WO2002047775A2 - Gant de golf - Google Patents

Gant de golf Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002047775A2
WO2002047775A2 PCT/US2001/048809 US0148809W WO0247775A2 WO 2002047775 A2 WO2002047775 A2 WO 2002047775A2 US 0148809 W US0148809 W US 0148809W WO 0247775 A2 WO0247775 A2 WO 0247775A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pad
golfer
glove
hand
wrist
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/048809
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2002047775A3 (fr
Inventor
Rita Terris
Christopher S. Terris
Edward C. Meagher
Original Assignee
Applications Systems Technologies, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Applications Systems Technologies, Inc. filed Critical Applications Systems Technologies, Inc.
Priority to AU2002230964A priority Critical patent/AU2002230964A1/en
Publication of WO2002047775A2 publication Critical patent/WO2002047775A2/fr
Publication of WO2002047775A3 publication Critical patent/WO2002047775A3/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/08—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions
    • A63B71/081—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions fluid-filled, e.g. air-filled
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D19/00—Gloves
    • A41D19/015—Protective gloves
    • A41D19/01523—Protective gloves absorbing shocks or vibrations
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
    • A63B69/3608—Attachments on the body, e.g. for measuring, aligning, restraining
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/08—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions
    • A63B71/14—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the hands, e.g. baseball, boxing or golfing gloves
    • A63B71/141—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the hands, e.g. baseball, boxing or golfing gloves in the form of gloves
    • A63B71/146—Golf gloves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
    • A63B2208/12—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player specially adapted for children
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
    • A63B2209/10—Characteristics of used materials with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/54—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with means for damping vibrations

Definitions

  • Athletes tend to depend heavily on anti-inflammatory medications and pain medications in the belief that these medications will reduce or relieve injuries. Although these medications are generally beneficial in their ability to control the re-inflammation of acutely or chronically healing tissues, they tend to mask the injury rather than help heal the injury. In the case of an acute injury, it is paramount that the athlete maximize the degree of primary healing to prevent the likelihood of re-injuring the healing/healed tissues.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,000,903 provides a small ridge across the palm of a golf glove which abuts the golf club shaft to align the shaft relative to the wearer's hand at address.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,329,741 provides two parallel pads which form a valley to receive the handle of the golf club to facilitate grasping the shaft with the proper grip.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,855,022 provides visual markings disposed on the dorsal portion of the glove to aid a golfer's alignment during address.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,052,827 provides a pad made from deer skin or elk skin to reduce the vibration of the club at impact.
  • U.S. Patent Nos. 3,848,874, 4,962,547, and 5,184,353 also describe the use of indicia to visually determine and consistently position the golfer's hands on the shaft depending upon the type of shot desired, e.g., hook, draw, fade or slice.
  • vibration-reducing pads from a variety of different materials such as foams, rubbers, wools (natural or synthetic), animal hides and conventional flow-like gels, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,855,022.
  • foams, rubbers, wools (natural or synthetic), animal hides and conventional flow-like gels e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,855,022.
  • the vibration reducing effects of the pads must be carefully weighed against payability with the pad and/or discomfort associated with wearing the pad during play.
  • bulky, heavy and stiff pads will inhibit a player's performance and comfort.
  • a golf glove must be thin and flexible to fit the wearer's hand and allow a good "feel" of the club.
  • the associated pads, rubber, foam and/or conventional gels when used in connection with a golf glove are not specifically designed, dimensioned and positioned to protect a particular golfer's hand from a particular ailment. Still, further, many of these gloves exhibit certain characteristics (tend to "shape” or “deform” over a short time or as a result of repeated use) which do not conform to the Section 14-3 of the United States Golf Associations Rules of Golf (USGA) and, as a result, a player cannot wear the glove during competitive play.
  • section 14-3 of the USGA Rules of Golf entitled “Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment” reads in pertinent part: Except as provided in the rules, "during a stipulated round the player shall not use any artificial device or unusual equipment:
  • i. plain gloves may be worn
  • a towel or handkerchief may be wrapped around the grip.
  • the USGA may grant exemptions for medical-related purposes. It is contemplated that by manufacturing a glove which is specifically designed to protect an individual golfer from the onset or reoccurrence of a specific medically-related injury, the USGA may be willing to grant a medical exemption for these purposes. In other words, by selectively positioning the pad of the glove to treat a known medical condition, it is believed that the likelihood of the USGA granting a medical exemption is significantly increased.
