GOLF GLOVE WITH ULTRATHIN GRIP COATING

Abstract

Disclosed is a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating. The glove construction incorporating the ultrathin grip coating on the palmar-grip surfaces of the glove's palm and fingers creates a more secure grip on a golf club handle than golf gloves described in the prior art. The coating retains its high coefficient of friction with the golf club handle, even when wet. The more secure grip leads to fewer missed shots resulting slippage and rotation of the club handle in the golfer's hands during a golf swing. In some versions of the glove, the ultrathin coating is a siliconized rubber coating bonded to an underlying soft fabric which contacts the skin of the golfer's hand. The siliconized rubber coating is bonded to the fabric at an interface, wherein the fabric is infused with the coating material.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 62/244,949 filed Oct. 22, 2015 and entitled “Golf Glove with Ultrathin Grip Coating” which is incorporated entirely herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

This invention relates to golf gloves with grip coatings. In particular, the disclosed invention relates to a fabric golf glove with a palmar surface bonded to an ultra-thin silicon coating and methods of formation.

State of the Art

Since its modern origins in 15^th century Scotland, golf has grown to become a popular game worldwide. Currently, golf is widely played in the United States and throughout the world. Golf gloves are a relatively recent introduction to the game, first appearing in the late nineteenth century and only becoming popular in the 1950's. In addition to protecting the golfer's hand(s) from blisters, calluses, and abrasions from gripping the club handle, golf gloves may improve the player's grip on the club handle by increasing friction and making the club handle less slippery. Consequently, the palms of some golf gloves have a grip surface. The surface often is a panel of material which creates increased friction with the club handle, commonly leather. Many golfers, however, continue to use a golf glove with no grip surface. Although a grip surface bonded to the palm of the golf glove may substantially increase the golfer's grip, golf gloves comprising a grip surface have disadvantages.

A fundamental disadvantage is that, grip surfaces add thickness to the glove fabric. A thicker glove fabric limits and reduces the tactile sensation transmitted through the glove to the golfer's hands and fingers. Reduced tactile sensation contributes to inaccurate shots. A thicker glove fabric also impedes dissipation of body heat and may increase sweating of the golfer's gloved hand. A thicker glove fabric which extends onto the palmer surface of the glove fingers may limit movement of the golfer's fingers slightly, causing discomfort and even affecting play. Additionally, a grip surface such as leather loses much of the increased friction with the club handle when it becomes wet, such as in a light rain or from condensation on a container filled with a cold drink. When friction is decreased, the club handle is more likely to rotate in the golfer's hands during the swing or when striking the golf ball, causing a missed shot. Decreased grip friction requires a tighter grip by the golfer which often causes an irregular swing and a missed shot.

Accordingly, what is needed is a golf glove with a grip surface with a high coefficient of friction—whether dry or wet—that is thin but durable, lightweight, breathable, flexible, and readily transmits tactile sensation to the golfer's palms and fingers contacting the golf club through the glove.

DISCLOSURE OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following more particular description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

Disclosed is a golf glove comprising a palm section, a dorsal section coupled to the palm section, and a thumb section coupled to the dorsal section and the palm section.

In some embodiments, the palm section comprises an ultrathin coating-fabric composite. In some embodiments, the palm section comprises the ultrathin coating-fabric composite coupled to an extent of the palm section covering the entire length of the palm section. In some embodiments, the ultrathin coating-fabric composite comprises an extent of the palm section less than the entire palm section. In some embodiments, the composite is less than about six hundred (600) microns thick. In some embodiments, the composite is about four hundred (400) microns thick. In some embodiments, the composite is between about three hundred (300) and about one thousand (1,000) microns thick. In some embodiments, the composite comprises a silicone compound. In some embodiments, the silicone compound comprises a coating of about two hundred (200) microns or less in thickness. In some embodiments, the composite comprises a synthetic fabric. In some embodiments, the synthetic fabric comprises nylon. In some embodiments, the synthetic fabric comprises rayon. In some embodiments, the synthetic fabric comprises a polyester-polyurethane copolymer. In some embodiments, the composite comprises a natural fabric. In some embodiments, the composite comprises a blended fabric.

