Golf glove with gripping aids
Generally stated, the present invention provides a glove which can be used in playing the game of golf. In desired arrangements, the glove can include a control-strap which is operatively affixed to the back-side surface of the glove. The control-strap is configured to extend around a handle or grip-end of a golf club, with at least a portion of the control-strap configured to extend along the heel region of the glove and contact a thumb-side surface of the grip-end of the golf club. In other aspects, the glove can include first and second indexing lines which are located on the palm-side surface of the glove and delimit a finger-alignment area therebetween. Additionally, a grip target-region can be operatively designated on the palm-side surface of the glove.
The present invention relates to a glove for use in playing the game of golf. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a golf glove which helps the wearer establish and maintain a proper grip on a golf club.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIt has been known and taught by experts in the game of golf that the maintenance of a proper grip on the golf club is important for producing a good swing. A proper gripping of the club handle enables the golfer to control the club head at all times before and during the swing, and also permits freedom of wrist action. A proper grip by the left hand, or by the right hand in the case of left-handed golfers, requires that the club handle be laid along the base of the fingers, and that major pressure be applied by the last three fingers of the hand.
Golf gloves are used by most golfers to provide a firm gripping contact with the club handle. In addition, certain gloves have been designed to aid in the training of the novice golfer in accomplishing the proper grip, or to encourage the proper grip in the more experienced golfer. Conventional golf gloves have included indicia for sighting the region of the glove that extend over or about the knuckles of a golfer's hand. Other golf gloves have included indicia for aligning a golf club along the palm and fingers of the hand. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 889,397 to O'Shaughnessy, U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,353 to Goldwitz and U.S. Pat. No. 6,363,535 to Landis. Still other golf gloves have included straps which help to position and maintain the golfer's grip about a golf club. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,374 to Briggs and U.S. Pat. No. 3,100,302 to Billings.
Conventional golf gloves, however, have not adequately encouraged a desired gripping pressure on a club handle by the wearer. As a result, there has been a continued need for a golf glove which can more reliably direct the wearer toward the preferred placement of the golf club in the glove-hand for a proper grip. Additionally, there has been a continuing need for a relatively low cost golf glove which may be easily used for training or practice play, as well as for tournament play.
SUMMARYGenerally stated, the present invention provides a glove which can be used in playing the game of golf. The golf glove has a palm-side glove material which provides a palm-side surface; a back-side glove material which provides a back-side surface; a thumb portion; a plurality of finger portions; a wrist region; a wrist-opening edge; a heel region; and a knuckle-region. In particular aspects, a control-strap is operatively affixed to the back-side surface of the glove, and the control-strap is configured to extend around a grip-end of a golf club, with at least a portion of the control-strap configured to extend along the heel region of the glove and contact a thumb-side surface of the grip-end of the golf club. Desired arrangements of the glove can further include a first indexing line located on the palm-side surface of the glove, and a second indexing line located on the palm-side surface. The second indexing line is spaced from the first indexing line, and the first and second indexing lines delimit a finger-alignment area therebetween. In a further aspect, the glove can include a grip target-region is operatively designated on the palm-side surface.
The present invention can provide an improved golf glove which encourages an increased gripping pressure on a club handle by the last three fingers of the glove-hand. The golf glove can also quickly indicate to the wearer the desired placement of the golf club in the glove-hand for a proper grip. Additionally, the invention can provide a relatively low cost golf glove which may be easily used as a training glove for practice or recreational play, or used as a standard glove for tournament play.
The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in other various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the terminology and phraseology employed herein is for purpose of description and illustration and should not be regarded as limiting. Like reference numerals are used to indicate like components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONIt should be noted that, when employed in the present disclosure, the terms “comprises”, “comprising” and other derivatives from the root term “comprise” are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of any stated features, elements, integers, steps, or components, and are not intended to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. It should be appreciated that each of the features or aspects of the glove may be employed alone or in desired combinations. All of the desired arrangements of the various features or aspects are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.
It should also be readily appreciated that gloves, and particularly golf gloves, are well known in the art. Accordingly, the specific techniques and structures for the manufacture of such gloves are well known, and need not be described in detail in the present disclosure. It should be readily apparent that the glove 20 can be constructed in various sizes, as desired, to accommodate individual needs. In addition, it should be readily appreciated that the various parts and components may be assembled and operatively affixed together with any operative securement mechanism or system. For example, the desired attachments or securements can include pins, snaps, staples, rivets, stitches, welds, zippers, adhesive bonds, cohesive bonds, thermal bonds, ultrasonic bonds, or the like, as well as combinations thereof.
