an individual to choose not
to use any grip enhancing devices at all because the prior art
gloves are not structurally useful. First, most gloves cover the
entire palm area, making it impossible to be practically beneficial
in the sport of basketball. Second, prior art gloves that offer
recesses over the palm area also having significant disadvantages
to the point that they too are not used by the millions of
individuals playing the sport. Leaving the palm area open much
wider than the shooters gap region, for example, significantly
diminishes the usefulness and can actually distract a player. Some
areas of the palm in fact should touch the ball when using proper
shooting form, such as the top portion of the palm, and much of the
thumb bulge. Basketball gloves therefore need to leave these areas
covered by the glove so that the basketball player can increase the
grip and control capabilities in these critical grip areas. There
are also other grip products on the market which keep the palm off
the basketball. The crucial problem is that some of these products
also keep the player's shooting pads below her fingers off the
ball. Most of these devices therefore teach a player an incorrect
gripping procedure. Limited prior art exist that provide an athlete
with the ability to have enhanced control when dribbling a
basketball as well. Proper dribbling form is to rarely, if ever,
look at the basketball while dribbling said ball--thus one of the
critical reasons why one needs to be able to maintain high `feel`
ability. Without any extra grip enhancers however, it is difficult
to maintain stable control of the basketball. Minimizing turnovers
by offering better ball control while dribbling a basketball would
dramatically enhance a player's performance. Those players playing
the position of Guard may benefit from added grip support
especially because they may need to dribble, at least briefly, with
their strong hand as well as with their weak hand. Whereas many
players would benefit from control enhancers for their strong
(dominant) hand, most guards would certainly also benefit from
control enhancers for their weak hand.
[0020] According to Wikipedia, `dribbling is the act of bouncing
the ball continuously with one hand, and is a requirement for a
player to take steps with the ball. To dribble, a player pushes the
ball down towards the ground with the fingertips rather than
patting the ball. This ensures greater control.` Feel is critical
if one is to try and not look at the ball while dribbling, and
instead looking down the basketball court for opportunities to
score. Individuals who play basketball also have to both `feel` and
grip a ball to perform properly, and although they too could
significantly enhance performance in controlling a ball, prior art
forces them to choose all feel as well, and go without any type of
grip enhancers. This insoluble problem therefore also exists in
dribbling and controlling a basketball, and these players would
substantially benefit from developing a way to maintain `feel`
while increasing grip capabilities in select areas of the hand.
More specifically, new art is needed that could offer enhancers in
certain locations of the hand while leaving key areas of the palm
uncovered and therefore being able to maintain necessary feel.
[0021] Although athletes playing the position of Forward or Center
would also benefit by enhanced dribbling abilities, many of the
turnovers caused by Forwards and Centers are often the result of
dropping passes thrown to them, or from making a bad pass. Offering
art that would enhance the ability to better pass or catch a
basketball would therefore also enhance overall performance for
anyone playing the sport of basketball. For example, there are some
problems associated with wet or oily hands that could be solved
with new art in the form of a more structurally specific glove for
use in the sport of basketball. You often see players wearing
cotton wrist bands to keep their hands dry. The conventional
solution into either use these wrist bands or using powder on hands
before a game starts, however there are clear indications that
current remedies are inadequate. A typical game--even a
professional game--often can have many turnovers, for example. The
Los Angeles Lakers, in a 2011 New Year's Eve game against the
Denver Nuggets had 20 turnovers alone, so offering art that would
increase ball control while shooting, dribbling, passing or even
catching a basketball would significantly enhance performance by,
among other things, minimizing turnovers.
[0022] Clearly, there is significant and substantial need in
inventing new art in the sport of basketball. New art would go a
long way in offering a player the following benefits, and more:
[0023] Better shooting form [0024] Better dribbling [0025] Better
catching a basketball [0026] Increased control [0027] Minimizing
turnovers [0028] Greater play execution
DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The present invention has chiefly to do with the palm of the
glove. It concerns a particularly located cutout portion of the
palm area of the glove body palmar portion, making embodiments
uniquely useful for individuals playing the sports of golf or
basketball. This one palm opening recess may of course be of
different shapes, dimensions and strategic locations in accordance
with the scope of the present invention.
[0030] The present invention has a palmar portion overlaying the
wearer's palm that has only one large recess of substantial size to
enable the exposed palm skin to touch a basketball or golf club
when the glove is worn.
[0031] The only one large recess extending over the wearer's palm
of the present invention does not extend to expose the
metacarpophalangeal joint of the pinkie finger, the
metacarpophalangeal joint of the ring finger, the
metacarpophalangeal joint of the middle finger or the
metacarpophalangeal joint of the forefinger--also known and defined
as the top portion of the glove body palmar portion of the present
invention. In addition, the only one large recess is positioned
along the glove body palmar portion such that it does not extend to
expose the thumb metacarpal when the glove is worn.
[0032] The present invention also has an open end at the wrist
portion of the glove. The open end is expansible so as to hold more
securely to the wearer's wrist. The glove wrist dorsal portion has
a fastener for fastening the glove body secure about the wrist
area, critical in sports activities where the wearer's hand moves
very rapidly such as in basketball for example.
[0033] The unique combination results in maintaining or enhancing
the necessary grip capabilities along the critical area of the top
portion, while increasing tactile sensitivities along a specific
area of the wearer's palm during sports play.
[0034] In some embodiments, the only one large recess is positioned
principally along the middle of the glove palmar portion and is
adapted to expose at least a substantial portion of the wearer's
middle finger metacarpal when the glove is worn.
[0035] In other embodiments the only one large recess is positioned
near the edge of the glove body palmar portion and is adapted to
expose at least a portion of the pinkie finger metacarpal when the
glove is worn.
[0036] Embodiments may also offer a grip-enhancing means to further
enhance the coefficient of friction along select areas compared to
the surrounding materials forming the glove body palmar portion.
The grip-enhancing means may comprise of various materials forms
and designs including, but not limited to, grooves, foams, fabrics,
PVC dots, perimeter patching designs, a plurality of projections, a
plurality of depressions or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the
could comprise of thermal neoprene construction, neoprene coated
latex to provide a non-slip grip in oily conditions,
polyurethane-coated along the thumb bulge or the glove body palmar
top portion for added grip, as these hand locations are important
to maintain high grip capabilities. The grip-enhancing means create
a higher coefficient of friction than the surrounding glove
material and thereby significantly increasing grip capabilities
along that particular portion of the glove body when the glove is
worn.
[0037] Embodiments may also provide micro recesses randomly
disposed along the glove body dorsal portion, the palmar portion or
the finger stalls, for ventilation and moisture management
purposes. The micro recesses are generally about 0.120 millimeters
or so in diameter, but certainly are not large enough to enable
skin contact with a golf club or basketball as that would then make
the embodiment unable to complete its intended function.
[0038] The glove body may be constructed with those standard in
sport glove construction. Consideration should be given to
appropriate materials that can offer moisture and perspiration
resistance, such as a neoprene, a leather, or a cotton material.
Flexibility and durability are also of importance, such as
synthetic leather such as Cabretta leather, urethane and
polyurethane materials, a polyester-urethane mesh or a flexible
rubber for example. Nylon and spandex may also be considered in the
construction of the present invention, such as in the forming of
any finger segment stall for example.
[0039] One sport where the present invention will meet an unmet
need is in the sport of golf. Embodiments significantly improve
prior art because of its physical difference and function utility.
Prior art do not allow a golfer to take complete advantage of his
or her preferred grip, which is often selected to create a strong
and complete coordinated golf swing.
[0040] An improved sports glove embodiment comprises a glove with
one large recess along the palm area closely below and parallel
where the golf club crosses along the wearer's palm when properly
gripping a golf club. The one large recess is positioned along the
glove body palmar portion creating an opening that exposes enough
of the palm skin such that the now exposed skin is capable of
touching the golf club through the large recess. The one large
recess is the only recess of substantial size to enable the skin of
the palm to touch a golf club when the glove is worn. If one were
to compare the features that this invention offers to those of
prior art one would immediately see the significant and substantial
differences. The present invention provides an immediate feedback
mechanism if someone is swinging a golf club improperly during the
downswing by providing one large recess strategically located along
this select area of the wearer's palm. As a result, the embodiment
provides the opportunity of having a much more controlled, unified
golf swing by increasing the ability of having the more hand
coordinated golf swing and increase the performance in the sport of
golf.
[0041] Much like there are three basic finger engaging grips when
gripping a club (the interlocking, the overlapping and the
full-fingered grip), there are also a few ways that the golf club
should cross the palm area when gripping a golf club. The website
http://perfectgolfswingreview.net/grip.htm, offers a basic
description as well as a diagram (replicated in FIG. 8). It states
that golf instructors identify three different and basic left
palmar locations for the grip when executing a full golf swing.
Referring the FIG. 8 for example, The `D` line path represents what
is called a "Distance" grip pattern. This grip pattern is often
described as a finger grip pattern. The author goes on to say that
`another disadvantage of a finger grip is that it is more difficult
to securely hold the grip without the club slipping in the left
hand during the swing action.` The `N` line represents what is
calls a "Neutral grip" pattern. It is also called a low palmar grip
pattern, because the grip lies across the low palm, and it is near
the hypothenar eminence (heel pad). The `C` line represents what is
calls a "Control" grip pattern. Embodiments consider the D, N, and
C grip paths when positioning the one large recess on the sports
glove.
[0042] A new method of swinging a golf club now exists whereby a
golfer wears a golf glove embodiment having only one large recess
of substantial size to allow the skin of the exposed palm area to
touch a golf club, places the glove on the weak (non-dominant) hand
and grips a golf club using his or her preferred grip manner, the
golf club thereby extending across the glove body palmar portion
and above the embodiment's one large recess. In other words, when
the golf club resides across the golf glove, the golf club will be
above the one large recess and thus will not be touching the skin
exposed by the one large recess at the start of the golf swing. The
golfer then swings the golf club making impact on a golf ball.
Immediately and throughout the swinging of the golf club, the
golfer can quickly and easily determine if he used proper golf
swing form and not allow the golf club to touch the palm area
exposed by the embodiment's one large recess during the golf swing.
If the golf club did touch the exposed skin, this would mean that
the golf club slipped down the edge of the wearer's hand at some
point during the golf swing. When slippage happens, the result is a
poor and unpredictable impact of the golf club on the golf ball.
After determining that the position of the golf club was maintained
throughout the golf swing by recalling if the exposed skin touched
the golf club during anytime particularly during the downswing, the
wearer can then continue to discern if other aspects of the golf
swing form were properly executed such as properly unhinging, for
example. If the golf club did touch his palm area principally along
the pinkie finger metacarpal, the ring finger metacarpal, or both,
exposed by the one large recess, he can quickly adjust his grip and
try again because he would now realize that he swung the golf club
using improper golf swing form. A critical benefit here is the
ability to quickly & accurately assess his golf swing, and
thereby being able to adjust accordingly. The result, among other
things, is an increased control and better overall performance
because, among other reasons, the golfer will be able to quickly
identify a critical problem and focus his or her attention on
resolving this problem of the golf club slipping during the golf
swing.
[0043] Golf glove embodiments are significantly different than
prior art because they provide a golfer with a glove that offers,
among other things, an immediate feedback mechanism. The glove
provides this feedback mechanism by lessening the skin
sensitivities outside of the edge of the golf glove, or conversely,
it heightens the exposed palm skin along the edge (because of the
open and exposed area principally along the edge of the palm),
creating an extreme difference in tactile sensitivities with the
exposed palm edge relative to the area surrounding the open area
caused by the one large recess, which is covered by the material
forming the glove body.
[0044] This, in turn, makes it possible to `feel` if the individual
is swinging the golf club using bad form and when he is using
proper form; if the golf club touches the skin of the palm (via the
exposed edge) then he used improper form but if the club did not
touch the skin then proper form was executed.
[0045] In order to perform the intended function it is critical
that location and size of the one large recess be accurately
considered. In other words, if the one large recess is not of
substantial size for the now exposed palm skin to touch a golf
club, the embodiment would be rendered unable to perform its
intended function. The ability of the skin of the exposed area
created by the one large recess allows the wearer to get immediate
feedback by the heightened tactile sensitivities now that the golf
club can directly touch the now exposed skin.
[0046] Likewise, the one large recess cannot be significantly
larger as it would also significantly diminish its unique
capabilities captured from its unique combinations and synergies
captured. For example, the strategically placed one large recess is
such that the golf club does not touch the exposed skin unless the
golf club has moved down the palm of the wearer's hand during the
golf swing. If the one large recess is substantially larger or
positioned to extend along the wearer's metacarpophalangeal joints,
then the golf club would touch the exposed skin even though the
golf club is in fact being gripped properly. Indeed, one of the
surprising benefits of having immediate feedback has to do with
heightened tactile sensitivities both because only a specific palm
area is substantially exposed, as opposed to being covered by the
glove material, and because of the significant tactile differences
between the exposed skin and the surrounding palm area which is
covered by the glove material; this major difference in tactile
sensitivities make it possible to quickly sense if the golf club
suddenly touches the exposed skin.
[0047] In fact, as aforementioned, it is important that the only
one large recess not extend to expose any of the wearer's
metacarpophalangeals when the glove is worn. The forefinger
metacarpophalangeal, for example, plays a major role in weak hand
grip and control so exposing a portion of the forefinger
metacarpophalangeal of the wearer's hand would substantially
diminish the present invention's intended function.