  • the present disclosure is designed to protect athletically-oriented patients from new, additional and/or further injury during the normal course of play.
  • the various embodiments of the present disclosure explained in detail herein are designed to reduce the level of shock imposed upon the various parts of the body when the golf club makes contact with the ball and/or the turf.
  • the gloves are effective in preventing the exacerbation of pre-existing conditions as well as reducing the risk of developing additional or future conditions.
  • the USGA may grant exemptions for medical-related purposes. It is contemplated that by manufacturing a glove which is specifically designed to protect an individual golfer from the onset or reoccurrence of a specific medically-related injury, the USGA may be willing to grant a medical exemption for these purposes. In other words, by selectively positioning and dimensioning the pad of the glove to treat a known medical condition, it is believed that the likelihood of the USGA granting a medical exemption for the use of the glove is significantly increased.
  • the present disclosure generally relates to golf gloves and, more particularly, to a golf glove and golf glove system which includes a pad which is preferably made from an elastomeric, non-flowing gel-like polymer which is designed to effectively reduce the severity and overall detrimental effects of vibration as a result of golf club head to golf ball contact.
  • the pad is designed to be selectively positioned and dimensioned adjacent the palm portion of the glove and/or to cover and protect other aspects of the hand according to the dimensions of a golfer's hand and the golfer's hand position relative to the golf club grip which is held by the golfer during play.
  • the present disclosure also relates to a method of fitting the golf glove and pad according to a golfer's hand and golfer's hand position relative to the golf club shaft.
  • the present disclosure also relates to a method for determining the shock translation, distribution and dissipation through the fingers, hand, wrist, arm and shoulder due to ball to club impact during a golf swing.
  • the golf glove includes a glove body having finger and thumb portions and dorsal and palm portions.
  • the dorsal and palm portions meet along a conjoining lateral edge to define a pocket for receiving the eminence of a golfer's hand.
  • the glove also includes a pad which is selectively positioned and dimensioned adjacent the palm portion of the glove according to the golfer's hand dimensions and/or the golfer's hand position relative to a golf club shaft which is held by the golfer during play.
  • the pad is positioned and dimensioned in a manner to closely abut the golf club shaft during substantially the entire swing movement.
  • the pad is positioned and dimensioned to substantially cover the palmar side of the hypothenar emminence of the golfer's hand.
  • the pad can be positioned and dimensioned to substantially cover the palmar side of the third, fourth and fifth metacarpal bones of the golfer's hand.
  • the distal end of the pad is positioned and dimensioned to abut the palmar side of the metacarpophalangeal joints of the third, fourth and/or fifth metacarpal bones of the golfer's hand.
  • the proximal end of the pad may be positioned and dimensioned to cover and/or closely abut the hamulus of the hamate bone of the golfer's hand.
  • the pad is positioned and dimensioned to cover the palmar branch of the ulnar nerve, the palmar branch of the median nerve of the golfer's hand, and/or the hamulus of the hamate bone of the golfer's hand.
  • the pad is positioned to at least partially encompass a portion of the golfer's wrist and the various components thereof, nerves, tendons, bones, etc.
  • the pad may be made from a material selected from the group consisting of foam, rubber, silicon, gel or other shock absorbing material. As can be appreciated, since the pad is disposed adjacent the wrist portion of the glove, USGA Rule 14-3 is not compromised.
  • Still other embodiments includes multiple pads which are selectively positioned to cover various aspects of the golfer's hand and wrist depending upon a particular purpose or to protect a golfer from certain injury.
  • the pad is made from an elastomeric, non-flowing gel-like polymer which at least partially encompasses the wrist portion of the glove.
  • a strap e.g., snap-lock, button, hoop and loop fastener etc. may be employed to secure the pad about the golfer's wrist.
  • the glove includes a flap which forms a compartment for receiving one or more pads.
  • the compartment may also be positioned and dimensioned according to the golfer's hand dimensions and/or the golfer's hand position relative to a golf club shaft which is held by the golfer during play.
  • the pad may be interchanged with at least one additional pad of different thickness depending upon a particular purpose or to achieve a different or desired result.