Generally stated, the present invention provides a glove which can be used in playing the game of golf. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a golf glove configured to help the wearer establish and maintain a proper grip on a golf club.
The features and aspects of the present invention, alone and in desired combinations, can advantageously provide an improved golf glove which encourages an increased gripping pressure on a club handle by the last three fingers of the glove-hand. Typically, the glove-hand is the left hand of a right-handed player, and is the right hand of a left-handed player. The golf glove can quickly remind and guide the wearer regarding the desired placement of the golf club in the glove-hand for a proper grip. Additionally, the invention can provide a relatively low cost golf glove which may be easily used in a training manner for practice or informal recreational play, as well as in a standard manner suitable for tournament play.
The various glove parts and components may be constructed of any operative material, and the employed material can include a composite material. The glove material may include synthetic as well as natural materials, and may include one or more layers of one or more selected materials. For example, the glove material can include a sheet of natural or synthetic leather, a polymer sheet, natural or synthetic fibers, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, perforated layers, net materials, rope materials, cord materials, yarns, threads or the like, as well as combinations thereof. Additionally, it should be readily appreciated that the various components or regions of the glove can be composed of the same, similar or different materials, as desired.
With reference to
The closure fastener can include any operative fastening mechanism, such as adhesives, cohesives, buttons, snaps, zippers or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In a desired arrangement, the closure fastener can include an interengaging mechanical fastener system, having complementary and cooperating fastening components. For example, one of the fastener components can include a hook or other “male” component of the interengaging mechanical fastener system. Any operative hook component may be employed. For example, a suitable hook component material can include a J-hook, mushroom-head hook, flat-top nail-head hook, or the like, as well as combinations thereof. The other complementary fastener component can include a loop or other “female” component 48 of the interengaging mechanical fastener system. Any operative loop component may be employed. For example, a suitable loop component material can include a woven fabric, a knit fabric, a nonwoven fabric, or the like, as well as combinations thereof. Suitable fastening components are available from Velcro, U.S.A., Inc., a business having offices located in Manchester, N.H., U.S.A.
In desired arrangements, the golf glove can also include a fit-adjustment mechanism which is spaced from the wrist-opening edge 32 of the glove, and is located between the wrist-opening edge 32 and the knuckle region 36 of the glove. In a particular aspect, the fit-adjustment mechanism can be located between the wrist-closure mechanism (e.g. closure strap 70) and the knuckle region of the glove.
As representatively shown, the fit-adjustment mechanism can include an adjustment tab or strap member 80, and the adjustment strap member can have an operatively fixed base-end 84 and a selectively movable free-end 86. The adjustment strap base-end is operatively affixed to the back-side of the glove. Additionally, the adjustment strap free-end includes an operative, fit adjustment fastener 82 which can be selectively fastened and unfastened from the back-side surface of the glove. Accordingly, the wearer can readily tighten or loosen the fit of the glove about the wearer's hand by selectively releasing the adjustment fastener, changing the position of the free end of the fit-adjustment strap, and then re-closing the adjustment fastener.
The fit-adjustment fastener can include any operative fastening mechanism. For example, the fastening mechanism can include any of the fastening systems set forth elsewhere in the present disclosure. In a desired arrangement, the closure fastener can include an interengaging mechanical fastener system, having complementary and cooperating fastening components. Suitable fastening components are, for example, available from Velcro, U.S.A., Inc., a business having offices located in Manchester, N.H., U.S.A.
With reference again to
As representatively shown, the alignment-spacing distance 58 is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the handle, grip-end region 94 of a conventional golf club 90 (e.g.
The first and second indexing lines 40, 42 can be formed in any operative manner. For example, the indexing lines can be formed by printing, embossing, stitching, perforating or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In desired features, the indexing lines can be provided by a system of stitches employing an operative thread material. As representatively shown, for example, each indexing line can be outlined or otherwise defined by a single stitch, or by a cooperating plurality of non-parallel or generally parallel stitches. Additionally, the stitching can have a level of contrast that is readily visible and discernable on the palm-side surface of the glove. For example, the provided indexing lines can be color-contrasted, with a color and degree of contrast that is readily visible and discernable on the palm-side surface of the glove. In a desired arrangement, the palm-side surface can have a light-tone color (e.g. white, off-white, gray, beige or the like), and the indexing lines 40, 42 can include a red colored stitching.
