GOLF GLOVE HAVING REGIONS WITH MICROPERFORATIONS

Abstract

Golf gloves having selected perforated and non-perforated regions are provided. In one preferred embodiment, the glove contains perforations in the wrist portion, palm portion, each of the middle, ring, little finger, and thumb portions, and along the medial edge of the glove body from the wrist section to the little finger portion. Preferably, the perforations have an average diameter size of less than 1 mm. The glove fits tightly on a wearer's hand and provides good gripping strength and a comfortable feel.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to golf gloves that fit tightly around a person's hand while also providing a comfortable feel. More particularly, the golf glove contains micro-perforations in selected regions that provide tiny conduits for ventilation from the glove interior. These micro-perforations allow the glove to better breathe thus keeping the hand cooler and drier. The glove also contains non-perforated regions that provide good gripping strength.

2. Brief Review of the Related Art

Both professional and amateur golfers are interested in gloves having good durability and flexibility. The durability of the glove is important, because golfers use a variety of grips on their clubs and constantly press the glove against the club grip. Different areas of the glove can become overly worn and even develop tears and rips after continuous use. Typically, the gloves are made from natural leather and synthetic leather. It is also important that the glove has good flexibility. Many conventional gloves contain a thin piece of elastic material that runs across the knuckle region. For example, a band of Lycra® spandex may be wrapped around the knuckle region in the glove construction. This stretchable material helps improve flexibility in the finger and knuckle areas.

In recent years, the comfort level of the glove also has become increasingly important. The glove should fit tightly around the golfer's hand so that he/she can maintain a good grip on the club, but, at the same time, it should be comfortable to wear. For example, the hand inside of the glove should feel comfortable even when the glove is being used in humid conditions. The glove should not feel sticky and wet. In other words, the glove should effectively “breathe” and allow air to pass into and out of the glove so the wearer's hand feels comfortable under all weather conditions. Golf glove manufacturers have looked to adding small ventilation holes or perforations as one way for improving glove breathability.

For example, Smeltzer, U.S. Patent Application Publication U.S. 2009/0313742 discloses a golf glove having sections made of elastic and inelastic material. The glove includes a palmar and dorsal section. There are perforated holes positioned throughout the glove for dissipating heat and moisture out of the glove. Particularly, the perforations are spaced throughout every region (palm, dorsal, wrist, finger, and thumb) of the glove as opposed to being strategically positioned in selected regions of the glove.

Although some golf gloves containing perforations are generally effective in ventilating the interior of the glove, there is a continuing need for improved glove constructions having good durability and flexibility as well as breathability. The present invention provides golf glove constructions having such properties as well as other advantageous features and benefits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to golf gloves that can fit tightly on a wearer's hand and provide a comfortable feel. The glove contains perforations in designated regions only and this helps the glove breathe. Other areas of the glove do not contain perforations, and this helps enhance the gripping strength of the glove. These non-perforated areas further reduce the risk of tears forming in the leather. Furthermore, the glove has good overall durability and flexibility.

More particularly, in one preferred embodiment, the glove includes a body comprising a front layer and back layer that are joined together to define a cavity for receiving a wearer's hand. The glove body further includes an open end, wherein the wearer can insert his/her hand along with a closed end having multiple finger portions and a thumb portion for receiving the wearer's fingers and thumb, respectively. The front layer has an interior surface and exterior surface so that the front interior surface is in contact with the palm side of the wearer's hand when the hand is placed into the glove. The back layer also has an interior surface and exterior surface so that the back interior surface is in contact with the dorsal side of the wearer's hand when the hand is placed into the glove. The front layer further comprises a wrist portion, palm portion; and index, middle, ring, and little finger portions; and a thumb portion. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the front layer contains multiple perforations solely in the wrist portion, each of the middle, ring, little finger, and thumb portions, and along the medial edge of the glove body extending from the wrist section to the little finger portion. In this embodiment, no other glove regions contain any perforations. Preferably, the perforations have an average diameter size of less than 1 mm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features that are characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the preferred embodiments of the invention, together with further objects and attendant advantages, are best understood by reference to the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a golf glove of the present invention showing micro-perforations in selected regions of the glove;

