US20170295861A1 - Golfing apparel - Google Patents
Golfing apparel Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170295861A1 US20170295861A1 US15/446,540 US201715446540A US2017295861A1 US 20170295861 A1 US20170295861 A1 US 20170295861A1 US 201715446540 A US201715446540 A US 201715446540A US 2017295861 A1 US2017295861 A1 US 2017295861A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- garment
- compression
- friction
- orientation
- stretchable
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
- A41D13/0015—Sports garments other than provided for in groups A41D13/0007 - A41D13/088
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41B—SHIRTS; UNDERWEAR; BABY LINEN; HANDKERCHIEFS
- A41B1/00—Shirts
- A41B1/08—Details
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41B—SHIRTS; UNDERWEAR; BABY LINEN; HANDKERCHIEFS
- A41B9/00—Undergarments
- A41B9/06—Undershirts; Chemises
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D31/00—Materials specially adapted for outerwear
- A41D31/04—Materials specially adapted for outerwear characterised by special function or use
- A41D31/18—Elastic
- A41D31/185—Elastic using layered materials
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D2300/00—Details of garments
- A41D2300/30—Closures
- A41D2300/322—Closures using slide fasteners
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D2600/00—Uses of garments specially adapted for specific purposes
- A41D2600/10—Uses of garments specially adapted for specific purposes for sport activities
Definitions
- the present invention relates to golfing apparel.
- the present invention relates to a compression garment for playing golf, a golfing system comprising a compression garment and an outer garment, a method for manufacturing a compression garment for playing golf, and a golfing apparel outer garment for use with a compression garment.
- the present invention provides a compression garment for playing golf, wherein at least a portion of the garment is configured to provide compression of a torso of a user and at least a portion of the garment comprises a low-friction or reduced friction outer surface.
- the garment is a sleeve-less compression garment; further preferably, a vest-like garment.
- the garment comprises a plurality of panels having at least two different types of stretch characteristics.
- the garment comprises four panels having three different types of stretch characteristics.
- At least one panel is configured to be more stretchable in a first orientation than in a transverse orientation.
- a panel comprises fibers configured to be more stretchable in a first orientation than in a transverse orientation.
- the garment comprises an arrangement of the interactions of the fibers of the fabric, so as to lower friction on an inner and/or outer surface thereof.
- two panels are configured to be more stretchable in a first orientation than in a transverse orientation.
- the low-friction outer surface is located at a respective frontal region of the garment.
- a panel comprises fibers configured to be more stretchable in a first orientation than in a transverse orientation.
- the garment may comprise a chest panel, a back panel and two lateral panels, wherein the lateral panels connect the chest and back panels.
- the chest panel is configured to be more stretchable in a respective vertical orientation of the garment than in a respective horizontal orientation.
- the back panel is configured to be more stretchable in a respective vertical orientation of the garment than in a respective horizontal orientation.
- the chest panel fibers are configured to be more stretchable in a vertical plane than in a horizontal plane.
- the back panel fibers are configured to be more stretchable in a vertical plane than in a horizontal plane.
- an arcuate seam connects the chest panel to a respective lateral panel.
- panels and seams are configured so as to provide a slippery chest and stomach (outer) surface towards any outer layer, so that said outer layer can glide over the compression garment with little or no friction or resistance.
- the garment is slippery in the direction of the golf swing.
- the chest panel comprises a low-friction or reduced friction outer surface.
- one or more lateral panels may comprise a low-friction or reduced friction outer surface.
- the chest panel comprises a zip or alternative fastener.
- the garment comprises enlarged arm holes for reducing friction during a golf swing.
- the lateral panels are evenly stretchable in respective vertical and horizontal orientations.
- the lateral panels comprises mesh material.
- an internal surface of the bottom seam of the garment comprises a grip strip.
- the side panels comprise four-way stretchability.
- the chest and back panels comprise two-way stretchability in a vertical sense, so as to compress the core and back of a wearer.
- one or more panels comprise about 96% polyester and about 4% elastane, or about 95% polyester and about 5% elastane.
- those panels may comprise about 50% to about 98% polyester and about 50% to about 2% elastane, or may comprise about 76% polyester and about 24% elastane.
- those panels are side panels.
- one or more panels comprise about 80% polyester and about 20% elastane.
- those panels may comprise about 75% polyester and about 25% elastane to about 98% polyester and about 2% elastane.
- those panels are chest and/or back panels.
- one or more panels comprise about 85% nylon and about 15% elastane, or about 80% nylon and about 20% elastane.
- the percentage values for polyester and nylon are interchangeable.
- the garment may additionally comprise means for providing additional compression to a lower-chest, sternum and/or diaphragm region of a user.
- the means is a compression band.
- the compression band is movable in a vertical orientation of the garment.
- the inner garment is a vest, and the outer garment a polo shirt.
- the present invention provides a golfing system comprising a compression garment and an outer garment, wherein the outer garment comprises a low-friction or reduced friction inner surface.
- the compression garment is as defined in relation to the first aspect.
- the garments are configured to provide low-friction interaction between a respective outer layer of the compression garment and a respective inner layer of the outer garment.
- the outer garment is at least partly configured to be more stretchable in a respective vertical orientation of the garment than in a respective horizontal orientation.
- the fibers of the outer garment are arranged to be more stretchable in a vertical plane than in a horizontal plane.
- the outer garment is a polo shirt comprising a raglan sleeve.
- the outer garment comprises a drawstring or equivalent in a bottom seam thereof.
- the inner garment is a vest, and the outer garment a polo shirt.
- a compression garment for playing golf comprising:
- At least a portion of the garment is configured to provide means for compression of a torso of a user
- At least a portion of the garment comprises a low-friction or reduced friction outer surface.
- the compression garment is as defined in relation to the first aspect.
