GOLF GLOVES

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates to a golf glove, and in particular to a golf glove for reducing injury to the hand and wrist whilst playing golf.Background of the invention

[0002] Golf injury in general is common, with on average seven of ten amateur and nine of ten professional golfers experiencing an injury during their playing career. Moreover, injury rates relating to golf participation has increased in the past 15 years. This is primarily due to three factors: (1) increased population participation, (2) changes in golf equipment allowing greater swing speeds, and (3) new teaching practices and techniques which place the leading wrist and hand under new and extreme forces resulting in injury. Leading wrist injury is now the most common anatomical site of injury in the golfing population. These leading wrist injuries encompass both Musculoskeletal and neurological structures. Currently available golf gloves comprise padding placed over the pad of the thenar eminence and over the hypothenar eminence. This formation of padding is over 50 years old, and was created to account for a neutral grip and that the more traditional golf swing was based on a cocking and un-cocking motion. The current golf swing favours a stronger grip, a shut face at the top of the back swing and a delayed release of energy on the down swing. Current golf gloves do not take these elements into account and therefore do not provide sufficient support in key areas.

[0003] In the past 10 years there have been some efforts to create golf gloves that protect painful and / or arthritic hands. These gloves have been non-conforming to the rules of the R & A and the USGA and therefore cannot be deployed in competitive golf. Other alliterations have proven to be cumbersome and incongruous to the normal functioning of a golf swing.

[0004] US 4 882 787 A discloses a golf glove comprising a glove portion configured to conform generally to at least a portion of the anatomy of the hand and a support layer configured to protect at least portions of the wrist and / or hand from forces exerted thereon during a golf swing, the support layer being sized, dimensioned and / or located to protect one or more of the Carpal Tunnel, Guyon's Canal, Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Tendon, Triangular Fibrocartilage, Palmar Aponeurosis, and / or the Hamate Bone.

[0005] It is desirable to provide a golf glove that provides protection from injury yet complies with the regulations set by official golfing bodies.Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to the invention there is provided a golf glove comprising the features of claim 1.

[0007] Preferably, the glove portion comprises individual sleeves for each finger and thumb.

[0008] Ideally, the glove portion comprises a palmer surface, a dorsal surface, an ulnar side, a radial side, first to fifth digit portions, and a wrist portion which, in use, conform generally and align with the palmer surface, dorsal surface, ulnar side, radial side, first to fifth digits and wrist of a hand placed therein.

[0009] Preferably, the support layer extends generally across the palmer surface of the glove portion from the radial side thereof to the ulnar side thereof.

[0010] Ideally, the support layer comprises a palmer boarder which extends generally across the palmer surface of the glove portion.

[0011] Preferably, the palmer boarder extends in an oblique fashion.

[0012] Ideally, the palmer boarder extends in an oblique fashion from at or about the base of the glove at the radial side thereof, or the wrist portion, towards the fifth digit / small finger portion.

[0013] Preferably, the support layer covers the portion of the glove below the palmer boarder.

[0014] Ideally, in use, the palmer boarder extends generally across the palmer surface of the glove portion in an oblique fashion from at or about the proximal wrist crease adjacent the thumb to a location at or about the base of proximal phalange of the fifth digit / small finger.

[0015] Preferably, the support layer covers the portion of the glove between the palmer boarder and the base of the glove.

[0016] Ideally, the support layer extends around the ulnar side of the glove portion.

[0017] Preferably, the support layer extends around the ulnar side of the glove portion and towards the dorsal surface of the glove portion.

[0018] Preferably, an ulnar stitch line is located generally along the ulnar side of the golf glove.

[0019] Ideally, the ulnar stitch line extends from generally proximal the base of the glove towards the distal end of the glove.

[0020] Preferably, the support layer extends across the ulnar stitch line form the palmer surface of the glove portion to the dorsal surface thereof.

[0021] Ideally, the support layer comprises a single or variable thickness, the thickness being no more than 0.635mm at any location on the support layer.