In some embodiments, the dorsal section comprises a first piece and a second piece coupled to the first piece. In some embodiments, the first piece comprises a synthetic fabric. In some embodiments, the first piece comprises a natural fabric. In some embodiments, the first piece comprises an elastomeric fabric. In some embodiments, the first piece comprises a mesh fabric. In some embodiments, the second piece comprises a thickened fabric. In some embodiments, the second piece comprises a ventilation hole.

In some embodiments, the thumb section comprises a first panel coupled to the third piece and a grip panel coupled to the first panel and the third piece. In some embodiments, the first panel comprises a synthetic fabric. In some embodiments, the first panel comprises a natural fabric. In some embodiments, the first panel comprises an elastomeric fabric. In some embodiments, the first panel comprises a mesh fabric. In some embodiments, the grip panel comprises an ultrathin grip coating. In some embodiments, the grip panel comprises a flexion cutout.

Disclosed is a method of forming a golf glove comprising a coating step, wherein a fabric is coated with an ultrathin grip coating; a cutting step, wherein the coated fabric is cut to form a palm section; and a first coupling step, wherein the palm section is coupled to a dorsal section.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises a second coupling step wherein a grip section is coupled to the dorsal section. In some embodiments, the ultrathin grip coating is about two hundred (200) microns or less in thickness.

Disclosed is a method of using a golf glove comprising a donning step, an increasing step, and a reducing step, and a swinging step.

In some embodiments, the donning step comprises donning a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating. In some embodiments, the increasing step comprises increasing friction between an ultrathin grip coating and a golf club handle. In some embodiments, the reducing step comprises reducing slippage of a golf club handle gripped by a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating. In some embodiments, the swinging step comprises swinging a golf club gripped by a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating.

Disclosed is a method of using an ultrathin grip coating comprising a step donning a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating; a step increasing friction between an ultrathin grip coating and a golf club handle; a step reducing slippage of a golf club handle gripped by a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating; and a step swinging a golf club gripped by a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a front view of a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating;

FIG. 1b is a palmar perspective view of a donned golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating;

FIG. 1c is an alternative palmar perspective view of a donned golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating;

FIG. 2a is a back view of a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating;

FIG. 2b is a back perspective view of a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating with an open closure tab;

FIG. 3a is a rear perspective view of a donned glove with an ultrathin grip coating;

FIG. 3b is an alternative rear perspective view of a donned golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating;

FIG. 3c is an additional rear perspective view of a donned golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating;

FIG. 4a is a thumb-side perspective view of a donned golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating;

FIG. 4b is front perspective view of a thumb section of a donned golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating;

FIG. 4c is a thumb-side perspective view of a donned golf gloved with an ultrathin grip coating;

FIG. 4d is a rear perspective view of a thumb section of a donned golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the steps of a method of forming a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the steps of a method of using a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As discussed above, the disclosed invention relates to golf gloves with grip coatings. In particular, the disclosed invention relates to a fabric golf glove with a palmar surface bonded to an ultra-thin silicon coating and methods of formation.

A wide range of golf gloves with various club-handle grip surfaces are commercially available. Depending on the particular grip, however, these available gloves fail to simultaneously meet a golfer's needs of a grip surface that has a high coefficient of friction with a club handle, maintains friction when wet, is thin yet durable, lightweight, breathable, flexible, and readily transmits tactile sensation to the golfer's palms and fingers contacting the golf club through the glove.

For example, leather grips can be made fairly thin, are soft, flexible, and generally very comfortable. Leather grips transmit considerable tactile sensation to the golfer's hand and fingers gripping the club handle. Leather grips do not, however, maintain a high coefficient of friction with the club handle when they become wet. Consequently, the golfer must use a tighter grip which may negatively affect the golfer's swing and lead to missed shots. Further, when wet leather dries, it often becomes hard and brittle, losing its wearability and its tactile sensitivity. The thin leather material which is most comfortable and most effective at transmitting tactile sensation is not durable, tending to wear-through fairly quickly and to tear easily.