  • the present disclosure also relates to a golf glove system which includes first and second gloves which each include a glove portion having a wrist portion, finger and thumb portions and dorsal and palm portions which meet along a conjoining lateral edge to define a pocket for receiving the golfer's hand.
  • Each glove preferably includes a pad having an elastomeric, non-flowing gel-like polymer which is selectively positioned and dimensioned adjacent the palm portion of the glove (or relative to other parts of the golfer's hand or wrist).
  • the pad(s) from at least one of the first and second gloves is configured according to at least one of the golfer's hand dimensions and/or the golfer's hand position relative to a golf club shaft which is held during play.
  • the present disclosure also relates to a method of fitting a golf glove which includes the steps of: measuring a golfer's hand and retrieving measurement data; constructing a glove according to the measurement data, the glove including: a glove portion having finger and thumb portions, dorsal and palm portions and a wrist portion. The dorsal and palm portions meet along conjoining lateral edges to define a pocket for receiving the eminence of a golfer's hand; and a pad.
  • the method also includes the step of: positioning and dimensioning the pad adjacent the palm portion of the glove according to the measurement data such that the pad closely abuts a golf club shaft which is held by the golfer during play.
  • the golf glove of the constructing step is constructed from an elastomeric, non-flowing gel-like polymer and is positioned to substantially cover the palmar side of the hypothenar emminence of the golfer's hand. It is envisioned that the measurement data is retrieved using a computer algorithm. As mentioned above, the pad may also be selectively positioned to cover various aspects of the golfer's hand or wrist depending upon a particular purpose or to protect the golfer from a particular injury.
  • Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for determining the shock translation, distribution and dissipations through the fingers, hand, wrist, arm and shoulder due to ball-to-club impact during a golf swing. It is known that repeated shock and/or undampened or uncontrolled translational forces may cause injury, prevent healing after injury and/or contribute to overall golfer fatigue during play.
  • One particular method relates to the positioning of a series of sensor devices or bio-feedback interfaces at varying positions on the hand, wrist, arm, elbow and shoulder.
  • Each sensor may be designed to operate independently or as a part of a group of sensors to determine the translation of the shock though the aforementioned parts of the body.
  • the method also includes placing at least one sensor at varying locations on the hand, wrist, elbow, arm and/or shoulder to ascertain the resultant dampening effects of each pad with respect to the pad's particular placement or positioning on the various aspects of the hand, wrist or other body part.
  • a series of different pads may also be positioned and measured to determine the overall dampening effects of the pad array and to maximize dampening effects as needed.
  • FIGS. 13A-13D taken in combination with the various aspects of the hand and wrist disclosed in FIGS. 1-12 are examples of specific structures which may be protected by selectively positioning the pad proximate to and or to encompass these aspects. It is intended that these aspects of the hand and wrist are incorporated by references herein as examples of areas of the hand and wrist which may be protected in accordance with the present disclosure.
  • FIGS. 1-12 are illustrations of the various aspects (e.g., bones, ligaments, tendon, muscles and nerves) of the human hand and wrist;
  • FIGS. 13A and 13D are cross-referencing charts for use in identifying the various body elements illustrated in FIGS. T-12;
  • FIG. 14A is perspective view of a golf glove according to the present disclosure having an elastomeric, non-flowing gel-like pad disposed adjacent the palmar surface of the golfer's hand;
  • FIG. 14B is a cross sectional view taken along line 14B-14B of FIG. 14A;
  • FIG. 15 is a front, perspective view of another embodiment of the golf glove according to the present disclosure having two gel-like pads disposed proximate the wrist of a golfer's hand;
  • FIG. 15A is a front, perspective view of another embodiment of the golf glove according to the present disclosure having two gel-like pads each disposed proximate the wrist of a golfer's hand;
  • FIG. 15B is a dorsal, perspective view of a right-handed golf glove according to the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the golf glove according to the present disclosure having a gel-like pad disposed proximate the base of a golfer's thumb;
  • FIG. 17 is a front, perspective of another embodiment of the golf glove according to the present disclosure having a gel-like pad disposed proximate the palmar surface of a golfer's hand and extending across the metacarpal ligaments and joints;
  • FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the golf glove according to the present disclosure having a plurality of gel-like pads disposed at various positions about the palm, wrist and thumb of a golfer's hand;
  • FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the golf glove according to the present disclosure having a gel-like pad disposed proximate the palmar surface of the hand and extending across the radial and ulnar portions of the wrist;
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the golf glove according to the present disclosure having a plurality of stacked, gel-like pads disposed proximate the palmar surface;
  • FIG. 21 A is a side view of a golfer gripping a golf club shaft during the swing movement while wearing the golf glove according to the present invention
  • FIG. 21 B is a view of the golfer at mid-swing
  • FIG. 21 C is an enlarged view showing the gel-like pad maintaining the golfer's hand in close contact with the golf club shaft/grip during the swing movement;
  • FIG. 21 D is an enlarged view of a conventional golf glove illustrating the formation of a gap between the golfer's hand and the shaft during the swing movement;
  • FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing a series of biofeedback sensors which are positioned on the various aspects of the hand, wrist, arm and shoulder to determine the shock translation through these body components as a result of club to ball/turf impact.
  • the various embodiments of the present disclosure as described herein act as an "enabling tool" to allow golfers to readily progress back to the sport without causing further injury and/or regression in the golfer's rehabilitation.
  • many of these players also noted significant improvement in their game due to the player's improved comfort level and ability to more easily control the complex integration of body movements required to swing the club effectively.
  • the various embodiments of the golf gloves described herein operate to effectively reduce the level of shock imposed upon a golfer's body when the club makes contact with the ball and/or the turf.
  • the gloves may also prove to be effective in preventing the exacerbation of pre-existing conditions as well as reducing the risk of developing new, additional or future conditions.
  • FIGS. 1 -12 illustrate the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, arteries, veins and nerves which are normally associated with the human hand and wrist.
  • FIGS. 13A-13D is a table which cross references the names commonly associated with the various parts of the human hand as detailed in FIGS. 1-12.
  • the table of FIGS. 13A-13D and the various named ' elements therein are hereby incorporated by reference into this section of the specification for the purposes of accuracy and completeness and for satisfying the requirements of 35 USC ⁇ 1 12.
  • FIGS. 14A - 20 show various embodiments of a golf glove 100 according to the present disclosure.
  • the golf glove 100 includes a glove body having four finger portions 114, a thumb portion 112, a dorsal portion 120, a wrist portion 1 16 and a palm portion 118.
  • the dorsal and palm portions 120, 1 18 meet along a conjoining lateral edge to define a pocket 130 for receiving the eminence of a golfer's hand.
  • the glove 100 also includes a pad e.g., 150a-150g, made from an elastomeric, non-flowing gel, which is selectively positioned and dimensioned according to the golfer's hand dimensions and/or the golfer's hand position relative to a golf club shaft 160 (See FIGS. 21 A and 21 B) which is held by the golfer during play.
  • the glove 100 is preferably made from leather or synthetic leather materials or a combination thereof and can be dimensioned for right- handed players, left-handed players, male and female players, and junior players.
  • the glove 100 can also be sized to accommodate varying hand dimensions, e.g., small, medium, large, wide width, narrow width, elongated, etc.
  • the glove 100 may include a series of additional elements known in the industry to improve player comfort and feel.
  • the glove 100 may include a plurality of pin-like holes 124 disposed along the finger portion 114, thumb portion 112 or dorsal surface 120 to permit the hand to "breath" during play which will add to player comfort.
  • An elastic wrist band 126 may also be included with the wrist portion 1 16 which secures the glove about the golfer's wrist during play.
  • the glove 100 may also include a flap 130 which mechanically engages a flap capture mechanism 132 to secure the glove 100 to the player's hand during play, e.g., a synthetic hook and loop fastening interface which adheres when pressed together commonly sold under the trademark VELCRO ® (see FIG. 15B).
  • Other fastening devices are also contemplated, e.g., snap-locks, buttons, locking tabs, adhesive gels, etc.
  • the glove 100 includes a pad 150a which is- preferably made from an elastomeric, non-flowing gel-like polymer which may be selectively positioned according to a player's hand dimensions or a player's hand position relative to the shaft during play. Positioning the pad 150a-15-g in this manner is effective in maintaining glove-to-grip contact during the golf swing.
  • the pad 150a-150g also absorbs shock and protects the hand from the detrimental effects of shock translation.
  • One such gel-like polymer is manufactured by Action Products, Inc. of Maryland and is sold under the trademark AKTON ® .