[0022] Preferably, the first portion of the support layer comprises a rise or ramped portion whereat the thickness of the first portion of the support layer is gradually increased so as to transition between the first thickness and the second thickness.

[0023] Ideally, the first thickness is approximately 0.5mm.

[0024] Preferably, the second thickness is approximately 0.635mm.

[0025] Ideally, the second thickness is no more than 0.635mm.

[0026] Preferably, the rise or ramped portion is proximal the first end of the first portion of the support layer and extends approximately 3mm therefrom.

[0027] Preferably, the second portion of the support layer comprises a constant thickness of approximately but not more than 0.635mm.

[0028] Preferably, the third portion of the support layer extends across the ulnar stitch line form the palmer surface of the glove portion to the dorsal surface thereof.

[0029] Ideally, the third portion of the support layer extends around the ulnar side of the glove portion and approximately 2mm onto the dorsal surface of the glove portion.

[0030] Preferably, the third portion of the support layer comprises a thickness of approximately but not more than 0.635mm.

[0031] Ideally, the ulnar stitch line is reinforced with an overlock, mattress and lattice type stitching pattern. Preferably, the ulnar stitch line comprises a combination of reinforced injected composite yarn selected from, for example, Gortex, E-glass, Basalt and Carbon.

[0032] Ideally, the ulnar stitch line is formed externally of the support layer.

[0033] Ideally, the first, second, and third portions of the support layer are formed as a unitary layer. Alternatively, the first, second, and third portions of the support layer may be formed as separate layers.

[0034] Preferably, the support layer is attached to the glove portion by any suitable means such as but not limited to stitching, adhesive bonding, or fabric welding.

[0035] Alternatively, the support layer may be formed within the glove portion, for example the glove portion may comprise a plurality of layers and the support layer may be formed between two layers of the glove portion.

[0036] According to a second aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method of manufacturing a golf glove comprising the steps of: forming a glove portion, forming a support layer, attaching the support layer or integrating said support layer into the glove portion such that the support layer is sized, dimensioned and / or located to protect one or more of the Carpal Tunnel, Guyon's Canal, Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Tendon, Triangular Fibrocartilage, Palmar Aponeurosis, and / or the Hamate Bone. Ideally, the method comprising the steps attaching or integrating the support layer such that it extends generally across the palmer surface of the glove portion from the radial side thereof to the ulnar side thereof.

[0037] Preferably, the method comprising the step of, by attaching or integrating the support layer, forming a palmer boarder which extends generally across the palmer surface of the glove portion in an oblique fashion from at or about the base of the glove at the radial side thereof, or the wrist portion, towards the fifth digit / small finger portion, preferably the support layer covering the portion of the glove below the palmer boarder.Brief description of the drawings

[0038] An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a golf glove showing the palmer side surface of the glove; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the dorsal side of the glove of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the golf glove of Figure 1 in use; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the ulnar side of the golf glove of Figure 1; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of the golf glove of Figure 1 showing portions of a support layer thereof. Detailed Description of the drawings

[0039] The present teaching will now be described with reference to an exemplary golf glove. It will be understood that the exemplary golf glove is provided to assist in an understanding of the present teaching and are not to be construed as limiting in any fashion. The scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims.

[0040] Referring now to the Figures there is illustrated a golf glove 10 comprising a glove portion 11 configured to conform generally to the anatomy of the hand and a support layer 12 configured to protect at least portions of the wrist and / or hand from forces exerted thereon during a golf swing. The support layer is sized, dimensioned and located to protect the Carpal Tunnel, Guyon's Canal, Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Tendon, Triangular Fibrocartilage, Palmar Aponeurosis, and the Hamate Bone. Advantageously, this provides support / protection of the portions of the hand and wrist which experience significant stress during the motion of a modern golf swing. The glove portion comprises a palmer surface 13, a dorsal surface 14, an ulnar side 15, a radial side 16, first to fifth digit portions 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and a wrist portion 22 which, in use, conform generally and align with the palmer surface, dorsal surface, ulnar side, radial side, first to fifth digits and wrist of a hand placed therein. For clarity, the ulnar side of the hand is herein defined as the side having the fifth digit / small finger 21 and the radial side is the side of the hand having the first digit / thumb 17. The Palmer surface is defined as the surface of side of the hand which comprises the palm and the dorsal surface 14 is the opposing surface, or more generally the back of the hand. The first to fifth digits 1, 18, 19, 20, 21 are sequentially numbered starting with the thumb 17 and ending with the small finger 21. The glove portion 11 may, for example, take the form of a known standard golf glove.

