GOLF GLOVE HAVING PERFORATIONS

Abstract

A golf glove is provided having inelastic material that defines a plurality of perforations having a diameter of less than about 2 mm spaced substantially throughout both a palmar side and a dorsal side of the glove. The perforations enhance dissipation of heat and moisture out of the glove.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to golf gloves and, more particularly, golf gloves having perforations disposed throughout a substantial portion thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During the course of a round of golf, a golfer takes dozens of swings, which could otherwise wear on the golfer's hand without a golf glove. Accordingly, golf gloves have long been an important accessory. Golf gloves are typically made of relatively inelastic material such as leather, to facilitate the golfer's tactile sensations. Leather also adds to the longevity and strength of the glove.

Although current gloves are generally effective, shortfalls exist. For example, during extended wear, typical glove often inhibit effective ventilation, resulting in excessive sweating of the golfer's hand. In addition, a snug fit is important for proper functioning of the glove; however, typical gloves often sacrifice comfortable range of motion in exchange for a snug fit.

It should be appreciated that there remains a need for a golf glove that addresses these concerns. The present invention fulfills this need and others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general terms, the present invention provides a golf glove having inelastic material that defines a plurality of perforations having a diameter of less than about 2 mm spaced substantially throughout both a palmar side and a dorsal side of the glove. The perforations enhance dissipation of heat and moisture out of the glove.

More specifically, and by way of example in an embodiment of the invention, the glove includes a thumb portion defining a plurality of perforations having a diameter of less than about 2 mm spaced substantially throughout. The thumb portion can further include a base portion formed of an elastic material disposed about a base of the user's thumb.

In a detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the glove can further include elastic material section disposed in prescribed regions of the glove. For example, an ulnar portion formed of elastic material disposed over the third and fourth fingers of the user. The glove can include a radial portion formed of elastic material extending from a wrist end of the glove towards the index finger. A palmar side of the glove can includes a wrist portion formed of elastic material disposed proximate to a wrist end of the glove.

In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the palmar side of the glove can have a first portion formed of an inelastic material configured to be disposed over a palm and substantially all of the palmar side of fingers of a user, the first portion. The dorsal side of the glove is coupled to the palmar side forming a cavity for receiving a golfer's hand. The dorsal side has a radial-edge portion formed of an inelastic material, extending from (a) a web region of the glove between the index finger and the thumb of the user to (b) a radial side edge proximal of the thumb. The thumb portion is formed of an inelastic material, and a base portion formed of an elastic material disposed about a base of the user's thumb, the base portion coupled to the thumb portion and the radial-edge portion. The base portion aids in glove comfort.

For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a palmar perspective view of a golf glove in accordance with the present invention, depicting micro-perforations defined substantially throughout.

FIG. 2 is a dorsal perspective view of a golf glove of FIG. 1, depicting micro-perforations defined substantially throughout.

FIG. 3 is a radial side view of the golf glove of FIG. 1, depicting elastic material disposed about a base of a thumb portion.

FIG. 4 is an ulnar side view of the golf glove of FIG. 1, depicting elastic material along the dorsal side of third and fourth fingers portions.

FIG. 5 is a distal end view of the golf glove of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a proximal end view of the golf glove of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a close-up, cross-sectional view of needles configured to form perforations such as those of area A-A of the golf glove of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a golf glove 10. The glove includes sections made of elastic material and inelastic material, strategically positioned about the glove to enhance fit and performance. Sections of the inelastic material define a plurality of perforations 12 spaced substantially throughout the glove. The perforations enhance dissipation of heat and moisture out of the glove. In addition, the spacing and alignment of the perforations facilities the glove's durability, so that tears do not spread unduly.

With reference now to FIG. 1, a palmar side 14 of the glove 10 is shown, having a palmar section 16 defining a palm region 18 and palmar sides (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) of the finger portions (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d). The palmer section is formed of inelastic material having perforations 12, as discussed above. The palmar section includes a thumb extension 24 disposed along a thumb web region. The palmer section is attached along its proximal end 26 to a wrist section 28 formed of padded elastic material. The wrist section has a width of about 8 mm, extending from an ulnar stitch line 30 to a radial side stitch line 32.

The palmer section 16 includes a proximal extension 34. The proximal extension is strategically positioned enhance durability and aid the user in applying the glove. The proximal extension is positioned adjacent to the thumb pad and is directed to a wrist edge 36 of the glove. In use, the user can grasp the glove with his second hand at the proximal extension as he inserts his hand in the glove.

With reference to FIG. 2, a dorsal side 38 of the glove is shown, having a dorsal section 40 and defining a slit 42. The slit extends from the wrist edge towards the knuckle region of the glove to aid the user in applying the glove. The dorsal side further includes a strap 44 that fastens across the slit to secure the glove in place when worn. In the exemplary embodiment, hook and loop material is used, however, other fastening approaches can be used, as is known in the art.

