Athletic gloves

Abstract

An athletic glove having a plurality of regions, defining a top region, a palm region, a thumb region and a finger region, collectively defining a cavity adapted to receive a hand of a user therein. The top region has an inner support layer extending over at least a portion of an inner surface thereof, the inner support layer being of a material which has less stretch than the top region. In an aspect, - the palm region includes a palm panel portion and a palm wrist panel. The palm panel portion defines a protrusion that aligns with an axis of the ring finger and an axis of the pinky finger or a region therebetween so as to extend the palm panel portion closer to the outer wrist edge.

Description

TITLEATHLETIC GLOVES CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Patent App. Ser. No. 63 / 744,631 filed March 19, 2025, entitled “Athletic Gloves”, the entire specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE1. Field of the Disclosure

[0002] The disclosure relates in general to athletic gloves, and more particularly, to an athletic glove well suited for golf, as well as an athletic glove that is well suited for football (i.e. for players that would or could be receiving or defending a potential receiver, among other players), or other sports where gripping a ball (typically, for throwing or catching) is a part of the activities.2. Background Art

[0003] The evolution of sport-specific gloves has significantly enhanced athletic performance and comfort across various disciplines. In golf, gloves have served as essential accessories, providing enhanced grip and control during swings. Golf gloves can be designed with premium, breathable materials that promote moisture absorption and reduce slippage, even in damp conditions. Their ergonomic design can facilitate a secure yet flexible fit, adapting to the natural movement of the hand. Additionally, innovations in material technology have led to improvements in durability and responsiveness, contributing to more consistent club handling and swing mechanics. While these features aid in performance and also reduce the risk of blisters and other hand injuries, the need for improvement still exists.

[0004] Similarly, other gloves, such as football gloves, for example, those which may be designed for receivers, defenders or quarterbacks, focus on maximizing grip and ball control in dynamic, high-impact situations. Such gloves may incorporate advanced adhesive materials on the palms and fingers, assisting with secure ball retention during catches, regardless of weather conditions. Additionally, in some configurations, strategic padding and flexible support, may be employed, which help absorb impact while preserving dexterity. These features help receivers to execute precise catches and rapid maneuvers, and can give them a competitive edge in the fast-paced environment of the sport. While great advancements in such gloves have been made, the need for improvement still exists.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] In an aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is directed to an athletic glove comprising a plurality of regions defining a top region, a palm region, a thumb region and a finger region, collectively defining a cavity adapted to receive a hand of a user therein. The top region has an inner support layer extending over at least a portion of an inner surface thereof, the inner support layer being of a material which has less stretch than the top region.

[0006] In some configurations, the inner support layer comprises a material which is able to stretch less than 7% in any direction.

[0007] More preferably, the inner support layer comprises a material which is able to stretch less than 5% in any direction.

[0008] In some configurations, the top region comprises leather with the inner support layer being of a fabric material that is stitched to at least the top region.

[0009] In some configurations, the top region is formed from a second panel and a top panel portion wherein the inner support layer is attached to each of the second panel and the top panel portion.

[0010] In some configurations, the glove is suitable for golf.

[0011] In another aspect of the disclosure, the disclosure is directed to an athletic glove having a plurality of regions defining a top region, a palm region, a thumb region and a finger region, collectively defining a cavity adapted to receive a hand of a user therein. The palm region includes a palm panel portion and a palm wrist panel. The palm panel portion is adapted to correspond to the palm of a user, the palm panel portion has a bottom outside edge. The palm wrist panel is joined to the bottom outside edge of the palm panel portion, the palm wrist panel having an outer wrist edge opposite the bottom outside edge. The palm panel portion defines a protrusion that aligns with an axis of the ring finger and an axis of the pinky finger or a region therebetween so as to extend the palm panel portion closer to the outer wrist edge.

[0012] In some configurations, the top region further comprises an inner support layer extending over at least a portion of an inner surface thereof, the inner support layer being of a material which has less stretch than the top region.

[0013] In some configurations, the glove is suitable for golf.

[0014] In some configurations, the glove is suitable for golf or football.