[0048] The present invention also provides substantial benefits
than prior art generic open palm gloves by isolating and targeting
a key area and thereby offering surprising results: [0049] An aid
whereby the uses can better feel when the hand in good grip
position throughout the swing; [0050] Immediate feedback if the
golf club moves during a golf swing; [0051] Better ability to
notice if a golf club moves, especially during the downswing or the
unhinging of the wrists; [0052] A unique ability to have better
feel on the weak hand and therefore better overall feel because can
feel with both hands and therefore throughout the entire two hand
grip.
[0053] Embodiments of the present invention are also substantially
and significantly unique as they have solved a previously insoluble
problem with sport gloves, for example, thereby changing the way
the sport of basketball can now be played.
[0054] Individuals who play basketball have to `feel` as well as
control a ball to perform effectively and although they too can
significantly enhance performance in controlling a ball by using
grip enhancers, prior art forces them to choose between all feel
(and therefore, no glove) or no feel, and thereby being able to use
a glove. These players would substantially benefit from developing
a way to maintain feel while increasing grip capabilities in select
areas of the hand, thereby solving this significant issue. This
insoluble problem can now be solved by embodiments of the present
invention.
[0055] One embodiment that would help a player to shoot better
comprises a glove where the palm area of the hand is uncovered or
open by the one large recess, but only in a specially located
region of the middle palm area described above as the shooters gap.
For all basketball players, but especially for those who cannot
generally shoot a basketball very well, the partially-open palm
glove--by providing only one large recess of substantial size to
enable skin contact through the recess with a basketball--allows a
wearer to feel when they're shooting incorrectly (if the basketball
touches around the center of the palm area while attempting a shot
at the basket, then there is no shooter's gap, and is therefore
generally considered as using bad shooting form). This would
especially be true when shooting a basketball from the free-throw
line or outside of the perimeter. Eventually, these athletes may
not need this embodiment for shooting once they understand and
learn to maintain their shooter's gap throughout the basketball
shot. The open palm from the only one large recess would also allow
for some ventilation as well. The benefits of this glove include
the ability to enhance the senses around the uncovered palm
(relative to the other parts of the hand which are covered by glove
body) so that the basketball player could more easily know when the
basketball is touching the palm, generally indicating bad shooting
form. The palm opening can vary in size and shape as long as it
doesn't extend significantly beyond the middle of the palm area,
thereby only exposing the shooter's gap region along the wearer's
palm.
[0056] The glove is significantly different than prior art because
it provides a basketball player with a glove that offers, among
other things, an immediate feedback mechanism. The glove provides
this feedback mechanism by lessening the skin sensitivities outside
of the shooter's gap region by covering it with the glove body,
while heightening the palm skin located on the shooter' gap region
(principally along the middle of the palm because of the open area
caused by the only one large recess). The resulting tactile
sensitivities differential creates an immediate feedback mechanism
by making it possible to jeer when she is shooting a basketball
using bad form and when she is using proper form; if the basketball
touches the skin of the palm (via the exposed palm) then she used
improper form but if the basketball did not touch the skin then
proper form was executed. Therefore, it is important that the one
large recess not extend beyond the critical area.
[0057] In order to perform the intended function in the sport of
basketball it is critical that location and size of the one large
recess be accurately considered. In other words, if the one large
recess is not of substantial size for the now exposed palm skin to
touch a basketball, the embodiment would be rendered unable to
perform its intended function. The ability of the skin of the
exposed area created by the one large recess allows the wearer to
get immediate feedback by the heightened tactile sensitivities now
that the basketball can directly touch the now exposed skin.
[0058] Likewise, the one large recess cannot be significantly
larger as it would also significantly diminish its unique
capabilities captured from its unique combinations and synergies
captured. For example, the strategically placed one large recess is
such that the basketball should not touch the exposed skin unless
the basketball has violated the shooter's gap region when preparing
to shoot or when shooting the basketball. If the one large recess
is substantially larger or positioned to extend along the wearer's
metacarpophalangeal joints, then the basketball would touch the
exposed skin even though the basketball is in fact properly held
and shot. Indeed, one of the surprising benefits of having
immediate feedback has to do with heightened tactile sensitivities
both because only a specific palm area is substantially exposed, as
opposed to being covered by the glove material, and because the
significant tactile differences between the exposed skin and the
surrounding palm area, which is cove red by the material forming
the glove body; this major difference in tactile sensitivities make
it possible to quickly sense if the basketball suddenly touches the
exposed skin.
[0059] In fact, as aforementioned, it is important that the only
one large recess not extend to expose any of the wearer's
metacarpophalangeals when the glove is worn. The forefinger
metacarpophalangeal, for example, plays a major role in controlling
and shooting a basketball so exposing the forefinger
metacarpophalangeal of the wearer's hand would substantially
diminish the present invention's intended function.
[0060] Embodiments could have different lengths and shapes within
the scope of the invention. For example, embodiments may have a
lightbulb shape design, narrowing down through the heel crease
(closely following the lifeline), the length of the embodiment may
be close to 2 inches but the width would vary from about 1.5
inches, near but not exposing the top portion of the glove body
palmar portion, and narrowing to practically 2 centimeters near the
end of the wrist crease, for example.
[0061] One of the surprising results is that the glove will give
the basketball player the ability to put more backspin on the
basketball when shooting the basketball. More backspin would, of
course, give the ball the ability of bouncing around the hoop if
the basket is not initially made, and providing more of what is
commonly known as `a shooters touch`. The ability of the wearer to
have more backspin would be uniquely created by the glove palmar
portion having a top portion that covers the metacarpophalangeal
joints of the wearer's fingers in their entirety thus creating
increased grip capabilities along the joints that can create the
backspin.
[0062] A new method of shooting a basketball is hereby asserted
whereby a player can place an embodiment on her shooting hand,
shoot a basketball in her preferred manner, and immediately upon
shooting the ball, she can quickly and easily determine if she used
proper shooting form by not allowing the basketball to touch the
exposed middle area of her palm. After determining whether the
shooters gap was maintained in her shot by recalling if the exposed
skin touched the basketball anytime during her shot, she can then
continue to discern if other aspects of her shooting form were
properly executed such as follow-through, releasing the ball at the
right moment, etc. If the basketball did touch her exposed palm
skin, however, she would immediately know that she shot the
basketball improperly, in which case she would adjust her shot and
try again. A critical benefit here is the ability to quickly assess
her shot and therefore able to adjust accordingly. The result,
among other things, would be an increased shooting percentage and
better overall performance because, not only would she be able to
adjust her shot with more success, but she would also benefit from
the grip enhancing ability that a glove would provide to the other
areas of her hand that are now covered by a glove.
[0063] The glove is significantly different than prior art because
it provides a basketball player with a glove that offers, among
other things, an immediate feedback mechanism. The glove provides
this feedback mechanism by lessening the skin sensitivities outside
of the shooter's gap region, or conversely, it heightens the
exposed palm skin (because of the open area principally along the
middle of the palm) relative to the area outside of the open area
which is covered by the material forming the glove body, thereby
making it easy to `feel` if the individual is shooting, dribbling
or catching a basketball using bad form. Therefore, it is important
that the one large recess not extend beyond the critical area or
that there be multiple large recesses of substantial size to enable
skin contact of the wearer's palm with the basketball. Multiple
large recesses of this size would cause unnecessary confusion as
the wearer would no longer know based on tactile feel whether
improper basketball shooting form was performed, thus significantly
diminishing its intended function.
[0064] One often sees basketball players using cotton wrist bands
so that they can wipe their hands of perspiration during game play
to better ensure that they will not mishandle the basketball, and
affectionately be called `butterfingers.` This is especially
important in shooting a basketball. The present invention will now
allow a wearer to play basketball with a glove thereby
significantly diminishing the need to use cotton wrist bands by now
allowing the basketball player to now wear a glove, thus solving a
previously insoluble problem.
[0065] For example, as previously mentioned, proper shooting
generally requires that one adheres to certain shooting mechanics.
If the basketball touches the middle of the palm area during a
shot, it is generally considered bad shooting form. With the
basketball glove embodiments, a player could practice shooting
with, say FIG. 1, and if there is even a slight violation, and the
player unintentionally allows the ball to touch the center area of
the palm, the player would immediately feel it, and then adjust
accordingly. Embodiments are significantly different than palmless
gloves in that by concentrating and limiting the palmless area
opening to the shooters gap region, embodiments provide new and
surprising results--immediate feedback on proper shooting and
dribbling form. This is also one of the primary reasons why the
more generic full-fingered gloves are not used in basketball today
because this need to feel and adjust is critical. In other words,
if the one large recess of basketball glove embodiments extended to
expose most or the entire palm of the wearer's palm, the wearer
would not be able to feel whether she shot the basketball using
proper form even if the basketball touched her skin as the
basketball is supposed to some aspects of the palm. For example, if
the metacarpophalangeal joints are exposed in addition to the
middle of the palm area, the result would significantly diminish
the intended function of the glove because if the basketball were
to then touch the skin of the wearer's palm she would not
immediately and clearly know whether she used proper shooting form;
proper basketball shooting form requires the skin of her
metacarpophalangeal joint to touch the basketball while touching
the skin of the middle area of the palm indicates improper shooting
form. Therefore the wearer would not easily discern proper versus
improper shooting form simply by whether skin contact along the
palm was made if the one large recess exposes essentially more than
the shooter's gap region when the glove is worn.
[0066] Basketball players have also chosen not to use generic
palmless gloves as well. If one were to compare the features that
this invention offers, to those of prior art, such as Eyman or
Mosley, one would immediately see the significant and substantial
differences. The present invention provides an immediate feedback
mechanism if someone is shooting improperly; Eyman and Mosley do
not. The present invention provides an immediate feedback mechanism
if someone is dribbling a basketball improperly; Eyman and Mosley
do not. Eyman and Mosley do not offer these because they did not
discover that, although a partial palmless glove could offer these
benefits, it could only be done if one were to leave only a
specific range of the palm open.
[0067] Embodiments also satisfy long felt needs when it comes to
dribbling a basketball. According to the book "Basketball for High
School Players and Coaches," (1955) Carl Bachman describes proper
fundamentals of basketball dribbling: "Certain fundamentals apply
to all phases of ball handling: Looseness of finger and wrist
action is important, practice spinning the ball on fingertips; a
basketball should never touch the heel of the hand and seldom, if
ever, touch the palm." One embodiment of the present invention
comprises of an all open-fingered, partially open palm glove for
either the strong-hand or the weak-hand. Embodiments may have a
radius of up to about 0.75 inches or so, with the midpoint in the
exact middle of the palm (the inventors palm, for example, is 4
inches in length and approximately 3 inches in width. So the
midpoint in the inventors hand would be 2 inches below the digital
crease area and 1.5 inches across the edge of the palm). These
embodiments could help a dribbler develop and use proper dribbling
form, especially on her weak-hand. This embodiment would more
generally help any player, and likely could be used, for example,
by those playing the position of Guard while practicing proper
dribbling on their strong-hand, as well as Forwards and Centers
during actual game play for added support on their weak-hand.
[0068] Another embodiment for basketball play is in the form of an
all partially-open fingered, partially open palm glove. The palm
area would much more narrowly uncovered, say one inch in length and
0.5 inch in width. Additionally, it could have grip enhancing
element along the top portion of the palm area. This embodiment
would give a basketball player the ability to better catch a ball,
thus eliminating the consistent problem often found in Forwards and
Centers losing control of passes. The embodiment would also provide
a player with a stronger grip on the ball when passing a ball as
well as provide some moisture management control, thus minimizing
turnovers often caused by passers, especially in Guards. The grip
enhancers could comprise PVC dots to provide add grip support,
while the shooters gap opening would still allow for sensitivities
necessary in shooting success. The narrow or smaller opening would
then alert the wearer that the shooters gap had been violated but
only if the violation was severe (i.e., she was nearly palming the
ball). This might also be a preferred embodiment for those players
who already have superior shooting form. Lebron James, for example,
is a professional basketball player who has superior shooting form.
History shows, however, that in the fourth quarter of a game, even
his shooting performance may wane, and he has to quickly assess
what part of his shooting mechanics is not being properly executed.
This embodiment would give Mr. James the necessary feeling required
if he suddenly violates the shooters gap, but again only if the
violation is fairly significant. Additionally, many players,
including Mr. James, use talcum powder on their hands to ensure
they can better catch and control a ball. This embodiment would be
a significant improvement to the current method of talcum powder by
offering a grip enhancer to the hand with this embodiment.
[0069] Among the many benefits that embodiments of the present
invention offer are that they allow a wearer to: [0070] Maintain
feel in the key areas of the middle of the palm and fingers; [0071]
Significantly develop proper shooting and dribbling; [0072] Train
to put one's hand in the perfect shooting position; [0073] Increase
grip of the basketball Improve overall performance in task
execution; [0074] Offer more stability and control of the ball
along the top portion of the palm; [0075] Create greater
consistency on play execution Have less ball mishandles; [0076]
Lower turnovers; [0077] Result in Higher shooting percentages;
[0078] Offer increased grip in areas where the basketball is
supposed to touch the palm such as along the metacarpophalangeal
joints.
[0079] Although the description of the present invention only
discussed three sports, it is understood that other sports might
benefit as well (such as in baseball and football). In addition,
only some embodiments have been discussed and in no way is intended
to limit all the various embodiments that the present invention
provides, such as but not limited to, different designs and recess
shapes. For example, embodiments can easily be developed for easy
opening, where a part of the back of the hand opens up, using
VELCRO. Additionally, these embodiments can be used by men and
women, boys and girls, as well as those that whose dominant hand is
the right hand or the left. Embodiments can be used in combination
with each other. Additionally, the one large recess could be of
different shapes and dimensions, according to the scope of the
present invention, and could be constructed from different fabrics,
for example, to offer a thin layered and light glove
embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWING
[0080] It is expressly understood that the following descriptions
and drawing 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 drawings of
embodiments for the right hand but can easily be created for the
left hand, and can be used by men and women, boy and girls.