Rubberized grips are also available. In some cases, patches of a rubberized fabric, such as thin neoprene, is incorporated into the glove surface by stitching. Rubberized grips have a very high coefficient of friction, which is retained under wet conditions. Rubberized grips are more durable than leather. Rubber, or rubberized fabric, however, is relatively thick and does not transmit touch well. Rubberized grip surfaces are also insulators, causing heat retention with palmar sweating, becoming uncomfortable for the golfer during play.

Siliconized materials, including silicone rubber, have similar coefficients of friction as rubberized materials. Silicon coatings and siliconized rubber can be made thinner, and therefore more tactile, than rubber. Generally, the greater the silicone content of the material, the thinner and more tactile the material is that can be used in a golf glove. Additionally siliconized coatings have been developed which are incorporated into a base fabric, coating the fabric with the material. Although thinner than rubber, siliconized coatings used in sports gloves, such as those worn by football receivers, are greater than about 0.6 to 0.8 millimeters (six hundred to eight hundred microns) thick and markedly limit tactile sensation when compared to other materials used in golf gloves, such as thin leather, for example. These thicker silicone-coated fabrics are relatively inelastic and therefore wrinkle where they cover a flexor surface of a joint, such as the flexor surfaces of the fingers the thumb joints.

The disclosed embodiments provide an inventive solution to the aforementioned problems. The golf glove with ultrathin grip coating incorporates a grip surface onto a golf glove wherein the grip surface has a high coefficient of friction with the club handle, maintains friction even when wet. The grip surface comprises an ultrathin coating-fabric composite—an ultrathin material which transmits tactile sensations well, is comfortable and durable—and extends uninterrupted, in some embodiments, to cover the entire palmar surface of the golfer's hand and fingers. Other functional elements include panels shaped to prevent bunching and wrinkling of the grip surface, and provisions for ventilation. Methods of using the disclosed invention provide for increasing friction between the golfer's gloved hand and the club handle so that less grip force is needed, reducing club slippage in the golfers hands and the number of resulting missed shots. The increased friction provided by the ultrathin coating-fabric composite is particularly useful in resisting rotation of the club handle in the golfer's hand from torsional forces generated in the club shaft when the golf club head impacts the golf ball.

FIGS. 1a-c show the palmar elements of a golf glove 100. FIG. 1a is a front view of a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating. FIG. 1b is a palmar perspective view of a donned golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating. FIG. 1c is an alternative palmar perspective view of a donned golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating.

As shown in FIGS. 1a-c, golf glove 100 comprises three sections: a palm section 110, a dorsal section 120 (not shown in FIGS. 1a-c), and a thumb section 130. In some embodiments, these three sections are cut and assembled independently to provide for increased flexibility without wrinkling or bunching of less elastic materials relative to more elastic materials, particularly over the flexor (palmar) surfaces of the fingers and palm. Additionally, multiple sections allow for maximal movement of the joints of the hand and fingers without causing resistance to or limitation of hand and finger movement.

Palm section 110 is coupled to dorsal section 120 and thumb section 130 to form golf glove 100. Palm section 110, dorsal section 120, and thumb section 130 are cut and coupled to one another to form golf glove 100 by an acceptable method, in some embodiments, such as by stitching, application of bonding adhesives, thermal bonding, and the like. These examples are not meant to be limiting; additional acceptable coupling methods are used, in some embodiments.