[0041] The support layer 12 extends generally across the palmer surface 13 of the glove portion 11 from the radial side 16 thereof to the ulnar side 15 thereof and forms a palmer boarder 23 which extends generally across the palmer surface 13 of the glove portion 11. The palmer boarder is the line defined by the edge of the support layer 12. The palmer boarder 23 extends in an oblique fashion from the base 24 of the glove at the radial side 16 thereof towards the fifth digit / small finger portion. The support layer 12 covers the portion 25 of the glove below the palmer boarder 23 which is the area in which the aforementioned anatomical features of the hand and wrist which experience significant stress during the golf swing are located. In use, the palmer boarder 13 extends generally across the palmer surface 13 of the glove portion in an oblique fashion from at or about the proximal wrist crease adjacent the thumb 17 to a location at or about the base of proximal phalange 26 of the fifth digit / small finger 21. The support layer 12 covers the portion of the glove 25 between the palmer boarder 23 and the base of the glove 24. As can be seen in Figure 1, the support layer 12 may take a pistol shaped form having a wider base portion which tapers towards the fifth digit / small finger 21. The support layer 12 may also comprise a fan shaped form which again exhibits a tapered shape towards the fifth digit / small finger. Advantageously, the aforementioned shape of the support layer 12 takes into account the anatomical structure of the Carpal Tunnel where nine tendons, blood vessels, and the median nerve traverse on their way through the wrist into the hand. More specifically, the shape of the support layer takes account of the width, depth, and tilt angle of the Carpal Tunnel. The Carpal Tunnel tilts from the radial side of the hand towards the ulnar side and has varying width and depth, hence the support layer comprises the herein recited shape, positioning and varying thickness to facilitate effective support of the Carpal Tunnel during the golf swing. It should be understood that mention of these specific shapes for the support layer 12 are not intended to be limiting in any fashion, the key aspect is that the support layer generally traverses across the palmer surface from the lower area below the thumb 17 upwards and towards the fifth digit / small finger 21. The palmer boarder 23 formed by the support layer 12 may travel in a linear fashion, a curved fashion, or in an irregular fashion across the palmer surface 13. The support layer 12 comprises a single or variable thickness, the thickness being no more than 0.635mm at any location on the support layer 12. Advantageously, the support layer may comply with the regulations in regards to golf gloves as set by the Royal and Ancient (R&A) and United States Golf Association (USGA) golfing bodies which stipulate a maximum padding thickness of 0.635mm.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, and is best seen in Figure 2, the support layer 12 extends around the ulnar side 15 of the glove portion 11 and towards the dorsal surface 14 of the glove portion 11. An ulnar stitch line 27 is located generally along the ulnar side 15 of the golf glove 10 which extends from the base 24 of the glove towards the distal end of the glove. The support layer 12 extends across the ulnar stitch line 27 form the palmer surface 13 of the glove portion to the dorsal surface 14 thereof.