[0081] FIG. 1 is a drawing of a first embodiment, palmar side.
[0082] FIG. 2 is a drawing of a second embodiment, palmar side.
[0083] FIG. 3 is a drawing of a third embodiment, palmar side.
[0084] FIG. 4 is a drawing of a fourth embodiment, palmar side.
[0085] FIG. 5 is a drawing of a fifth embodiment, palmar side.
[0086] FIG. 6 is a drawing of a sixth embodiment, palmar side.
[0087] FIG. 7 is a related art drawing showing where the hand of a
quarterback generally touches a football.
[0088] FIG. 8 is a related art drawing showing the three basic ways
a golf club crosses the palm area of a golfer's hand.
[0089] FIG. 9 is another related art drawing showing locations
where a basketball should touch the palm, from a referenced
source.
[0090] FIG. 10 is a dorsal side drawing of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1.
[0091] FIG. 11 is a dorsal side drawing of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 2.
[0092] FIG. 12 is a dorsal side drawing of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 3.
[0093] FIG. 13 is a dorsal side drawing of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 4.
[0094] FIG. 14 is a dorsal side drawing of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 5.
[0095] FIG. 15 is a dorsal side drawing of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0096] 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.
[0097] In FIG. 1 & FIG. 10, the present invention is shown as a
partial-fingered, partial-palm sports glove embodiment 1. The glove
could be made of any appropriate materials aforementioned to offer
moisture and perspiration resistance. The thumb is entirely covered
by the glove thumb stall 9. The wearer's middle finger 11, ring
finger 16 and pinkie finger 12 are each entirely uncovered by the
glove.
[0098] Substantially the middle of the palm is uncovered 13 by
providing only one large recess or opening that is adapted to
extend substantially along the middle of the glove body palmar
portion and enabling skin contact of the now exposed skin with a
basketball when the glove is worn. The recess 13 extending over the
wearer's palm leaves uncovered the center of the palm 100 and
extends all the way down to the heel crease area 14. The recess
narrows down 116 as it approaches the wrist crease 101 such that
the width at the distal end is at least about half of the width
than the width at the proximal end of the recess. This embodiment
leaves only one large recess 13, which could be used particularly
during drills, whereby even a slight violation can be felt through
the exposed skin by allowing the basketball to touch the palm area
the exposed palm skin. This embodiment has a palmar portion that is
reinforced 105 with a second material such as a synthetic leather
or a urethane material along the top portion 104 of the
palm--defined as the metacarpophalangeal joints of the wearer's
pinkie finger, ring finger, middle finger and forefinger
104--thereby significantly increasing control of a basketball. The
reinforced second material does extend beyond the top portion, and
may also comprise of a grip-enhancing of materials forms and
designs such as, but not limited to, grooves, foams, fabrics or
combinations thereof, creating a higher coefficient of friction
than the surrounding material forming the glove body palmar
portion.
[0099] One of the surprising results of covering as well as
reinforcing the top portion is that it will give the basketball
player the ability to put more backspin on the basketball when
shooting the basketball. More backspin would, of course, give the
ball the ability of bouncing around the hoop if the basket is not
initially made, and providing more of what is commonly known as `a
shooters touch`. The ability of the wearer to have more backspin
would be uniquely created by the glove palmar portion having a top
portion that covers the metacarpophalangeal joints of the wearer's
fingers in their entirety thus creating increased grip capabilities
along the joints that can create the backspin.
[0100] The novel features of this embodiment allow a player to
focus her attention on maintaining a shooter's gap while attempting
a shot, and provides for instant feedback if said shooter's gap
region is breached and the shot violates the shooter's gap and
touches the open area of the palm exposed by the one large recess
13. The palmar (front) view of the glove 1 is drawn in FIG. 1 and
the dorsal (back) view of the same glove is drawn in FIG. 10.
[0101] In more technical terms, the embodiment glove body has a
palmar portion 106 that overlays the wearer's palm and a dorsal
portion 107 that overlays the back of the wearer's hand. The glove
body palmar portion 106 has only one large recess 13 that exposes a
portion of the palm of substantial size to enable the exposed palm
skin to touch a basketball when the glove is worn. The only one
large recess 13 extending over the wearer's palm of the present
invention does not extend to expose the metacarpophalangeal joint
of the pinkie finger, the metacarpophalangeal joint of the ring
finger, the metacarpophalangeal joint of the middle finger or the
metacarpophalangeal joint of the forefinger--also known and defined
as the top portion 104 of the glove palmar portion of the present
invention. In addition, the only one large recess is positioned
along the glove palmar portion such that it does not extend to
expose the thumb metacarpal 108 when the glove is worn.
[0102] The only one large recess 13 is positioned to extend
principally along the middle of the glove body palmar portion and
is adapted to expose at least a substantial portion of the wearer's
middle finger metacarpal 109 when the glove is worn. A portion of
the wearer's ring finger metacarpal 110 is also exposed by the one
large recess along the glove body palmar portion.
[0103] The one large recess thereby exposes the middle area of the
wearer's palm and is of substantial size to allow the now exposed
skin to touch a basketball when the glove is worn.
[0104] By enabling the skin of the wearer's middle area of the
palm, the sports glove now, as aforementioned, provides for instant
feedback if the shooter's gap is breached. The one large recess is
the only recess of substantial size to enable skin contact of the
wearer's palm by a basketball when the glove worn. The only one
large recess may extend out to abut but does not essentially expose
the thumb bulge 111 of the wearer's palm. The one large recess may
extend out to abut but does not expose any of the wearer's pinkie
metacarpophalangeal joint, ring metacarpophalangeal joint, middle
finger metacarpophalangeal joint, forefinger metacarpophalangeal
joint, and thumb metacarpophalangeal joint 104 when the glove is
worn. The glove body palmar portion therefore overlays the thumb
bulge 111 as well as the pinkie metacarpophalangeal joint, ring
metacarpophalangeal joint, middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint,
forefinger metacarpophalangeal joint, and thumb metacarpophalangeal
joint 104 when the glove is worn.
[0105] The glove is significantly different than prior art because
it provides a basketball player with a glove that offers, an
immediate feedback mechanism. The glove provides this feedback
mechanism by lessening the skin sensitivities outside of the
shooter's gap region by covering it with the material forming the
glove body, while relatively heightening the palm skin located on
the shooter' gap region (principally along the middle of the palm)
because of the open area caused by the only one large recess. The
resulting tactile sensitivities differential creates an immediate
feedback mechanism by making it possible to jeer when she is
shooting a basketball using improper shooting form; if the
basketball touches the skin of the palm (via the exposed palm) then
that means she used improper form, but if the basketball did not
touch the skin then proper shooting form was executed. Therefore,
it is important that the one large recess not extend beyond the
critical area of the shooter's gap region.
[0106] In order to perform the intended function it is critical
that location and size of the one large recess be accurately
considered. In other words, if the one large recess is not of
substantial size for the now exposed palm skin to touch a
basketball, the embodiment would be rendered unable to perform its
intended function. The ability of the skin of the exposed area
created by the one large recess allows the wearer to get immediate
feedback by the heightened tactile sensitivities now that the
basketball can directly touch the exposed skin of the middle of the
palm.
[0107] Likewise, the one large recess cannot be significantly
larger as it would also significantly diminish its unique
capabilities captured from its unique combinations and synergies
captured. For example, the strategically placed one large recess is
such that the basketball should not touch the exposed skin unless
the basketball has violated the shooter's gap region when preparing
to shoot or when shooting the basketball. If the one large recess
is substantially larger or positioned to extend along the wearer's
metacarpophalangeal joints, then the basketball would touch the
exposed skin even though the basketball is in fact being held and
shot properly. Indeed, one of the surprising benefits of having
immediate feedback has to do with heightened tactile sensitivities
both because only a specific palm area is substantially exposed, as
opposed to being covered by the glove material, and because the
significant tactile differences between the exposed skin compared
to the surrounding palm area, which is covered by the glove
material (and thereby unable to touch the basketball); this major
difference in tactile sensitivities make it possible to quickly
sense if the basketball suddenly touches the exposed skin.
Therefore, it is important that the one large recess not extend
beyond the critical area or that there be more than a multiple
large recesses of substantial size to enable skin contact of the
wearer's palm with the basketball. Multiple large recesses of this
size would cause unnecessary confusion as the wearer would no
longer know based on tactile feel whether improper basketball
shooting form was performed, thus significantly diminishing its
intended function.
[0108] In fact, as aforementioned, it is important that the only
one large recess not extend to expose any of the wearer's
metacarpophalangeals when the glove is worn. The pinkie finger
metacarpophalangeal and thumb metacarpophalangeal, for example, can
play a major role when control and shooting a basketball so
exposing the pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal or thumb
metacarpophalangeal of the wearer's hand would substantially
diminish the present invention's intended function.
[0109] The embodiment may further comprise micro recesses along the
glove body palmar and dorsal portions, for moisture management
purposes as long as, of course, these micro recesses are not of
substantial size to enable skin contact with a basketball. These
micro recesses are generally about 0.120 millimeters or so in
diameter, but certainly not large enough to enable skin contact
with a basketball as that would then make the embodiment unable to
complete its intended function.
[0110] Furthermore, the one large recess is preferably also
reinforced, preferably by stitching or by hot sealing 112. Constant
movement of the wearer's hand increases stress on the integrity of
the glove by the continual rubbing and twisting of the one recess
when engaging and disengaging a basketball. Therefore the stitching
can encircle the one large recess along its edge in order to be
effective at preventing tearing along the one large recess.
Additionally or alternatively, the one large recess may be sealed.
When cutting certain materials such as synthetic materials
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 one large recess edge be stitched or
permanently sealed, preferably by hot knife sealing. The industrial
hot knife is preferably used to melt the fabric edge of the one
large recess such that the one large recess is sealed thereby
preventing fraying, fabric splitting, and atmospheric moisture from
entering into the glove body material through the one recess. If
the one large recess is not sealed this portion may fray or split
eroding the integrity of the glove structure and its valuable and
unique benefits to the wearer. Hot knife sealing will also create a
smooth finish along the entire one large recess edge. Hot knife
sealing can only be performed on certain materials such as
synthetic leathers and plastics otherwise the material will burn
and cause harm to the glove structure. Cotton material for example
will burn and therefore hot knife sealing cannot be performed on
that type of material in which case stitching may be more
appropriate. Natural materials such as cotton and genuine leather
will not hot knife seal well, burning the material and often
destroying the glove. It is therefore preferable that at least the
materials forming the one large recess edge be formed of an
appropriate material and considered.
[0111] If the glove body is formed of a rubber or neoprene
material, then fraying may not be an issue or course and may not
need reinforcement.
[0112] In addition, the embodiment has a highlighted area 113 along
the perimeter 114 of the one large recess so that trainers can more
easily see if a shooting violation is taking place. Preferably the
entire perimeter of the one large recess is highlighted with a
bright material or coating, such as a fluorescent coating 115, in
order to be capable of being seen from a distance when a basketball
is being properly held on the wearer's shooting hand when the glove
is worn. The one large recess narrows down 116 as it approaches the
wrist crease 101 so that it has a smaller width at the distal end
117 compared to at the proximal end 118. As such, the fluorescent
portion, for example, can follow along in the same or generally
similar pattern as long as it is near to the one large recess to
thereby highlight the exposed area.
[0113] Additional descriptions of this embodiment, including glove
body dorsal portion elements are provided in the description of
FIG. 10 of this specification.
[0114] In FIG. 2 & FIG. 11, the present invention is shown as a
partial-palm glove 2. This embodiment can be made of polyester and
cotton for superior comfort, of perspirant-resistant materials such
as spandex, or of weather-resistant and perspirent-resistant forms
and designs including water-resistant materials 224 such as a
polyurethane or hole designs for moisture management, or
combinations thereof, or of other standard materials such as those
aforementioned. The glove is configured such that the wearer's
thumb 20 and forefinger 23 are each entirely uncovered by the
glove. In other words, the distal and proximal phalanges of the
wearer's thumb are all exposed, and the distal, middle and proximal
phalanges of the wearer's forefinger are entirely exposed when the
glove is worn. In addition, the middle finger 21 and ring finger 26
are all also essentially completely uncovered when the glove is
worn. The glove is further configured such that the middle area of
the palm 22 is open by only one large recess extending along the
glove body palmar portion 231. The one large recess 230 is
substantially on the middle of the palm area 22, having a radius of
up to about one inch, for example, thereby defining the boundary of
the palm opening substantially on the middle of the wearer's palm.
Similar embodiments could range from 0.5 to 1.25 approximately
inches in radius. This embodiment could be used in actual
basketball game play, where the player would be alerted if she or
he was using severe improper form by providing the exposed palm
portion along the wearer's hand.
[0115] Furthermore, the embodiment may have a grip enhancing means
or be reinforced by a second material across the top portion of the
glove body palmar portion, or both, to increase grip and minimize
erosion along the top of the wearer's palm. The grip enhancing
means are adapted to provide a higher coefficient of friction than
the surrounding glove body surface. For example, the embodiment has
a palmar portion that is reinforced 269 with a second material such
as a synthetic leather or a rubber material along the top portion
of the palm--defined as the metacarpophalangeal joints of the
wearer's pinkie finger, ring finger, middle finger and
forefinger--thereby significantly increasing control of a
basketball. The reinforced layer is further coated with a grip
enhancing means, such as a PVC coating, a latex coating or a
silicone coating 269 creates a higher coefficient of friction than
the surrounding glove body palmar portion, thereby increasing the
grip capabilities of the wearer along said palmar top portion when
the glove is worn. The grip enhancing means is adapted to not
extend beyond said glove palmar top portion so that the remaining
palmar portion is free of said grip enhancing means. The glove may
also comprise of other grip-enhancing of materials forms and
designs such as grooves, foams, fabrics or combinations thereof,
creating a higher coefficient of friction than the surrounding
material forming the glove body palmar portion.