When a user-golfer dons golf glove 100, as shown in FIG. 1b and FIG. 1c, palm section 110 completely covers the golfer's palm and extends distally along the palmar surface of the fingers to the fingertips, and proximally onto the palmer surface of the wrist, in some embodiments. The width of sections of palm section 110 extending onto the fingers is adequate for palm section 110 to extend at least slightly onto the radial and ulnar surfaces of the fingers when coupled to dorsal section 120, wherein the entire palmar surface and a portion of the radial and ulnar surfaces of the fingers are covered by palm section 110 when golf glove 100 is donned, as seen in FIG. 1b and FIG. 1c.

Palm section 110, in some embodiments, is formed from a cloth material bonded to a coating to form an ultrathin coating-fabric composite. The coating comprises a high-friction material which is sufficiently thin as to transmit a high level of tactile sensation through the coating to the golfer's hand, when glove 100 is donned. In some embodiments, the high-friction material is siliconized rubber. In some embodiments, the high-friction material comprises alternative compounds. In some embodiments wherein siliconized rubber is used, the siliconized coating provides a contact surface with the club handle that maintains a very high coefficient of friction, regardless of the presence of moisture. Importantly, the ultrathin coating-fabric composite is manufactured very thin and therefore is not only more comfortable but also more effective in transmitting tactile sensation to the user than thicker coatings and thicker fabrics described in the prior art. This ultrathin coating is bonded to an underlying fabric and does not separate from the fabric. The coating-fabric composite is thin and flexible. An external surface of the coating-fabric composite contacts the club handle and, in some embodiments, is a glossy silicon surface with a high coefficient of friction. An internal surface of the ultrathin coating-fabric composite comprising uncoated woven cloth material, when donned, contacts the skin of the hand and fingers of the user.

“Very thin” is used synonymously here with “ultrathin,” and means, in some embodiments, less than about six hundred (600) microns in thickness. In some embodiments, the ultrathin coating fabric-composite comprising palm section 110 is about four hundred (400) microns thick. In some embodiments, the ultrathin coating fabric-composite comprising palm section 110 is about or less than two hundred (200) microns thick. The internal surface and the external surface are irreversibly bonded together at a fusion layer wherein the substance of the external siliconized layer infuses the woven cloth substance of the internal cloth layer. The internal surface that contacts the user's skin comprises the fabric layer inner surface which is substantially devoid of the siliconized coating. Consequently, the inner surface feels soft, comfortable, and slightly moisture absorbent against the skin of user's hand. The external layer's siliconized material does not directly contact the user's skin, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the internal fabric layer comprises a synthetic fabric, such as nylon, rayon, polyester, polyurethane, Spandex®, or the like. In some embodiments, the fabric layer comprises a natural fabric, such as cotton. In some embodiments, the fabric layer comprises a blended fabric, such as a nylon-Spandex® blend or a cotton-rayon blend, for example. These examples are not meant to be limiting; the fabric layer is formed from a fabric or blended fabric which is suitably soft and comfortable for the user, in some embodiments. Therefore, palm section 110 presents a soft, comfortable internal surface to the user's skin and a glossy, high-friction external surface to the club handle.

FIGS. 1a-c additionally shows a plurality of ventilation holes 102. In some embodiments, including the embodiments shown in the figures, palm section 110 comprises a plurality of ventilation holes 102, and additional elements of golf glove 100 discussed later herein below. Ventilation holes 102, in some embodiments, are relatively small holes punched through the material comprising palm section 110 and other elements of golf glove 100. The size and number of ventilation holes 102 is sufficient to provide palm section 110 with breathability, despite incorporation of relatively non-breathable materials, such as siliconized rubber for example, wherein the user's comfort is increased.

Other elements of golf glove 100 shown in FIGS. 1a-c include a gathered segment 108 and a first panel 132 of thumb section 130. These elements are discussed in detail herein below, in conjunction with other of the drawing figures.

FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b are back perspective views of golf glove 100. As shown in FIG. 2a, dorsal section 120 of golf glove 100 comprises three pieces: a first piece 122, a second piece 124, and a third piece 126. Dorsal section 120 does not contact a golf club, therefore dorsal section 120 is designed for general fit, comfort and durability. As mentioned herein above, dorsal section 120 is coupled along its edges to palm section 110, wherein dorsal section 120 and palm section 110 are sized, cut, and coupled to fit snugly over the user's hand and comprise golf glove 100, absent thumb section 130.