FIG. 2 is a back view of the glove shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a side view of the glove shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a left-handed golf glove (10) is shown. The Figures illustrate a left-handed glove, but it should be understood that the counterpart right-handed glove is a mirror image having the same structure with a different orientation, and does not need not be described and illustrated separately. Moreover, although the glove will be described in this specification as primarily a golf glove, it should be understood the glove can be used in other end-use applications including, for example, baseball, football, racquetball, cycling, weight-training, gardening, work, construction, and the like in accordance with this invention. The golf gloves shown in FIGS. 1-3 are for illustration purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the golf glove (10) generally includes a body (12) comprising a front layer (14) and, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a back layer (16). The front and back layers (14, 16) are joined together to define an interior cavity for receiving a person's hand. More particularly, the glove body (12) generally includes an open end (18) for inserting the hand and a closed end (20) having sections for receiving the fingers (22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d) and a section for receiving the thumb (24). The front layer (14) further includes a palm portion (25). In one embodiment, the front layer (14) including the finger portions (22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d) are formed of a single piece of material and the separate thumb portion (24) is joined to the palm portion (25) by stitching or other suitable techniques such as welding, bonding, or adhesives. In other embodiments, the finger portions (22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d); thumb portion (24); and palm portion (25) can be provided in any number of pieces of material and then joined together. In yet another version, the finger portions (22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d), thumb portion (24), and palm portion (25) are included in a single piece of material.

Preferably, the front layer (14) is formed primarily of a substantially inelastic material such as, for example, natural leather, synthetic leather, other non-woven materials, natural fabric, and synthetic fabric, among others. Suitable leather materials include, for example, sheepskin, deerskin, doeskin, steer hide, goatskin, and kangaroo skin, among others. In one preferred embodiment, leather produced from the skins of sheep having hair instead of wool (commonly referred to as “cabretta leather”) is used to form the front layer (14). Suitable non-woven materials include, for example, nylon, nylon-acrylic, neoprene, or terrycloth, among others. Polyurethane-coated nylons may be used as the material for making the front layer (14) in one particular embodiment. It also is recognized that other thermoplastic materials can be used to form the front layer (14) in accordance with this invention. As discussed above, in one preferred embodiment, cabretta leather is used to form the front layer (14). This leather material, when used in the glove constructions of this invention, helps provide the glove with good wear-resistance and comfort. Suitable leathers are available from Pittards PLC, Sherborne Road, Yeovil, Somerset BA21 5BA, Great Britain.

Referring to FIG. 2, the back layer (16) of the glove (10) is shown. The back layer (16) includes a dorsal section (32) having a slit or opening (34) (shown in the closed position) that extends from the wrist edge (37) towards the finger portions (22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d) of the glove. The slit (34), when opened, allows a person to slip his/her hand into the glove more easily. The dorsal section (32) further includes a flap or strap (35) having a fixed-end portion (36) and free-end portion (38). The dorsal section (32) and/or flap (35) may be imprinted with a logo, tradename, symbol, or other mark as is customary with golf gloves. The wearer places one hand into the glove (10) and uses the other hand to grasp the flap (35) and pull it over the slit (34). Then, the flap (35) is fastened to the opposing dorsal section (32) of the glove to tighten and secure the glove on the wearer's hand. Preferably, hook-and-loop fasteners such as Velcro® fasteners are used to lock the flap (35) in place. More particularly, the flap (35) has exterior (39) and interior (not shown) surfaces. Tiny hook/loop fasteners are arranged on the interior surface of the flap (35) and complementary hook/loop fasteners are arranged on the opposing dorsal section (not shown) of the glove. When the flap (35) is pulled over the slit (34), it is releasably attached to the opposing dorsal side of the glove by mating the complementary hook/loop fasteners together. The wearer of the glove may release the flap (35) by simply pulling on it in an upward direction, and then his/her hand may be removed easily. It is recognized that other closure systems (for example, snap-on buttons, ties, buttons/button holes, buckles, elastics, and the like) may be used in addition to or in place of a hook/loop fastening system.