- the method comprises manufacturing at least one panel to be more stretchable in a first orientation than in a transverse orientation.
- the method comprises configuring panel fibers to be more stretchable in a first orientation than in a transverse orientation.
- the method comprises configuring the interactions of the fabric fibers so as to provide a lower friction surface.
- the method comprises securing a plurality of panels together to form a compression garment, the one or more panels having at least two types of stretch characteristics.
- the method comprises securing a compression band to a torso region of the garment for compressing a lower-chest, sternum and/or diaphragm region of a user.
- the present invention provides a golfing apparel outer garment for use with a compression garment, the outer garment is configured to reduce interaction with an undergarment through at least a portion of an inner surface thereof comprising a low-friction or reduced friction surface.
- the garment further comprises a selectively adjustable waistband, for freeing movement upon selectively enlarging the waistband and for smartness through selectively reducing the waistband, so as to give the impression of it being tucked in.
- a selectively adjustable waistband for freeing movement upon selectively enlarging the waistband and for smartness through selectively reducing the waistband, so as to give the impression of it being tucked in.
- the chest panel is arranged to be more stretchable in a respective vertical orientation of the garment than in a respective horizontal orientation.
- the outer garment is at least partly arranged to be more stretchable in a respective vertical orientation of the garment than in a respective horizontal orientation.
- the fibers of the outer garment are arranged to be more stretchable in a vertical plane than in a horizontal plane.
- the outer garment is a polo shirt comprising a raglan sleeve.
- the Applicant has identified that a garment or garment system needs to be designed to minimise any friction that may occur throughout the movement of the golf swing. Therefore, by minimising the resistance of movement in the golf swing, it is hypothesised that this will provide an increase in performance, especial the swing speed.
- the present garments have been specifically aimed at the sport of golf; however, it is understood that gains in other sporting fields such as cricket, baseball and racket sports may also be achieved through the same principles.
- the present compression garment and modified polo are specifically aimed at players of golf.
- the location, material and stretch characteristics of the panels are specifically chosen so as to minimise drag and friction whilst a wearer is performing a golf swing.
- the performance of an individual wearing the golfing system is enhanced through the use of the compression garment with a modified polo shirt, as the stretch characteristics of the two garments may be chosen to mutually co-operate, by both stretching in a vertical sense.
- the compression garment and polo of the present invention provides a system which has a low co-efficient of friction between the user wearing the compression garment and any outer garments they are wearing.
- the golfing system reduces friction between the compression garment and the modified polo shirt.
- An additional advantage of the modified polo shirt is that it eliminates the normal practice of tucking in of the outer garment to the trousers or shorts worn by the sportsperson.
- the system additionally allows free movement and stretching of the individual's arms whilst the outer garment glides up the individual's skin.
- a particular advantage of the present invention is the provision of a two-layer garment system whereby the fabrics are constructed such that the fabrics are aligned vertically in the two different layers.
- the direction of the stretch is highly important in the reduction of friction and the resulting increases in swing speed that have been demonstrated.
- the swing speed of an individual wearing the compression garment of the present invention is improved.
- the swing speed of a user wearing the compression garment and modified polo shirt of the present invention are further improved.
- a compression garment (with or without the modified polo shirt) can be psychologically important for a golfer because, when worn, the golfer feels more powerful and feels the freedom of movement in a pre-shot swing, so that the golfer feels more confident when taking his/her shot.
- the singlet is vest-like and does not have sleeves as this removes twisting of the fabric around the armpit and on the biceps, which would otherwise occur when the golfer swings.
- provision of a wide arm opening enhances the feeling of freedom of movement.
- the tucking in of the standard polo shirt creates a twisting of the fabric that throttles the biceps and armpit and, thus, slows down the swing—which is prevented by the wearing of the modified polo shirt.
- the curved shape of the frontal seams for the chest panel and the panel's relative inflexibility in a horizontal plane maximise compression on the front core muscles of a wearer, which are those that are key to performance power.
- the garment also provides compression around the wearer's back, for back support against the impact of swing speed torque experienced by many golfers (which can lead to back ache).
- FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a compression garment
- FIG. 2 is a rear elevation of the compression garment of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a front elevation of a further compression garment
- FIG. 4 is a rear elevation of the compression garment of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a front elevation of a polo shirt for use with the compression garments of FIGS. 1 and 2 , and FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- the compression garment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a form of vest or singlet, as they are often known, and is hereinafter generally identified by reference 1 .
- the singlet 1 is shown in a flattened condition. Although there are respective front 2 and rear 3 parts of the singlet 1 , the singlet 1 is made from a number of panels of material, a number of which extend to appear on both the front 2 and rear 3 of the singlet 1 , as can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the singlet 1 has, in general, a chest panel (or chest panels) 4 , a back panel 5 , and lateral or side panels 6 and 7 .
- the panels are connected through various seams which extend along the length of adjacent panels. As is common with clothing, the seams are stitched for connection of the panels 4 to 7 .
- the singlet 1 also comprises a neck region opening 8 , for receipt of the head and neck of a wearer, arm region openings 9 and 10 , for receipt of the arms of a wearer, and a waist region opening 11 , for receipt of a waist of a user. As can be seen from FIGS.
- the chest panel 4 is intended to cover a frontal chest-region of a wearer and extends from the head region opening 8 to the waist region opening 11 . It also extends towards and into the arm region openings 9 and 10 .
- the back panel 5 it is intended to cover a central back region of a wearer and the tops of their shoulders, and extends from the waist region opening 11 , upwards and over the shoulders of a wearer around the head region opening 8 , and joins with the chest panel 4 .
- Each of the lateral panels 6 ; 7 is intended to extend from the chest panel 4 around a side of a wearer and connect to the back panel 5 , and extend from the waist region opening 11 up to the arm region opening 9 or 10 , where it terminates.