The grip target-region 50 is at least visibly discernable on the palm-side surface 22 of the glove 20. Optionally, the grip-target region can also be tactilely discernable on the palm-side surface of the glove. In a desired aspect, the grip target-region 50 is non-conjoined with the finger-alignment area 44. Accordingly, the grip target-region 50 is separated from the second indexing line 42 by a discrete target spacing distance 56. In a desired aspect, the target spacing distance 56 can be at least about 0.5 inch (about 1.27 cm).
As representatively shown, the grip target-region 50 can be operatively positioned on the palm-side surface 22 over a target area which extends along and within the heel region 34 of the glove. In a particular aspect, the grip target-region 50 can have a defined target perimeter. In desired aspects, a third, target indexing-line 52 can provide the target perimeter, and the perimeter can be configured to operatively outline and surround the grip target-region 50. While the target region 50 can have any operative outline-shape, the glove can desirably include a target region 50 which is enclosed with a generally circular-shape outline, as representatively shown.
The third indexing line 52 can be formed in any operative manner. For example, the third-indexing line can be formed by any of the techniques for providing indexing lines that are set forth elsewhere in the present disclosure. Accordingly, the configured third indexing line can be color-contrasted, with a color and degree of contrast that is readily visible and discernable on the palm-side surface of the glove. In a desired arrangement, the palm-side surface can have a light-tone color (e.g. white, off-white, beige, gray or the like), and the third indexing line 52 can include a red colored stitching.
With reference to
Accordingly, the control strap 60 can be operatively configured to help hold and maintain the grip-positioning and control of the club handle 94 during the swinging of the golf club. Thus, the glove can advantageously help the wearer keep a desired control of the club. More particularly, the glove can help avoid having to reestablish the proper grip of the club at the top of the backswing.
As representatively shown, the control-strap 60 can have a base section 62 that is operatively affixed to the back-side surface of the glove at an attachment location that is positioned operatively adjacent the heel-edge region 35 of the glove. In a particular aspect, the control-strap can be operatively configured to provide a substantially closed loop. In another aspect, the attachment location of the control-strap can be positioned operatively adjacent the base-end 84 of the adjustment strap 80 of the selected fit-adjustment mechanism. In desired configurations, the attachment location of the control-strap can be positioned closely adjacent or immediately adjacent the base-end 84 of the adjustment strap 80 of the fit-adjustment mechanism. In still another aspect, the attachment location of the control-strap can be positioned on a backside-surface of the fit-adjustment mechanism (e.g. adjustment strap 80). As previously disclosed herein, the control-strap 60 can be constructed from any suitable material. For example, the control-strap can be constructed from leather.
Typically, the control strap 60 is operatively employed when practicing or when playing a non-competitive round of golf. When playing a round of competitive golf, however, it is desirable to selectively stow the control strap in a storage position. Accordingly, the control-strap can further include a strap-storage mechanism which can operatively hold the control-strap in a convenient storage-position. When placed in the storage position, the control-strap 60 does not operatively pass around the grip-end 94 of the golf club.
In a desired feature, at least a portion of the strap-storage mechanism can be operatively affixed to an appointed storage region which is located directly on or indirectly over the back-side 24 of the glove (e.g.
The control-strap storage fastener 64 (e.g. 64a, 64b) can include any operative fastening mechanism. In a desired arrangement, the storage fastener can include an interengaging mechanical fastener system, having complementary and cooperating fastening components. For example, the fastening mechanism can include any of the fastening systems set forth in the present disclosure. In a desired aspect, the strap-storage mechanism can include a first securement element 64a operatively affixed to the control-strap, and a second, cooperating securement element 64b operatively affixed to a back-side surface of the fit-adjustment mechanism.
For example, one of the fastener components or elements can include a hook or other “male” component of the interengaging mechanical fastener system. The fit-adjustment fastener can include any operative fastening mechanism. In a desired arrangement, the closure fastener can include an interengaging mechanical fastener system, having complementary and cooperating fastening components. Suitable fastening components are available from Velcro, U.S.A., Inc., a business having offices located in Manchester, N.H., U.S.A.