The back layer (16) also is preferably formed of a substantially inelastic material such as, for example, natural leather, synthetic leather, other non-woven materials, natural fabric, and synthetic fabric, among others as discussed above. Suitable leather materials include, for example, sheepskin, deerskin, doeskin, steer hide, goatskin, and kangaroo skin, among others. In one preferred embodiment, cabretta leather is used to form the back layer (16). Suitable non-woven materials include nylon, nylon-acrylic, neoprene, or terrycloth, among others. The back layer (16) can further contain sections made of elastic material to provide stretch in various directions. For example, an elastic material may be disposed along the length of each finger portion (22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d) to provide flexibility to these areas. An elastic material also may be disposed over the knuckle region (30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d) of each finger portion. The elastic material stretches across each knuckle to provide flexibility. One example of a suitable elastic material that can be used in the glove is Lycra® spandex, available from DuPont.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the glove (10) includes a lateral side (44) (that is, the side farthest away from the body) and medial side (46) (that is, the side closest to the body). In FIG. 1, the front and back layers (14, 16) are shown attached to each other along medial (42) side stitch line. The glove (10) shown in FIG. 1 does not contain a lateral side stitch line. In some versions, however, there may be a lateral side stich line, whereby the front and back layers (14, 16) are joined together. In other versions, there is no lateral stitch line or other lateral attachment means for joining the front and back layers. Rather, the front layer (14) of the glove simply wraps continuously around the lateral side (44) to the back layer (16). The lateral side (44) also can be referred to as radial side, and the medial side (46) can be referred to as the ulnar side, the radius and ulna being the two long bones in the forearm. When the arms are let down at the sides of the body and the palms of the hands face forward, the ulna is located at the side of the forearm closest to the body (medial side). In addition, a wrist portion (50) extends from along the proximal portion of the glove from a stitch line (52) on the ulnar side (46) to a stitch line (54) on the radial side (44).

In FIG. 1, the thumb portion (24) is shown having a proximal end (56) and a distal end (58). A stitch line (60) extends along the thumb portion (24) to join the front and back layers of the thumb. The thumb portion (24) is attached to the palm portion (25) along an annular stitch line (62). Each finger portion (22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d) also includes proximal ends and distal ends. Stitch lines also extend down the sides of the finger portions to join the front and back layers (14, 16) of the glove along the fingers.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the front and back layers (14, 16) of the glove are shown containing perforations (70, 72). As discussed further below, the front layer (14) contains perforations in specifically designated regions. The back layer (16) may have various designs and patterns, and it is not required that the back layer contains perforations. A wide variety of back layer (16) constructions, patterns, and designs may be used in the glove constructions of this invention. It should be understood that the front and back layers (14, 16) shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are for illustrative purposes only and not meant to be restrictive. Other perforation patterns and glove constructions may be made in accordance with the present invention.

In conventional manufacturing methods used for producing glove perforations, sheet material is fed between rollers and long, pointed needles puncture all of the material. Then, the perforated material is cut into various sections for assembling the glove. For example, a Pecarry/Pigtex machine, operated by Häuser and Renner e.k., (Ichenhausen, Germany) may be used to process the glove material before the glove is assembled. In the present invention, the micro-perforations are preferably formed in the designated areas of the sheet material (for example, natural leather, synthetic leather, or other fabric as discussed above) prior to assembly of the glove. A relatively thin sheet(s) of material is placed in a die having a shape corresponding to the contour of the glove that ultimately will be produced. The die contains relatively small durable pins in selected regions of the glove area. It is important that the pins are sized properly and have the required diameters. As discussed further below, the pins preferably have a diameter size of less than about 1 mm so they may form “micro-perforations.” Furthermore, the pins must have sufficient mechanical strength and durability so they can be used repeatedly in the die-cutting operation. The spacing and alignment of the pins can vary to provide the desired perforation pattern in the glove. In one preferred embodiment, the pins are spaced apart so the distance between neighboring pins is about 3 mm to about 7 mm, and more preferably about 5 to 6 mm. During the die-cutting operation, the pins are pressed against the sheet material in the selected regions, thereby puncturing the material. The resulting perforations provide the glove with ventilation spots and make the glove more comfortable to wear as discussed further below.

The front layer (14) of the glove (10) of this invention preferably contains micro-perforations, which have an average diameter size smaller than conventional perforations in golf gloves. By the term, “micro-perforations” as used herein, it is meant perforations having an average diameter size of less than about 1 mm. The micro-perforations may have an average diameter size of less than about 0.8 mm and even less than 0.5 mm in some instances. By the term, “standard-perforations” as used herein, it is meant perforations having an average diameter size of about 1 mm or greater. In one embodiment, both the front and back layers (14, 16) are made of leather and each layer contains micro-perforations. In another embodiment, the front and back layers (14, 16) are made of different materials and the front layer (14) contains micro-perforations while the back layer (16) contains standard-perforations. The micro-perforations (70) allow air to pass into and out of the glove and reduce heat build-up. The interior of the glove is cooled naturally in this manner. These micro-perforations (70) provide micro-channels for sweat and moisture to escape from the hand. Sweat and moisture can be removed efficiently from the hand, thus keeping the hand drier and more comfortable. Because the gloves effectively breathe and circulate air throughout the glove, they are comfortable to wear. As shown in FIG. 1 and as discussed further below, the glove contains perforations in only selected regions. Other regions of the glove (for example, the central palm area) do not contain perforations. This perforated and non-perforated structure helps improve durability, grip, and breathability. The glove has good flexibility, particularly around the finger and thumb portions, as well as good gripping strength. The golfer can press the club firmly against the palm of their hand, wrap their fingers tightly around the club grip, and maintain a good hold as the club face makes impact with the ball. The non-perforated regions help improve the gripping strength and durability of the glove. Meanwhile, the selected perforated regions provide a means for air to pass into and out of the glove and provide the wearer with a comfortable feel.