[0116] The one large recess is circular in shape 234 having a
proximal edge and a distal edge, the proximal edge is adapted to
abut but not expose a top portion of the wearer's palm, thereby not
exposing the wearer's metacarpophalangeal joints of the wearer's
pinkie finger, ring finger, middle finger or forefinger when the
glove is worn. The one large recess is the only large recess along
the glove body palmar portion of substantial size to enable the
wearer's palm to touch a basketball with the skin of the skin when
the glove is worn.
[0117] This embodiment is useful with actual game play by its
unique glove structure by exposing a critical portion of the middle
of the wearer's palm as well as by exposing the wearer's finger
tips. In other words, at least the distal phalanx of the pinkie
finger, at least the distal phalanx of the ring finger, and at
least the distal phalanx of the middle finger are each completely
exposed when the glove is worn.
[0118] The palmar (front) view of the glove 2 is drawn in FIG. 2
and the dorsal (back) view of the same glove is drawn in FIG. 11.
In more technical terms, the embodiment glove body has a palmar
portion 231 that overlays the wearer's palm and a dorsal portion
232 that overlays the back of the wearer's hand. The glove body
palmar portion has only one large recess 230 that exposes a portion
of the palm of substantial size to enable the exposed palm skin to
touch a basketball when the glove is worn. The only one large
recess extending over the wearer's palm of the present invention
does not extend to expose the metacarpophalangeal joint of the
pinkie finger, the metacarpophalangeal joint of the ring finger,
the metacarpophalangeal joint of the middle finger or the
metacarpophalangeal joint of the forefinger--also known and defined
as the top portion 233 of the glove body palmar portion of the
present invention. In addition, the only one large recess is
positioned along the glove palmar portion such that it does not
extend to expose the thumb metacarpal 235 when the glove is
worn.
[0119] The only one large recess 230 of the embodiment is
positioned to extend principally along the middle of the glove body
palmar portion and is adapted to expose at least a substantial
portion of the wearer's middle finger metacarpal 263 when the glove
is worn. A portion of the wearer's ring finger metacarpal 237 is
also exposed by the one large recess along the glove body palmar
portion. The one large recess thereby exposes the middle area of
the wearer's palm and is of substantial size to allow the now
exposed skin to touch a basketball when the glove is worn.
[0120] By exposing the skin of the wearer's middle area of the
palm, the sports glove now, as aforementioned, provides for instant
feedback if the shooters gap is breached. The one large recess is
the only recess of substantial size to enable skin contact of the
wearer's palm when the glove worn. The only one large recess may
extend out to abut but does not essentially expose the thumb bulge
280 of the wearer's palm, certainly not exposing any portion of the
thumb metacarpal. The one large recess may extend out to abut but
does not expose any of the wearer's pinkie metacarpophalangeal
joint, ring metacarpophalangeal joint, middle finger
metacarpophalangeal joint, forefinger metacarpophalangeal joint,
and thumb metacarpophalangeal joint 233 when the glove is worn. The
glove body palmar portion therefore overlays the thumb bulge as
well as the pinkie metacarpophalangeal joint, ring
metacarpophalangeal joint, middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint,
forefinger metacarpophalangeal joint, and thumb metacarpophalangeal
joint when the glove is worn.
[0121] The glove is significantly different than prior art because
it provides a basketball player with a glove that offers an
immediate feedback mechanism. The glove provides this feedback
mechanism by lessening the skin sensitivities outside of the
shooter's gap region by covering it with the material forming the
glove body, while relatively heightening the palm skin
sensitivities located within the shooter' gap region (principally
along the middle of the palm) because of the open area caused by
the only one large recess. The resulting tactile sensitivities
differential creates an immediate feedback mechanism by making it
possible to `feel` when she is shooting a basketball using improper
shooting form; if the basketball touches the skin of the palm (via
the exposed palm) then that means she used improper form, but if
the basketball did not touch the skin then proper form was
executed. Therefore, it is important that the one large recess not
extend beyond the critical area of the shooter's gap region.
[0122] In order to perform the intended function it is critical
that location and size of the one large recess be accurately
considered. In other words, if the one large recess is not of
substantial size for the now exposed palm skin to touch a
basketball, the embodiment would be rendered unable to perform its
intended function. The ability of the skin of the exposed area
created by the one large recess allows the wearer to get immediate
feedback by the heightened tactile sensitivities now that the
basketball can directly touch the exposed skin of the middle of the
palm.
[0123] Likewise, the one large recess cannot be significantly
larger as it would also significantly diminish its unique
capabilities captured from its unique combinations and synergies
captured. For example, the strategically placed one large recess is
such that the basketball should not touch the exposed skin unless
the basketball has violated the shooter's gap region when preparing
to shoot or when shooting the basketball. If the one large recess
is substantially larger or positioned to extend along the wearer's
metacarpophalangeal joints, then the basketball would touch the
exposed skin even though the basketball is in fact being held and
shot properly. Indeed, one of the surprising benefits of having
immediate feedback has to do with heightened tactile sensitivities
both because only a specific palm area is substantially exposed, as
opposed to being covered by the glove material, and because the
significant tactile differences between the exposed skin compared
to the surrounding palm area, which is covered by the glove
material (and thereby unable to touch the basketball); this major
difference in tactile sensitivities make it possible to quickly
sense if the basketball suddenly touches the exposed skin.
[0124] In fact, as aforementioned, it is important that the only
one large recess not extend to expose any of the wearer's
metacarpophalangeals when the glove is worn. The pinkie finger
metacarpophalangeal and thumb metacarpophalangeal, for example, can
play a major role when control and shooting a basketball so
exposing the pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal or thumb
metacarpophalangeal of the wearer's hand would substantially
diminish the present invention's intended function.
[0125] An additional surprising result resulting from the unique
structure of the embodiment is that the glove will give the
basketball player the ability to put more backspin on the
basketball when shooting the basketball. More backspin would, of
course, give the ball the ability of bouncing around the hoop if
the basket is not initially made, and providing more of what is
commonly known as `a shooters touch`. The ability of the wearer to
have more backspin would be uniquely created by the glove palmar
portion having a top portion that covers the metacarpophalangeal
joints of the wearer's fingers in their entirety thus creating
increased grip capabilities along the joints that can create the
backspin.
[0126] The embodiment may further comprise micro recesses along the
glove body palmar and dorsal portions, for moisture management
purposes as long as, of course, these micro recesses are not of
substantial size to enable skin contact with a basketball. These
micro recesses are generally about 0.120 millimeters or so in
diameter, but certainly not large enough to enable skin contact
with a basketball as that would then make the embodiment unable to
complete its intended function.
[0127] Furthermore, the one large recess is preferably also
reinforced, preferably by stitching 238 or by hot sealing. Constant
movement of the wearer's hand increases stress on the integrity of
the glove by the continual rubbing and twisting of the one recess
when engaging and disengaging a basketball. Therefore the stitching
can encircle the one large recess along its edge in order to be
effective at preventing tearing along the one large recess.
Additionally or alternatively, the one large recess may be sealed.
When cutting certain materials such as synthetic materials
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 one large recess edge be stitched or
permanently sealed, preferably by hot knife sealing. The industrial
hot knife is preferably used to melt the fabric edge of the one
large recess such that the one large recess is sealed thereby
preventing fraying, fabric splitting, and atmospheric moisture from
entering into the glove body material through the one recess. If
the one large recess is not sealed this portion may fray or split
eroding the integrity of the glove structure and its valuable and
unique benefits to the wearer. Hot knife sealing will also create a
smooth finish along the entire one large recess edge. Hot knife
sealing can only be performed on certain materials such as
synthetic leathers and plastics otherwise the material will burn
and cause harm to the glove structure. Cotton material for example
will burn and therefore hot knife sealing cannot be performed on
that type of material in which case stitching may be more
appropriate. Natural materials such as cotton and genuine leather
will not hot knife seal well, burning the material and often
destroying the glove. It is therefore preferable that at least the
materials forming the one large recess edge be formed of an
appropriate material. If the glove body is formed of a rubber or
neoprene material, then fraying may not be an issue or course.
[0128] In addition, the embodiment has a highlighted area 239 along
the perimeter of the one large recess so that trainers can more
easily see if a shooting violation is taking place while she shoots
the ball. Preferably the entire perimeter of the one large recess
is highlighted with a bright material or coating, such as a
fluorescent coating 241, in order to be capable of being seen from
a distance when a basketball is being properly held on the wearer's
shooting hand when the glove is worn. The one large recess is
circular in shape, such as an oval 242. As such, the fluorescent
portion, for example, can follow along in the same or generally
similar pattern as long as it is near to the one large recess to
thereby highlight the exposed area.
[0129] The glove has an open end 244 at the wrist portion 243 of
the glove. The open end is expansible so as to hold more securely
to the wearer's wrist. The glove wrist dorsal portion has a strap
means 246 for fastening the glove body secure about the wrist area,
critical in sports activities where the wearer's hand moves very
rapidly such as in basketball for example. The strap means may
comprise two pads of cohesive-adhesive material such as VELCRO
fasteners 247, 248, 249, 250 or other hook and loop structures,
snap buttons for releasably securing the strap 251, for example, or
other suitable closures thereon. For example, the strap means may
comprise a flap which mechanically engages a flap capture mechanism
to secure the glove to the wearers hand (e.g., a synthetic hook and
loop fastening interface which adheres when pressed together,
commonly using VELCRO). The strap means as well as the wrist
portion may be sewn onto the glove, for example.
[0130] In basketball, it is becoming critical for players to be
able to shoot the basketball from long distances, as shooting the
basketball from the three point line is now commonplace for those
playing the position of Guard as well as now for Forwards and even
Centers. While aim is surely one important aspect of a successful
three point shot, so is having stronger hand muscles. The
embodiment provides a structural feature of a weight or weights
253, 254, 255, whereby the wearer can now strengthen hand muscles
when the glove is worn. The at least one weight 253, 254, 255 may
be constructed by any standard manner of making weights, such as
made of iron for example. The at least one weight may be integral
or manually removable 253, 254, 255 to the glove or using a
compartment to hold the weights.
[0131] If the at least one weight is integral to the glove, then it
is preferable that the embodiment further has an interior liner
such that the at least one weight resides between the liner and the
dorsal portion surface. In this way the wearer's skin will not
touch and be cushioned by the liner 264. The liner 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 harsher
conditions or during extended practices on the golf range, for
example. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art
that many other implementations of liners are possible.
[0132] If the at least one weight is manually removable 253, 254,
255, the weights may be secured by any standard fastening means,
such as by a compartment 256, by magnetism or snap fastening, for
example. The illustrated embodiment shows a compartment 256 on the
dorsal portion of the glove body. The compartment 256 secures the
weights by multiple pads of cohesive-adhesive material such as
VELCRO fasteners 257, 258, by snap buttons, zippers 259, or other
hook and loop structures for releasably securing a flap 260 such as
by providing a flap 260 with a flap capture mechanism such as a
hookable device such as a plastic bar 281 for example, and VELCRO
257, 258, along with a reinforced zipper mechanism 259 to enclose
the weights in the compartment. The compartment of course must be
of substantial size to enclose at least one weight in the
compartment. The compartment 256 may be structured by any standard
manner and can be constructed by any suitable materials, such as by
the materials forming the glove embodiment, such as synthetic
leather or Nylon, for example.
[0133] As the weights on the glove will increase the stress of
movement, the embodiment has a strap means 246 for fastening the
glove body secure about the wrist area whereby the strap is of
substantial size to wrap around the entire wrist of the wearer when
the glove is worn. The result of this unique feature reinforces the
glove onto the wearer's hand and minimizes separation between the
glove and the wearer's hand when dribbling or shooting a
basketball. In other words, the extended strap has a structure that
manually extends to overlay the glove body wrist portion palmar and
dorsal portions. The extended strap preferably has hook and loop
structure fastening interfaces 248, 249, 250 which adheres when
pressed together, commonly using VELCRO on the front and back
surfaces of the extended strap.
[0134] The glove body dorsal portion also has a slit 261. The slit
allows the wearer to quickly take off or put on the glove, and
doing so very easily. The combined features of the slit with a
strap means are especially valuable to wearers who play a sport of
basketball for example, as they allow the wearer to quickly take
off or put on the glove so as not to disrupt the athlete's
concentration, and doing so very easily. The strap is positioned to
extend manually over the slit.
[0135] The glove also has a distal lateral edge, wherein the glove
body palmar portion and the glove body dorsal portion meet at the
distal lateral edge. One or a plurality of digital segments may
project from the distal lateral edge of the body. A terminal edge
270 is formed at the distal lateral edge creating individual
digital ringlets 271, 272, 273, 274 such that a finger can extend
past the terminal edge to completely expose the finger when the
glove is worn. A terminal edge formed at the distal lateral edge of
the embodiment creates separate ringlets 271, 272, 273, 274 such
that a forefinger 23, a middle finger 21, and a ring finger 26 can
each individually extend past the terminal edge to completely
expose the forefinger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinkie
finger when the glove is worn. Preferably, each ringlet is stitched
or hot sealed to keep the embodiment from fraying.