As representatively shown in
In another aspect, each of the knuckle-indicia 46 can be configured to operatively define a discernable area of the knuckle-indicia having an elongate and curved area-shape. A particular feature can include a configuration in which the area-shape has an outwardly convex side-edge section 48, and an oppositely located, outwardly concave side-edge section 49. Additionally, each concave edge section can be positioned in an arrangement where the concave edge is concave toward the thumb portion of the glove. As representatively shown, for example, each knuckle-area can have an approximate banana-shape. Additionally, each knuckle-area can have a highly-visible yellow color.
In further aspects of the glove, each of the knuckle-indicia 46 can include a region of the backside glove material which has an aperture 66 formed through the entire thickness of the backside glove material. Additionally, each of the knuckle-indicia 46 can include at least one indicia layer 68 which is operatively affixed to an inwardly-facing, or other interior surface of the glove. In other aspects, at least a portion of each indicia layer 68 can be arranged substantially coextensive with each aperture, and can be configured to be visibly discernable from the back-side glove material. Accordingly, each such portion of indicia layer can be discretely recessed under and readily visible through its corresponding aperture. In other aspects, the aperture can have the elongate and curved area-shape described herein, and the indicia layer can be color-contrasted, with a color and degree of contrast that is readily visible and discernable from other, adjacent portions of the back-side surface of the glove.
The various aspects of the distinctive glove of the invention can advantageously provide a plurality features which can help a person learn or remember a proper grip of a golf club. With reference to
To further aid in the forming and maintaining of a proper grip, the control-strap 60 (e.g. in the form of a leather loop) can be deployed to hook around the butt-end of the grip-handle when practicing, or playing a non-competitive round of golf. This feature of the glove can help keep a person from loosening the grip of the club at the top of the backswing, where a firm grip is needed to support the club if one is to hit good shots consistently. If the glove is worn during a competitive round, one may take the control-strap (e.g. leather loop) out of operation by connecting it in its storage position with the representatively shown hook-and-loop type fastener. The basics of forming a correct grip (for right-handed golfers) can, for example, include the following items.
While checking that the clubface is square to the chosen target, set the grip handle of the golf club between the first and second indexing lines and against the base of the heel pad region of the glove worn on the left hand (e.g.
The right hand is then brought to a “handshake” position (as if one were preparing to shake hands with another person). The right palm should be parallel to the leading edge of the clubface. When one closes the right hand, the left thumb should fit comfortably in the valley between your right thumb and the heel pad on the right hand, while the right thumb rests left of center on the grip-handle (e.g.
The grip-handle of the club should be held in the right index finger as if you were gently pulling a trigger. With the right thumb and index finger on either side of the grip handle, one's right-hand grip-pressure will be felt in the forefinger and the ring finger. In the address position, the completed grip should reveal two or three knuckles on the back of the left hand, and the “V”s (shown inverted) formed by the thumbs and forefingers of both hands should point up your right arm and toward the right shoulder.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is capable of many modifications and variations without departing from the scope thereof. Accordingly, the detailed description and examples set forth above are meant to be illustrative only and are not intended to limit, in any manner, the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A golf glove having a palm-side glove material which provides a palm-side surface; a back-side glove material which provides a back-side surface; a thumb portion; a plurality of finger portions; a wrist region; a wrist-opening edge; a heel region; and a knuckle-region; the glove further comprising:
- a control-strap which is operatively affixed to the back-side surface of the glove, the control-strap configured to extend around a grip-end of a golf club, with at least a portion of the control-strap configured to extend along the heel region of the glove and contact a thumb-side surface of the grip-end of the golf club.
2. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, further comprising:
- a first indexing line located on the palm-side surface of the glove;
- a second indexing line located on the palm-side surface and spaced from the first indexing line, the first and second indexing lines delimiting a finger-alignment area therebetween; and
- a grip target-region which is operatively designated on the palm-side surface.
3. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, wherein the grip target-region is non-conjoined with the finger-alignment area.
4. The golf glove as recited in claim 3, wherein the grip target-region on the palm-side surface of the glove has a target perimeter.
5. The golf glove as recited in claim 3, wherein the grip target-region on the palm-side surface of the glove has a target perimeter operatively delimited by a third indexing-line which operatively encloses the target region.