- the chest panel 4 is connected to end portions of respective side panels 6 ; 7 through arcuate seams 12 , each seam 12 extends from the arm region opening 9 or 10 to the waist region opening 11 .
- the curvature of the seam 12 defines a convex cut-out in the chest panel 4 , into which the end portion of the side panel 6 or 7 extends.
- the back panel 5 is connected to opposite ends of the respective side panels 6 ; 7 through seams 13 having an irregular sinusoidal (or wavy) form, which seams 13 extend from the arm region openings 9 ; 10 to the respective waist region opening 11 .
- the back panel 5 is connected to the chest panel 4 through seams 14 , having an irregular sinusoidal (or wavy) form, and the seams 14 extend from the head region opening 8 to the respective arm region openings 9 ; 10 .
- a grip-strip 15 is located on the seam at the waist region opening 11 of the singlet 1 , on an inner circumferential surface thereof, so as to prevent riding up of the singlet 1 in use.
- the chest panel 4 and back panel 5 are manufactured from a material which is more stretchable in a vertical orientation of the garment (a plane running on or parallel to a line between the head region opening 8 and the waist region opening 11 ), than in a horizontal orientation (a plane running on or parallel to a line between the respective arm region openings 9 and 10 ).
- the chest panel is manufactured from a material which is 80% polyester and 20% elastane and has a gsm of 240.
- Each of the side panels 6 ; 7 are manufactured from a material which is 96% polyester mesh and 4% elastane, having a gsm of 170.
- the back panel is manufactured from a material which is 85% nylon and 15% elastane, having a gsm of 210.
- the chest panel 4 is manufactured to have a low-friction or reduced friction outer surface, across which panel 4 the arms of a user taking a golf swing might rub.
- one or both side panels and/or the back panel may also be manufactured to have a low-friction or reduced friction outer surface.
- the singlet 1 is both comfortable to wear and the outer surfaces thereof are smooth, silky, have a sheen, or are non-catch materials, so as to reduce any friction between the singlet and any outer garment.
- the singlet may be manufactured essentially in line with a known manufacturing method for clothing, for example a method for manufacturing a vest and, so, this will not be discussed in detail.
- the compression garment may be a form of T-shirt or shirt having sleeves.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 show a compression garment, hereinafter identified by reference 20 , which is based upon the singlet 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and, as the two singlets 1 and 20 include various common features, only the differences will be described in detail.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 show a further singlet 20 , which includes a zip 21 , which extends from the head region opening 8 to the waist region opening 11 .
- the singlet 20 also includes an additional chest compression band 22 which is located to lie across the diaphragm or sternum of a wearer of the singlet 20 .
- the compression band 22 is shown as a shaded line extending across the front 2 of the singlet 20 ; however, the compression band could be located on an outer-surface or an inner-surface of the front 2 of the singlet 20 , and still achieve the same compressive effect.
- Each of singlets 1 and 20 may be used with any form of outer garment so as to provide both compression and ease of movement for taking a golf swing, or perhaps may be used by themselves, although a preferred result is achieved through using the singlet 1 or 20 with a modified polo shirt, which provides the optimum ease of movement whilst providing compression.
- FIG. 5 show a modified polo shirt, hereinafter identified by reference 30 , which includes a number of key modifications.
- the polo shirt 30 includes a drawstring 31 which may be used to tighten or loosen the bottom of the polo shirt.
- the drawstring 31 gives the polo shirt the impression of being tucked in, which is useful for clubhouse etiquette, and the drawstring may be loosened so as to provide maximum ease of movement when taking a golf swing.
- the material from which the polo shirt is manufactured is carefully selected so that it has, on its inner-layer, a low-friction or reduced friction surface, which is either smooth, silky or has little if any catches or rough material which might otherwise affect friction.
- An inner-surface of the polo shirt 30 is manufactured to provide a low-friction surface, especially in regions corresponding to the low-friction surfaces on the outer surface of the singlet 1 or 20 .
- the polo shirt may be manufactured essentially in line with a known manufacturing method for clothing, for example a method for manufacturing a standard polo shirt and, so, this will not be discussed in detail. However, additional steps would need to be taken so as to include the drawstring.
- Swing speed is also understood to be improved through the use of the singlet in combination with a different outer garment—although it is understood that the improvement would be less.
- the following was designed to substantiate the former.
- the modified polo shirt was manufactured from a material being 95% polyester and 5% elastane
- the compression garment was manufactured from a material being 80% nylon and 20% elastane for the chest panel, 85% nylon and 15% elastane for the back panel, and 96% polyester mesh and 4% elastane for the side panels, which panels were shaped and connected in the manner described in relation to FIG. 1 .
- Both garments were arranged to employ their stretch characteristics in the same direction, in the vertical sense of the garments from neck to waist regions thereof.
- the club used was a Wilson® staff 7 iron for all shots and the ball was a Srixon® driving range ball.
- the system used to obtain the results was a GC2 Launch Monitor, as available from Foresight Sports.
- the measured data relates to ball speed; horizontal and vertical launch angles; spin and spin axis.
- a launch monitor is unaffected by the club, ball or even if there is a head wind, as it works by radar analysis of the speed of impact between the club and the ball and, therefore assumes it is a perfect day and a new ball every shot. Accordingly, this means that the results achieved are normalised with respect to external factors of wind speed etc. and means that the test is appropriate for the purpose of comparing swing speed and its perceived dependence on the clothing worn.
- Table 1 provides a comparison of ball carry and associated swing speed results as obtained from a professional golfer, who undertook comparative tests wearing a normal polo shirt and prior art compression top ‘standard clothing’, and, secondly, wearing the compression garment and modified polo shirt of the ‘present invention’.
- the swing speed is, on average, improved by over 3%, and it is believed that this is provided by the compression garment and modified polo shirt of the present invention.