[0136] In FIG. 3 & FIG. 12, the present invention is shown as
an all open-fingered glove 3. The inside palm area is uncovered 31
and is a diamond shape 130, yet still substantially in the middle
of the palm area of the wearer's hand when the glove is worn. It
follows the edge of the thumb bulge but not on it 32. Furthermore,
it is bounded by the palmar digital crease area 33 and the
hypothenar eminence 34. In addition, it can have a highlighted area
along the perimeter of the opening 35, so that trainers can more
easily see if violation taking place, such as a fluorescent coating
for example. This embodiment can further comprise of other various
types of materials, forms, and designs aforementioned including
stretch materials and designs, mesh fabrics, recycled and flexible
materials, cottons, rayon, spandex, fleece, leathers and synthetic
leathers, rubbers, plastics, polyester, or combinations thereof.
This embodiment might be particularly attractive to the amateur and
intermediate basketball players who want to ensure proper shooting
form is being executed. Additionally, these players would also
appreciate the grip enhancer capabilities having a grip enhancer
236 along the top portion 331 of the glove body palmar portion,
where the basketball often touches the hand and is used to maneuver
the basketball.
[0137] FIG. 4 & FIG. 13 show an embodiment as a
partial-palmless glove 4. The embodiment glove body has a palmar
portion that overlays the wearer's palm and a dorsal portion that
overlays the back of the wearer's hand. The palmar (front) view of
the glove is drawn in FIG. 4 and the dorsal (back) view of the same
glove is drawn in FIG. 13.
[0138] The glove body palmar portion overlaying the wearer's palm
has only one large recess 45 that exposes a portion of the palm to
enable the exposed skin to touch a golf club when the glove is
worn. The only one large recess is positioned near the edge 461 of
the glove body palmar portion and is adapted to expose at least a
portion of the pinkie finger metacarpal 447 when the glove is worn.
The only one large recess extending over the wearer's palm of the
embodiment does not extend to expose the metacarpophalangeal joint
of the pinkie finger, the metacarpophalangeal joint of the ring
finger, the metacarpophalangeal joint of the middle finger and the
metacarpophalangeal joint of the forefinger--also known and defined
as the top portion 445 of the glove palmar portion of the present
invention. In addition, the only one large recess is positioned
along the glove palmar portion such that it does not extend to
expose the thumb metacarpal 446 to maintain necessary grip
capabilities along the top portion while increasing tactile
sensitivities along the palm during sports play.
[0139] The glove body palmar portion has only one large recess 45
that exposes a portion of the palm of substantial size to enable
the exposed palm skin to touch a golf club when the glove is
worn.
[0140] By exposing a substantial portion of the skin of the
wearer's pinkie metacarpal area of the palm to allow skin contact
with a golf club, the sports glove now, as aforementioned provides
for instant feedback if the golf club substantial slips down the
pinkie finger metacarpal during a golfer's downswing and the re by
touching the exposed skin, indicating poor golf swing execution.
This is primarily due to the heightened tactile sensitivity of the
exposed skin relative to the surrounding palm area which is covered
by the glove body. The one large recess is the only recess of
substantial size to enable skin contact of the wearer's palm to
touch a golf club when the glove worn.
[0141] The thumb 40, forefinger 41 and middle fingers 42 are
essentially entirely covered when the glove is worn. The ring
finger 43 and pinkie finger 44 are also completely covered when the
glove is worn. Furthermore, the palm is partially open 45 with one
large recess 45 of substantial size to enable the exposed skin by
the recess to touch a golf club if the golf club moves during a
golf swing. This embodiment is especially valuable to those golfers
who grip a golf club positioned along the `N` path 82 as shown in
FIG. 8, and as previously discussed. Note that the top of the grip
200 lies above the hypothenar muscle bulge and that it lies in the
lower palm between the hypothenar eminence 441 and the base of the
middle finger 442. Note that the grip also lies diagonally across
the lower palm so that it crosses the proximal phalanx of the
middle finger. When the fingers are closed around the golf club
handle, three fingers (middle finger, ring finger and pinkie
finger) of the non-dominant hand--the non-dominant hand--(3rd, 4th,
5th fingers) are primarily responsible for gripping the club grip
firmly in the left hand. The index finger lies more loosely across
the grip. One should remember that the non-dominant hand golf grip
is primarily a three-finger grip, and not a palm grip. The
non-dominant 3rd, 4th and 5th fingers are primarily responsible for
gripping the club, and the grip pressure should be firm--it should
not be possible to pull the grip end of the club out of the
non-dominant hand if another person pulls on the club head end of
the club, and it should not be possible for that person to twist
the club in one's one-dominant hand if he attempts to twist the
club head end of the club. A golfer must maintain a solid hand grip
(using the dominant 3rd, 4th and 5th fingers) should always be
firm. The one large recess is positioned along the glove body
palmar portion such that it resides below the golf club positioned
below the `N` path. The wearer would then immediately feel if the
golf club slipped below the `N` path position during the golf
downswing, indicating poor swing fundamentals.
[0142] The embodiment can comprise of various a weather-resistant
and perspirant-resistant materials, forms and designs including,
but not limited to, water-resistant materials or hole designs for
moisture management, or combinations thereof and aforementioned. A
suitable material would be Cabretta leather, for example.
[0143] Referring more technically to the embodiment drawing, the
palmar (front) view of the glove is drawn in FIG. 4 and the dorsal
(back) view of the same glove is drawn in FIG. 13. This
partial-palmless embodiment provides a glove body having a dorsal
portion 440, a palmar portion 47 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. A critical
portion of the wearer's palm is open and therefore uncovered by the
one large recess 45 when the glove is worn thereby exposing the
skin and significantly increasing tactile sensations along the
exposed palm area. The only one large recess is positioned near the
edge of the glove palmar portion and is adapted to expose at least
a portion of the pinkie finger metacarpal 447 when the glove is
worn.
[0144] Preferably, a portion of the ring finger metacarpal 448 is
also exposed by the one large recess.
[0145] The one large recess therefore extends to expose the lower
palm, and is adapted to extend between the hypothenar eminence 441
and the base of the middle finger 442, thereby defining the
boundary and location of the palm opening. The glove body includes
a thumb digital segment 40, a forefinger digital segment 41 and a
middle finger digital segment 42 that enclose and completely cover
the wearer's thumb, forefinger and middle finger in their entirety,
including enclosing the fingertips.
[0146] The only one large recess along the glove body palmar
portion also certainly does not extend out to expose the thumb
bulge 460 of the wearer's palm when the glove is worn, and is
therefore completely covered by the glove body palmar portion. The
only one large recess extends diagonally 459 across the glove body
palmar portion.
[0147] The embodiment may also provide micro recesses 463 randomly
disposed along the glove body dorsal portion, the palmar portion or
the finger stalls, for ventilation as is standard in golf gloves.
The micro recesses are generally about 0.120 millimeters or so in
diameter, but certainly not large enough to enable skin contact
with the golf club as that would then make the embodiment unable to
complete its intended function.
[0148] The golf glove embodiment is significantly different than
prior art because it provides a golfer with a glove that offers,
among other things, an immediate feedback mechanism. The glove
provides this feedback mechanism by lessening the skin
sensitivities outside of the edge of the golf glove, or conversely,
it heightens the exposed palm skin along the edge (because of the
open and exposed area along and around the edge of the palm),
creating an extreme difference in tactile sensitivities with the
exposed palm edge relative to the surrounding area which is covered
by the material forming the glove body. This, in turn, makes it
possible to `feel` only if the individual is swinging the golf club
using bad form; if the golf club touches the skin of the palm (via
the exposed edge) then he used improper form but if the club did
not touch the skin then proper form was executed. Therefore, it is
important that the one large recess not extend beyond the critical
area.
[0149] In order to perform the intended function it is critical
that location and size of the one large recess be accurately
considered. In other words, if the one large recess is not of
substantial size for the now exposed palm skin to touch a golf
club, the embodiment would be rendered unable to perform its
intended function. The ability of the skin of the exposed area
created by the one large recess allows the wearer to get immediate
feedback by the heightened tactile sensitivities now that the golf
club can directly touch the now exposed skin.
[0150] Likewise, the one large recess cannot be substantially
larger as it would also significantly diminish its unique
capabilities captured from its unique combinations and synergies
captured. For example, the strategically placed one large recess is
such that the golf club does not touch the exposed skin unless the
golf club has moved down the palm of the wearer's hand during the
golf swing. If the one large recess is substantially larger or
positioned to extend along the wearer's metacarpophalangeal joints,
then the golf club would touch the exposed skin even though the
golf club is in fact being gripped properly. In fact, as
aforementioned, it is important that the only one large recess not
extend to expose any of the wearer's metacarpophalangeals when the
glove is worn. The forefinger metacarpophalangeal and middle finger
metacarpophalangeal, for example, often playa major role in weak
hand grip and control, so exposing of portion of the forefinger
metacarpophalangeal or middle finger metacarpophalangeal of the
wearer's hand would therefore substantially diminish the wearer's
ability to grip the golf club.
[0151] Indeed, one of the surprising benefits of having immediate
feedback has to do with heightened tactile sensitivities both
because only a specific palm area is substantially exposed, as
opposed to being covered by the glove material, and because of the
significant tactile differences between the exposed skin and the
surrounding palm area which is covered by the glove material; this
major difference in tactile sensitivities make it possible to
quickly sense if the golf club suddenly touches the exposed skin.
If the glove body palmar portion were to expose any of the
metacarpophalangeal joints of the wearer's hand it would also
diminish the embodiment's intended function and limit the wearer's
ability to properly grip the golf club with the
metacarpophalangeals as necessary.
[0152] Furthermore, the one large recess 45 is also preferably
reinforced by stitching 449 or by hot sealing. Constant movement of
the wearer's hand increases stress on the integrity of the glove by
the continual rubbing and twisting of the one recess edge when
engaging and disengaging a golf club. Therefore the stitching can
encircle the one large recess along its edge in order to be
effective at preventing tearing along the one large recess.
Additionally, or alternatively, the one large recess may be sealed.
When cutting certain materials such as synthetic materials
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 one large recess edge be stitched or sealed,
preferably by hot knife sealing. The industrial hot knife is
preferably used to melt the fabric edge of the one large recess
such that the one large recess are sealed thereby preventing
fraying, fabric splitting, and atmospheric moisture from entering
into the glove body material through the one recess. If the one
large recess is not sealed or stitched this portion will likely
fray or split eroding the integrity of the glove structure and its
valuable and unique benefits to the wearer. Hot knife sealing will
also create a smooth finish along the entire one large recess edge.
Hot knife sealing can only be performed on certain materials such
as synthetic leathers and plastics otherwise the material will burn
and cause harm to the glove structure. Cotton material for example
will burn and therefore hot knife sealing cannot be performed on
that type of material. It is therefore preferable that at least the
materials forming the one large recess edge--the areas sealed--be
formed of an appropriate material, such as a synthetic material.
Natural materials such as cotton and genuine leather will not hot
knife seal well, burning the material and often destroying the
glove.
[0153] The glove has an open end 450 at the wrist portion 451 of
the glove. The open end is expansible so as to hold more securely
to the wearer's wrist. The glove wrist dorsal portion has a strap
means 452 for fastening the glove body secure about the wrist area,
critical in sports activities where the wearer's hand moves very
rapidly such as in golf for example. The strap means may comprise
two pads of cohesive-adhesive material such as VELCRO fasteners
453, 454 or other hook and loop structures for releasably securing
the strap, for example, or other structures aforementioned. For
example, the strap means may comprise a flap 455 which mechanically
engages a flap capture mechanism to secure the glove to the wearers
hand (e.g., a synthetic hook and loop fastening interface which
adheres when pressed together, commonly using VELCRO). The strap
means as well as the wrist portion may be sewn onto the glove, for
example.
[0154] The glove body dorsal portion also has a slit 456. The slit
allows the wearer to quickly take off or put on the glove, and
doing so very easily as is important especially in the sport of
golf. The combined features of the slit with a strap means are
especially valuable to wearers who play a sport of golf for
example, as they allow the wearer to quickly take off or put on the
glove so as not to disrupt the athlete's concentration, and doing
so very easily. The strap is positioned to extend manually over the
slit. In order to maximize securement of the embodiment around the
wearer's hand an elastomeric band 462 is affixed around the glove
wrist portion. The wrist portion may be formed integral with the
glove or may be attached to the glove by standard methods, such as
by sewing.
[0155] It is commonly known that wrist bands have been constructed
with perspiration absorbing capabilities, allowing an athlete to
wipe perspiration away from their face during competition. Where
wrist bands are not commonly used, such as in golf play, the
athletes are currently left deficient in this area unless they are
handed a towel to wipe off the perspiration. As such, a moisture
absorbent material 457 may be provided along the dorsal portion of
embodiments allowing a wearer to wipe off perspiration commonly on
a wearer's face during active sports play. The moisture absorbent
material may be secured anywhere along the dorsal surface of the
glove body. The moisture absorbent material may be formed of any
moisture absorbent material aforementioned, such as, for example,
about 1/12 inch terry cloth 458 or absorbent foam stitched onto the
dorsal portion surface of the glove body.
