WRIST ROTATION CONTROLLER FOR BOWLERS

Abstract

A device and method for restricting or enhancing wrist rotation uses an armband with an outer surface with loop or hook fasteners. An elongated flexible non-stretchable device wraps outwardly around the forearm when in use to prevent over-rotation of the wrist or wraps inwardly around the forearm when in use to prevent under-rotation of the wrist. The elongated device has an upper end portion, a lower end portion, and an inner surface with hook or loop fasteners. The elongated device can be removably and adjustably attached to the armband, and has a first connecting device affixed to the lower end portion. A gauntlet has a second connecting device affixed at the dorsal side of the thumb that is compatible with the first connecting device. The gauntlet may be constructed from material stretchable in a transverse direction of the hand but not stretchable in a longitudinal direction of the hand.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention described herein generally relate to a method and apparatus for improving control and accuracy in bowling, and more specifically to restricting or enhancing wrist rotation during the release of a bowling ball.

Related Art

The present invention relates to sports equipment, and more specifically to a wrist rotation controller for bowlers that functions by restricting or enhancing wrist rotation during release of the bowling ball. The angular position of a bowler's hand relative to the longitudinal axis of the bowler's forearm, as controlled largely by the rotation of the bowler's wrist, is critical to achieving the desired trajectory, rotation, and axis of rotation of the bowling ball upon release. In order to achieve good scores, therefore, the bowler must learn to maintain consistent position of his or her wrist during release of the ball. Unintentional over-rotation or under-rotation of the bowler's wrist during release of the ball can result in erratic ball movement, causing the bowling ball to deviate from its intended path.

More specifically, over-rotation often results when the bowler's wrist rotates so that the thumb is no longer near the uppermost position just prior to release. Instead, the thumb continues inward and downward as the wrist continues to rotate, so that the fingers end up near the top of the bowling ball just prior to release. This over-rotation, also called “topping the ball,” causes the bowling ball to transition to a horizontal reverse spin instead of the desired forward and sideways spin, thereby sapping energy and leading to the aforementioned erratic ball movement. The use of a fingertip ball, wherein the fingers extend only up to about the first knuckle in the finger holes of the ball, gives the bowler more leverage over the bowling ball, enhancing the desired forward spin of the ball when used properly. However, the use of a fingertip ball further exacerbates over-rotation in a bowler who is inexperienced or prone to the over-rotation problem. Occasionally, the opposite problem is encountered, wherein due to habit or physiology, the bowler under-rotates the ball, which also leads to lack of desired hook and poor trajectory control of the ball. Such under-rotation is sometimes referred to as “back-up ball.”

It is therefore desirable that a right handed bowler's thumb be between the eleven and twelve o'clock position at the point of release, and that a left handed bowler's thumb be between the twelve and one o'clock position at the point of release, in order to optimize control over the trajectory of the bowling ball. Stated in another way, the bowler's thumb should be between vertical and thirty degrees inwards from vertical relative to the bowler's forearm as controlled by rotation of the bowler's wrist, at the point of release. U.S. Pat. No. 8,480,502 (the '502 patent) attempts to accomplish such control of a bowler's wrist position by providing an adjustable band which was affixed to the bowler's forearm beneath the elbow and a flexible and non-stretchable elongated strap that was wrapped spirally about the bowler's forearm. The flexible and non-stretchable elongated strap terminated in a loop that wrapped around the bowler's thumb, thereby partially limiting rotation of the bowler's wrist.

However, the wrist rotation controller disclosed in the '502 patent has been found to possess several unexpected yet key deficiencies. Specifically, continued articulation of the thumb carpometacarpal joint and the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint allows the thumb metacarpal and/or the thumb proximal phalanx to rotate and/or translate about the thumb loop, resulting in insufficient restraint of over-rotation or under-rotation of the wrist. Furthermore, the strap material of the thumb loop tends to absorb sweat and fold upon itself or “bunch-up.” This results in decreased distribution of pressure over the flesh of the thumb, not only causing discomfort, but also further allowing rotation of the wrist as the thumb loop sinks into the flesh and muscles of the thumb.