- Example 2 A further test, similar to that of Example 1, was undertaken and comparisons made between the performance of an non-professional golfer wearing a singlet of the type disclosed above and a modified polo shirt, and the same golfer wearing a normal polo shirt under which was worn a standard sports compression vest—the polo shirt being, by convention, tucked in.
Abstract
A compression garment for playing golf, wherein at least a portion of the garment is configured to provide compression of a torso of a user and at least a portion of the garment includes a low-friction outer surface.
Description
- This Patent Application claims priority from UK Patent Application No. GB1603526.3, filed Mar. 1, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- The present invention relates to golfing apparel. In particular, the present invention relates to a compression garment for playing golf, a golfing system comprising a compression garment and an outer garment, a method for manufacturing a compression garment for playing golf, and a golfing apparel outer garment for use with a compression garment.
- The sport of golf has a large following, and is played all over the world. Various fabrics are known to be used to aid performance of sportsmen and sportswomen in general; however, with respect to golf per se, inventions tend to arise relating to hardware for playing the game, such as clubs, balls, or shoes, and not in relation to clothing or fabrics specifically for golfers.
- It is important to note that, with golf, clothing worn on the upper body or torso in particular should not inhibit free movement of the arms, which might, thereby, reduce a player's performance. This is also true of other sports, the playing of which might use other forms of a bat and ball, in which it is equally important that the free movement of the arms, back and shoulders are allowed. Specifically, with golf, rotation of the arms, shoulders and back combines to make a golf swing, the performance of which is essential to playing the game. It is, therefore, highly desirable to have garments which do not inhibit this motion of the arms, shoulders and back. As such, the present invention is aimed at providing such garments.
- According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a compression garment for playing golf, wherein at least a portion of the garment is configured to provide compression of a torso of a user and at least a portion of the garment comprises a low-friction or reduced friction outer surface.
- Preferably, the garment is a sleeve-less compression garment; further preferably, a vest-like garment.
- Preferably, the garment comprises a plurality of panels having at least two different types of stretch characteristics.
- Preferably, the garment comprises four panels having three different types of stretch characteristics.
- Preferably, at least one panel is configured to be more stretchable in a first orientation than in a transverse orientation.
- Further preferably, a panel comprises fibers configured to be more stretchable in a first orientation than in a transverse orientation.
- Preferably, the garment comprises an arrangement of the interactions of the fibers of the fabric, so as to lower friction on an inner and/or outer surface thereof.
- Most preferably, two panels are configured to be more stretchable in a first orientation than in a transverse orientation.
- Preferably, the low-friction outer surface is located at a respective frontal region of the garment.
- Most preferably, a panel comprises fibers configured to be more stretchable in a first orientation than in a transverse orientation.
- The garment may comprise a chest panel, a back panel and two lateral panels, wherein the lateral panels connect the chest and back panels. Preferably, the chest panel is configured to be more stretchable in a respective vertical orientation of the garment than in a respective horizontal orientation. Preferably, the back panel is configured to be more stretchable in a respective vertical orientation of the garment than in a respective horizontal orientation. Most preferably, the chest panel fibers are configured to be more stretchable in a vertical plane than in a horizontal plane. Most preferably, the back panel fibers are configured to be more stretchable in a vertical plane than in a horizontal plane.
- Preferably, an arcuate seam connects the chest panel to a respective lateral panel.
- Preferably, panels and seams are configured so as to provide a slippery chest and stomach (outer) surface towards any outer layer, so that said outer layer can glide over the compression garment with little or no friction or resistance. Most preferably, the garment is slippery in the direction of the golf swing.
- Preferably, the chest panel comprises a low-friction or reduced friction outer surface. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more lateral panels may comprise a low-friction or reduced friction outer surface. Further preferably, the chest panel comprises a zip or alternative fastener. Preferably, the garment comprises enlarged arm holes for reducing friction during a golf swing. Preferably, the lateral panels are evenly stretchable in respective vertical and horizontal orientations. Most preferably, the lateral panels comprises mesh material. Preferably, an internal surface of the bottom seam of the garment comprises a grip strip.
- Most preferably, the side panels comprise four-way stretchability. Most preferably, the chest and back panels comprise two-way stretchability in a vertical sense, so as to compress the core and back of a wearer.
- Preferably, one or more panels comprise about 96% polyester and about 4% elastane, or about 95% polyester and about 5% elastane. Alternatively, those panels may comprise about 50% to about 98% polyester and about 50% to about 2% elastane, or may comprise about 76% polyester and about 24% elastane. Most preferably, those panels are side panels.
- Preferably, one or more panels comprise about 80% polyester and about 20% elastane. Alternatively, those panels may comprise about 75% polyester and about 25% elastane to about 98% polyester and about 2% elastane. Most preferably, those panels are chest and/or back panels.
- Preferably, one or more panels comprise about 85% nylon and about 15% elastane, or about 80% nylon and about 20% elastane.
- Preferably, the percentage values for polyester and nylon are interchangeable.
- The garment may additionally comprise means for providing additional compression to a lower-chest, sternum and/or diaphragm region of a user. Preferably, the means is a compression band. Further preferably, the compression band is movable in a vertical orientation of the garment.
- Most preferably, the inner garment is a vest, and the outer garment a polo shirt.
- According a second aspect, the present invention provides a golfing system comprising a compression garment and an outer garment, wherein the outer garment comprises a low-friction or reduced friction inner surface.
- Preferably, the compression garment is as defined in relation to the first aspect.
- Preferably, the garments are configured to provide low-friction interaction between a respective outer layer of the compression garment and a respective inner layer of the outer garment.
- Preferably, the outer garment is at least partly configured to be more stretchable in a respective vertical orientation of the garment than in a respective horizontal orientation.