[0156] FIG. 5 & FIG. 14 show another embodiment of the present
invention 5. The embodiment has a palmar portion 59 overlaying the
wearer's palm and has only one large recess 50 that exposes a
portion of the palm of substantial size to enable the exposed skin
to touch a golf club when the glove is worn. The only one large
recess is positioned near the edge of the glove body palmar portion
and is adapted to expose at least a portion of the pinkie finger
metacarpal when the glove is worn. The only one large recess
extending over the wearer's palm of the present invention does not
extend to expose the metacarpophalangeal joint of the pinkie
finger, the metacarpophalangeal joint of the ring finger, the
metacarpophalangeal joint of the middle finger and the
metacarpophalangeal joint of the forefinger--also known and defined
as the top portion 545 of the glove palmar portion of the present
invention. In addition, the only one large recess is positioned
along the glove palmar portion such that it does not extend to
expose the thumb metacarpal 546 when the glove is worn to thereby
maintain necessary grip capabilities throughout the wearer's five
metacarpophalangeals while increasing tactile sensitivities along
the wearer's palm during sports play.
[0157] This embodiment is very useful especially for those wearers
who grip the golf club along the `D` line 81, for example, which is
represented in FIG. 8. All of the wearer's fingers are essentially
completely covered by the glove. The glove palmar portion comprises
a large recess opening 50 that is adapted to expose a specific and
important portion of the wearer's palm when the glove is worn.
[0158] The glove embodiment can be made of any glove forming
material aforementioned, such as Cabretta leather 52, for example,
to offer moisture and perspiration resistance. The thumb,
forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger of the
wearer's hand are all entirely covered by the glove thumb stall 53,
forefinger stall 54, middle finger stall 55, ring finger stall 56,
and pinkie finger stall 57, respectively.
[0159] As aforementioned, the glove body palmar portion has a large
recess opening 50 positioned such that it exposes the palm 51 of
the wearer and is opened closely below the glove body palmar top
portion, extending diagonally across the pinkie finger metacarpal
and the ring finger metacarpal. A critical portion of the wearer's
palm is exposed there by creating heightened tactile sensitivities
along the exposed palm area.
[0160] The length of the palm opening extends essentially parallel
but below the `D` path 151 as aforementioned, and can extend down
up to 0.5 to an inch or so, the approximate diameter of a standard
golf club shaft. The remaining portion of the wearer's palm is not
exposed by the one large recess and is thus essentially covered by
the glove body palmar portion including at least the majority of
the wearer's hypothenar eminence 152 and is thus without said
opening.
[0161] Continuing to describe the embodiment from a more technical
perspective, the palmar (front) view of the glove embodiment is
drawn in FIG. 5 and the dorsal (back) view of the same glove is
drawn in FIG. 14. This partial-palm embodiment provides a glove
having a dorsal portion 550, a palmar portion 59 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 dorsal portion covering the
back of the hand, and a palmar portion covering substantially all
of the palm or front of the hand. In the illustrated embodiment,
the glove is constructed such that the thumb digital segment 53,
the forefinger digital segment 54, the middle finger segment 55,
the ring finger segment 56 and the pinkie finger digital segment 57
enclose the wearer's thumb, forefinger and middle finger in their
entirety, including enclosing the fingertips of the thumb and
fingers of the wearer's hand when the glove is worn.
[0162] The glove body palmar portion 59 has only one large recess
50 that exposes a portion of the palm of substantial size to enable
the exposed palm skin to touch a golf club. As aforementioned, the
only one large recess extending over the wearer's palm of the
present invention does not extend to expose the metacarpophalangeal
joint of the pinkie finger, the metacarpophalangeal joint of the
ring finger, the metacarpophalangeal joint of the middle finger or
the metacarpophalangeal joint of the forefinger--also known and
defined as the top portion 545 of the glove palmar portion of the
present invention. In addition, the only one large recess is
positioned along the glove palmar portion such that it does not
extend to expose the thumb metacarpal 546 when the glove is worn.
The glove body palmar portion material thus overlays the entire top
portion as well as the entire thumb metacarpal.
[0163] The only one large recess is further positioned near the
edge of the glove palmar portion and is adapted to expose at least
a portion of the pinkie finger metacarpal 547 when the glove is
worn. At least a portion of the ring finger metacarpal 548 is also
exposed by the one large recess.
[0164] By enabling the skin of the wearer's pinkie metacarpal &
ring finger metacarpal areas of the palm, the sports glove now, as
aforementioned, provides for instant feedback if the golf club
substantial slips down the glove body palmar edge during a golfer's
downswing, indicating poor golf swing execution. The one large
recess is the only recess of substantial size to enable skin
contact of the wearer's palm with a standard golf club when the
glove worn.
[0165] The only one large recess also certainly does not extend out
to expose the thumb bulge 525 of the wearer's palm when the glove
is worn. The only one large recess extends 50 across the glove body
palmar portion. Therefore, the material forming the glove body
palmar portion also overlays and thereby covers the wearer's thumb
bulge when the glove is worn. This is primarily due to the
heightened tactile sensitivity of the exposed skin relative to the
surrounding palm area which is covered by the glove body as the one
large recess is the only recess of substantial size to enable skin
contact of the wearer's palm to touch a golf club when the glove
worn. By specifically positioning the one large recess as
aforementioned, the wearer is able to immediately feel if the golf
club slipped below the `D` path position during the golf downswing,
indicating poor swing fundamentals.
[0166] The embodiment also provides micro recesses 563 randomly
disposed along the glove body dorsal portion, the palmar portion or
the finger stalls, for ventilation as is standard in golf gloves.
These micro recesses are generally about 0.120 millimeters or so in
diameter, but certainly not large enough to enable skin contact
with the golf club as that would then make the embodiment unable to
complete its intended function.
[0167] Golf glove embodiments are significantly different than
prior art because they provide a golfer with a glove that offers,
among other things, an immediate feedback mechanism. The glove
provides this feedback mechanism by lessening the skin
sensitivities outside of the edge of the golf glove, or conversely,
it heightens the exposed palm skin along the edge (because of the
open and exposed area along and around the edge of the palm),
creating an extreme difference in tactile sensitivities with the
exposed palm edge relative to the area surrounding the large recess
which is covered by the material forming the glove body. This, in
turn, makes it possible to `feel` only if the individual is
swinging the golf club using bad form; if the golf club touches the
skin of the palm (via the exposed edge) then he used improper form
but if the club did not touch the skin then proper form was
executed. Therefore, it is important that the one large recess not
extend beyond the critical area.
[0168] In order for the embodiment to perform the intended function
it is critical that location and size of the one large recess be
accurately considered. In other words, if the one large recess is
not of substantial size for the now exposed palm skin to touch a
golf club, the embodiment would be rendered unable to perform its
intended function. The ability of the skin of the exposed area
created by the one large recess allows the wearer to get immediate
feedback by the heightened tactile sensitivities now that the golf
club can directly touch the now exposed skin.
[0169] Likewise, the one large recess cannot be substantially
larger as it would also significantly diminish its unique
capabilities captured from its unique combinations and synergies
captured. For example, the strategically placed one large recess is
such that the golf club does not touch the exposed skin unless the
golf club has moved down the palm of the wearer's hand during the
golf swing. If the one large recess is substantially larger or
positioned to extend along the wearer's metacarpophalangeal joints,
then the golf club would touch the exposed skin even though the
golf club is in fact being gripped properly. Indeed, one of the
surprising benefits of having immediate feedback has to do with
heightened tactile sensitivities both because only a specific palm
area is substantially exposed, as opposed to being covered by the
glove material, and because of the significant tactile differences
between the exposed skin and the surrounding palm area which is
covered by the glove material; this major difference in tactile
sensitivities make it possible to quickly sense if the golf club
suddenly touches the exposed skin.
[0170] In fact, as aforementioned, it is important that the only
one large recess not extend to expose any of the wearer's
metacarpophalangeals when the glove is worn. The forefinger
metacarpophalangeal, middle finger metacarpophalangeal, ring finger
metacarpophalangeal and pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal for
example, often playa major role in weak hand grip and control so
exposing of portion of the metacarpophalangeals of the wearer's
hand would therefore substantially diminish the present invention's
intended function and limit the wearer's ability to properly grip
the golf club with the metacarpophalangeals as necessary.
[0171] Furthermore, the one large recess 50 is also preferably
reinforced by stitching 549 or by hot sealing. Constant movement of
the wearer's hand increases stress on the integrity of the glove by
the continual rubbing and twisting of the one recess edge when
engaging and disengaging a golf club. Therefore the stitching can
encircle the one large recess along its edge in order to be
effective at preventing tearing along the one large recess.
Additionally or alternatively, the one large recess may be sealed.
When cutting certain materials such as synthetic materials
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 one large recess edge be stitched or
permanently sealed, preferably by hot knife sealing. The industrial
hot knife is preferably used to melt the fabric edge of the one
large recess such that the one large recess are sealed thereby
preventing fraying, fabric splitting, and atmospheric moisture from
entering into the glove body material through the one recess. If
the one large recess is not sealed or stitched this portion will
likely fray or split eroding the integrity of the glove structure
and its valuable and unique benefits to the wearer. Hot knife
sealing will also create a smooth finish along the entire one large
recess edge. Hot knife sealing can only be performed on certain
materials such as synthetic leathers and plastics otherwise the
material will burn and cause harm to the glove structure. Cotton
material for example will burn and therefore hot knife sealing
cannot be performed on that type of material. It is therefore
preferable that at least the materials forming the one large recess
edge--the areas sealed--be formed of an appropriate material, such
as a synthetic material. Natural materials such as cotton and
genuine leather will not hot knife seal well, burning the material
and often destroying the glove. It is therefore preferable that at
least the materials forming the one large recess edge be formed of
an appropriate material.
[0172] The glove has an open end 559 at the wrist portion 560 of
the glove. The open end is expansible so as to hold more securely
to the wearer's wrist. The glove wrist dorsal portion has a strap
means 562 for fastening the glove body secure about the wrist area,
critical in sports activities where the wearer's hand moves very
rapidly such as in golf for example. The strap means may comprise
two pads of cohesive-adhesive material such as VELCRO fasteners
553, 554 or other hook and loop structures for releasably securing
the strap, for example, or other structures aforementioned. For
example, the strap means may comprise a flap 555 which mechanically
engages a flap capture mechanism to secure the glove to the wearers
hand (e.g., a synthetic hook and loop fastening interface which
adheres when pressed together, commonly using VELCRO). The strap
means as well as the wrist portion may be sewn onto the glove, for
example.
[0173] The glove body dorsal portion also has a slit 556. The slit
allows the wearer to quickly take off or put on the glove, and
doing so very easily as is important especially in the sport of
golf. The combined features of the slit with a strap means are
especially valuable to wearers who play a sport of golf for
example, as they allow the wearer to quickly take off or put on the
glove so as not to disrupt the athlete's concentration, and doing
so very easily. The strap is positioned to extend manually over the
slit. In order to maximize securement of the embodiment around the
wearer's hand an elastomeric band 572 is affixed around the glove
wrist portion. The wrist portion may be formed integral with the
glove or may be attached to the glove by standard methods, such as
by sewing.
[0174] The materials forming the illustrated embodiment comprise
those discussed in reference to the present invention, such as
primarily of a leather such as a synthetic leather. Likewise, any
previously discussed methods of construction may be applied to this
embodiment. This glove body dorsal portion also has a flexible
material formed of a more elastic fiber such as spandex 557, along
the metacarpophalangeal joints 558 of the wearer's forefinger,
middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger when the glove is
worn. Providing a more flexible elastic material over the wearer's
metacarpophalangeals allow the wearer to maximize her ability to
flex her hand and grip a sports device such as a golf club.
[0175] FIG. 6 and FIG. 15 draw another embodiment of the present
invention of a glove 7 with an opening along the palmar side of the
glove. The palmar (front) view of this glove embodiment is drawn in
FIG. 6 and the dorsal (back) view of the same glove is drawn in
FIG. 15. This partial--palmless embodiment provides a glove having
a dorsal portion 66, a palmar portion 67 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.
[0176] The glove body palmar portion overlaying the wearer's palm
has only one large recess 77 that exposes a portion of the palm
that is of substantial size to enable the exposed skin to touch a
golf club when the glove is worn. The only one large recess is
positioned near the edge of the glove palmar portion and is adapted
to expose at least a portion of the pinkie finger metacarpal 647
when the glove is worn. The only one large recess extending over
the wearer's palm of the present invention does not extend to
expose the metacarpophalangeal joint of the pinkie finger, the
metacarpophalangeal joint of the ring finger, the
metacarpophalangeal joint of the middle finger and the
metacarpophalangeal joint of the forefinger--also known and defined
as the top portion 645 of the glove palmar portion of the present
invention. In addition, the only one large recess is positioned
along the glove palmar portion such that it does not extend to
expose the thumb metacarpal 646 when the glove is worn to thereby
maintain necessary grip capabilities throughout the wearer's five
metacarpophalangeals while increasing tactile sensitivities along
the wearer's palm during sports play.
[0177] Preferably, a portion of the ring finger metacarpal 648 is
also exposed by the one large recess.
[0178] The one large recess does not extend to expose the
forefinger metacarpal or the thumb metacarpal. By enabling the skin
of the wearer's pinkie metacarpal area of the palm, the sports
glove now, as aforementioned, provides for instant feedback if the
golf club substantial slips down the pinkie finger metacarpal
during a golfer's downswing, indicating poor golf swing execution.
The one large recess is the only recess of substantial size to
enable skin contact of the wearer's palm with a golf club when the
glove worn.
[0179] The only one large recess also certainly does not extend out
to expose the thumb bulge 659 or so certainly does not extend to
expose the thumb metacarpal 646 of the wearer's palm when the glove
is worn. The only one large recess extends diagonally 660 across
the glove body palmar portion.