  • Other unique aspects of these polymers over conventional gels is that these polymers do not leak, flow, or bottom-out over time and they do not absorb body fluids or odors. Some of the polymers are also fire-rated as self-extinguishing. Moreover, these polymers also tend to reduce overall pressure and shear which is known to reduce the onset of "pressure sores”.
  • the elastomeric, non-flowing gel-like polymer is unlike conventional gels in that the gel-like polymer reverts to its original configuration after each deformation and only deforms to dissipate impact or shock.
  • the pads, rubbers, foams and conventional gels of the prior art when used in connection with a golf glove tend to "shape" or "deform” over a short period of time or as a result of repeated use. As mentioned above, these characteristics do not conform to the Section 14-3 of the United States Golf Associations Rules of Golf (USGA) and, as a result, a player cannot wear the glove 100 during competitive play.
  • USGA United States Golf Associations Rules of Golf
  • the protection/prevention/comfort aspects afforded by the gel-like padding are substantially dependent on the placement of the pads 150a-150g. Therefore, it is envisioned that the pad(s) 150a-150g may be selectively positioned on the various aspects of the hand and/or hand and wrist according to a particular ailment or protect the hand from the onset of a particular ailment. Accordingly, the gloves 100 may be manufactured to protect the hand from injuries associated with the most common ailments relating to golf or the gloves 100 may be custom-made according to the particular ailments of an individual golfer. For example, FIGS. 14A and 14B show one embodiment of the glove 100 wherein the pad 150a is disposed adjacent the palm surface 1 18 of the glove and extends proximate the wrist area 116.
  • the unique characteristics of the gel-like padding coupled with the novel positioning of the gel-like padding 150a relative to the palmar surface 118 of the glove 100 provides superior shock absorption and vibration dampening during impact of the club with the ball and the turf. As a result, direct translation of these detrimental forces to the various aspects of the hand, wrist and elbow is minimized. Moreover, further translation to the shoulder and torso may be effectively eliminated.
  • the glove 100 of FIGS. 14A and 14B may also reduce a golfer's tendency to "overgrip" the club grip 164 which is known to be detrimental for several reasons:
  • Overgrip is known to increase the amount of shock suffered by the structures of the hand directly underlying the shaft (i.e., overgrip decreases the potential for dissipating the shock efficiently with less risk of trauma);
  • Overgrip also causes the golfer to overuse the small intrinsic muscles of the hand ("cupping” or “clenching” action) and the long extrinsic muscles in the forearm that bend the small joints of the fingers (“curling” or “squeezing”). This overuse leads to premature fatigue of these muscle structures.
  • Overgrip also initiates an increase in "motor firing” with respect to the muscles that control the wrist, forearm and elbow, i.e., "muscle tension”.
  • Muscle tension An increase in muscle tension is known to decrease the dissipation of shock; a system under excessive muscle tension which is exposed to shock and vibration cannot efficiently dissipated shock.
  • the comfort aspect afforded by the gel-like padding 150a allows the golfer to ease his/her grip yet still feel effective control over the club 160 during the swing.
  • the gel pad 150a will provide significantly reduced trauma due to the pads 150a inherent impact-absorbing capacity. Additionally, less overgrip reduces the "wear and tear" on the glove 100 (commonly seen at the heel of the hand near the small finger side of the palm). It is envisioned that this may increase the "lifetime" of the glove 100.
  • the glove 100 and pad 150a design of FIGS. 14A and 14B may provide other or additional benefits such as providing protection for the various anatomical structures, providing protection against exacerbation of various medical conditions and promoting healing of certain medical conditions associated with the following known medical conditions: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome;
  • FIG. 14B shows the position of the pad 150 against an inner- facing surface 1 19 of the palm portion 1 18. It is envisioned that the pad could be sewn or other wise attached atop the palm portion 1 18 depending upon a particular purpose. More particularly, after the appropriate position of the pad 150a is determined (as explained in more detail below with respect to the one the methods described herein), the pad 150a is sewn (or otherwise attached) against the inner-facing surface 119 of the palm portion 1 18.
  • the pad 150a may include an outer layer 152 of material which encapsulates the gel-like pad 150 and enables the outer periphery of the pad 150a to be positioned without damaging or compromising the gel.
  • FIGS. 15A and 15B show another embodiment according the present disclosure which includes a glove 100 having a series of pads 150b and 150c which are specifically positioned to provide shock absorption and cushioning along the various aspects of the wrist and lower base portion of the thumb. It is known that during a normal golf swing, the wrist joint moves through a full arc of radial and ulnar deviation causing the carpal bones associated with the wrist to move or slide relative to one another. As a result, undue stress is placed on the multitude of complex intercarpal ligaments associated with the wrist.
  • pads 150b and 150c on the radial and ulnar aspects of the glove 100 and securing the pads against the wrist joint will enhance the cushioning and shock absorption characteristics of the glove 100 with respect to the various aspects of the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves of the wrist.
  • Positioning pad 150c (or 150d described below) relevant the lower base of thumb portion 112 is envisioned to provide comfort and protection for the arthritic, subluxed or unstable carpometacarpal joint of the thumb. This decreases trauma to the particular cartilage and ligamentous structure of this complex joint. It is contemplated that positioning the pad 150c in this manner may also protect tendons of the thumb (i.e., DeQuervains) and also protect underlying scaphoid bone (i.e., carpal bone).
  • FIG. 15B shows the back of the glove 100 which includes a flaplike strap 130 for securing the glove 100 to the golfer's hand during play. The glove 100 is designed to be non-restrictive and provide comfort for the thumb as the club weight bears on the thumb during the back swing and follow through phases of the golf swing.
  • FIGS. 15A and 15B may benefit the following known medical conditions:
  • TFCC Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex
  • Ligament Injuries e.g., ligamentous laxity (commonly seen in women and during youth); and • Ligamentous wrist injury
  • FIGS. 16-20 show other envisioned glove designs which include pads 150d-150f which are uniquely shaped and positioned to reduce the level of shock imposed upon the various aspects of the hand and wrist during impact and/or reduce the translation of the shock to the other parts of the body after impact.
  • FIG. 16 shows another envisioned glove 100 design wherein the pad 150d is disposed adjacent the base of the thumb portion 1 12. The pad 150d is shaped to at least partially extend into the palm portion 118.
  • FIG. 17 shows another pad 150e which is shaped to cover the palm portion 1 18 of the glove 100 and extend across the metacarpophalangeal joints of the third, fourth and fifth metacarpal bones 13c-13e (FIG. 1 B), respectively, of the golfer's hand.
  • FIG. 18, shows yet another embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the glove 100 includes a plurality of pads, 150a, 150b, and 150d which protect the palm, wrist and base of the thumb, respectively, of the golfer's hand.
  • any combination of the pads 150a-150g may be selectively positioned within the glove 100 to protect the various aspects of the golfer's hand, wrist, elbow, arm and shoulder during play.
  • FIG. 18 shows another pad 150e which is shaped to cover the palm portion 1 18 of the glove 100 and extend across the metacarpophalangeal joints of the third, fourth and fifth metacarpal bones 13c-13e (FIG. 1 B), respectively, of the golfer's hand.
  • FIG. 18 shows yet another embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the glove 100
  • FIG. 19 shows still yet another pad 150f which is positioned adjacent the palm portion 118 and extends across the wrist portion 116 to dissipate shock to these aspects of the hand and wrist.
  • FIG. 20 shows a double-layered pad 150g which is disposed adjacent the palm portion 1 18 of the glove 100. It is envisioned that the double-layered design may further reduce the shock to these aspects of the golfer's hand.
  • One or more of the aforedescribed pads 150a-150g may also be designed to have multiple layers of the gel-like polymer with other fluids disposed therebetween which may further reduce the detrimental effects of vibration and shock to the hand and wrist at impact or during translation.
  • FIGS. 21A-21 D show the swing movement of a golfer while gripping a golf club 160. It is known that at a point when the golfer's swing movement reaches the top of the swing (FIG. 21 B), the club grip 164 tends to pivot away from the golfer's hand/glove 100 thus forming a gap 170 between the golfer's glove 100 and the grip 164 (see FIGS. 21 C and 21 D).
  • FIG. 21 C shows an enlarge view of the glove 100 according to the present invention wherein the gap 170 is minimal compared to the gap 170' formed utilizing the conventional glove 100' of FIG. 21 D.
  • selectively positioning pad 150a for the particular golfer will maintain the golfer's club grip 164 in substantial contact with the glove 100 during the entire swing movement thus reducing the formation of a gap 170 and reducing the chances of club slippage. It is envisioned that this reduction in slippage will promote more consistent ball flight.
  • Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for determining the shock translation, distribution and dissipations through the hand 5, thumb 8, wrist 6, elbow 7 and upper portions of the arm 9 (bicep and shoulder) due to ball-to-club impact during a golf swing.
  • One particular method relates to the positioning of a series of sensor devices or bio- feedback interfaces 200a-200i at varying positions on the hand 5, thumb 8, wrist 6, elbow 7 and upper portions of the arm 9.
  • Each sensor 200a-200i may be designed to operate independently or as a part of a group of sensors to determine the translation of the shock though the aforementioned parts of the body.
  • the method also includes placing at least one sensor 200a-200i at varying locations on the hand 5, thumb 8, wrist 6, elbow 7 and upper portions of the arm 9 to ascertain the resultant dampening effects of each pad, e.g., 150a, with respect to the pad's 150a particular placement or positioning on the various aspects of the hand, wrist or other body part.
  • a series of different pads 150a-150g may also be positioned and measured to determine the overall dampening effects of the pad array and to maximize dampening effects as needed.
  • the method may involve placing pad 150a at a particular location on the palm of the hand 5.
  • a series of bio- feedback sensors 200a-200i are placed at various positions on the hand 5, wrist 6, thumb 8, elbow 7, and arm 9 to determine the dampening effects of the pad 150a at a particular location.
  • the pad 150a may incorporate a sensor (not shown) to determine shock on the actual pad 150a and translational forces traveling through the pad 150a.
  • each pad 150a relevant to the golfer's hand, wrist or thumb may be mapped to determine the overall dampening effect of the particular pad 150a or pads (150a-150g) and the pad's 150a position.
  • a computer interface (not shown) may be employed to map the shock wave and dissipation through the various parts of the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder.
  • Pad placement, thickness, size, shape are then determined and categorized according to dampening effects on individual body parts, e.g., hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, etc.
  • the ideal pad position for maximum dampening effect for the individual golfer may then be ascertained.
  • a plurality of pads 150a-150g may be positioned and utilized in a cooperative manner to maximize impact absorption and overall translation. These pads 150a-150g may be of the same or different size and shape depending upon a particular purpose.
  • This step is repeated to determine the various effects that different pad(s) (size, thickness, shape) and the varying positions effect the dampening of the shock waves through the various body parts.
  • a glove 100 is then constructed in accordance with the particular placement of the pad(s) 150a-150g to prevent injury or protect the relevant body structures. It is envisioned that a glove 100 may be designed to prevent injury and/or reduce the shock associated with particular ailments. As can be appreciated, different gloves can be tailored for specific injuries. Commercial models may be developed to concentrate on more common injuries which result from common or typical shock translation. Of course prior to establishing the initial pad position, it may be necessary to establish a shock pattern used as a control reference for determining the effect of the pad (optional step which may be more generalized if it is determined that similar shock patterns are typical with all subjects). This may be particularly true when customizing a glove 100 due to a particular injury as explained herein.
  • the pad 150a-150g itself may also incorporate a bio-feedback mechanism (sensor) 200a-200i to determine the translation of the shock and the dissipation thereof through the pad 150a-150g itself.
  • a bio-feedback mechanism sensor 200a-200i to determine the translation of the shock and the dissipation thereof through the pad 150a-150g itself.
  • Other embodiments of the pad 150a-150g and the aforementioned method may employ other sensors 200a-200i or devices which can measure heat, vibration, initial or impact shock versus dissipation thereof, stress, strain, torque, twist etc. It is envisioned that the pads 150a-150g may be positioned to reduce one or more of these elements depending upon a particular purpose and/or to reduce/relieve/prevent injury or fatigue.
  • the pad(s) 150a-150g may be designed to cooperate with a thermo-sensitive device (not shown) to apply temperature to specific areas of the hand and wrist as needed to reduce/relieve/prevent injury or fatigue.
  • a thermo-sensitive device not shown
  • certain modifications can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same. For example, wearing the aforedescribed glove on the non-dominant (traditional side) can also benefit the dominant un-gloved hand , wrist and elbow . This is due to the degree of shock effectively absorbed by the gloved hand which is not translated to the un-gloved hand.