More particularly, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the micro-perforations (70) are disposed about the middle finger (22b), ring finger (22c), and little finger (22d) portions. In addition, the micro-perforations (70) are disposed about the thumb portion (24). In this embodiment, neither the index finger portion (22a) nor palm portion (25) contains any perforations. However, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, there is also a series of micro-perforations (70) extending along the medial edge (46) of the glove body from the wrist section (50) to the little finger portion (22d). In addition, the wrist section (50) contains perforations extending from the wrist edge (37) of the glove to the base of the thumb portion (24).

The glove of the present invention is designed to fit snugly on a wearer's hand without sacrificing a nice feel. The glove is skintight and yet it remains comfortable. As discussed above, the glove contains micro-perforations in selected areas and this helps the glove breathe. Other areas of the glove (for example, the central palm portion) do not contain perforations, and these non-perforated areas help enhance the gripping strength of the glove. That is, the glove contains specially designated perforated and non-perforated regions. More particularly, in one preferred embodiment, about 55% of the surface area of the glove's front layer contains micro-perforations. More preferably, the front layer contains micro-perforations, wherein the lower limit of the perforated surface area is about 55% or 65% or 70% or 75% and the upper limit of perforated surface area is about 80% or 85% or 90% or 95%. This perforated and non-perforated glove structure helps the glove breathe and improve gripping strength. The wearer is better able to grip the golf club while their hands inside of the glove remain comfortable. Furthermore, the glove is durable and has good wear-resistance. The wearer can press the golf club firmly against the non-perforated palm region of their glove hand and maintain a good grip as he/she swings and the club face makes impact with the ball. Meanwhile, the perforated regions provide tiny conduits for circulating air throughout the glove and this helps provide a more comfortable feel to the wearer.

It should be understood the golf gloves shown in FIGS. 1-3 are for illustrative purposes only and not meant to be restrictive. Other golf glove constructions can be made in accordance with this invention. For example, in another embodiment, the golf glove contains micro-perforations (70) disposed about the following sections of the glove only: middle finger (22b), ring finger (22c), little finger (22d) portions; wrist section (50); and along the medial edge (46) of the glove body extending from the wrist section (50) to the little finger (22d). There are no micro-perforations disposed about the thumb portion (24), the index finger portion (22a), or palm portion (25) in this one alternative version of the glove.

When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values may be used. Other than in the operating examples, or unless otherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values and percentages such as those for amounts of materials and others in the specification may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention.

It is understood that the golf gloves described and illustrated herein represent only some embodiments of the invention. It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and additions can be made to compositions and products without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. It is intended that all such embodiments be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A golf glove, comprising:

a body comprising a front layer and back layer, the front and back layers being joined together to define a cavity for receiving a wearer's hand, the body including an open end for inserting the wearer's hand and a closed end having multiple finger portions and a thumb portion for receiving the wearer's fingers and thumb respectively;

the front layer having an interior surface and exterior surface, the front interior surface being in contact with the palm side of the wearer's hand when the hand is received in the glove;

the back layer having an interior surface and exterior surface, the back interior surface being in contact with the dorsal side of the wearer's hand when the hand is received in the glove;

the front layer further having a wrist portion, palm portion; and index, middle, ring, and little finger portions; and a thumb portion, wherein the front layer contains multiple perforations solely in the wrist portion, each of the middle, ring, and little finger portions, and thumb portion, and along the medial edge of the glove body extending from the wrist section to the little finger portion, the perforations having an average diameter size of less than 1 mm.

2. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the front layer is formed of a substantially inelastic material.

3. The golf glove of claim 2, wherein the inelastic material is leather.

4. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the back layer is formed of a substantially inelastic material.

5. The golf glove of claim 4, wherein the inelastic material is leather.

6. The golf glove of claim 4, wherein the back layer further contains layers of substantially elastic material, the elastic material stretching lengthwise along each finger portion.

7. The golf glove of claim 4, wherein the back layer further contains layers of substantially elastic material, the elastic material stretching along each knuckle region of the finger portions.

8. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the perforations have an average diameter size of less than 0.5 mm.