[0180] By enabling the skin of the wearer's pinkie metacarpal area
of the palm, the sports glove now, as aforementioned, provides for
instant feedback if the golf club substantial slips down the glove
body palmar edge during a golfer's downswing, indicating poor go If
swing execution. The one large recess is the only recess of
substantial size to enable skin contact of the wearer's palm with a
standard golf club when the glove worn.
[0181] The only one large recess also certainly does not extend out
to expose the thumb bulge 659 of the wearer's palm when the glove
is worn. The only one large recess extends 77 across the glove body
palmar portion. Therefore, the material forming the glove body
palmar portion also overlays and thereby covers the wearer's thumb
bulge when the glove is worn. This is primarily due to the
heightened tactile sensitivity of the exposed skin relative to the
surrounding palm area which is covered by the glove body as the one
large recess is the only recess of substantial size to enable skin
contact of the wearer's palm to touch a golf club when the glove
worn. By specifically positioning the one large recess as
aforementioned, the wearer is able immediately feel if the golf
club slipped below the `C` path position during the golf downswing,
indicating poor swing fundamentals.
[0182] This embodiment is especially useful for those uses who grip
the golf club along the `C` path line 83 as represented in FIG. 8.
This is also referred to as a mid-palmar grip pattern, because it
runs across the middle of the wearer's palm, and it lies near the
hypothenar eminence (heel pad) 661. The palm one large recess
opening extends parallel to this path 660 but lies below it.
[0183] The glove includes a glove body whereby the thumb 61,
forefinger 62 and middle finger 63 of the wearer's hand are all
essentially completely covered when the glove is worn. The wearer's
ring finger has its fingertip uncovered 64, therefore the wearer's
distal phalanx is exposed. The wearer's pinkie finger top two
joints are also uncovered 65, therefore the wearer's distal and
middle phalanges are exposed. The glove body therefore includes a
thumb stall 68, a forefinger stall 69, a middle finger stall 70, a
ring finger stall 71, and a pinkie finger stall 72 each adapted to
receive a thumb, forefinger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinkie
finger respectively, therein.
[0184] In the illustrated embodiment, the glove is constructed such
that the thumb stall, the forefinger stall and the middle finger
stall enclose the wearer's thumb, forefinger and middle finger in
their entirety, including enclosing the fingertips. In other words,
the distal, middle and proximal phalanges of the wearer's thumb,
forefinger and middle fingers are all completely covered when the
glove is worn.
[0185] Additionally, the glove further comprises of ring finger
stall 71 that is designed to expose the wearer's fingertip when the
glove is worn. The ring finger stall is therefore designed to
overlay the proximal and middle phalanges of the wearer's ring
finger but leaves the distal phalanx (the fingertip) uncovered.
Additionally, the glove further comprises of pinkie finger stall 72
that is designed to expose the wearer's top two joints 65 when the
glove is worn. The pinkie finger stall is therefore designed to
overlay the wearer's proximal phalanx when the glove is worn.
[0186] Golf glove embodiments are significantly different than
prior art because they provide a golfer with a glove that offers,
among other things, an immediate feedback mechanism. The glove
provides this feedback mechanism by lessening the skin
sensitivities outside of the edge of the golf glove, or conversely,
it heightens the exposed palm skin along the edge (because of the
open and exposed area along and around the edge of the palm),
creating an extreme difference in tactile sensitivities with the
exposed palm edge relative to the surrounding area which is covered
by the material forming the glove body. This, in turn, makes it
possible to `feel` only if the individual is swinging the golf club
using bad form; if the golf club touches the skin of the palm (via
the exposed edge) then he know he used improper form but if the
club did not touch the skin then proper form was executed.
Therefore, it is important that the one large recess not extend
beyond the critical area.
[0187] In order to perform the intended function it is critical
that location and size of the one large recess be accurately
considered. In other words, if the one large recess is not of
substantial size for the now exposed palm skin to touch a golf
club, the embodiment would be rendered unable to perform its
intended function. The ability of the skin of the exposed area
created by the one large recess allows the wearer to get immediate
feedback by the heightened tactile sensitivities now that the golf
club can directly touch the now exposed skin.
[0188] Likewise, the one large recess cannot be substantially
larger as it would also significantly diminish its unique
capabilities captured from its unique combinations and synergies
captured. For example, the strategically placed one large recess is
such that the golf club does not touch the exposed skin unless the
golf club has moved down the palm of the wearer's hand during the
golf swing. If the one large recess is substantially larger or
positioned to extend along the wearer's metacarpophalangeal joints,
then the golf club would touch the exposed skin even though the
golf club is in fact being gripped properly. Indeed, one of the
surprising benefits of having immediate feedback has to do with
heightened tactile sensitivities both because only a specific palm
area is substantially exposed, as opposed to being covered by the
glove material, and because of the significant tactile differences
between the exposed skin and the surrounding palm area which is
covered by the glove material; this major difference in tactile
sensitivities make it possible to quickly sense if the golf club
suddenly touches the exposed skin.
[0189] In fact, as aforementioned, it is important that the only
one large recess not extend to expose any of the wearer's
metacarpophalangeals when the glove is worn. The forefinger
metacarpophalangeal and middle finger metacarpophalangeal, for
example, often playa major role in weak hand grip and control so
exposing of portion of the forefinger metacarpophalangeal or middle
finger metacarpophalangeal of the wearer's hand would therefore
substantially diminish the present invention's intended function
and limit the wearer's ability to properly grip the golf club with
the metacarpophalangeals as necessary. Likewise, it is therefore
important to overlay all of the wearer's metacarpophalangeal joints
when the glove is worn.
[0190] Furthermore, the one large recess 77 is also preferably
reinforced by stitching or by hot sealing 649. Constant movement of
the wearer's hand increases stress on the integrity of the glove by
the continual rubbing and twisting of the one recess edge when
engaging and disengaging a golf club. Therefore the stitching can
encircle the one large recess along its perimeter edge in order to
be effective at preventing tearing along the one large recess.
Additionally or alternatively, the one large recess may be sealed.
When cutting certain materials such as synthetic materials
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 one large recess edge be stitched or
permanently sealed, preferably by hot knife sealing. The industrial
hot knife is preferably used to melt the fabric edge of the one
large recess such that the one large recess are sealed thereby
preventing fraying, fabric splitting, and atmospheric moisture from
entering into the glove body material through the one recess. If
the one large recess is not sealed or stitched this portion may
fray or split eroding the integrity of the glove structure and its
valuable and unique benefits to the wearer. Hot knife sealing will
also create a smooth finish along the entire one large recess edge.
Hot knife sealing can only be performed on certain materials such
as synthetic leathers and plastics otherwise the material will burn
and cause harm to the glove structure. Cotton material for example
will burn and therefore hot knife sealing cannot be performed on
that type of material. It is therefore preferable that at least the
materials forming the one large recess edge--the areas sealed--be
formed of an appropriate material, such as a synthetic material.
Natural materials such as cotton and genuine leather will not hot
knife seal well, burning the material and often destroying the
glove. It is therefore preferable that at least the materials
forming the one large recess edge be formed of an appropriate
material.
[0191] The embodiment may also provide micro recesses 663 randomly
disposed along the glove body dorsal portion, the palmar portion or
the finger stalls, for ventilation as is standard in golf gloves.
The micro recesses are generally about 0.120 millimeters or so in
diameter, but certainly not large enough to enable skin contact
with the golf club as that would then make the embodiment unable to
complete its intended function.
[0192] The glove has an open end 650 at the wrist portion 651 of
the glove. The open end is expansible so as to hold more securely
to the wearer's wrist. The glove wrist dorsal portion has a strap
means 652 for fastening the glove body secure about the wrist area,
critical in sports activities where the wearer's hand moves very
rapidly such as in golf for example. The strap means may comprise
two pads of cohesive-adhesive material such as VELCRO fasteners
653, 654 or other hook and loop structures for releasably securing
the strap, for example, or other structures aforementioned. For
example, the strap means may comprise a flap 655 which mechanically
engages a flap capture mechanism to secure the glove to the wearers
hand (e.g., a synthetic hook and loop fastening interface which
adheres when pressed together, commonly using VELCRO). The strap
means as well as the wrist portion may be sewn onto the glove, for
example.
[0193] In order to maximize securement of the embodiment around the
wearer's hand an elastomeric band 662 is affixed around the glove
wrist portion. The wrist portion may be formed integral with the
glove or may be attached to the glove by standard methods, such as
by sewing.
[0194] The glove body dorsal portion also has a slit 656. The slit
allows the wearer to quickly take off or put on the glove, and
doing so very easily. The combined features of the slit with a
strap means are especially valuable to wearers who play a sport of
golf for example, as they allow the wearer to quickly take off or
put on the glove so as not to disrupt the athlete's concentration,
and doing so very easily. The strap is positioned to extend
manually over the slit.
[0195] The materials forming the illustrated embodiment comprise
those discussed in reference to the present invention, such as
primarily of a leather or synthetic leather. Likewise, any
previously discussed methods of construction may be applied to this
embodiment. This glove body dorsal portion may provide a flexible
material formed of a more elastic fiber such as spandex 657, along
the metacarpophalangeal joints 658 of the wearer's forefinger,
middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger when the glove is
worn. Providing a more flexible elastic material over the wearer's
metacarpophalangeals allow the wearer to maximize her ability to
flex her hand and grip a sports device such as a golf club.
[0196] FIG. 7 is a related art drawing showing where the hand of a
quarterback generally touches a football. The shaded areas 160
designate where the football is supposed to touch a quarterbacks
throwing hand. Providing an opening below the palmar digital crease
area 161 by positioning a large recess along the middle of the
glove body palmar portion but below the top portion would therefore
provide significant feel opportunities with the standard football
grip by increasing grip along the important palmar top portion
while maintaining heightened tactile sensitivities along the middle
of the wearer's palm.
[0197] FIG. 8 is a related art drawing showing the three basic ways
a golf club crosses the palm area of a wearer. The `D` line
represents what is called a "distance" grip pattern. This grip
pattern is often described as a finger grip pattern. As the title
suggests, this grip is maintained on and just below the fingers.
The `N` line represents what is called a "neutral grip" pattern. It
is also called a low palmar grip pattern, because the grip lies
across the low palm, and it is just above the hypothenar eminence
area 141. The `C` line represents what is called a "control" grip
pattern. It is also referred to as a mid-palmar grip pattern,
because it runs across the middle of the left palm around the
hypothenar eminence 141. The drawing replicates the drawing offered
by Jeffrey Mann (2010), A Perfect Golf Swing Review.
[0198] FIG. 9 is a replication of a drawing on page 81 of the
referenced literature book: Play Better Basketball, by Pruitt
(1982). The rendering illustrates locations where a basketball
should touch the palm and where the basketball should not when
properly shooting a basketball. The shaded areas 901 represent
where the basketball should touch the palm of the shooting hand;
all other areas of the palm should therefore not touch the
basketball. Clearly, the metacarpophalangeal of the forefinger 902,
the metacarpophalangeal of the middle finger 903, the
metacarpophalangeal of the ring finger 904, and the
metacarpophalangeal of the pinkie finger 905 touch the basketball
when properly shooting the basketball. In addition, the thumb bulge
906 also touches the basketball when shooting the basketball. In
contrast, the middle of the shooter's palm 907 does not touch the
basketball when shooting the basketball using proper shooting
form.
[0199] FIG. 10 is the dorsal (back) view of embodiment 1, and the
palmar view of the same embodiment is shown in FIG. 1. This
partial-fingered embodiment provides a glove having a dorsal
portion 107, a palmar portion 106 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.
Additionally, two separate openings or ringlets 120, 121 are
provided on said distal ends, such that a wearer's ring finger 16
and pinkie finger 12 may individually extend through said glove and
expose the entire ring finger and pinkie finger when the glove is
worn. The glove includes a glove body having a dorsal portion
covering the back of the hand and a palmar portion covering
substantially all of the palm or front of the hand. The glove body
includes a thumb stall 9 each adapted to receive a thumb, therein.
In the illustrated embodiment, the glove is constructed such that
the thumb digital segment 9 encloses the wearer's thumb, in its
entirety, including enclosing the fingertip. The glove does not
comprise of finger stalls for a wearer's ring finger or pinkie
finger. The distal ends of the dorsal portion 107 and palmar
portion 106 of the glove body further provides two separate finger
openings (or ringlets) 121, 120, where the wearer's ring finger and
pinkie finger may extend through said glove body and thereby being
completely uncovered by said glove body.
[0200] Therefore, the ring finger and pinkie fingers are both all
completely uncovered when the glove is worn. In other words, the
distal, middle and proximal phalanges of the wearer's ring and
pinkie fingers are completely exposed.
[0201] The glove therefore also has a distal lateral edge, wherein
the glove body palmar portion and the glove body dorsal portion
meet at a distal lateral edge. One or more digital segments may
project from the distal lateral edge of the body. A terminal edge
119 is formed at the distal lateral edge creating one or more of
the individual digital ringlets 120, 121 such that a finger can
extend past the terminal edge to completely expose the finger when
the glove is worn. The terminal edge formed at the distal lateral
edge of the embodiment create the separate ringlets 120, 121 on
said distal ends such that a wearer's ring finger 16 and pinkie
finger 12 individually extend through said glove and expose the
entire ring finger and pinkie finger when the glove is worn.
[0202] The glove is therefore constructed such that the thumb
digital segment 9 encloses the wearer's thumb in its entirety,
including enclosing the fingertip. The glove therefore does not
comprise of finger stalls for a wearer's ring finger or middle
finger.