[0043] As is best viewed in Figure 5, the support layer comprises a first portion 28 extending from a first end 31 thereof at the base 24 of the glove portion 11 towards the distal end of the glove portion 11 to a second end 32 of the first portion 28. The first portion 28 has a first thickness at its first end 31 and a second thickness at its second end 32, the second thickness being larger than the first thickness. The first portion 28 of the support layer 12 further comprises a rise or ramped portion 33 whereat the thickness of the first portion 28 is gradually increased so as to transition between the first thickness and the second thickness thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the first thickness is approximately 0.5mm and the second thickness is approximately 0.635mm, but no more than 0.635mm. The rise or ramped portion 33 is at the first end 31 of the first portion 28 of the support layer 12 and in a preferred embodiment extends approximately 3mm therefrom. Thereafter, the thickness of the first portion is maintained at the second thickness until the second end 32 of the first portion 28. The first portion 28 protects the Carpal Tunnel and the lateral and central palmar aponeurosis. By virtue of the rise or ramped portion 33, the first portion 28 of the support layer 12 is sized, shaped, and dimensioned to take into account of the cone-like shape of the Carpal Tunnel and its tilt angle.

[0044] The support layer 12 comprises a second portion 29 which is located such that it extends, in use, over the hook of the hamate bone of the hand and over the lateral aponeurosis and flexor tendons to digit 4 and digit 5 of the hand. Advantageously, the second portion 29 of the support layer 12 protects these anatomical features from damage during the golf swing. The second portion 29 of the support layer 12 comprises first and second ends 34, 35. The first end 34 of the second portion of the support layer extends from the second end 32 of the first portion 28 of the support layer 12. As can be seen from Figure 5, the second end 32 of the first portion 28 and the first end 34 of the second portion 29 are co-located. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second portions 28, 29 are formed as a unitary component such that a seamless transition exists therebetween. The second portion 29 of the support layer comprises a constant thickness of approximately but not more than 0.635mm.

[0045] The support layer comprises a third portion 30 extending from the second end 35 of the second portion 29 of the support layer 12 and around the ulnar side 15 of the glove portion 11 towards the dorsal surface 14 thereof. The third portion 30 of the support layer 12 extends across the ulnar stitch line 27 form the palmer surface 13 of the glove portion to the dorsal surface 14 thereof, and approximately 2mm onto the dorsal surface 14. In a preferable embodiment, the third portion 30 of the support layer 12 comprises a thickness of approximately but not more than 0.635mm. As can be seen from Figure 5, the second end 35 of the second portion 29 and a first end 36 of the third portion 30 are co-located. In a preferred embodiment, the second and third portions 29, 30 are formed as a unitary component such that a seamless transition exists therebetween.

[0046] The ulnar stitch line is reinforced with an overlock, mattress and lattice type stitching pattern, the stitching preferably comprising a combination of reinforced injected composite yarn selected from, for example, Gortex, E-glass, Basalt and Carbon. This ensures waterproofing, durability and tensile strength

[0047] In the preferred embodiment, the first, second, and third portions 28, 29, 20 of the support layer 12 are formed as a unitary and continuous layer. However, it should be understood that the first, second, and third portions 28, 29, 30 may be formed as separate portions and assembled at the aforementioned locations on the glove portion 11 to form the overall support layer 12. The support layer 12 is attached to the glove portion by any suitable means such as but not limited to stitching, adhesive bonding, or fabric welding. The skilled person would be well aware of a plurality of methods for attaching further padding / support element to a glove. In an alternative embodiment, the support layer 12 may be formed within the glove portion 11, for example the glove portion may comprise a plurality of layers and the support layer 12 may be formed / disposed between two layers of the glove portion.

[0048] In preferable embodiments, the support layer is formed from a combination of leather (such as Cabretta), synthetic leather like material (such as Serrano) or a combination of leather and synthetic materials. The skilled person would be well aware of multiple materials that may be utilised to form a support layer.