First piece 122 is coupled to second piece 124 and palm section 110. First piece 122 covers the back of the user's hand and is designed to fit snugly, but comfortably, so that the portion of palm section 110 coupled to first piece 122 is drawn snugly across the user's palm and does not slip or shift against the user's hand, allowing for a secure grip on a golf club. Accordingly, first piece 122 is formed from a durable section of natural or synthetic fabric, or a blended fabric in some embodiments, such as natural leather, synthetic microfiber, a cotton-polyester blend, a cotton-Spandex® blend, and the like. Generally, first piece 122 is thicker than other elements of golf glove 100, in some embodiments. In some alternative embodiments, first piece 122 is formed of a relatively inelastic mesh-weave fabric, wherein the mesh weave creates breathability and the relatively inelasticity keeps palm section 110 stretched across the golfer's palm when glove 100 is donned, tending to prevent wrinkles or bunching in palm section 110 which would decrease friction with a club handle gripped by the user of golf glove 100.

In some embodiments of golf glove 100, additional elements are coupled to first piece 122. As shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b, gathered segment 108 extends across first piece 108. In some embodiments, gathered segment 108 comprises an internally-coupled elastomeric member stitched to the externally-located first piece 122 of dorsal section 120 and palm section 110. Gathered segment 108 allows the elastomeric member to snugly but comfortably tighten the opening of golf glove 100 around the wrist of the user by bunching a portion of first piece 122, when donned. A closure tab 104 is coupled to first piece 122, in some embodiments. Closure tab 104 is coupled to first piece 122 proximate to an adjustable cutout 123 of first piece 124, as shown in FIG. 2b, wherein closure tab 104 reversibly couples to a closure patch 105, which is coupled to first piece 122 opposite adjustable cutout 123 from closure tab 104. Closure tab 104 and coupling patch 105 comprise a complementary coupling means, such as a hook-and-loop coupling means similar to that shown in FIG. 2b, which allows for adjustable tensioning of first piece 122 across the back of the user's hand via adjustable cutout 123. In some embodiments, a ball marker 106 is coupled to first piece 122, as shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b. Ball marker 106, in some embodiments, comprises a detachable snap which may be removed by the user to mark the location of the user's ball on the putting green, wherein the user must remove his ball to allow another golfer an unobstructed putt. After use, the user snaps ball marker 105 back onto a receiving member (not shown) coupled to first piece 122.

Second piece 124 couples to first piece 122 and third piece 126 to form dorsal section 120, which covers the entire back of the hand and fingers when donned by a user. Second piece 124, in some embodiments, comprises a breathable fabric with a slightly elastomeric weave. The elastomeric weave allows second piece 124 to stretch across the flexed knuckles of the user's hand as the user grips a club and recoil to its un-stretched size when the user opens her hand. As shown in FIG. 2b, second piece 124 is additionally coupled to palm section 110 wherein the elastomeric composition of second piece 124, in some embodiments, maintains consistent tension on palm section 110, keeping palm section 110 flat against the user's palm, regardless of whether the user's hand is clenched or relaxed. In some embodiments, second piece 124 comprises the same fabric as forms the internal layer of palm section 110, but without the bonded ultra-thin grip coating. Second piece 124 is not subject to the tension, shear, and frictional forces of various other elements of golf glove 100 and, therefore, second piece 124 need not be thick or particularly durable. Rather, second piece 124, in some embodiments, is the thinnest, most flexible, and most breathable element of golf glove 100, and provides for the user's comfort above other considerations. In some embodiments, second piece 124 comprises an elastomeric-nylon weave fabric. In some embodiments, second piece 125 comprises an elastomeric-blended cotton and Spandex® fabric. In some embodiments, second piece 124 comprises a “fishnet” mesh-weave fabric. These aforementioned examples are not meant to be limiting; second piece 124 may be formed from any suitable elastomeric or non-elastomeric fabric known in the textile arts which is sufficiently lightweight and breathable to afford comfort to the user of golf glove 100.