[0015] In some configurations, the glove includes a tacky panel that includes a palm portion extending over the palm region, a finger portion extending over an inner side of the finger region, and extending around an outer side of a pinky finger to cover an outer side of the pinky finger and extending around an outer side of an index finger to cover an outer side of theindex finger and a thumb region extending over an inner side of the thumb region and extending over an inner side of the thumb region to cover a portion of an outer side of the thumb region.

[0016] In some configurations, the tacky panel further includes at least one crease panel extending across the palm region.

[0017] In some configurations, the tacky panel encompasses opposing sides of at least a middle finger and a ring finger of the finger region.

[0018] In some configurations, the top region is formed from an elastic material.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 of the drawings is a top plan view of an athletic glove well suited for the sport of golf;

[0021] Figure 2 of the drawings is a bottom plan view of the athletic glove;

[0022] Figure 2a of the drawings is a top plan view of the athletic glove of Figure 1, showing, in particular, the inner support layer in greyscale that is on the inner side of the top side of the glove, and which may overlie several different panels, depending on the configuration;

[0023] Figure 3 of the drawings is a top pan view of another configuration the athletic glove;

[0024] Figure 4 of the drawings is a top plan view of the athletic glove of the configuration of Figure 3, showing the strap assembly in an open configuration;

[0025] Figure 5 of the drawings is a bottom plan view of the athletic glove of configuration of Figure 3, showing the strap assembly in an open configuration;

[0026] Figure 6 of the drawings is a perspective view of the athletic glove of configuration of Figure 3, showing a portion of the inside of the athletic glove;

[0027] Figure 7 of the drawings is a top plan view of a pair of athletic gloves well suited for the sport of football;

[0028] Figure 8 of the drawings is a top plan view of the right one of the athletic gloves of Figure 7;

[0029] Figure 9 of the drawings is a bottom plan view of the athletic glove of Figure 8;

[0030] Figure 10 of the drawings is a perspective view of another configuration of an athletic glove well suited for the sport of football;

[0031] Figure 11 of the drawings is a top plan view of the athletic glove with the fingers in a partial closed grip orientation;

[0032] Figure 12 of the drawings is a side elevational view of the athletic glove;

[0033] Figure 13 of the drawings is a bottom plan view of the athletic glove; and

[0034] Figure 14 of the drawings is a second side elevational view of the athletic glove.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0035] While this disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail a specific embodiment(s) with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment s) illustrated.

[0036] It will be understood that like or analogous elements and / or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

[0037] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figures 1 and 2, an athletic glove shown in the form of a golf glove is shown generally at 100. The glove is well suited for use in association with the sport of golf, while not strictly being limited thereto.

[0038] With continued reference to Figures 1 and 2, the glove 100 is formed into various defined regions, including top region 120, palm region 122, finger region 124, and thumb region 126. The top region includes the upper portion of the hand, which typically extends from the knuckles, over the tendons of the extensor digitorum and concludes at or near the wrist of the user (i.e., it may cover the head of the ulna, or stop short thereof). The palm region covers the padding of the base of the fingers, through the heel of the hand, and may extend a distance over the heel of the hand. The finger region covers from approximately the proximal digital crease to the tips of the fingers of the index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers. The thumb region covers the thumb from the MCP joint, as well as at least a portion of the thumb prominence to at or near the Thenar Crease. In the configuration shown, the thumb region may cover a portion of the first dorsal interosseous muscle, however, a portion thereof or substantially the entirety thereof may also be covered by the top region.

[0039] In addition to regions, opposing sides of the glove can also be defined, namely the top side 128 and the palm side 129 opposite the top side 128. The top side 128 may include portions of the top region 120, finger region 124 and thumb region 126. Similarly, the palm side 129 may include portions of the palm region 122, finger region 124 and thumb region 126. It will be understood that certain portions (such as the finger gusset panels 138) may be outside of the top side and the palm side, while a majority of the glove forms one of the top side and the palm side.

[0040] The glove 100 is further defined by a plurality of panels, including, a first panel 130, second panel 132, palm wrist panel 134, thumb panel 136 and finger gusset panels 138. In the configuration shown, the various panels are formed from leather, which may further include other layers, such as no-stretch layers, absorbent layers, edge seam layers or the like formed from synthetic fabric (woven or non woven layers). It will be understood that other layers (i.e., different layers, fewer layers, a greater amount of layers, etc., are likewise contemplated).