The dorsal section 40 formed of inelastic material (e.g., leather, synthetic leather and other inelastic materials known in the art) having perforations 12, as discussed above. The dorsal section covers a substantial portion of the dorsal side of the hand, including the dorsal sides (46a, 46b) of the index and middle finger portions (22a, 22b).

The dorsal side 38 further includes two sections of elastic material, an ulnar section 48, and a radial section 50. The ulnar section 48 covers the dorsal sides of the little finger and the ring finger portions (46c, 46d). The ulnar 48 section is coupled to the dorsal section 40 by an arcuate stitch line 52 that extends from a web region between the middle finger section 22b and the ring finger section 22c to the ulnar side stitch line 30. The radial section 50 extends from a wrist end 36 of the glove generally towards the index finger section 22a. More particularly, the radial section terminates along the radial side edge 32 below the index finger section.

With reference to FIG. 3, the dorsal side 38 further includes a radial-edge section 54 of inelastic material disposed between the radial section 50 and a thumb portion 56 of the glove. The radial-edge section has an arcuate shape as it circumscribes the base of the thumb, providing stable support thereto. In the exemplary embodiment, the radial-edge portion extends from (a) a web region 58 of the glove between the index finger and the thumb of the user to (b) the radial side edge 32b proximal of the thumb.

As best seen in FIGS. 3-5, the palmar side 14 and the dorsal side 38 are attached to each other along the ulnar side stitch line 30 and the radial side stitch lines 32a, b. The ulnar side stitch line extend substantially the entire length of the glove 10 from the wrist edge 36 to the tip of the little finger portion 22d. The radial side stitch line 32a extends along the index finger portion 22a. The radial stitch line 32b disposed in the wrist portion between the wrist end 36 and the thumb portion 56.

The thumb portion 56 includes a section 60 is primarily formed of a single piece of inelastic material, e.g., leather or simulated leather. A stitch line 62 extends across the distal end of the thumb and proximally down a side of the thumb. The thumb section 58 is attached to the palmar section 16 via a stitch line 64. The thumb section includes a plurality of perforations 12, as discussed above.

The thumb portion 56 further includes a thumb base portion 66 is attached to a proximal end of the thumb section between the thumb section and the remaining dorsal side of the glove. The thumb base portion is formed of elastic material, such as Lycra® material or Spandex® material available from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, or other material having elastic properties. In the exemplary embodiment, the thumb base portion is attached to the thumb section along stitch line 68.

The palmar side (20a-d) of the four fingers and the dorsal side (44a, b) of the index and middle fingers both define finger perforations 70. The finger perforations are disposed distal of the knuckle region of the glove. In the exemplary embodiment, the finger perforations are about 2.5 mm in diameter. In other embodiments, finger perforations can be excluded.

In an exemplary method of manufacture, the perforations are formed on the inelastic material (e.g., leather, synthetic leather and other inelastic materials known in the art) prior to assembly of the glove and can be formed on the inelastic material prior to cutting sections for use in the glove. The inelastic material is passed between a first roller having a plurality of needles and a support structure. In the exemplary embodiment, the needles are pointed, closed end needles. Thus, the needles tend not to remove much of the inelastic material; rather, they tend to cause punctures in the materials. In other embodiments, the needles include an open bore, which tend to remove prescribed amounts of material.

With reference now to FIG. 7, the needles 80 are spaced to form perforations in a manner to facilitate comfort and durability. The spacing and alignment of the perforations facilities the glove's durability, so that tears do not spread unduly. The needles are less than about 2 mm in diameter and are preferably between about 1.5 mm and 0.4 mm, and more preferably between about 1.3 mm and 0.8 mm. In the exemplary embodiment, the needles have a diameter (D_p) of about 1.06 mm. The resulting perforations facilitate comfort of the glove, as opposed to larger perforations, which would be distracting and inhibit feel of the club grip in the user's hand.

In exemplary embodiment, the needles 80 are vertically and horizontally aligned, with a slight offset. Within each row, each needle is preferably spaced apart between about 3 mm and 8 mm from adjacent needles and, in the exemplary embodiment, the spacing (D_r) is about 4.8 mm. The spacing between each row is preferably between about 2 mm and 6 mm and, in the exemplary embodiment, the spacing (D_c) is about 3.5 mm. In addition, the needles are slightly offset with respect to adjacent rows, including a first distance (O_f) of about 2 mm as measured between a needle in an adjacent row and a second distance (O_s) as measured from a second side of a needle.