Third piece 126, in some embodiments, comprises a plurality of segments wherein third piece 126 covers the distal segment of the user's fingers and thumb. Unlike second piece 122, third piece 124 is subject to some degree of increased stress and abrasion because third piece 124 covers the fingernails and thumbnail of a user of golf glove 100. Accordingly, third piece 126 is formed, in some embodiments, from a material that is relatively thicker and more durable, similar to first piece 122.

In some embodiments, first piece 122, third piece 126, or first piece 122 and third piece 126 comprise a plurality of ventilation holes 102, as shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b.

FIGS. 3a-c are rear perspective views of a donned glove with an ultrathin grip coating. As shown in FIGS. 3a-c, golf glove 100 fits snugly on the hand of a user. In the embodiments shown, closure tab 104 is coupled to and partially overlaps coupling patch 105, illustrating the continuous adjustability of the closure means across the full width of adjustable cutout 123.

FIG. 4a-d show detail of thumb section 130 of golf glove 100. Thumb section 130 is formed from patches of material separate from palm section 110 and dorsal section 120 to allow for greater flexibility and better fit of golf glove 100 over the thumb of a user. The shape of the elements comprising thumb section 130 is important to provide a smooth fit of glove 100 over the golfer's thumb.

FIG. 4a is a thumb-side perspective view of a donned golf glove 100 with an ultrathin grip coating. As shown in FIG. 4a, thumb section 130 comprises a first panel 132 coupled to third section 126. First panel 132 is coupled to third section 126, such as by stitching, use of an adhesive, a thermal means, or the like, similar to the coupling of other elements of golf glove 100. Similar to second piece 122 of dorsal section 120, first panel 132 of thumb section 130 comprises an elastomeric fabric, in some embodiments. This fabric is chosen based upon comfort-related properties such as breathability and flexibility over durability. This consideration is in keeping with first panel 132 covering the extensor surface of the user's thumb, and therefore needing to be elastomeric, stretching with thumb flection and returning to its original size and shape with relaxation or extension of the thumb.

FIG. 4b is front perspective view of a thumb section of a donned golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating. FIG. 4b shows a grip panel 136 of thumb section 130, coupled to first panel 132, third piece 126, and palm section 110. Grip panel 136 comprises an ultrathin coating-fabric composite. As shown in FIG. 4b, grip panel 136 is located on the palmar surface of glove 100, coupled to palm section 110. Therefore, when glove 100 is donned, grip panel 136 extends to cover the entire palmar surface of the golfer's thumb, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, grip panel 136 is formed from an identical coated fabric composite as the ultrathin coating-fabric composite of palm section 110, described in detail herein above. In some embodiments, grip panel 136 of thumb section 130 is formed from a similar ultrathin coating-fabric composite as the ultrathin coating-fabric composite of palm section 110. FIG. 4b additionally shows a flexion cutout 137 of palm section 110. Flexion cutout 137 is a notch-shape cut into the contour of an edge of palm section 110, in some embodiments, coupled which allows for increased flexibility of thumb section 130 without wrinkling or bunching grip panel 136 when the thumb is flexed, such as when gripping a golf club.

FIG. 4c and FIG. 4d show a rear-side perspective detail view of the coupling between first panel 132 of thumb section 130 and palm section 110. As these figures show, the coupled seam between palm section 110 and first panel 132 is a generally smooth curve interrupted by flexion cutout 137, in some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the steps of a method 200 of forming a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating. As shown in FIG. 5, method 200 comprises a coating step 210, a cutting step 220, and a coupling step 230.