- Preferably, the fibers of the outer garment are arranged to be more stretchable in a vertical plane than in a horizontal plane. Preferably, the outer garment is a polo shirt comprising a raglan sleeve. Further preferably, the outer garment comprises a drawstring or equivalent in a bottom seam thereof.
- Most preferably, the inner garment is a vest, and the outer garment a polo shirt.
- According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a compression garment for playing golf, the compression garment comprising:
- at least a portion of the garment is configured to provide means for compression of a torso of a user; and
- at least a portion of the garment comprises a low-friction or reduced friction outer surface.
- Preferably, the compression garment is as defined in relation to the first aspect.
- Preferably, the method comprises manufacturing at least one panel to be more stretchable in a first orientation than in a transverse orientation.
- Preferably, the method comprises configuring panel fibers to be more stretchable in a first orientation than in a transverse orientation.
- Preferably, the method comprises configuring the interactions of the fabric fibers so as to provide a lower friction surface.
- Preferably, the method comprises securing a plurality of panels together to form a compression garment, the one or more panels having at least two types of stretch characteristics.
- Further preferably, the method comprises securing a compression band to a torso region of the garment for compressing a lower-chest, sternum and/or diaphragm region of a user.
- According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a golfing apparel outer garment for use with a compression garment, the outer garment is configured to reduce interaction with an undergarment through at least a portion of an inner surface thereof comprising a low-friction or reduced friction surface.
- Preferably, the garment further comprises a selectively adjustable waistband, for freeing movement upon selectively enlarging the waistband and for smartness through selectively reducing the waistband, so as to give the impression of it being tucked in.
- Preferably, the chest panel is arranged to be more stretchable in a respective vertical orientation of the garment than in a respective horizontal orientation.
- Preferably, the outer garment is at least partly arranged to be more stretchable in a respective vertical orientation of the garment than in a respective horizontal orientation.
- Preferably, the fibers of the outer garment are arranged to be more stretchable in a vertical plane than in a horizontal plane. Most preferably, the outer garment is a polo shirt comprising a raglan sleeve.
- The Applicant has identified that a garment or garment system needs to be designed to minimise any friction that may occur throughout the movement of the golf swing. Therefore, by minimising the resistance of movement in the golf swing, it is hypothesised that this will provide an increase in performance, especial the swing speed. The present garments have been specifically aimed at the sport of golf; however, it is understood that gains in other sporting fields such as cricket, baseball and racket sports may also be achieved through the same principles.
- Whilst it is not intended to be bound by theory, it is also understood that a wearer of the compression garment feels uplifted, their arms and chest feel lighter, and they feel more powerful, which it is believed provides an improvement in the swing per se, even if it is hard to assess this directly. The compression characteristics of the garment focus compression on the core of the body, which has the perceived effect of making one feel more supported and stronger, which is believed to have a positive psychological impact on the wearer's confidence to perform.
- The present compression garment and modified polo are specifically aimed at players of golf. As such, the location, material and stretch characteristics of the panels are specifically chosen so as to minimise drag and friction whilst a wearer is performing a golf swing. In addition, the performance of an individual wearing the golfing system is enhanced through the use of the compression garment with a modified polo shirt, as the stretch characteristics of the two garments may be chosen to mutually co-operate, by both stretching in a vertical sense.
- Advantageously, the compression garment and polo of the present invention provides a system which has a low co-efficient of friction between the user wearing the compression garment and any outer garments they are wearing. Specifically, the golfing system reduces friction between the compression garment and the modified polo shirt. An additional advantage of the modified polo shirt is that it eliminates the normal practice of tucking in of the outer garment to the trousers or shorts worn by the sportsperson. The system additionally allows free movement and stretching of the individual's arms whilst the outer garment glides up the individual's skin. A particular advantage of the present invention is the provision of a two-layer garment system whereby the fabrics are constructed such that the fabrics are aligned vertically in the two different layers. The direction of the stretch is highly important in the reduction of friction and the resulting increases in swing speed that have been demonstrated. Advantageously, the swing speed of an individual wearing the compression garment of the present invention is improved. Further, the swing speed of a user wearing the compression garment and modified polo shirt of the present invention are further improved.
- Advantageously, a compression garment (with or without the modified polo shirt) can be psychologically important for a golfer because, when worn, the golfer feels more powerful and feels the freedom of movement in a pre-shot swing, so that the golfer feels more confident when taking his/her shot.
- Advantageously, the singlet is vest-like and does not have sleeves as this removes twisting of the fabric around the armpit and on the biceps, which would otherwise occur when the golfer swings. Further, provision of a wide arm opening enhances the feeling of freedom of movement. The tucking in of the standard polo shirt creates a twisting of the fabric that throttles the biceps and armpit and, thus, slows down the swing—which is prevented by the wearing of the modified polo shirt.
- In particular, the curved shape of the frontal seams for the chest panel and the panel's relative inflexibility in a horizontal plane maximise compression on the front core muscles of a wearer, which are those that are key to performance power. The garment also provides compression around the wearer's back, for back support against the impact of swing speed torque experienced by many golfers (which can lead to back ache).