Additionally, once in place on a bowler's arm, the wrist rotation controller disclosed in the '502 patent is difficult to remove without detaching the flexible and non-stretchable elongated strap from the adjustable band affixed to the bowler's forearm. Repeated detachment and reattachment of the flexible and non-stretchable elongated strap from the adjustable band can cause inconsistent placement of the flexible and non-stretchable elongated strap, which can inhibit the bowler's training and performance.

Accordingly, there is yet an unmet need for a method and apparatus for improving control and accuracy in bowling by more effectively restricting or enhancing wrist rotation during the release of a bowling ball.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller described herein relate to such a method and apparatus for improving control and accuracy in bowling by more effectively restricting or enhancing wrist rotation during the release of a bowling ball. The Improved Wrist Rotation Controller includes an adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband that wraps around the forearm beneath the elbow. The adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband has an inner layer of stretchable comfort fabric, a middle layer of stretchable, resilient, and non-absorbent sponge-like material such as Neoprene, and an outer layer of elastic or stretchable fabric material that includes the fuzzy loop portion of hook and loop fastener commonly sold under the trademark Velcro. The adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband has a free end portion having a section of the hook portion of the Velcro hook and loop fastener. The adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband also has an opposite end portion having a rigid rectangular two slot buckle, or “tri-buckle” through one slot of which the opposite end portion of the adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband is looped and permanently sewn in place.

In order to affix the adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband to the bowler's forearm just below the elbow, the free end portion of the adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband is passed through the remaining free slot of the rigid rectangular two slot buckle, reversed back upon itself, tightened, and the hook portion of the Velcro hook and loop fastener engaged with the fuzzy loop portion of the Velcro hook and loop portion that is the outer layer of the adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband. While the adjustable band of the '502 patent used a similar arrangement, the '502 patent utilized a single slot buckle. This resulted in a tendency for the adjustable band of the '502 patent to twist within the buckle, pulling the buckle out of alignment, and possibly allowing the adjustable band to loosen and rotate, with detrimental effects to the effectiveness of the '502 patent arrangement. The rigid rectangular two slot buckle of the present invention resists any tendency of the adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband to twist.

The Improved Wrist Rotation Controller further includes a gauntlet having a thumb-hole, a first finger-hole, and a common second through fourth finger-hole. A connector such as a buckle pin, eye, snap, or clasp, is affixed to the gauntlet at the dorsal side of the thumb metacarpal proximate to the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint. An elongated flexible non-stretchable device is provided and has an upper end portion with a width of at least about two inches, a lower end portion that tapers down to a width of about one inch, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The lower end portion of the elongated flexible non-stretchable device has a mating connector compatible with the connector affixed to the gauntlet, such as a buckle loop, hook, snap, or clasp. The inner surface of the elongated flexible non-stretchable device is provided with low profile hook fasteners such as are sold under the trademark Velcro Industrial Strength—Low Profile. The low profile hook fasteners have been found by the inventor of the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller of the present invention to have properties conducive to comfortable skin contact, such as being curved fully inward upon themselves and being sufficiently dense in arrangement as to present a non-irritating surface.

The elongated flexible non-stretchable device is connected to the gauntlet by way of the mating connector, and is wrapped outwardly around the forearm when in use to prevent over-rotation of the wrist, or is wrapped inwardly around the forearm when in use to prevent under-rotation of the wrist, and then affixed to the adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband. The use of the low profile hook fasteners allows the hook fasteners to be oriented on the inner surface of the elongated flexible non-stretchable device without irritating the skin of the bowler's arm. In this way, the elongated flexible non-stretchable device may then be directly engaged with the adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband at almost any point along its outer surface, without requiring a separate outward facing hook fastener section on the armband as used in the '502 patent. Specifically, the '502 patent strap had an inner surface of loop fasteners in order to avoid contact between the skin of the arm and the aggressive higher profile hook fasteners. This required the armband of the '502 patent to have a small area of hook fasteners attached to its outer surface, in order to attach the strap, thereby limiting its attachment location. The present invention's use of low profile hook fasteners on the inner surface of the elongated flexible non-stretchable device allows the elongated flexible non-stretchable device to be precisely placed according to the needs of the bowler, largely without concern for the orientation of the adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband.