Coating step 210 comprises coating a cloth material with a high-friction material to form an ultrathin coating-fabric composite. In some embodiments, the high-friction material is siliconized rubber; in some embodiments, another suitable high-friction material is used. This ultrathin coating is bonded to an underlying fabric and does not separate from the fabric. The coating-fabric composite is thin and flexible. An external surface of the coating-fabric composite contacts the club handle and, in some embodiments, is a glossy silicon surface with a high coefficient of friction. An internal surface of the ultrathin coating-fabric composite comprising uncoated woven cloth, in some embodiments. In some embodiments of method 200, the ultrathin grip coating is about two hundred (200) microns or less in thickness.

Cutting step 220 comprises cutting the coated fabric to form a palm section. A suitable cutting method utilizing a blade, such as a knife blade, a scissors blade, or an industrial cutting blade is used, in some embodiments. The palm section is cut to a predetermined size and shape according to a glove pattern, in some embodiments.

First coupling step 230 comprises coupling the palm section to a dorsal section. In some embodiments, stitching the palm section to the dorsal section is used. A coupling technique, including but not limited to, stitching, gluing, annealing, or the like is used, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, method 200 further comprises comprising a second coupling step wherein a grip section is coupled to the dorsal section.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the steps of a method 300 of using a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating. As shown in FIG. 6, method 300 comprises a donning step 310, an increasing step 320, a reducing step 330, and a swinging step 340.

Donning step 310 comprises donning a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating. Donning step 310 is performed, in some embodiments, by a golfer placing the golf glove on the golfer's non-dominant hand prior to beginning play. In some embodiments, donning step 310 further comprises selecting a properly sized glove. In some embodiments, donning step 310 further comprises adjusting and reversibly coupling a closure tab to a coupling patch as to create a snug fit of the glove over the golfer's palm without unduly constriction the golfer's gloved hand.

Increasing step 320 comprises increasing friction between an ultrathin grip coating and a golf club handle. The ultrathin grip coating provides the structure with which increasing step 320 is performed, wherein the ultrathin grip coating comprises a relatively thin, such as four hundred (400) microns, for example, coating-fabric composite, such as a cloth fabric material bonded to a siliconized rubber coating. This is by way of non-limiting example only, other cloth fabric materials and coatings are used to from the ultrathin coating-fabric composite, in some embodiments. The ultrathin grip coating, in some embodiments, completely overlays the golfer's palm and the palmer surface of the entire length of the golfer's fingers, such that increasing step 320 is accomplished by maximizing the surface area of the ultrathin grip coating in contact with the handle of a golf club.

Given that the total frictional force is the product of the coefficient of friction between two contacting materials and the surface area comprising the contacted surfaces, increasing either or both of 1) the coefficient of friction between the surfaces; and 2) the total surface-contacted surface are will increase the total frictional force. Embodiments of increasing step 300 accomplish increasing the friction between the ultrathin grip coating and the handle of a golf club by providing an ultrathin grip coating with a high coefficient of friction. Some embodiments of increasing step 200 additionally accomplish increasing the friction between the ultrathin grip coating and the handle of a golf club by covering the entire palmar surface of the golfer's hand and fingers, wherein the total contacted surface between the ultrathin grip coating and the golf club handle is maximal.

Reducing step 330 comprises reducing slippage of a golf club handle gripped by a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating. During a golf swing, and when hitting a golf ball, rotational torque is generate in the handle of the golf club gripped by the golfer. Friction between the golfer's hand and the club handle tends to oppose this rotational torque. Reducing step 330 is performed by virtue of the increased frictional force caused by increasing step 320. Reducing slippage of a golf club handle gripped by a golfer is greatly desired, because to his an accurate shot, the golf club should not slip or otherwise move within the hands of the golfer during the golf swing, or upon contacting the golf ball during the golf swing.