  • the golfer may choose to wear a glove 100 according to the present disclosure on both hands to maximize shock absorption and dissipation.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Gloves (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)

Abstract

Gant de golf comprenant une partie gant possédant des parties doigts et pouce et des parties dorsale et palmaire. Les parties dorsale et palmaire se rejoignent le long d'au moins un bord latéral contigu et définissent une poche servant à loger l'éminence de la main du golfeur. Cette partie gant comporte également un coussinet constitué par un gel élastomère non coulant. Ce coussinet est, de préférence, placé et dimensionné de manière à pratiquement entourer la partie poignet du gant afin de protéger les différentes positions du poignet du golfeur contre le choc et contre la translation de force préjudiciable exercée par le choc provoqué par l'impact entre la balle et le club.
PCT/US2001/048809 2000-12-15 2001-12-17 Gant de golf WO2002047775A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002230964A AU2002230964A1 (en) 2000-12-15 2001-12-17 Golf glove

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US25593700P 2000-12-15 2000-12-15
US60/255,937 2000-12-15
US26863901P 2001-02-14 2001-02-14
US60/268,639 2001-02-14
US30511601P 2001-07-13 2001-07-13
US30511501P 2001-07-13 2001-07-13
US60/305,115 2001-07-13
US60/305,116 2001-07-13

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WO2002047775A2 true WO2002047775A2 (fr) 2002-06-20
WO2002047775A3 WO2002047775A3 (fr) 2003-01-16

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PCT/US2001/048809 WO2002047775A2 (fr) 2000-12-15 2001-12-17 Gant de golf

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AU (1) AU2002230964A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2002047775A2 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2424355A (en) * 2005-03-22 2006-09-27 Grant Mcleod A glove that absorbs vibrations
US8245321B2 (en) 2009-12-10 2012-08-21 Sears Brands, L.L.C. Glove system

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US3848874A (en) 1972-10-25 1974-11-19 V Elkins Golf glove, system and method
US3863271A (en) 1974-01-02 1975-02-04 Martin A Moroney Athlete{3 s glove and pad
US4000903A (en) 1975-10-21 1977-01-04 Swanson Arthur P Golf glove
US4329741A (en) 1979-06-11 1982-05-18 Bach Merlyn F Golf glove
US4962547A (en) 1989-06-21 1990-10-16 Jim Minnick Golf glove
US5253367A (en) 1992-06-05 1993-10-19 Lappley Gerald H Golf glove
US5855022A (en) 1998-04-14 1999-01-05 Storto; Robert D. Golf glove and method of making same
US6052827A (en) 1998-08-06 2000-04-25 Bali Leathers, Inc. Vibration reducing sports glove

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US3065472A (en) * 1961-05-16 1962-11-27 Richard E Linnell Golf putting glove
GB2232338B (en) * 1989-06-01 1993-10-06 John Herbert Pearson A golf glove
US5655223A (en) * 1994-06-16 1997-08-12 Cozza; Frank C. Electronic golf glove training device
US5733201A (en) * 1996-06-10 1998-03-31 Caldwell; Theodore W. Golf training glove
US5926847A (en) * 1997-07-01 1999-07-27 Eibert; Bruce A. Golf practice glove

Patent Citations (8)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3848874A (en) 1972-10-25 1974-11-19 V Elkins Golf glove, system and method
US3863271A (en) 1974-01-02 1975-02-04 Martin A Moroney Athlete{3 s glove and pad
US4000903A (en) 1975-10-21 1977-01-04 Swanson Arthur P Golf glove
US4329741A (en) 1979-06-11 1982-05-18 Bach Merlyn F Golf glove
US4962547A (en) 1989-06-21 1990-10-16 Jim Minnick Golf glove
US5253367A (en) 1992-06-05 1993-10-19 Lappley Gerald H Golf glove
US5855022A (en) 1998-04-14 1999-01-05 Storto; Robert D. Golf glove and method of making same
US6052827A (en) 1998-08-06 2000-04-25 Bali Leathers, Inc. Vibration reducing sports glove

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2424355A (en) * 2005-03-22 2006-09-27 Grant Mcleod A glove that absorbs vibrations
US8245321B2 (en) 2009-12-10 2012-08-21 Sears Brands, L.L.C. Glove system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2002230964A1 (en) 2002-06-24
WO2002047775A3 (fr) 2003-01-16

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