[0041] The first panel 130 includes the palm panel portion 140 and top panel portion 150. The first panel is formed from a piece of leather, preferably, although various polymer based materials, along with cellular based materials are contemplated. The palm panel portion 140 is defined by the thumb thenar edge 142, thumb proximal phalanx flap 144, wrist edge 146, bottom outside edge 148 and palm side finger regions 149. The thumb thenar edge 141 generally corresponds to the thenar crease. The thumb proximal phalanx flap generally corresponds to the proximal phalanx of the thumb region. The wrist edge generally extends beyond the heel of the hand of a user, and the finger regions generally cover the inner side of the index, middle, ring and pinky fingers. It will be understood, that the foregoing regions and edges defined by the anatomy of a hand follow such regions, typically, more generally as opposed to strictly, due to variances in the various dimensional variations of a hand of different users.

[0042] The top panel portion 150 is shown as comprising knuckle edge 152, cross edge 154, inner slot edge 156, wrist edge 158 and top side index finger region 159. The knuckle edge 152 generally follows a region between the tendons of the extensor digitorum of the index and middle fingers, with the cross edge 154 generally being oblique to the knuckle edge at an angle that may be between 70° and 130°. The inner slot edge 156 generally extends from the cross edge 154 so as to be parallel or oblique (+ / - 15° of parallel) to the knuckle edge 152. The wrist edge 158 that terminates at the thumb edge 157 (Figure 5) (which is generally parallel to or oblique (+ / - 15° of parallel) to the knuckle edge 152), and may extend to the palm side 129 of the glove. The wrist edge 158 generally forms the lower edge of the top region 120 of the glove, and a portion of the palm region below the thumb region. There is an opening disposed on the first panel 130 for receipt of the thumb panel 136.

[0043] The second panel 132 is shown as comprising second panel top portion 160. The second panel top portion includes top outside edge 162, top inside index edge 164, top cross edge 166 and top slot edge 168. The top outside edge 162 meets the bottom outside edge 148 of the palm panel portion 140 of the first panel 130 to define the outer edge of the glove. The top inside index edge 164 meets the knuckle edge 152 of the top panel portion 150. The top cross edge 166 meets the cross edge 154 of the top panel portion 140. The top slot edge 168 isopposite the inner slot edge 156 so as to define a slot therebetween, which slot facilitates insertion of the hand of a user into the glove. A portion of the top slot edge 168 may extend to the top cross edge 166. Finally, the top slot edge meets a top portion wrist edge 169 which generally corresponds to the wrist edge 158.

[0044] The palm wrist panel 134 is shown as comprising palm edge 170, thumb palm edge 172 (Figure 5), outer wrist edge 174 and lower inner edge 176. The palm wrist panel forms out the bottom end of the palm region 122 with the outer wrist edge 174 generally corresponding teo the wrist edge 158. The palm edge 170 generally meets the top outside edge 162 and generally corresponds to (or can be deemed an extension of) the bottom outside edge 148. The thumb palm edge 172 meets the thumb edge 157 generally on the palm region, aligned with the index finger, or a region between the index and middle fingers, and intersecting the opening for the thumb panel 136. The lower inner edge 176 meets the wrist edge 146 of the palm panel portion of the first panel 130. As can be seen, the distance between the lower inner edge 176 and the outer wrist edge 176 narrows from the thumb palm edge 172 to a region that corresponds to a region aligned with an axis of the ring finger and an axis of the pinky finger, and then expands in width as the interface reaches the palm edge 174. In the configuration shown, the width narrows so that the wrist edge 146 of the palm panel portion 140 of the first panel 130 meets the wrist elastic portion 190 of the elastic portions 168, as will further be described below.

[0045] The thumb panel 136 is shown as comprising thenar edge 177, top edge 178 and flap portion edge 179. The thenar edge 177 and the top edge 178 generally encircle what would encompass the thumb region 126 of the glove. The flap portion edge 179 generally corresponds to the thumb proximal phalanx flap 144 so as to form a continuous configuration. In the configuration shown, the wrist edge 146 of the palm panel portion 140 of the first panel 130 and the thumb palm edge 172 meet at the thumb thenar edge 177.

[0046] The gusset panels 138 comprise a plurality of panels that provide additional volume for the receipt of the fingers. For example, region 138a is on an inner side of the index finger, region 138b and 138c are on either side of the middle finger, region 138d and 138e are on either side of the ring finger, and region 138e is on an inner side of the pinky finger. In the configuration shown, there are no gusset panels on the outside of the index finger and on the outside of the pinky finger. In other configurations, gusset panels may be provided on either side of each finger, or only on some fingers. In still other configurations, in place of the gusset panels, the first and / or second panels may be enlarged so as to include a gusset portion that has a function similar to that of the gusset panels. In the configuration shown, the base of each gusset panel defines an opening providing ingress into the cavity 125 formed by the glove.

[0047] The strap assembly 106 includes a strap member 180 and a fastener 186. The strap member 180 includes attachment edge 181, outer perimeter 182, top surface 183 and bottom surface 184. The strap assembly is configured to provide a strap across the slot created by the inner slot edge 156 and the top slot edge 168. The attachment edge 181 of the strap member corresponds to and is coupled to the top slot edge 168 of the second panel 132. The outer perimeter 182 is defined so as to be positionable in overlying configuration over a portion of the top panel portion 150. In the configuration shown, the outer perimeter 182 includes an upper edge 189 which corresponds to the cross edge 154 of the top panel portion so as to be alignable therewith. A bottom edge is substantially parallel to the upper edge 189. The top surface 183 may include indicia or other logos, trademarks, writing, advertising or the like. The strap assembly may be formed of a stronger material (as compared to the first and second panels, and may be generally inelastic.

[0048] The fastener 186 is shown as having a first fastener component 187 and a second fastener component 188. The first fastener component 187 is positioned on the bottom surface 184 of the strap member. The second fastener component is positioned on the top surface of the second panel. It will be understood that the first and second fastener components comprise mating hook and loop fasteners, while other fasteners, such as snaps or the like are further contemplated.

[0049] The elastic portions 108 are shown as comprising wrist elastic portion 190, strap elastic portion 192 and top panel elastic portion 194. The wrist elastic portion extends about the wrist edge encircling the wrist of a user when installed. Generally, the elastic extends from the top slot edge 168, to the palm wrist panel 134, to the palm panel portion 140 (touching or meeting with the wrist edge 146 of the palm panel portion 140 of the first panel 130), terminating at the inner slot edge 156. Strap elastic portion 192 extends from the top slot edge 168 to the top outside edge 162 generally opposing the strap member 180. In the configuration shown, there are two elastic strap portions, the upper one of which generally aligns with the cross edge 154 of the top panel portion and with the upper edge 189 of the strap member 180. The other of which is parallel to the first elastic strap portion. In the configurations shown, the wrist elastic portion and the strap elastic portion are generally zig zag stitched to the relevant ones of the panels.

[0050] In some configurations, such as the configuration of Figures 3 through 6, an additional elastic portion, in the form of top panel elastic portion 194 may extend over a portion of the second panel top portion 160 between the top outside edge 162 and the top inside index edge 164. In the configuration shown, a total of three elastic portion s are presented, a centralportion which is zig zag stitched and an elastic portion which is double stitched on either side thereof. In some configurations, the top panel elastic portion may be omitted.

[0051] With reference to Figures 2a and 6, in some configurations, an inner support layer 110 may be overlay ed over a portion of the second panel 160, generally spanning between the cross edge 154, the inner slot edge 156 and the wrist edge 158 and the thumb edge 157. The inner support layer may likewise extend between the top outside edge 162 and the top side edge 168. Generally, the inner support layer may comprise multiple different panels that are stitched to the glove at any of the seams that join the second panel 160 to other panels, or that may extend across the second panel. The inner support layer generally extends to the knuckle area and / or to the base of the fingers of the glove, while variations are contemplated.

[0052] The inner support layer provides controllable stretching and deformation of the top panel portion of the first panel, rendering it different from the remainder of the top panel portion. Additionally, the second fastener component is stitched to both the top panel portion and the inner support layer 110. In some configurations, the inner support panel may comprise a woven or non-woven polymer material which has a 2% to 7% stretch in any direction, and more preferably a 3% to 5% stretch in any direction, and more preferably a 4% to 5% stretch in any direction. Such a stretch is generally less than the stretch of the leather from which the second panel 160 is made. Such a limited stretch allows for the glove to conform to the user but, even when wetted with sweat, water or other fluids, the limited stretch maintains the overall integrity and the overall firm fit of the glove on the hand of the user.

[0053] With further reference to Figure 6, an additional absorption layer 112 may be placed over the inner portion of the glove corresponding to a region between the thenar edge of the thumb panel and the wrist edge. A second strip of a predetermined width may extend along the palm panel portion proximate the bottom outside edge 148.

[0054] Referring again to Figures 2 and 5, the identification layer 114 comprises an oval or racetrack configuration layer that is stitched over the zig zag stitching of the wrist elastic portion so as to overlay a portion of the palm wrist panel. In other configurations, the identification layer may be of a different shape, that is, other than an oval or racetrack configuration, such as, for example, a circular, elliptical, square, rectangular or arbitrary shape.

[0055] With reference to Figures 7 through 14, the athletic glove in another aspect of the disclosure is shown in the form of a glove 200 that is well suited for football, or other sports where gripping a ball is part of the activities. The glove (or gloves) are not limited to use in association with football or any position of a player of football, or, with any other particular sport or activity.

[0056] With reference to Figures 7 through 9, and more particularly Figures 8 and 9, the glove 200 is likewise formed into various defined regions, including top region 220, palm region 222, finger region 224 and thumb region 226. The top region includes the upper portion of the hand, which typically extends from the knuckles, over the tendons of the extensor digitorum and concludes at or near the wrist of the user (i.e., it may cover the head of the ulna, or stop short thereof). The palm region covers the padding of the base of the fingers, through the heel of the hand, and may extend a distance over the heel of the hand. The finger region covers from approximately the proximal digital crease to the tips of the fingers of the index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers. The thumb region covers the thumb from the MCP joint, as well as at least a portion of the thumb prominence to at or near the Thenar Crease. It will be understood that the thumb region may cover a portion of the first dorsal interosseous muscle, however, a portion thereof or substantially the entirety thereof may also be covered by the top region.

[0057] In addition to regions, opposing sides of the glove can also be defined, namely the top side 228 and the palm side 229 opposite the top side 228. The top side 228 may include portions of the top region 220, finger region 224 and thumb region 226. Similarly, the palm side 229 may include portions of the palm region 222, finger region 224 and thumb region 226. It will be understood that certain portions (such as the finger gusset panels 214) may be outside of the top side and the palm side, while a majority of the glove forms one of the top side and the palm side.

[0058] The glove 200 is further defined by a plurality of panels, including tacky panel 204, crease panel 206, outer panel 208, thumb panel 210, strip panel 212, gusset panels 214, wrist panel 216 and strap assembly 218. In various configurations other layers may be contemplated, and certain layers may overlie other layers, and, as such, the outermost layer is generally described with the understanding that these layers may be coextensive with other layers, with the upper layer showing, while other layers are therebelow.

[0059] The tacky panel 204 is shown as comprising palm portion 230, inner thumb portion 231, outer thumb portion 232 and finger portion 233. The palm portion 230 comprises wrist edge 234, and palmar region 235. The wrist edge further includes a portion that sticks out forming a protrusion 236 that is generally aligned with an axis formed by the ring finger, while in other configurations the same may be aligned with an axis formed by a region between the ring finger and the pinky finger, or with the pinky finger or therebetween. That is, and with reference to Figure 2, the palm panel portion defines a protrusion 171 that aligns with an axis of the ring finger 175 and the axis of the pinky finger 177 or a region therebetween.

[0060] The palmar edge 235 is positioned so as to overlie a region proximate the palmar creases in the hand, while they may extend over he padding at the base of the fingers of the user. In some configurations, the palmar edge and the crease panel may be omitted, such that the palm region is a continuous tacky panel.

[0061] The inner thumb portion extends over the palm side of the thumb region, extending to the tip of the thumb, or stopping short and having an upper region 238 of the outer thumb portion 240 underlying the same. The inner thumb portion may further include a thenar slot 237 that is positioned so as to generally overlie a region proximate the thenar crease of the hand of a user.

[0062] The outer thumb portion includes the upper region 238 which may form the tip of the thumb (and which may act as a gusset or the like, and, a lower region 240 the lower region generally is configured to cover the portion of the thumb corresponding to the outer side of the thumb fat pad generally above the digital crease of the thumb. A slot 239 may be presented therewithin.

[0063] The finger portion 233 of the tacky panel 204 is shown as comprising inner finger region 241, outer index finger region 242, outer pinky region 244 and gusset regions 246. The inner finger region 241 is shown as comprising the palm side of the fingers from the palmar crease to or close to the end of the fingers of the user and forming edge 247 opposite the palmar edge. A can be seen, in the configuration shown, each side of the middle finger and the ring finger include opposing sinusoidal undulating sides which terminate in a curved or rounded configuration. Additionally, the inner sides of the index finger and the pinky finger include sinusoidal undulating sides which terminate at a curved or rounded configuration. In some configurations, the undulations may be omitted.

[0064] The outer index finger region 242 is shown as extending over the top side from the knuckle of the index finger to the tip or near the tip of the index finger. An additional tip panel may be positioned between the inner finger region of the index finger and the outer index finger region. A knuckle slot 248 may be positioned so as to correspond to the pip joint of the user (i.e., the opposite side of the middle digital crease of the index finger). The outer index finger region 242 is preferably continuous from the tacky panel, such that there no seam on the inner side of the index finger.

[0065] The outer pinky finger region 244 is shown as comprising a panel that extends over the top side from the knuckle of the pinky finger to the tip or near the tip of the pinky finger. An additional tip panel may be positioned between the inner finger region of the pinky finger and the outer pinky finger region. A pinky knuckle slot 249 may be positioned so as tocorrespond to the pip joint of the user (i.e., opposite side of the middle digital crease of the pinky finger). As with the inner index finger region, the outer pinky finger region 244 is preferably continuous from the tacky panel, such that there is no seam on the outer side of the pinky finger.

[0066] The gusset region 246 may comprise middle finger gusset region 246a which extends from the tip to the opposing sides of the middle finger, essentially to the distal digital crease thereof. The ring finger gusset region 246b extends from the tip to the opposing sides of the ring finger, essentially to the distal digital crease thereof.

[0067] The crease panel 206 comprises an elastomeric fabric region that spans between the palmar edge of the palm portion 230 and the finger portion 236. In the configuration shown, the crease panel generally follows the distal palmar crease, while it is contemplated that the crease panel may follow the proximal palmar crease, or a region therebetween. In other configurations, the crease panel may comprise two crease panels, or a crease panel that has multiple different branches, for example, a branch that follows the distal palmar crease, a branch that follows the proximal palmar crease, or portions of either one thereof. It is also contemplated that the crease panel may extend closer to the proximal digital crease or may extend over the padding at the base of the fingers. Additional crease panels are contemplated, for example, a crease panel that follows the thenar crease of the thumb region. In the configuration shown, the crease panel is stitched to the inner surface of the tacky panels set forth above.

[0068] The outer panel 208 is shown as comprising outer wrist edge 250, finger slot fillings 254 and tacky appliques 256. The outer panel generally comprises an elastic member which covers a portion of the top region and finger region of the top side of the glove. The outer wrist edge 250 meets the wrist panel 216 and generally is parallel thereto. The finger slot fillings 254 include the filling 254a underlying and filling the knuckle slot 248 and filling 254b filling the knuckle slot 249. The outer panel 208 further covers the top side of the middle and ring fingers. The tacky appliques 256 are disposed, in the configuration shown, to overlay the fingernails and the tips of the fingers of the users (i.e., between the distal digital crease and the tip of the fingers) on the middle and ring fingers. In the configuration of Figures 10 through 14, the outer panel may be formed from additional panels beyond the outer panel and the thumb panel.

[0069] The thumb panel 210 is shown as comprising an elastic fabric panel that includes an inner edge 260 and an outer edge 262. The thumb panel also underlies the slot 239 of the outer thumb portion 234. The outer surface of the thumb panel may further include a tacky applique applied thereto.

[0070] The strip panel 212 includes inner edge 270, outer edge 272, upper end 274 and lower edge 276. The strip panel spans between the thumb panel 210 and the outer panel 208 and the wrist panel, and further underlies the thenar slot 234 of the tacky panel 204. In the configuration shown, the strip panel has a largely elongated rectangular configuration. In some configurations, the strip may be incorporated into the thumb panel and / or the outer panel.