Given again that the total frictional force mentioned herein above is the product of the frictional force multiplied by that portion of the gripping force normal (perpendicular) to the contacted surfaces, increasing the total frictional force by increasing the coefficient of friction allows for decreasing the normal force; i.e., the golfer's gripping force on the club handle, while maintaining the same resistance to club slippage. Otherwise stated, reducing step 330 is accomplished by use of an ultrathin grip coating wherein the golfer may loosen his or her grip slightly without allowing slippage of the golf club handle as he or she swings the club and hits the shot. In golf, a firm but relaxed grip allows for accurate shots, while an excessively tight grip may create altered swing dynamics leading to inaccurate shots. The ultrathin coating-fabric composite, therefore, creates a higher number of accurate shots by allowing the golfer to relax the grip slightly while retaining the same amount of friction between the golf glove and the club grip surface.

Swinging step 340 comprises swinging a golf club gripped by a golf glove with an ultrathin coating-fabric composite. As discussed herein above, swinging a golf club with a relaxed but adequately firm grip without allowing slippage of the club allows for an accurate shot, depending upon the skill of the golfer.

A golf glove with ultrathin coating-fabric composite and a method of use has been described. The golf glove overcomes deficiencies in the prior art by providing a grip surface comprising a high-friction grip on a golf club handle, even when wet, while remaining lightweight, flexible, and effectively transmitting a high degree of tactile sensation to the hand and fingers of the user. The method of use effectively results in reduced slippage of a golf club handle swung by a golfer wearing a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating, eliminating missed shots caused by the golf club handle rotating in the golfer's hands during the golf swing.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above.

Claims

1. A golf glove comprising:

a palm section;

a dorsal section coupled to the palm section;

a thumb section coupled to the dorsal section and the palm section; and

an ultrathin coating-fabric composite coupled to the palm section.

2. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the palm section comprises the ultrathin coating-fabric composite coupled to an extent of the palm section covering the entire length of the palm section.

3. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the ultrathin coating-fabric composite comprises an extent of the palm section less than the entire palm section.

4. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the ultrathin coating-fabric composite is less than about six hundred (600) microns thick.

5. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the ultrathin coating-fabric composite is about four hundred (400) microns thick.

6. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the ultrathin coating-fabric composite is between about three hundred (300) and about one thousand (1,000) microns thick.

7. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the ultrathin coating-fabric composite comprises a silicone compound.

8. The golf glove of claim 7, wherein the ultrathin coating-fabric composite comprises a coating of about two hundred (200) microns or less in thickness.

9. The golf glove of claim 7, wherein the ultrathin coating-fabric composite comprises a coating of greater than about two hundred (200) microns in thickness.

10. The golf glove of claim 1, wherein the dorsal section comprises a first piece;

a second piece coupled to the first piece; and

a third piece coupled to the second piece, wherein the third piece comprises a ventilation hole.

11. The golf glove of claim 10, wherein the first piece comprises a ventilation hole.

12. The golf glove of claim 10, wherein the thumb section comprises a first panel coupled to the third piece and a grip panel coupled to the first panel and the third piece.

13. The golf glove of claim 12, wherein the grip panel comprises an ultrathin grip coating.

14. The golf glove of claim 12, wherein the grip panel comprises a flexion cutout.

15. A method of forming a golf glove comprising:

a coating step, wherein a fabric is coated with an ultrathin grip coating;

a cutting step, wherein the coated fabric is cut to form a palm section; and

a first coupling step, wherein the palm section is coupled to a dorsal section.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising a second coupling step wherein a grip section is coupled to the dorsal section.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the ultrathin grip coating is about two hundred (200) microns or less in thickness.

18. A method of using a golf glove comprising:

a donning step, wherein a user dons a golf glove with an ultrathin grip coating;

a gripping step, wherein the user grips a golf club handle of a golf club in the golf glove;

an increasing step, wherein the ultrathin grip coating increases friction between the golf glove and a golf club handle;

a reducing step, wherein the ultrathin grip coating reduces slippage of a golf club handle gripped by the user of the golf glove; and

a swinging step, wherein the user of the golf glove swings a golf club in contact with the ultrathin grip coating.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the reducing step further comprises reduction of rotational slippage of the golf club handle gripped by the user of the golf glove.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the ultrathin grip coating is about two hundred (200) microns or less in thickness.