- The invention will now be disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a compression garment; -
FIG. 2 is a rear elevation of the compression garment ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a front elevation of a further compression garment; -
FIG. 4 is a rear elevation of the compression garment ofFIG. 3 ; and -
FIG. 5 is a front elevation of a polo shirt for use with the compression garments ofFIGS. 1 and 2 , andFIGS. 3 and 4 . - The compression garment shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 is a form of vest or singlet, as they are often known, and is hereinafter generally identified by reference 1. The singlet 1 is shown in a flattened condition. Although there arerespective front 2 and rear 3 parts of the singlet 1, the singlet 1 is made from a number of panels of material, a number of which extend to appear on both thefront 2 and rear 3 of the singlet 1, as can be seen fromFIGS. 1 and 2 . - The singlet 1 has, in general, a chest panel (or chest panels) 4, a
back panel 5, and lateral orside panels panels 4 to 7. The singlet 1 also comprises aneck region opening 8, for receipt of the head and neck of a wearer,arm region openings FIGS. 1 and 2 , thechest panel 4 is intended to cover a frontal chest-region of a wearer and extends from thehead region opening 8 to thewaist region opening 11. It also extends towards and into thearm region openings back panel 5, it is intended to cover a central back region of a wearer and the tops of their shoulders, and extends from the waist region opening 11, upwards and over the shoulders of a wearer around thehead region opening 8, and joins with thechest panel 4. Each of thelateral panels 6; 7 is intended to extend from thechest panel 4 around a side of a wearer and connect to theback panel 5, and extend from the waist region opening 11 up to thearm region opening chest panel 4 is connected to end portions ofrespective side panels 6; 7 througharcuate seams 12, eachseam 12 extends from thearm region opening waist region opening 11. The curvature of theseam 12 defines a convex cut-out in thechest panel 4, into which the end portion of theside panel back panel 5 is connected to opposite ends of therespective side panels 6; 7 throughseams 13 having an irregular sinusoidal (or wavy) form, which seams 13 extend from thearm region openings 9; 10 to the respectivewaist region opening 11. Theback panel 5 is connected to thechest panel 4 throughseams 14, having an irregular sinusoidal (or wavy) form, and theseams 14 extend from thehead region opening 8 to the respectivearm region openings 9; 10. A grip-strip 15 is located on the seam at the waist region opening 11 of the singlet 1, on an inner circumferential surface thereof, so as to prevent riding up of the singlet 1 in use. - The
chest panel 4 andback panel 5 are manufactured from a material which is more stretchable in a vertical orientation of the garment (a plane running on or parallel to a line between thehead region opening 8 and the waist region opening 11), than in a horizontal orientation (a plane running on or parallel to a line between the respectivearm region openings 9 and 10). The chest panel is manufactured from a material which is 80% polyester and 20% elastane and has a gsm of 240. Each of theside panels 6; 7 are manufactured from a material which is 96% polyester mesh and 4% elastane, having a gsm of 170. The back panel is manufactured from a material which is 85% nylon and 15% elastane, having a gsm of 210. - The
chest panel 4 is manufactured to have a low-friction or reduced friction outer surface, across whichpanel 4 the arms of a user taking a golf swing might rub. As an alternative or in addition, one or both side panels and/or the back panel may also be manufactured to have a low-friction or reduced friction outer surface. - Alternatively, other blends of nylon, polyester and elastane, or other materials, may make up the panels of the singlet 1, if care is taken to provide corresponding stretch characteristics and low-friction surfaces on the singlet 1.
- The singlet 1 is both comfortable to wear and the outer surfaces thereof are smooth, silky, have a sheen, or are non-catch materials, so as to reduce any friction between the singlet and any outer garment.
- The singlet may be manufactured essentially in line with a known manufacturing method for clothing, for example a method for manufacturing a vest and, so, this will not be discussed in detail.
- In a further alternative, the compression garment may be a form of T-shirt or shirt having sleeves.
-
FIGS. 3 and 4 show a compression garment, hereinafter identified byreference 20, which is based upon the singlet 1 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 and, as the twosinglets 1 and 20 include various common features, only the differences will be described in detail. -
FIGS. 3 and 4 show afurther singlet 20, which includes azip 21, which extends from thehead region opening 8 to thewaist region opening 11. Thesinglet 20 also includes an additionalchest compression band 22 which is located to lie across the diaphragm or sternum of a wearer of thesinglet 20. InFIG. 3 , thecompression band 22 is shown as a shaded line extending across thefront 2 of thesinglet 20; however, the compression band could be located on an outer-surface or an inner-surface of thefront 2 of thesinglet 20, and still achieve the same compressive effect. - The features of the
singlet 20 and singlet 1 are interchangeable. - Each of
singlets 1 and 20 may be used with any form of outer garment so as to provide both compression and ease of movement for taking a golf swing, or perhaps may be used by themselves, although a preferred result is achieved through using thesinglet 1 or 20 with a modified polo shirt, which provides the optimum ease of movement whilst providing compression.FIG. 5 show a modified polo shirt, hereinafter identified byreference 30, which includes a number of key modifications. Thepolo shirt 30 includes adrawstring 31 which may be used to tighten or loosen the bottom of the polo shirt. When tightened, thedrawstring 31 gives the polo shirt the impression of being tucked in, which is useful for clubhouse etiquette, and the drawstring may be loosened so as to provide maximum ease of movement when taking a golf swing. In addition, the material from which the polo shirt is manufactured is carefully selected so that it has, on its inner-layer, a low-friction or reduced friction surface, which is either smooth, silky or has little if any catches or rough material which might otherwise affect friction. An inner-surface of thepolo shirt 30 is manufactured to provide a low-friction surface, especially in regions corresponding to the low-friction surfaces on the outer surface of thesinglet 1 or 20. - The polo shirt may be manufactured essentially in line with a known manufacturing method for clothing, for example a method for manufacturing a standard polo shirt and, so, this will not be discussed in detail. However, additional steps would need to be taken so as to include the drawstring.
- As such, it is understood that, when a user wears the combination of singlet and specific polo shirt, there is an improvement in the swing speed of the user. Swing speed is also understood to be improved through the use of the singlet in combination with a different outer garment—although it is understood that the improvement would be less. The following was designed to substantiate the former.
- By way of a non-limiting example, the performance of an individual wearing a singlet of the type disclosed above and a modified polo shirt have been compared to the same individual wearing a normal polo shirt which, by convention, would be tucked in. The following test has been designed to specifically compare swing speeds.
- For the test, ten balls were hit by a professional wearing a standard Adidas® 100% cotton golf polo shirt which was tucked in and a further ten balls were hit by the same professional whilst wearing the compression garment and loosened modified polo shirt of the present invention.