[0071] The wrist panel 216 is shown in Figures 8 and 9 as comprising glove edge 280 and wrist edge 286 opposite the glove edge 280. The wrist panel may comprise a padded member, such as a neoprene material. The wrist panel wraps around the thumb region and forms a slot opposite the thumb region, generally at or outboard of the pinky finger. In the configuration shown, the width of the wrist panel is substantially uniform about the top side, with the bottom side defining a recession 284 in the palm region 182 of the glove edge 280. This recession is generally aligned with an axis defined by the ring finger of the glove, while in other configurations, the recession may be aligned with an axis defined by the pinky finger of the glove, or by an axis that is taken between the ring finger and the pinky finger of the glove.

[0072] Similarly, the inner wrist region 288 of the wrist edge 286 may include protrusion 289 that is spaced apart from the recession and that may align with the an axis defined by the middle finger, the index finger, or an axis that is defined between the middle finger and the index finger. As such, while the top side of the wrist panel is of a substantially uniform width, the palm side of the wrist panel has a varying width.

[0073] The strap assembly 218 is shown as comprising strap member 190 and fastener 296. In the configuration shown, the strap member includes proximal end 291, distal end 292, inner surface 293 and outer surface 294. The proximal end 291 is attached to an outer surface of the wrist panel proximate the slot created thereby, on the palm side. The fastener 296 comprises a first fastener component 297 and a second fastener component 298. The first fastener component 297 is positioned on the inner surface 293 of the strap member, with the second fastener component being disposed on an outer surface of the wrist panel on the top side of the glove. In the configuration shown, the fastener comprises a hook and loop fastener while other fasteners, such as snaps are likewise contemplated.

[0074] The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the disclosure and the disclosure is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An athletic glove comprising:- a plurality of regions defining a top region, a palm region, a thumb region and a finger region, collectively defining a cavity adapted to receive a hand of a user therein;- the top region having an inner support layer extending over at least a portion of an inner surface thereof, the inner support layer being of a material which has less stretch than the top region.

2. The athletic glove of claim 1 wherein the inner support layer comprises a material which is able to stretch less than 7% in any direction.

3. The athletic glove of claim 2 wherein the inner support layer comprises a material which is able to stretch less than 5% in any direction.

4. The athletic glove of claim 3 wherein the top region comprises leather with the inner support layer being of a fabric material that is stitched to at least the top region.

5. The athletic glove of claim 1 wherein the top region is formed from a second panel and a top panel portion wherein the inner support layer is attached to each of the second panel and the top panel portion.

6. The athletic glove of claim 1 wherein the glove is suitable for golf.

7. An athletic glove suitable comprising:- a plurality of regions defining a top region, a palm region, a thumb region and a finger region, collectively defining a cavity adapted to receive a hand of a user therein;- the palm region including:- a palm panel portion adapted to correspond to the palm of a user, the palm panel portion having a bottom outside edge;- a palm wrist panel joined to the bottom outside edge of the palm panel portion, the palm wrist panel having an outer wrist edge opposite the bottom outside edge;- wherein the palm panel portion defines a protrusion that aligns with an axis of the ring finger and an axis of the pinky finger or a region therebetween so as to extend the palm panel portion closer to the outer wrist edge.

8. The athletic glove of claim 7 wherein the top region further comprises an inner support layer extending over at least a portion of an inner surface thereof, the inner support layer being of a material which has less stretch than the top region.

9. The athletic glove of claim 8 wherein the glove is suitable for golf.

10. The athletic glove of claim 7 wherein the glove is suitable for golf or football.

11. The athletic glove of claim 7 further comprising a tacky panel that includes a palm portion extending over the palm region, a finger portion extending over an inner side of the finger region, and extending around an outer side of a pinky finger to cover an outer side of the pinky finger and extending around an outer side of an index finger to cover an outer side of the index finger and a thumb region extending over an inner side of the thumb region and extending over an inner side of the thumb region to cover a portion of an outer side of the thumb region.

12. The athletic glove of claim 11 wherein the tacky panel further includes at least one crease panel extending across the palm region.

13. The athletic glove of claim 11 wherein the tacky panel encompasses opposing sides of at least a middle finger and a ring finger of the finger region.

14. The athletic glove of claim 11 wherein the top region is formed from an elastic material.

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