[0049] The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified within the scope of the present invention which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A golf glove (10) comprising a glove portion (11) configured to conform generally to at least a portion of the anatomy of the hand and a support layer (12) configured to protect at least portions of the wrist and / or hand from forces exerted thereon during a golf swing, the support layer being sized, dimensioned and / or located to protect one or more of the Carpal Tunnel, Guyon's Canal, Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Tendon, Triangular Fibrocartilage, Palmar Aponeurosis, and / or the Hamate Bone, wherein the support layer comprises a first portion (28) extending from a first end (31) thereof at the base (24) of the glove portion towards the distal end of the glove portion to a second end (32) of the first portion, the first portion having a first thickness at its first end and a second thickness at its second end, the second thickness being larger than the first thickness, wherein the support layer comprises a second portion (29), the second portion being located such that it extends, in use, over the hook of the hamate bone of the hand and the lateral aponeurosis and flexor tendons to digit 4 and digit 5 thereof, wherein the second portion comprises first and second ends (34, 35) and the first end (34) of the second portion of the support layer extends from the second end (32) of the first portion of the support layer, and the support layer comprising a third portion (30), the third portion extending from the second end (35) of the second portion of the support layer and extending around the ulnar side (15) of the glove portion towards the dorsal surface (14) thereof.

2. The golf glove (10) of claim 1 wherein the support layer extends generally across a palmer surface (13) of the glove portion from a radial side thereof to an ulnar side thereof.

3. The golf glove (10) of claim 2 wherein the support layer comprises a palmer boarder (23) which extends generally across the palmer surface of the glove portion in an oblique fashion from at or about a base of the glove at the radial side thereof, or a wrist portion, towards a fifth digit / small finger portion, the support layer covering the portion of the glove below the palmer boarder (23).

4. The golf glove (10) of claim 2 or claim 3 wherein, in use, the palmer boarder (23) extends generally across the palmer surface of the glove portion in an oblique fashion from at or about the proximal wrist crease adjacent the thumb (17) to a location at or about the base of the proximal phalange (26) of the fifth digit / small finger (21), the support layer covering the portion of the glove between the palmer boarder and the base of the glove.

5. The golf glove (10) of any of claims 2 to 4 wherein the support layer extends around the ulnar side (15) of the glove portion towards a dorsal surface of the glove portion.

6. The golf glove (10) of claim 5 wherein an ulnar stitch line (27) is located generally along the ulnar side of the golf glove and extends from generally proximal the base of the glove towards a distal end of the glove, and the support layer extends across the ulnar stitch line form the palmer surface of the glove portion to the dorsal surface thereof.

7. The golf glove (10) of any preceding claim wherein the support layer comprises a single or variable thickness, the thickness being no more than 0.635mm at any location on the support layer.

8. The golf glove (10) of claim 1 wherein the first portion (28) of the support layer comprises a rise or ramped portion (33) whereat the thickness of the first portion of the support layer is gradually increased so as to transition between the first thickness and the second thickness.

9. The golf glove (10) of claim 8 wherein the first thickness is approximately 0.5mm and the second thickness is approximately and no more than 0.635mm.

10. The golf glove (10) of claim 9, wherein the rise or ramped portion is proximal the first end of the first portion of the support layer and extends approximately 3mm therefrom.

11. The golf glove (10) of claim 1, wherein the second portion (29) of the support layer comprises a constant thickness of approximately but not more than 0.635mm.

12. The golf glove (10) of claim 6 wherein the third portion (30) extends across the ulnar stitch line form the palmer surface of the glove portion to the dorsal surface thereof, and optionally wherein the third portion (30) extends around the ulnar side of the glove portion and approximately 2mm onto the dorsal surface of the glove portion.

13. The golf glove (10) of claim 1, wherein the third portion (30) of the support layer comprises a thickness of approximately but not more than 0.635mm.

14. The golf glove (10) of any of claims 6 to 13, wherein the ulnar stitch line is reinforced with an overlock, mattress and lattice type stitching pattern, and / or wherein the ulnar stitch line comprises a combination of reinforced injected composite yarn selected from, for example, Gortex, E-glass, Basalt and Carbon.

15. The golf glove (10) of claim 1, wherein the first (28), second (29), and third (30) portions of the support layer are formed as a unitary layer.