The gauntlet itself is of unique construction, being made of a palm covering and a backhand covering, both of which are stretchable in the transverse direction but not stretchable in the longitudinal direction. The palm covering and the backhand covering terminate in the direction of the forearm at a cuff, and are separated by a cuff slit which is provided for easy donning and removal of the gauntlet. A cuff strap is usable to tighten the gauntlet to the hand by way of Velcro hook and loop fasteners affixed to the inner surface of the cuff strap and to the base of the backhand covering. At the outer edge proximate to the fourth finger, the palm covering and the backhand covering are joined by an expandable side panel, which may also be stretchable in the transverse direction but not stretchable in the longitudinal direction. The inner edge of the palm covering and the backhand covering are joined by a thumb gusset, which together form the thumb hole. The thumb gusset may also be stretchable in the transverse direction but not stretchable in the longitudinal direction.

The palm covering, the backhand covering, and the thumb gusset, to which the connector is affixed, encompass the thumb metacarpal from the end of the cuff slit near the thumb carpometacarpal joint to and at least partially including the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint. The palm covering and the backhand covering are again joined between the thumb and first finger, and between the first finger and the second finger. The palm covering and the backhand covering may thereby completely encompass the first finger metacarpophalangeal joint. The palm covering, the backhand covering, and the expandable side panel together form the common second through fourth finger-hole, which may progressively expose the second through fourth finger metacarpophalangeal joints. In order to allow a degree of flexure of the finger metacarpophalangeal joints notwithstanding the otherwise longitudinally non-stretchable palm covering and backhand covering, knuckle windows may be provided having therein stretchable fabric.

According to one embodiment of the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller, an armband has an outer surface with loop fasteners or hook fasteners. An elongated flexible non-stretchable device is adapted to be wrapped outwardly around the forearm when in use to prevent over-rotation of the wrist or to be wrapped inwardly around the forearm when in use to prevent under-rotation of the wrist. The elongated flexible non-stretchable device has an upper end portion, a lower end portion, and an inner surface with hook fasteners or loop fasteners. The elongated flexible non-stretchable device can be removably and adjustably attached to the armband, and has a first connecting device affixed to the lower end portion. A gauntlet has a second connecting device affixed at the dorsal side of the thumb that is compatible with the first connecting device.

According to another embodiment of the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller, a gauntlet is provided for a wrist rotation controller for restricting or enhancing wrist rotation that has an elongated flexible non-stretchable device adapted to be wrapped outwardly around the forearm when in use to prevent over-rotation of the wrist and to be wrapped inwardly around the forearm when in use to prevent under-rotation of the wrist. The gauntlet has a connecting device affixed at the dorsal side of the thumb and operable to be connected to the elongated flexible non-stretchable device.

According to another embodiment of the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller, a method for restricting or enhancing wrist rotation includes several steps. The first step is providing an armband with an outer surface having one of loop fasteners and hook fasteners. The second step is providing an elongated flexible non-stretchable device having an upper end portion, a lower end portion, an inner surface having one of hook fasteners and loop fasteners, and a first connecting device affixed to the lower end portion. The third step is removably and adjustably attaching the elongated flexible non-stretchable device being to the armband using the hook and loop fasteners. The fourth step is wrapping the elongated flexible non-stretchable device outwardly around the forearm when in use to prevent over-rotation of the wrist or inwardly around the forearm when in use to prevent under-rotation of the wrist. The fifth step is providing a gauntlet having a second connecting device affixed at the dorsal side of the thumb and compatible with the first connecting device. The sixth step is connecting the first connecting device to the second connecting device.