[0203] The glove has an open end at the wrist portion 123 of the
glove. The open end 124 is expansible so as to hold more securely
to the wearer's wrist. The glove wrist dorsal portion 125 has a
strap means 126 for fastening the glove body secure about the wrist
area, critical in sports activities where the wearer's hand moves
very rapidly such as in basketball for example. The strap means may
comprise two pads of cohesive-adhesive material such as VELCRO
fasteners 127, 128 or other hook and loop structures for releasably
securing the strap, for example, or other structures
aforementioned. For example, the strap means may comprise a flap
129 which mechanically engages a flap capture mechanism to secure
the glove to the wearers hand (e.g., a synthetic hook and loop
fastening interface which adheres when pressed together, commonly
using VELCRO). The strap means as well as the wrist portion may be
sewn onto the glove, for example.
[0204] The glove body dorsal portion also has a slit 140. The slit
allows the wearer to quickly take off or put on the glove, and
doing so very easily. The combined features of the slit with a
strap means are especially valuable to wearers who play a sport of
basketball for example, as they allow the wearer to quickly take
off or put on the glove so as not to disrupt the athlete's
concentration, and doing so very easily. The strap is positioned to
extend over the slit.
[0205] It is commonly known that wrist bands have been constructed
with perspiration absorbing capabilities, allowing an athlete to
wipe perspiration away from their face during competition such as
in basketball. However, as a basketball player is constantly moving
her hand and wrist during play, the wrist bands often move up the
wearer's wrists and can thus disturb the basketball player's focus
during play. As such, a moisture absorbent material is provided
along the glove body dorsal portion allowing the wearer to wipe off
perspiration commonly on a wearer's face during active sports play.
The moisture absorbent material may be secured anywhere along the
dorsal surface of the glove body, preferably along the middle of
the glove body dorsal portion 134, along the glove body dorsal
portion overlaying the forefinger metacarpal 131, or both. The
moisture absorbent material 132 may be formed of any moisture
absorbent material aforementioned, such as, for example, about 1/12
inch terry cloth 133 or so, or an absorbent foam stitched onto the
dorsal portion surface of the glove body.
[0206] As aforementioned, the glove may made of any appropriate
materials aforementioned to offer moisture and perspiration
resistance. Such as the glove body dorsal portion formed primarily
of a polyester fiber while the glove body palmar portion formed
primarily of a polyester & polyurethane combination, and may be
coated with a silicone to increase grip if preferable.
[0207] FIG. 12 is the dorsal (back) view of embodiment 3, and the
palmar (front) view of the same embodiment is shown in FIG. 3. This
partial-palm embodiment provides a glove having a dorsal portion
38, a palmar portion 37 for overlaying respective back and palm
regions of a human hand. In the illustrated embodiment, the glove
is constructed such that the wearer's forefinger is uncovered 135,
the wearer's middle finger is uncovered 136, the wearer's ring
finger is uncovered 137 and the wearer's pinkie finger is uncovered
138 when the glove is worn. In addition, this embodiment provides a
grip enhancer along the top portion 331 of the glove body palmar
portion.
[0208] More specifically, the grip-enhancing means of this
embodiment is adapted to overlay the metacarpophalangeal joints of
the wearer's forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and pinkie
finger 331 when the glove is worn. The textured grip-enhancing
means 236 does not extend beyond said metacarpophalangeal joints
thereby leaving the rest of the palm free of said grip enhancing
means. The grip enhancing means may comprise of a plurality of
projections 336, such as PVC dots for example. Providing a grip
enhancing means along this portion of the palm will significantly
enhance grip capabilities for the wearer, and leaving the rest of
the palm portion free of the grip enhancing means will allow the
rest of the palm to more easily flex and stretch by not being
burdened by the added texturing.
[0209] As aforementioned, the glove has one discreet opening
created by one large recess 31, and this one opening is adapted to
extend substantially in a middle of the palmar portion of the glove
and is substantially in the middle of the glove palmar portion,
positioned such that it exposes the middle of the wearer's palm
when the glove is worn. The one large recess opening follows the
edge of the thumb bulge but not on it 32. It is extremely important
that the one palm opening of the embodiment is positioned to expose
substantially only the middle of the wearer's palm and of a size
such that it enables the skin of the wearer's palm to touch a
basketball when the glove is worn, while simultaneously providing
added grip along the thumb bulge by covering it.
[0210] The only one large recess along the glove body palmar
portion is positioned principally along the middle of the glove
palmar portion thereby exposing a substantial portion of the
wearer's middle finger metacarpal when the glove is worn. The only
one large recess extending over the wearer's palm of the present
invention does not extend to expose the metacarpophalangeal joint
of the pinkie finger, the metacarpophalangeal joint of the ring
finger, the metacarpophalangeal joint of the middle finger and the
metacarpophalangeal joint of the forefinger--also known and defined
as the top portion 331 of the glove palmar portion of the present
invention. In addition, the only one large recess is positioned
along the glove palmar portion such that it does not extend to
expose the thumb metacarpal when the glove is worn. Therefore, the
glove body palmar portion overlays the entire pinkie finger
metacarpophalangeal joint, the entire ring finger
metacarpophalangeal joint, the entire middle finger
metacarpophalangeal joint, and the entire forefinger
metacarpophalangeal of the wearer's hand 331 Additionally, the
glove body palmar portion overlays the thumb bulge 32 including the
entire thumb metacarpal of the wearer's hand when the glove is
worn.
[0211] The glove is significantly different than prior art because
it provides a basketball player with a glove that offers, an
immediate feedback mechanism. The glove provides this feedback
mechanism by lessening the skin sensitivities outside of the
shooter's gap region by covering it with the material forming the
glove body, while relatively heightening the palm skin located on
the shooter' gap region (principally along the middle of the palm)
because of the open area caused by the only one large recess. The
resulting tactile sensitivities differential creates an immediate
feedback mechanism by making it possible to `feel` when she is
shooting a basketball using improper shooting form; if the
basketball touches the skin of the palm (via the exposed palm) then
that means she used improper form, but if the basketball did not
touch the skin then proper form was executed. Therefore, it is
important that the one large recess not extend beyond the critical
area of the shooter's gap region.
[0212] In order to perform the intended function it is critical
that location and size of the one large recess be accurately
considered. In other words, if the one large recess is not of
substantial size for the now exposed palm skin to touch a
basketball, the embodiment would be rendered unable to perform its
intended function. The ability of the skin of the exposed area
created by the one large recess allows the wearer to get immediate
feedback by the heightened tactile sensitivities now that the
basketball can directly touch the exposed skin of the middle of the
palm.
[0213] Likewise, the one large recess cannot be significantly
larger as it would also significantly diminish its unique
capabilities captured from its unique combinations and synergies
captured. For example, the strategically placed one large recess is
such that the basketball should not touch the exposed skin unless
the basketball has violated the shooter's gap region when preparing
to shoot or when shooting the basketball. If the one large recess
is substantially larger or positioned to extend along the wearer's
metacarpophalangeal joints, then the basketball would touch the
exposed skin even though the basketball is in fact being held and
shot properly. Indeed, one of the surprising benefits of having
immediate feedback has to do with heightened tactile sensitivities
both because only a specific palm area is substantially exposed, as
opposed to being covered by the glove material, and because the
significant tactile differences between the exposed skin compared
to the surrounding palm area, which is covered by the glove
material (and thereby unable to touch the basketball); this major
difference in tactile sensitivities make it possible to quickly
sense if the basketball suddenly touches the exposed skin.
[0214] In fact, as aforementioned, it is important that the only
one large recess not extend to expose any of the wearer's
metacarpophalangeals when the glove is worn. The pinkie finger
metacarpophalangeal and thumb metacarpophalangeal, for example, can
play a major role when control and shooting a basketball so
exposing the pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal or thumb
metacarpophalangeal of the wearer's hand would substantially
diminish the present invention's intended function.
[0215] An additional surprising result resulting from the unique
structure of the embodiment is that the glove will give the
basketball player the ability to put more backspin on the
basketball when shooting the basketball. More backspin would, of
course, give the ball the ability of bouncing around the hoop if
the basket is not initially made, and providing more of what is
commonly known as `a shooters touch`. The ability of the wearer to
have more backspin would be uniquely created by the glove palmar
portion having a top portion that covers the metacarpophalangeal
joints of the wearer's fingers in their entirety thus creating
increased grip capabilities along the joints that can create the
backspin.
[0216] The embodiment may further comprise micro recesses along the
glove body palmar and dorsal portions, for moisture management
purposes as long as, of course, these micro recesses are not of
substantial size to enable skin contact with a basketball. These
micro recesses are generally about 0.120 millimeters or so in
diameter, but certainly not large enough to enable skin contact
with a basketball as that would then make the embodiment unable to
complete its intended function.
[0217] Furthermore, the one large recess is preferably also
reinforced, preferably by stitching 238 or by hot sealing. Constant
movement of the wearer's hand increases stress on the integrity of
the glove by the continual rubbing and twisting of the one recess
when engaging and disengaging a basketball. Therefore the stitching
can encircle the one large recess along its edge in order to be
effective at preventing tearing along the one large recess.
Additionally or alternatively, the one large recess may be sealed.
When cutting certain materials such as synthetic materials
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 one large recess edge be stitched or
permanently sealed, preferably by hot knife sealing. The industrial
hot knife is preferably used to melt the fabric edge of the one
large recess such that the one large recess is sealed thereby
preventing fraying, fabric splitting, and atmospheric moisture from
entering into the glove body material through the one recess. If
the one large recess is not sealed this portion may fray or split
eroding the integrity of the glove structure and its valuable and
unique benefits to the wearer. Hot knife sealing will also create a
smooth finish along the entire one large recess edge. Hot knife
sealing can only be performed on certain materials such as
synthetic leathers and plastics otherwise the material will burn
and cause harm to the glove structure. Cotton material for example
will burn and therefore hot knife sealing cannot be performed on
that type of material in which case stitching may be more
appropriate. Natural materials such as cotton and genuine leather
will not hot knife seal well, burning the material and often
destroying the glove. It is therefore preferable that at least the
materials forming the one large recess edge be formed of an
appropriate material.
[0218] If the glove body is formed of a rubber or neoprene
material, then fraying may not be an issue or course.
[0219] The glove has an open end 337 at the wrist portion 338 of
the glove. The open end is expansible so as to hold more securely
to the wearer's wrist. The glove wrist dorsal portion has a strap
means 339 for fastening the glove body secure about the wrist area,
critical in sports activities where the wearer's hand moves very
rapidly such as in basketball for example. The strap means may
comprise two pads of cohesive-adhesive material such as VELCRO
fasteners 340, 341 or other hook and loop structures for releasably
securing the strap, for example, or other structures
aforementioned. For example, the strap means may comprise a flap
342 which mechanically engages a flap capture mechanism to secure
the glove to the wearers hand (e.g., a synthetic hook and loop
fastening interface which adheres when pressed together, commonly
using VELCRO). The strap means as well as the wrist portion may be
sewn onto the glove, for example.
[0220] The embodiment also provides micro recesses randomly
disposed along the glove body dorsal portion, for ventilation. This
micro recesses are generally about 0.120 millimeters or so in
diameter, but certainly not large enough to enable skin contact
with the basketball as that would then make the embodiment unable
to complete its intended function.
[0221] The glove body dorsal portion also has a slit 343. The slit
allows the wearer to quickly take off or put on the glove, and
doing so very easily. The combined features of the slit with a
strap means are especially valuable to wearers who play a sport of
basketball for example, as they allow the wearer to quickly take
off or put on the glove so as not to disrupt the athlete's
concentration, and doing so very easily. It is therefore important
that the strap is positioned along the glove body dorsal portion to
extend manually over the slit.
[0222] It is commonly known that wrist bands have been constructed
with perspiration absorbing capabilities, allowing an athlete to
wipe perspiration away from their face during competition such as
in basketball. However, as a basketball player is constantly moving
her hand and wrist during play, the wrist bands often move up the
wearer's wrists and can thus disturb the basketball player's focus
during play. As such, a moisture absorbent material is provided
along the glove body dorsal portion allowing the wearer to wipe off
perspiration commonly on a wearer's face during active sports play.
The moisture absorbent material 345 may be secured anywhere along
the dorsal surface of the glove body, preferably along the middle
of the glove body dorsal portion, along the glove body dorsal
portion overlaying the forefinger metacarpal, or both. The moisture
absorbent material may be formed of any moisture absorbent material
aforementioned, such as, for example, about 1/12 inch terry cloth
or so, or an absorbent foam stitched onto the dorsal portion
surface of the glove body.
[0223] The materials forming the illustrated embodiment comprise
those discussed in reference to the present invention, such as a
synthetic leather or neoprene material. Likewise, any previously
discussed methods of construction may be applied to this
embodiment. This glove body dorsal portion also has a more flexible
material, as compared to the surrounding material forming the glove
body dorsal portion, formed of a more elastic fiber 352 such as
spandex 353, along the metacarpophalangeal joints 354 of the
wearer's forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger
when the glove is worn. Providing a more flexible elastic material
over the wearer's metacarpophalangeals allows the wearer to
maximize her ability to flex her hand and grip a sports device such
as a basketball.
[0224] As aforementioned in the specification, a critical benefit
here is the ability to quickly assess her shot and therefore being
able to adjust accordingly by only exposing the shooter's gap
region of the wearer's hand. The benefits of this glove include the
ability to enhance the senses around the uncovered palm (relative
to the other parts of the hand which are covered) so that the
basketball player could more easily know when the basketball is
touching the palm, generally indicating bad shooting form. The palm
opening can vary in size and shape as long as it doesn't extend
significantly beyond substantially the middle of the palm area.
Having multiple openings or a much wider opening could diminish
tactile sensitivities along the shooter's gap region, a principal
objective and advantage of the present invention.
* * * * *
References