6. The golf glove as recited in claim 3, wherein the grip target-region on the palm-side surface of the glove is positioned along the heel region of the glove.
7. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, wherein the second indexing-line is arranged approximately parallel to the first indexing line.
8. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, wherein
- the knuckle region of the glove includes a plurality of discrete knuckle-sections;
- the glove further includes knuckle-indicia located along the back-side surface of the glove and positioned at a plurality of two or more of the knuckle-sections of the glove; and
- each of the knuckle-indicia operatively defines a knuckle-area having an elongate and curved area-shape, the area-shape having a convex edge section and an oppositely located concave edge section, with each concave edge section is positioned to be concave toward the thumb portion of the glove.
9. The golf glove as recited in claim 8, wherein each of the knuckle-indicia includes:
- a region of the backside glove material which has an aperture formed therethrough; and
- at least one indicia layer which is operatively affixed to an interior surface of the glove, with at least a portion of each indicia layer arranged substantially coextensive with each aperture.
10. The golf glove as recited in claim 8, wherein each knuckle-area has an approximate banana-shape.
11. A golf glove having a palm-side glove material which provides a palm-side surface; a back-side glove material which provides a back-side surface; a thumb portion; a plurality of finger portions; a wrist region; a wrist-opening edge; a heel region; and a knuckle-region; the glove further comprising:
- a control-strap which is operatively affixed to the back-side surface of the glove, the control-strap configured to extend around a grip-end of a golf club, with at least a portion of the control-strap configured to extend along the heel region of the glove and contact a thumb-side surface of the grip-end of the golf club, and said control-strap has a base section that is operatively affixed to the back-side surface of the glove at an attachment location that is positioned operatively adjacent the heel region of the glove.
12. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, wherein the control-strap is operatively configured to provide a substantially closed loop.
13. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, wherein the glove includes a wrist-closure mechanism located operatively adjacent the wrist-opening edge of the glove.
14. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, wherein the glove includes a fit-adjustment mechanism which is spaced from the wrist-opening edge of the glove, and is located between the wrist-opening edge of the glove and the knuckle region of the glove.
15. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, wherein the glove includes
- a wrist-closure mechanism closure located operatively adjacent the wrist-opening edge of the glove; and
- a fit-adjustment mechanism located between the wrist-closure mechanism and the knuckle region of the glove.
16. A golf glove having a palm-side glove material which provides a palm-side surface; a back-side glove material which provides a back-side surface; a thumb portion; a plurality of finger portions; a wrist region; a wrist-opening edge; a heel region; and a knuckle-region; the glove further comprising:
- a control-strap which is operatively affixed to the back-side surface of the glove, the control-strap configured to extend around a grip-end of a golf club, with at least a portion of the control-strap configured to extend along the heel region of the glove and contact a thumb-side surface of the grip-end of the golf club;
- the glove includes a fit-adjustment mechanism which is spaced from the wrist-opening edge of the glove, and is located between the wrist-opening edge and the knuckle region of the glove;
- the fit-adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment strap member having an operatively fixed base-end and a selectively movable free-end;
- the control-strap has at least one base section that is operatively affixed to the back-side surface of the glove at an attachment location that is positioned operatively adjacent the heel region of the glove; and
- the attachment location of the control-strap is positioned operatively adjacent the base-end of the adjustment strap of the fit-adjustment mechanism.
17. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, wherein the attachment location of the control-strap is positioned on a backside-surface of the fit-adjustment mechanism.
18. The golf glove as recited in claim 1, wherein the control-strap further includes a strap-storage mechanism which can operatively hold the control-strap in a storage-position.
19. The golf glove as recited in claim 18, wherein
- the glove includes a fit-adjustment mechanism located between the wrist-opening edge of the glove and the knuckle region of the glove; and
- the strap-storage mechanism includes a first securement element operatively affixed to the control-strap, and a second cooperating securement element operatively affixed to a back-side surface of the fit-adjustment mechanism.
20. The golf glove as recited in claim 16 wherein the control-strap is operatively configured to provide a substantially closed loop.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 16, 2010
Publication Date: Oct 20, 2011
Inventor: Robert J. Burns (Appleton, WI)
Application Number: 12/799,050
International Classification: A41D 19/00 (20060101);