- In this example, the modified polo shirt was manufactured from a material being 95% polyester and 5% elastane, and the compression garment was manufactured from a material being 80% nylon and 20% elastane for the chest panel, 85% nylon and 15% elastane for the back panel, and 96% polyester mesh and 4% elastane for the side panels, which panels were shaped and connected in the manner described in relation to
FIG. 1 . Both garments were arranged to employ their stretch characteristics in the same direction, in the vertical sense of the garments from neck to waist regions thereof. - The club used was a
Wilson® staff 7 iron for all shots and the ball was a Srixon® driving range ball. The system used to obtain the results was a GC2 Launch Monitor, as available from Foresight Sports. In particular, the measured data relates to ball speed; horizontal and vertical launch angles; spin and spin axis. - The results were normalised to remove those shots that had an rpm of greater than 900 rpm, which resulted in the six sets of data for comparison shown in Table 1.
- The function of a launch monitor is unaffected by the club, ball or even if there is a head wind, as it works by radar analysis of the speed of impact between the club and the ball and, therefore assumes it is a perfect day and a new ball every shot. Accordingly, this means that the results achieved are normalised with respect to external factors of wind speed etc. and means that the test is appropriate for the purpose of comparing swing speed and its perceived dependence on the clothing worn.
-
Standard Clothing Present Invention Ball Carry Swing Speed Ball Carry Swing Speed 161 yards 115 175 yards 117 158 yards 113 171 yards 120 167 yards 116 169 yards 118 166 yards 115 170 yards 119 169 yards 117 175 yards 120 170 yards 116 175 yards 120 - Table 1, provides a comparison of ball carry and associated swing speed results as obtained from a professional golfer, who undertook comparative tests wearing a normal polo shirt and prior art compression top ‘standard clothing’, and, secondly, wearing the compression garment and modified polo shirt of the ‘present invention’.
- According to the data provided in Table 1, the swing speed is, on average, improved by over 3%, and it is believed that this is provided by the compression garment and modified polo shirt of the present invention.
- A further test, similar to that of Example 1, was undertaken and comparisons made between the performance of an non-professional golfer wearing a singlet of the type disclosed above and a modified polo shirt, and the same golfer wearing a normal polo shirt under which was worn a standard sports compression vest—the polo shirt being, by convention, tucked in.
- The same test procedure was followed and the non-professional golfer showed improved swing speed when wearing the singlet and modified polo shirt.
Claims (20)
1. A compression garment for playing golf, wherein at least a portion of the garment is configured to provide compression of a torso of a user and at least a portion of the garment comprises a low-friction or reduced friction outer surface.
2. The compression garment as claimed in claim 1 , wherein one or more panels of the garment are configured to be more stretchable in a first orientation than in a transverse orientation.
3. The compression garment as claimed in claim 1 , wherein one or more panels comprise fibers configured to be more stretchable in a first orientation than in a transverse orientation.
4. The compression garment as claimed in claim 1 comprising an arrangement of interactions of fibers of the fabric, so as to lower or reduce friction on an inner surface of the fabric, an outer surface of the fabric, or both an inner surface and an outer surface of the fabric.
5. The compression garment as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a low-friction or reduced friction outer surface is located at a respective frontal region of the garment.
6. The compression garment as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the garment comprises a chest panel, a back panel and two lateral panels, wherein the lateral panels connect the chest and back panels.
7. The compression garment as claimed in claim 6 , wherein
(i) the chest panel is configured to be more stretchable in a respective vertical orientation of the garment than in a respective horizontal orientation,
(ii) the back panel is configured to be more stretchable in a respective vertical orientation of the garment than in a respective horizontal orientation, or
(iii) the chest panel is configured to be more stretchable in the respective vertical orientation of the garment than in the respective horizontal orientation, and, the back panel is configured to be more stretchable in the respective vertical orientation of the garment than in the respective horizontal orientation.
8. The compression garment as claimed in claim 6 , wherein
(i) the chest panel fibers are configured to be more stretchable in a vertical plane than in a horizontal plane,
(ii) the back panel fibers are configured to be more stretchable in a vertical plane than in a horizontal plane, or
(iii) the chest panel fibers are configured to be more stretchable in the vertical plane than in the horizontal plane, and, the back panel fibers are configured to be more stretchable in the vertical plane than in the horizontal plane.
9. The compression garment as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the chest panel comprises a low-friction or reduced friction outer surface.
10. The compression garment as claimed in claim 1 , wherein one or more panels of the garment comprise about 96% polyester and about 4% elastane, or about 95% polyester and about 5% elastane.
11. The compression garment as claimed in claim 1 , wherein one or more panels of the garment comprise about 80% polyester and about 20% elastane.
12. The compression garment as claimed in claim 1 , wherein one or more panels of the garment comprise about 85% nylon and about 15% elastane, or about 80% nylon and about 20% elastane.
13. The compression garment as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a part- or fully-circumferential compression band.
14. A golf apparel system comprising a compression garment and an outer garment, wherein:
at least a portion of the compression garment is configured to provide compression of a torso of a user and at least a portion of the compression garment comprises a low-friction or reduced friction outer surface; and
the outer garment comprises a low-friction or reduced friction inner surface.
15. The golf apparel system as claimed in claim 14 , wherein the garments are configured to provide low-friction interaction between a respective outer layer of the compression garment and a respective inner layer of the outer garment.
16. A method for manufacturing a compression garment for playing golf, the compression garment comprising:
at least a portion of the garment is configured to provide compression of a torso of a user; and
at least a portion of the garment comprises a low-friction outer surface.
17. The method as claimed in claim 16 further comprising configuring at least one panel of the garment to be more stretchable in a first orientation than in a transverse orientation or configuring fibers of the panel to be more stretchable in a first orientation than in the transverse orientation.