By use of the longitudinally non-stretchable palm covering and backhand covering, by encompassing the thumb metacarpal from the thumb carpometacarpal joint to and at least partially including the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint, and by completely encompassing the first finger metacarpophalangeal joint, the gauntlet of the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller better distributes the tension provided by the elongated flexible non-stretchable device over the thumb and first finger. This better prevents unwanted over-rotation or under-rotation of the bowler's wrist. More specifically, distribution of the tension over a large area of the thumb and first finger, being furthest from the longitudinal centerline of the forearm and wrist, gives the elongated flexible non-stretchable device greater leverage over the muscles of the forearm and hand.

Furthermore, the thumb carpometacarpal joint and the thumb metacarpal are limited in their articulation by the longitudinally non-stretchable palm covering, backhand covering, and thumb gusset encompassing the thumb metacarpal from the thumb carpometacarpal joint to and at least partially including the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint, thereby preventing or limiting the thumb metacarpal and/or the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint from translating in the direction of the palm relative to the rest of the hand in order to overcome said tension and allow the wrist to twist about the longitudinal centerline of the forearm. Similarly, the first finger carpometacarpal joint and first finger metacarpal are limited in their articulation by the longitudinally non-stretchable palm covering and backhand covering encompassing the first finger metacarpal from the first finger carpometacarpal joint to and fully including the first finger metacarpophalangeal joint, thereby preventing or limiting the first finger metacarpal and/or the first finger metacarpophalangeal joint from translating in the direction of the palm relative to the rest of the hand in to overcome the tension and allow the wrist to twist about the longitudinal centerline of the forearm. Yet the knuckle windows having therein stretchable fabric and the progressive exposure of the finger metacarpophalangeal joints allows the metacarpophalangeal joints to articulate to a progressively greater extent from the first finger to the fourth finger, even while the metacarpals and metacarpophalangeal joints of the thumb and fingers are restricted from translating forward about the thumb and finger carpometacarpal joints.

The gauntlet of the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller distributes the tension over a larger surface area of the thumb and first finger, thereby resisting any tendency to bunch up and sink into the flesh of the thumb. The longitudinally non-stretchable nature of the palm covering and backhand covering, and possibly the longitudinally non-stretchable nature of the expandable side panel, additionally facilitates delivery of residual tension about the circumference of the hand by resisting twisting of the gauntlet itself. The gauntlet itself is ambidextrous so that it may be conveniently used by multiple persons. The use of a connector between the thumb gusset of the gauntlet and the elongated flexible non-stretchable device allows for temporary removal of the gauntlet while leaving the elongated flexible non-stretchable device engaged with the adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband, or temporary removal of the adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband while leaving the gauntlet in place. The gauntlet and elongated flexible non-stretchable device are readily reconfigurable from restricting wrist rotation to enhancing wrist rotation. Termination of the gauntlet at or just past the metacarpophalangeal joints allows the fingers themselves sufficient articulation for the use of either a fingertip bowling ball or a conventional bowling ball, without interfering with finger penetration into the bowling ball holes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features of embodiments of the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller, and the manner of their working, will become more apparent and will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a bowler's right forearm having an embodiment of the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller, as described herein;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a bowler's right forearm supporting a bowling ball and having an embodiment of the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller, as described herein;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a bowler's right forearm having an embodiment of the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller, as described herein;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a bowler's right forearm having an embodiment of the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller, as described herein; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller, as described herein.

Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, embodiments of the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller 10 are shown. FIG. 2 shows the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller 10 in use with the bowler grasping a bowling ball 20, whereas FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 show the bowler wearing the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller 10 without the bowling ball 20. In FIGS. 1 through 4, an adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband 40 is snugly affixed to the forearm B just beneath the elbow A. The adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband 40 has an outer layer of elastic or stretchable fabric material having the fuzzy loop fastener portion of hook and loop fasteners 50.

An elongated flexible non-stretchable device 60 (not shown in FIG. 3) has an upper end portion 62 having a width of at least about two inches, a lower end portion 64 that tapers down to a width of about one inch, an inner surface 66 (not visible in FIGS. 1-4), and an outer surface 68. The inner surface 66 of the elongated flexible non-stretchable device 60 is provided with low profile hook fasteners 70 such as the Velcro Industrial Strength—Low Profile hook fasteners previously discussed (also not visible in FIGS. 1-4). The low profile hook fasteners 70 are engaged with the outer layer of elastic or stretchable fabric material having the fuzzy loop fastener portion of hook and loop fasteners 50 of the adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband 40. The elongated flexible non-stretchable device 60 wraps outwardly around the forearm B when in use to prevent over-rotation of the wrist C (as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4), or wraps inwardly around the forearm B when in use to prevent under-rotation of the wrist C. The elongated flexible non-stretchable device 60 connects to a gauntlet 80 on the hand D of the bowler using a mating connector 72 on the elongated flexible non-stretchable device 60 and a mating connector 104 on the gauntlet 80 at the dorsal side of the thumb K. The mating connector 72 and the mating connector 104 may be a buckle pin and loop arrangement, a hook and eye arrangement, snaps, or clasps.

The gauntlet 80 is constructed of a palm covering 90 and a backhand covering 94, and has a thumb-hole 100, a first finger-hole 106, and a common second through fourth finger-hole 108. The palm covering 90 and backhand covering 94 are stretchable in the transverse direction 38 of the hand D but not stretchable in the longitudinal direction 36 of the hand D. The palm covering 90 and backhand covering 94 terminate in the direction of the forearm B at a cuff 82. A cuff slit 84 allows for easy donning and removal of the gauntlet 80, which is snugly retained on the hand D using a cuff strap 86 having hook and loop fasteners 88 (not visible in FIGS. 1-4). An expandable side panel 98 (not visible in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4) joins the palm covering 90 and the backhand covering 94 at the outer edge proximate to the fourth finger E4. The expandable side panel 98 may also be stretchable in the transverse direction 38 but not stretchable in the longitudinal direction 36 of the hand D. A thumb gusset 102, to which the mating connector 104 is attached, joins the inner edge of the palm covering 90 and the backhand covering 94. The thumb gusset 102 may also be stretchable in the transverse direction 38 of the hand D but not stretchable in the longitudinal direction 36 of the hand D.

The palm covering 90, the backhand covering 94, and the thumb gusset 102 together form the thumb-hole 100, thereby encompassing the thumb metacarpal M of the thumb K from the end of the cuff slit 84 near the thumb carpometacarpal joint L to and at least partially including the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint N. The palm covering 90 and the backhand covering 94 are again joined between the thumb K and first finger E1, and between the first finger E1 and the second finger E2, forming the first finger-hole 106. The palm covering 90 and the backhand covering 94 thereby may completely encompass the first finger metacarpophalangeal joint H1. The palm covering 90, the backhand covering 94, and the expandable side panel 98 together form the common second through fourth finger-hole 108, which may progressively expose the second through fourth finger metacarpophalangeal joints H2 through H4. In order to allow a degree of flexure of the finger metacarpophalangeal joints H1 through H4 notwithstanding the otherwise longitudinally non-stretchable palm covering 90 and backhand covering 94, knuckle windows 92 and 96 may be provided having therein stretchable fabric.

The longitudinally non-stretchable palm covering 90 and backhand covering 94, in conjunction with the thumb gusset 102 and the expandable side panel 98, thereby completely encompasses the thumb metacarpal M from the thumb carpometacarpal joint L to and at least partially including the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint N, and the finger metacarpals G1 through G4 from the finger carpometacarpal joints F1 through F4 to the first finger metacarpophalangeal joint H1, which may be completely encompassed, and to the second through fourth finger metacarpophalangeal joints H2 through H4, which may be progressively exposed, as noted previously. In this way, the gauntlet 80 better distributes the tension provided by the elongated flexible non-stretchable device 60 over the thumb K and first finger E1, which are furthest from the longitudinal axis 30 of the wrist C and forearm B, thereby preventing unwanted over-rotation or under-rotation of the bowler's wrist C about the longitudinal axis 30. Rotation of the wrist C about the vertical axis 32 and about the lateral axis 34 remain relatively unimpeded.

As noted previously, the thumb carpometacarpal joint L and the thumb metacarpal M are limited in their articulation by the longitudinally non-stretchable palm covering 90, backhand covering 94, and thumb gusset 102 encompassing the thumb metacarpal M from the thumb carpometacarpal joint L to and at least partially including the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint N. The first finger carpometacarpal joint F1 and first finger metacarpal G1 are limited in their articulation by the longitudinally non-stretchable palm covering 90 and backhand covering 94 encompassing the first finger metacarpal G1 from the first finger carpometacarpal joint F1 to and fully including the first finger metacarpophalangeal joint H1. This prevents or limits the thumb metacarpal M, the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint N, the first finger metacarpal G1, and/or the first finger metacarpophalangeal joint H1 from translating in the direction of the palm relative to the rest of the hand D in order to overcome the tension provided by the elongated flexible non-stretchable device 60 and allow the wrist to twist C about the longitudinal centerline 30 of the forearm B.

Meanwhile, the knuckle windows 92 and 96 having therein stretchable fabric and the progressive exposure of the finger metacarpophalangeal joints H1 through H4 allows the finger metacarpophalangeal joints H1 through H4 to articulate to a progressively greater extent from the first finger E1 to the fourth finger E4, even while the metacarpals M and G1 through G4 and metacarpophalangeal joints N and H1 through H4 of the thumb K and fingers E1 through E4 are restricted from translating forward about the thumb and finger carpometacarpal joints L and F1 through F4. This allows the thumb proximal phalanx P and the finger proximal phalanges J1 through J4 sufficient motion for the thumb K and fingers E1 through E4 to properly engage the bowling ball.

Turning now to FIG. 5, the components of an embodiment of the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller 10 are shown. An adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband 40 has an inner layer of stretchable comfort fabric 48, a middle layer of stretchable, resilient, and non-absorbent sponge-like material such as Neoprene 46, and an outer layer of elastic or stretchable fabric material having the fuzzy loop fastener portion of hook and loop fasteners 50. The adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband 40 also has a free end portion 42 having a section of the hook portion 44 of hook and loop fastener, and an opposite end portion 52 having a rigid rectangular two slot buckle 54, or “tri-buckle,” through one slot of which the opposite end portion 52 of the adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband 40 is looped and permanently sewn in place. In order to affix the adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband 40 to the bowler's forearm B (not shown), the free end portion 42 passed through the remaining free slot of the rigid rectangular two slot buckle 54, reversed back upon itself, and the section of hook portion 44 of the hook and loop fastener engaged with the fuzzy loop portion that is the outer layer 50 of the adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband 40. The rigid rectangular two slot buckle 54 thereby resists any tendency of the adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband 40 to twist.

An elongated flexible non-stretchable device 60 again has an upper end portion 62 having a width of at least about two inches, a lower end portion 64 that tapers down to a width of about one inch, an inner surface 66, and an outer surface 68. The inner surface 66 of the elongated flexible non-stretchable device 60 is provided with low profile hook fasteners 70 such as the Velcro Industrial Strength—Low Profile hook fasteners previously discussed. When in use, the low profile hook fasteners 70 are engaged with the outer layer of elastic or stretchable fabric material having the fuzzy loop fastener portion of hook and loop fasteners 50 of the adjustable elastic flexible multiple layer armband 40. When in use, the elongated flexible non-stretchable device 60 wraps outwardly around the forearm B (not shown) when in use to prevent over-rotation of the wrist C (not shown), or wraps inwardly around the forearm B when in use to prevent under-rotation of the wrist C. The elongated flexible non-stretchable device 60 again connects to a gauntlet 80 on the hand D (not shown) of the bowler using a mating connector 72 on the elongated flexible non-stretchable device 60 and a mating connector 104 on the gauntlet 80 at the dorsal side of the thumb K (not shown). The mating connector 72 and the mating connector 104 may be a buckle pin and loop arrangement, a hook and eye arrangement, snaps, or clasps.

The gauntlet 80 is again constructed of a palm covering 90 (not visible) and a backhand covering 94, and has a thumb-hole 100, a first finger-hole 106, and a common second through fourth finger-hole 108. The palm covering 90 and backhand covering 94 are again stretchable in the transverse direction 38 of the hand D but not stretchable in the longitudinal direction 36 of the hand D. The palm covering 90 and backhand covering 94 terminate in the direction of the forearm B at a cuff 82, again having a cuff slit 84 and a cuff strap 86 having hook and loop fasteners 88. An expandable side panel 98 again joins the palm covering 90 and the backhand covering 94 at the outer edge, and may also be stretchable in the transverse direction 38 but not stretchable in the longitudinal direction 36 of the hand D. A thumb gusset 102, to which the mating connector 104 is attached, again joins the inner edge of the palm covering 90 and the backhand covering 94, and may also be stretchable in the transverse direction 38 of the hand D but not stretchable in the longitudinal direction 36 of the hand D. The palm covering 90, the backhand covering 94, and the thumb gusset 102 again together form the thumb-hole 100. The palm covering 90 and the backhand covering 94 again form the first finger-hole 106. The palm covering 90, the backhand covering 94, and the expandable side panel 98 again together form the common second through fourth finger-hole 108. Knuckle windows 92 (not visible) and 96 may again be provided having therein stretchable fabric.

While the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the Improved Wrist Rotation Controller using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wrist rotation controller for restricting or enhancing wrist rotation, comprising:

an armband having an outer surface having one of loop fasteners and hook fasteners;

an elongated flexible non-stretchable device adapted to be wrapped outwardly around the forearm when in use to prevent over-rotation of the wrist and to be wrapped inwardly around the forearm when in use to prevent under-rotation of the wrist, the elongated flexible non-stretchable device having an upper end portion, a lower end portion, and an inner surface having one of hook fasteners and loop fasteners, the elongated flexible non-stretchable device being removably and adjustably attachable to the armband, and having a first connecting device affixed to the lower end portion; and

a gauntlet having a second connecting device affixed at the dorsal side of the thumb and compatible with the first connecting device.

2. The wrist rotation controller of claim 1, wherein:

the gauntlet is made of material stretchable in a transverse direction of the hand but not stretchable in a longitudinal direction of the hand.

3. The wrist rotation controller of claim 2, further comprising:

a palm covering, a backhand covering, an expandable side panel, and a thumb gusset;

wherein the second connecting device is affixed to the thumb gusset; and

and wherein at least one of the palm covering, backhand covering, expandable side panel, and thumb gusset is stretchable in the transverse direction but not stretchable in the longitudinal direction.

4. The wrist rotation controller of claim 3, wherein:

the palm covering, the backhand covering, and the thumb gusset form a thumb hole, and encompass the thumb metacarpal from the thumb carpometacarpal joint to and at least partially including the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint;

the palm covering and the backhand covering form a first finger hole, and encompass the first finger metacarpal from the first finger carpometacarpal joint to and completely encompassing the first finger metacarpophalangeal joint; and

palm covering, backhand covering, and expandable side panel form common second through fourth finger-hole, and progressively expose the second through fourth finger metacarpophalangeal joints.

5. The wrist rotation controller of claim 4, further comprising:

at least one knuckle window having therein stretchable fabric located within the backhand covering.

6. The wrist rotation controller of claim 1, wherein:

at least one of: the inner surface of the elongated flexible non-stretchable device being provided with low profile hook fasteners; the first connecting device being one of a buckle loop, a hook, a snap, and a clasp; the second connecting device being one of a buckle pin, an eye, a snap, and a clasp; the upper end portion of the elongated flexible non-stretchable device having a width of at least about two inches; and the lower end portion of the elongated flexible non-stretchable device tapering down to a width of about one inch.

7. The wrist rotation controller of claim 1, wherein:

the armband further having at least one of: a two slot buckle; and an inner layer of stretchable fabric, a middle layer of stretchable, resilient, non-absorbent sponge-like material, and an outer layer of stretchable fabric material that includes the loop portion of hook and loop fastener.

8. A gauntlet for a wrist rotation controller for restricting or enhancing wrist rotation having an elongated flexible non-stretchable device adapted to be wrapped outwardly around the forearm when in use to prevent over-rotation of the wrist and to be wrapped inwardly around the forearm when in use to prevent under-rotation of the wrist, the gauntlet comprising:

a connecting device affixed at the dorsal side of the thumb and operable to be connected to the elongated flexible non-stretchable device.

9. The gauntlet of claim 8, wherein:

the gauntlet is made of material stretchable in a transverse direction of the hand but not stretchable in a longitudinal direction of the hand.

10. The gauntlet of claim 9, further comprising:

a palm covering, a backhand covering, an expandable side panel, and a thumb gusset;

wherein the connecting device is affixed to the thumb gusset; and

and wherein at least one of the palm covering, backhand covering, expandable side panel, and thumb gusset is stretchable in the transverse direction but not stretchable in the longitudinal direction.

11. The gauntlet of claim 10, wherein:

the palm covering, the backhand covering, and the thumb gusset form a thumb hole, and encompass the thumb metacarpal from the thumb carpometacarpal joint to and at least partially including the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint;

the palm covering and the backhand covering form a first finger hole, and encompass the first finger metacarpal from the first finger carpometacarpal joint to and completely encompassing the first finger metacarpophalangeal joint; and

palm covering, backhand covering, and expandable side panel form common second through fourth finger-hole, and progressively expose the second through fourth finger metacarpophalangeal joints.

12. The gauntlet of claim 11, further comprising:

at least one knuckle window having therein stretchable fabric located within the backhand covering.

13. A method for restricting or enhancing wrist rotation, comprising the steps of:

providing an armband with an outer surface having one of loop fasteners and hook fasteners;

providing an elongated flexible non-stretchable device having an upper end portion, a lower end portion, an inner surface having one of hook fasteners and loop fasteners, and a first connecting device affixed to the lower end portion;

removably and adjustably attaching the elongated flexible non-stretchable device being to the armband using the hook and loop fasteners;

wrapping the elongated flexible non-stretchable device outwardly around the forearm when in use to prevent over-rotation of the wrist or inwardly around the forearm when in use to prevent under-rotation of the wrist;

providing a gauntlet having a second connecting device affixed at the dorsal side of the thumb and compatible with the first connecting device; and

connecting the first connecting device to the second connecting device.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of:

making the gauntlet out of material stretchable in a transverse direction of the hand but not stretchable in a longitudinal direction of the hand.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of:

assembling the gauntlet to include a palm covering, a backhand covering, an expandable side panel, and a thumb gusset, at least one of the palm covering, the backhand covering, the expandable side panel, and the thumb gusset being stretchable in the transverse direction but not stretchable in the longitudinal direction; and

affixing the second connecting device to the thumb gusset.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of:

forming a thumb hole using the palm covering, the backhand covering, and the thumb gusset, and encompassing therewith the thumb metacarpal from the thumb carpometacarpal joint to and at least partially including the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint;

forming a first finger hole using the palm covering and the backhand covering, and encompassing therewith the first finger metacarpal from the first finger carpometacarpal joint to and completely encompassing the first finger metacarpophalangeal joint; and

forming a common second through fourth finger-hole using the palm covering, the backhand covering, and the expandable side panel, and progressively exposing therewith the second through fourth finger metacarpophalangeal joints.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of:

providing at least one knuckle window having therein stretchable fabric within the backhand covering.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of:

providing the inner surface of the elongated flexible non-stretchable device with low profile hook fasteners.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein:

at least one of: the first connecting device being one of a buckle loop, a hook, a snap, and a clasp; the second connecting device being one of a buckle pin, an eye, a snap, and a clasp; the upper end portion of the elongated flexible non-stretchable device having a width of at least about two inches; and the lower end portion of the elongated flexible non-stretchable device tapering down to a width of about one inch.

20. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of:

providing the armband further with at least one of: a two slot buckle; and an inner layer of stretchable fabric, a middle layer of stretchable, resilient, non-absorbent sponge-like material, and an outer layer of stretchable fabric material that includes the loop portion of hook and loop fastener.