In other embodiments, the size and spacing of the perforations can vary. For example, other patterns for the perforations can be used and varying spacing between the perforation in different regions of the glove. In addition, the perforations can have differing diameters and need not be uniform. In the exemplary embodiment, the support structure is configured as a second roller closely spaced from the first roller.

It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present invention provides a golf glove having sections made of elastic material and inelastic material, strategically positioned about the glove to enhance fit and performance. Sections of the inelastic material define a plurality of perforations having a diameter of less than about 2 mm spaced substantially throughout both a palmar side and a dorsal side of the glove. The perforations enhance dissipation of heat and moisture out of the glove.

Although the invention has been disclosed in detail with reference only to the exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other embodiments can be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is defined only by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A golf glove, comprising:

a palmar side having a first portion configured to be disposed over a user's palm, the first portion formed of an inelastic material and defining a plurality of perforations having a diameter of less than about 2 mm spaced substantially throughout the first portion; and

a dorsal side coupled to the palmar side forming a cavity for receiving a user's hand, the dorsal side having a second portion formed of an inelastic material and defining a plurality of perforations having a diameter of less than about 2 mm spaced substantially throughout the second portion.

2. A golf glove as defined in claim 1, further comprising a thumb portion circumscribing at least an upper portion of a thumb of the user, the thumb portion formed of an inelastic material and defining a plurality of perforations having a diameter of less than about 2 mm spaced substantially throughout the thumb portion.

3. A golf glove as defined in claim 2, further comprising a base portion formed of an elastic material disposed about a base of the user's thumb and coupled to the thumb portion.

4. A golf glove as defined in claim 1, wherein the dorsal side includes a radial portion formed of elastic material extending from a wrist end of the glove towards the index finger.

5. A golf glove as defined in claim 1, wherein the palmar side includes a wrist portion formed of elastic material disposed proximate to a wrist end of the glove.

6. A golf glove as defined in claim 1, wherein the inelastic material is formed of leather.

7. A golf glove as defined in claim 1, further comprising side finger gussets coupled to the palmar side and the dorsal sides.

8. A golf glove as defined in claim 7, wherein the side finger gussets exclude perforations.

9. A golf glove, comprising:

a palmar side having a first portion configured to be disposed over a palm and substantially all of the palmar side of fingers of a user, the first portion formed of a first material and defining a plurality of perforations having a diameter of less than about 2 mm spaced substantially throughout the first portion, the first portion extending to the tips of the fingers;

a dorsal side coupled to the palmar side forming a cavity for receiving a golfer's hand, the dorsal side having a second portion formed of the first material and defining a plurality of perforations having a diameter of less than about 2 mm spaced substantially throughout the second portion;

a thumb portion circumscribing at least an upper portion of a thumb of the user, the thumb portion formed of the first material and defining a plurality of perforations having a diameter of less than about 2 mm spaced substantially throughout the third portion, the thumb portion further including a fourth portion disposed about a base of the user's thumb and coupled to the third portion, the fourth portion formed of an elastic material.

10. A golf glove as defined in claim 9, side finger gussets coupled to the palmar side and the dorsal sides.

11. A golf glove as defined in claim 9, wherein the side finger gussets exclude perforations.

12. A golf glove as defined in claim 9, wherein the dorsal side includes an ulnar portion formed of elastic material disposed over the third and fourth fingers of the user.

13. A golf glove as defined in claim 9, wherein the dorsal side includes a radial portion formed of elastic material extending from a wrist end of the glove towards the index finger.

14. A golf glove as defined in claim 9, wherein the palmar side includes a wrist portion formed of elastic material disposed proximate to a wrist end of the glove.

15. A golf glove as defined in claim 10, wherein the first material is formed of inelastic material.

16. A golf glove as defined in claim 15, wherein the first material is formed of leather.

17. A golf glove, comprising:

a palmar side having a first portion configured to be disposed over a palm and substantially all of the palmar side of fingers of a user, the first portion formed of an inelastic material;

a dorsal side coupled to the palmar side forming a cavity for receiving a golfer's hand, the dorsal side having a radial-edge portion formed of an inelastic material, the radial-edge portion extending from (a) a web region of the glove between the index finger and the thumb of the user to (b) a radial side edge proximal of the thumb;

a thumb portion formed of an inelastic material; and

a base portion formed of an elastic material disposed about a base of the user's thumb, the base portion coupled to the thumb portion and the radial-edge portion.

18. A golf glove as defined in claim 17, wherein the palmar side includes a wrist portion formed of elastic material disposed proximate to a wrist end of the glove.

19. A golf glove as defined in claim 17, wherein the dorsal side includes a radial portion formed of elastic material extending from a wrist end of the glove towards an index finger of the glove, the radial portion coupled to the radial-edge portion.