18. The method as claimed in claim 16 comprising securing a plurality of panels together to form a compression garment, the at least one panel having at least two types of stretch characteristics.
19. The method as claimed in claim 16 comprising securing a further compression band to a torso region of the garment for compressing a lower-chest, sternum or diaphragm region of a user.
20. A golfing apparel outer garment for use with a compression garment, the outer garment is configured to reduce interaction with an undergarment through at least a portion of an inner surface thereof comprising a low-friction or reduced friction surface.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1603526.3 | 2016-03-01 | ||
GB1603526.3A GB2547897A (en) | 2016-03-01 | 2016-03-01 | Golfing apparel |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20170295861A1 true US20170295861A1 (en) | 2017-10-19 |
Family
ID=55807103
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/446,540 Abandoned US20170295861A1 (en) | 2016-03-01 | 2017-03-01 | Golfing apparel |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20170295861A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2547897A (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD819930S1 (en) * | 2017-01-17 | 2018-06-12 | Nike, Inc. | Garment |
USD820559S1 (en) * | 2017-01-17 | 2018-06-19 | Nike, Inc. | Garment |
USD839547S1 (en) | 2017-01-17 | 2019-02-05 | Nike, Inc. | Upper body garment |
USD853086S1 (en) | 2016-11-29 | 2019-07-09 | Assos Of Switzerland Gmbh | Garment |
USD857341S1 (en) * | 2017-05-30 | 2019-08-27 | Assos Of Switzerland Gmbh | Garment |
US20200015527A1 (en) * | 2018-07-13 | 2020-01-16 | Matej Kavcnik | Fly shirt |
US20220110389A1 (en) * | 2019-11-29 | 2022-04-14 | Nsw Inc. | Reversible shirt |
US11357271B2 (en) * | 2018-10-23 | 2022-06-14 | Faith Elizabeth Mason | Leotard with built in compression |
RU214035U1 (en) * | 2022-03-31 | 2022-10-10 | Нина Алексеевна Карзакова | WOMEN'S VEST FROM LEATHER, ARTIFICIAL LEATHER OR ECO LEATHER IN ASYMMETRIC FORM |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2616272A (en) * | 2022-03-01 | 2023-09-06 | Medigarments Ltd | Garment for therapeutic treatment |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CA2300875A1 (en) * | 1997-11-12 | 1999-05-20 | Robert T. Gunn | Low friction articles |
US6892396B2 (en) * | 2002-05-23 | 2005-05-17 | Mizuno Corporation | Undershirt |
CN107019263B (en) * | 2012-02-21 | 2020-02-11 | 新平衡运动公司 | Asymmetric athletic garment and method of use |
-
2016
- 2016-03-01 GB GB1603526.3A patent/GB2547897A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2017
- 2017-03-01 US US15/446,540 patent/US20170295861A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD853086S1 (en) | 2016-11-29 | 2019-07-09 | Assos Of Switzerland Gmbh | Garment |
USD889777S1 (en) * | 2016-11-29 | 2020-07-14 | Assos Of Switzerland Gmbh | Garment |
USD889778S1 (en) * | 2016-11-29 | 2020-07-14 | Assos Of Switzerland Gmbh | Garment |
USD908319S1 (en) | 2016-11-29 | 2021-01-26 | Assos Of Switzerland Gmbh | Garment |
USD819930S1 (en) * | 2017-01-17 | 2018-06-12 | Nike, Inc. | Garment |
USD820559S1 (en) * | 2017-01-17 | 2018-06-19 | Nike, Inc. | Garment |
USD839547S1 (en) | 2017-01-17 | 2019-02-05 | Nike, Inc. | Upper body garment |
USD857341S1 (en) * | 2017-05-30 | 2019-08-27 | Assos Of Switzerland Gmbh | Garment |
US20200015527A1 (en) * | 2018-07-13 | 2020-01-16 | Matej Kavcnik | Fly shirt |
US11357271B2 (en) * | 2018-10-23 | 2022-06-14 | Faith Elizabeth Mason | Leotard with built in compression |
US20220110389A1 (en) * | 2019-11-29 | 2022-04-14 | Nsw Inc. | Reversible shirt |
RU214035U1 (en) * | 2022-03-31 | 2022-10-10 | Нина Алексеевна Карзакова | WOMEN'S VEST FROM LEATHER, ARTIFICIAL LEATHER OR ECO LEATHER IN ASYMMETRIC FORM |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB201603526D0 (en) | 2016-04-13 |
GB2547897A (en) | 2017-09-06 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20170295861A1 (en) | Golfing apparel | |
JP6920243B2 (en) | Asymmetric exercise clothing and how to use it | |
TWI428095B (en) | Exercise garment | |
JP4578527B2 (en) | Crotch clothing for exercise | |
US6353934B1 (en) | Outerwear | |
US20110271423A1 (en) | Articles of Apparel Providing Enhanced Body Position Feedback | |
US20110274903A1 (en) | Weighted fabric articles and related materials and methods | |
JP2007533863A (en) | Athlete wear | |
US20140189929A1 (en) | Athletic Jersey Having Separate Sections Replicating Different Athletic Jerseys | |
US20130291278A1 (en) | Athletic warmer apparel | |
US20030014804A1 (en) | Workout garment | |
JP2012007252A (en) | Golf shirt | |
JP5290261B2 (en) | Golf outerwear | |
JP2000129512A (en) | Upper garment for sports | |
CN215124540U (en) | Protective baseball clothes | |
TWI507141B (en) | Sportswear | |
CN205866044U (en) | Women's jersey | |
Basant et al. | Sportswear or Active wear-An Overview. | |
GB2472588A (en) | Two part sports shirt | |
KR20000010258U (en) | Easy swing golf suit |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |