GOLF GLOVE TRAINING AID

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/733,214, entitled “A GOLF GLOVE TRAINING AID,” filed Dec. 12, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety,

FIELD

This application relates to golf glove training aids, and more particularly, golf glove training aids with a strap configured to hold a club handle.

BACKGROUND

Golf glove training aids may be used to improve a user's grip on a golf club. In some applications, golf glove training aids may have physical structures, which are configured to at least partially direct a handle of the golf club to a correct position. In some applications, golf glove training aids may have visual indicators, which are configured to allow a user to identify a proper golf club handle position.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments the device described herein relates to a practice golf glove comprising a body which comprises an inner side and an outer side, finger receptacles extending from the body, and a strap configured to be disposed in an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the strap is configured to wrap around a handle of a golf club when in the closed configuration, and wherein a proximal end of the strap is connected to the inner side of the body, and a distal end of the strap is configured to be removably connected to the outer side of the body.

In some embodiments the device described herein relates to a practice golf glove comprising a body which comprises an inner side and an outer side, finger receptacles extending from the body, wherein the finger receptacles comprise inner sides and outer sides, a club handle location indicator disposed on the inner side of the body, and a strap disposed adjacent to the club handle location indicator which is configured to retain a club handle in a position in line with the club handle location indicator,

In some embodiments the device described herein relates to a practice golf glove comprising a body which comprises an inner side and an outer side, finger receptacles extending from the body, wherein the finger receptacles comprise inner sides and outer sides, and indicia disposed on the inner sides of at least two of the finger receptacles, the indicia being configured to align when the finger receptacles are a correct distance away from each other.

It should be appreciated that the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed below, may be arranged in any suitable combination, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Further, other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts an outer (dorsal) side of a glove, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 depicts an inner (palmer) side of a glove, according to the embodiments of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts an outer side of a glove, with a club, according to the embodiments of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts an inner side of a glove, with a club, according to the embodiments of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts an outer side of a glove, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6 depicts an inner side of a glove, according to the embodiments of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 depicts an outer side of a glove, with a club, according to the embodiments of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 depicts an inner side of a glove, with a club, according to the embodiments of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 depicts an outer side of a glove, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 10 depicts an inner side of a glove, according to the embodiments of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 depicts an outer side of a glove, with a club, according to the embodiments of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 depicts an inner side of a glove, with a club, according to the embodiments of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 depicts an outer side of a glove, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 14 depicts an inner side of a glove, according to the embodiments of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 depicts an outer side of a glove, with a club, according to the embodiments of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 depicts an inner side of a glove, with a club, according to the embodiments of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 depicts an outer side of a glove, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 18 depicts an inner side of a glove, according to the embodiments of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 depicts an outer side of a glove, with a club, according to the embodiments of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 depicts an inner side of a glove, with a club, according to the embodiments of FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 depicts an outer side of a glove, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 22 depicts an inner side of a glove, according to the embodiments of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 depicts an outer side of a glove, with a club, according to the embodiments of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 depicts an inner side of a glove, with a club, according to the embodiments of FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 depicts an outer side of a glove, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 26 depicts an inner side of a glove, according to the embodiments of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 depicts an outer side of a glove, with a club, according to the embodiments of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 depicts an inner side of a glove, with a club, according to the embodiments of FIG. 25;

FIG. 29 depicts an outer side of a glove, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 30 depicts an inner side of a glove, according to the embodiments of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 depicts an outer side of a glove, with a club, according to the embodiments of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 depicts an inner side of a glove, with a club, according to the embodiments of FIG. 29;

FIG. 33 depicts an inner side of a glove with the finger receptacles in a correct spacing;

FIG. 34 depicts an inner side of a glove with the finger receptacles in an incorrect spacing, where the finger receptacles too close together;

FIG. 35 depicts an inner side of a glove with the finger receptacles in an incorrect spacing, where the finger receptacles too far apart;

FIG. 36 depicts a side view of an exterior strap wrapped around a glove while a user is gripping a club;

FIG. 37 depicts a top view of an exterior strap wrapped around a glove while a user is gripping a club;

FIG. 38 depicts an outer side of a glove, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 39 depicts an outer side of a glove, with a club, according to the embodiments of FIG. 38; and

FIG. 40 depicts an inner side of a glove, according to the embodiments of FIG. 38.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Golf gloves are used to protect a user's skin from friction while swinging a golf club and to increase the retaining force of the golf club in the user's hand. In some embodiments, golf glove training aids are used to at least assist novice and intermediate golfers in improving their golf swing. Specifically, in some embodiments, golf glove training aids are used to correct a user's grip.

The golf swing is a complex, athletic motion. A user's grip, that is, how they hold the club, is an important aspect of the golf swing as it is the user's physical connection to the club. Correct and consistent club grip is foundational to achieving a powerful, repeatable, and successful swing. However, many golfers, with varying degrees of experience, struggle to maintain a consistent and correct grip throughout their swing. The inventors have recognized that golfers struggle with at least the following:

• • 1) The static grip at address. Players often grip the club incorrectly, positioning it improperly in their hands. With the club initially being positioned in an incorrect manner, the club may not follow the correct path, and the face of the club is unlikely to properly contact the golf ball.
  • 2) The grip stability throughout the swing. The club can twist or shift mid-swing, leading to inconsistent shots. As mentioned above, the golf swing is a complex movement which also produces large twisting and pulling forces. Accordingly, the user's grip on the club is prone to change during the swing. This may result in an incorrect grip at contact with the ball.
  • 3) The grip repeatability from shot-to-shot. Each shot requires a reliable setup and grip. Throughout a training session or a round of golf, the user's hands may fatigue, or the user may lose focus on correctly gripping the club. Accordingly, the user's grip on the club may become incorrect, and the user may lose consistency with their grip.

The inventors, including a former professional golf player and a Professional Golf Association instructor, realized these common grip ailments, and created a novel practice glove. Specifically, the inventors created a practice glove which assists a user in maintaining the golf club in the proper position so that the user can establish and maintain a proper grip where the club is properly positioned in the user's fingers and pad of the hand. Further, the practice glove may apply force to the golf club which prevents the golf club from moving laterally, rotating, and/or rolling.

Thus, the inventors have created a practice glove which addresses a core need for golfers at every skill level—building and maintaining a consistent, effective grip. Whether a player is just learning to hold a club correctly, aiming to keep their grip steady through a full swing, or seeking to establish a reliable, repeatable grip from shot to shot, the practice glove disclosed herein is configured support the above noted swing features with both precision and adaptability. The components and structure which assist the practice glove in creating the precise, yet adaptable, functionality will be discussed below.

Turning to the figures, specific non-limiting embodiments are described in further detail. It should be understood that the various systems, components, features, and methods described relative to these embodiments may be used either individually and/or in any desired combination as the disclosure is not limited to only the specific embodiments described herein.

As shown in FIG. 1, which depicts an outer side of a body 102 of a glove 100, the glove 100 includes finger receptacles 104 and a thumb receptacle 105 which are disposed adjacent to, and extend from, the body 102. The body 102 may include a glove securing strap 108 which is configured to secure the glove 100 to a user's hand. Further shown in FIG. 1 is the distal end of two straps 106. In some embodiments, these straps 106 are configured to securely retain a golf club in the palm of a user's hand, as will be further discussed below. For example, the straps 106 may apply force to the golf club 90 which prevents the golf club from moving laterally, rotating, and/or rolling. In some embodiments, in order to assist the strap 106 in securely retaining a golf club 90 in the palm of a user's hand, the distal end of the straps 106 have a connecting member 110. In some embodiments, the connecting member 110 is a hook and loop fastener, a snap fastener, removable adhesive, buttons, zipper, or any other connection arrangement. In some embodiments, the outer side of the body 102 has a complementary connecting member 112 configured to receive the distal ends of the straps 106. In some embodiments, the complementary connecting member 112 may be disposed on the outside of the glove securing strap 108.

As shown in FIG. 2, which depicts an inner side of a body 102 of the glove 100 depicted in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, proximal ends of the straps 106 may be fixedly connected to the palm of the glove 100, which may be considered an inner side of the body 102. In some embodiments, the straps 106 are fixedly connected to the inner side of the body 102 using stitching, adhesive, or may be integrally formed with the inner side of the body 102. In some embodiments, the proximal ends of the straps 106 are removably connected to the inner side of the body 102. In some embodiments, the removable connection includes hook and loop fastener, a snap fastener, removable adhesive, buttons, zipper, or any other connection arrangement. Additionally, the straps, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, are disposed in an open configuration.

Depending on the proximal location of the strap 106, the strap 106 may contact different portions of the club 90 and apply force in different directions. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, a proximal end of a strap 106 is connected to the inner side of the body 102 of the glove 100 adjacent to an index finger receptacle. In some embodiments, a proximal end of a strap 106 may be connected to the inner side of the body 102 of the glove 100 adjacent to a pinky finger receptacle. In some embodiments, a proximal end of a strap 106 may be connected to the inner side of the body 102 of the glove 100 adjacent to a ring finger receptacle. In some embodiments, a proximal end of a strap 106 may be connected to the inner side of the body 102 of the glove 100 adjacent to a middle finger receptacle. The impact of the various angles between the strap 106 and the club 90 will be discussed below.

As mentioned above, the inventors have appreciated that it may be beneficial for the club 90 to be retained in a manner which reduces rotation of the club 90 in the hand. For examples, in some embodiments, when two straps 106 are present, a proximal end of a first strap 106 may be connected to the inner side of the body 102 of the glove 100 adjacent to the index finger receptacle, while a proximal end of a second strap 106 may be connected to the inner side of the body 102 of the glove 100 adjacent to the ring finger receptacle. In other words, the proximal end of the first strap is positioned closer to the index finger receptacle than the proximal end of the second strap. The distance between the proximal ends of the straps 106 may assist the glove 100 in retaining the club 90 in a manner which reduces the club's ability to rotate. Further, in some embodiments, the proximal ends of the two straps 106 may be positioned at least one inch away from each other. In some embodiments, the proximal ends of the two straps 106 may be positioned at least 0.5 inches away from each other. In some embodiments, the proximal ends of the two straps 106 may be positioned at least 0.25 inches away from each other.

As shown in FIG. 3, which depicts an outer side of a body 102 of a glove 100 with a club 90, in some embodiments, a strap 106 is configured to wrap around a handle of a golf club 90. In some embodiments, a strap 106 is configured to wrap around a club 90 and be secured to a complementary connecting member 112. This position may be considered a closed configuration.

In some embodiments, a strap 106 is designed to wrap around the side of the glove 100. This may increase comfortability of the glove 100 since the strap 106 is not compressed between the finger receptacles 104 when in a closed configuration. As shown in FIG. 3, a first strap 106, disposed on the radial side of the glove, passes between a finger receptacle 104 and the thumb receptacle 105.

As shown in FIG. 4, which depicts an inner side of a body of a glove with a club, in some embodiments, the glove may include a club handle location indicator 114 disposed on the inside of the finger receptacles. In this respect, each finger receptacle may include some indicia, such as a color to indicate the proper location for club placement. In the embodiment shown the club 90 is disposed parallel to the finger receptacle club handle location indicator 114.

As shown in FIG. 5, which depicts an outer side of a body 102 of a glove 100, in some embodiments, complementary connecting members 112 may be disposed in various positions on the outer side of the body 102 of the glove 100. As mentioned above, the complementary connecting members 112 may be configured to receive and retain the connecting members 110 which are disposed on distal ends of the straps 106. For example, a complementary connecting member 112 may be disposed on a central fixed portion of the outer side of the body 102 of the glove 100. Further, a complementary connecting member 112 may be disposed on a portion of the body 102 near the base of the thumb receptacle 105. In some embodiments, as will be discussed with respect to FIG. 7, the positioning of the complementary connecting members 112 may be based on the length and orientation of a strap 106. Further, the complementary connecting members 112 may be positioned based on an intended positioning of the strap 106 when in the closed configuration.

It should be appreciated, as noted above, that the complementary connecting member 112 may be configured to receive the distal ends of the straps 106, and, in some embodiments, the complementary connecting member 112 is a hook and loop fastener, a snap fastener, removable adhesive, buttons, zipper, or any other connection arrangement.

As shown in FIG. 6, which depicts an inner side of a body 102 of the glove 100 depicted in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, proximal ends of the straps 106 may be fixedly connected to a proximal portion of a finger receptacle 104. For example, a first strap 106 may be connected to a proximal portion of the index finger receptacle. The directionality of the straps 106 relative to the finger receptacles 104, and thus the club 90, may impact the how force is applied to the club 90. For example, in FIG. 6 a second strap 106 is shown substantially perpendicular to the club handle location indicator line 114, thus the force applied by said strap 106 may not urge the club 90 to rotate in a particular direction. It should be appreciated that the strap(s) 106 may be disposed in other orientations which provide additional directions of force.

As is introduced in FIG. 6, the second strap 106 may have a finger receptacle hole 116. The strap finger receptacle hole 116 may be configured to allow a finger and a finger receptacle 104 to pass through when the second strap 106 is in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, this increases the contact area with the club 90 without increasing the amount of material required to fit between the finger receptacles when the strap 106 is in the closed configuration. As is discussed below, this may both increase the comfortability of the glove 100 and prevent undue strain on the second strap 106. It should be appreciated that the first strap may also include a finger receptacle hole to accommodate a finger receptacle once the first strap is placed into the closed configuration.

As shown in FIG. 7, which depicts an outer side of a body 102 of a glove 100 with a club 90, in some embodiments, the strap 106 is configured to wrap around a handle of a golf club 90. In some embodiments, a strap 106 is configured to wrap around a club 90 and be secured to a complementary connecting member 112. This position may be considered a closed configuration. In some embodiments, when the distal ends of the straps 106 are large, or complementary connecting member 112 surface area is limited, the distal ends of the straps 106 may stack. In other words, a distal end of a first strap may be connected to the glove via contact between a connecting member on the first strap, and a complementary connecting member on the glove. Then, a distal end of a second strap may be connected to first distal end via contact between a connecting member on the second strap, and a complementary connecting member on the first strap.

As discussed above, the strap 106 may include a strap finger receptacle hole 116. The strap finger receptacle hole 116, shown in FIG. 7, increases the comfortability of the strap 106 when disposed between finger receptacles 104. In some embodiments, this improves the contact between the strap 106 and the club 90. In embodiments where the strap 106 is generally perpendicular to the club 90, the strap 106 may sit flush against the club 90, increasing the surface area and reducing kinks in the strap 106. For example, shown in FIG. 8, the straps 106 sit flush against the club 90.

As discussed above, various placements of the complementary connecting member 112 may benefit a user by allowing the user to connect the distal end of a strap 106 in a desired position and orientation. In some embodiments, this may further strengthen the retaining force of the strap 106 by increasing contact area between the strap 106 and the club 90. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, which depicts an outer side of a body 102 of a glove 100, complementary connecting members 112 are disposed in various positions on the outer side of the body 102 of the glove 100. In some embodiments, for example, a complementary connecting member 112 is disposed on an outer side of the body 102 of the glove 100 adjacent to the knuckles of a user, when the user's hand is in the glove 100.

As discussed above, the directionality of the straps 106 to the finger receptacles 104, and thus the club 90, may impact the how force is applied to the club 90. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, which depicts an inner side of a body 102 of the glove 100 depicted in FIG. 9, a proximal end of the strap 106 is disposed at an angle relative to the finger receptacles 104, and substantially parallel to a club handle location indicator 114 disposed on a proximal side of at least one finger receptacle 104. In some embodiments, the club handle location indicator 114 may be disposed on the inner side of the body 102, adjacent to a proximal side of the at least one finger receptacle 104.

In some embodiments, it is beneficial for the strap 106 to be centrally located as to not impeded hand actuation. Accordingly, when in the closed configuration, the plurality of strap finger receptacle holes 116 allow for finger receptacle to pass though the strap 106, thus assisting the strap 106 in being approximately centrally located on the hand.

FIGS. 9-12 show an embodiment of the glove 100 with a strap 106 comprising a plurality of holes. As shown in FIG. 10, the strap may have a plurality of finger receptacle holes. As discussed above, the strap finger receptacle holes 116 may be configured to allow a finger and a finger receptacle to pass through when the strap 106 is in a closed configuration. The presence of a plurality of strap finger receptacle holes 116 may further increases the contact area with the club 90 without increasing the amount of material required to fit between the finger receptacles when the strap 106 is in the closed configuration, which may both increase the comfortability of the glove, and prevent undue strain on the strap 106.

FIG. 11 shows an outer side of a body 102 of a glove 100 of FIG. 10. As can be seen, the strap is configured to wrap around a golf club 90 and be secured to a complementary connecting member 112. This position may be considered a closed configuration.

This approximately central location, as shown in FIG. 12, further contributes to the sleekness of the design. With a singular strap 106 which does not wrap around the hand, the glove 100 may appear as a traditional glove. In some applications, this may be of emotional importance to a user.

In some embodiments, it may be advantageous for the strap(s) to have the ability to be stored in a location which does not impede a user from initially gripping the club. As shown in FIG. 14, in some embodiments, complementary connecting members 112 may also be disposed in various locations on the inner side of the body 102 of the glove 100, in order to assist in providing a location to store the strap.

For example, in some embodiments, a complementary connecting member 112 may be disposed adjacent to a thumb receptacle 105. It should be understood that the complementary connecting member 112 may be disposed anywhere on the inner side of the body 102 of the glove 100. In some embodiments, a complementary connecting member 112 disposed on the inner side may provide a holding location for the distal end of the strap 106 when the strap 106 is not in use, i.e., in an open configuration.

In some embodiments, in order to improve the functionality of the distal end of the strap 106 connecting to both the inner and outer side of the body 102, the distal end of the strap 106 may have a connecting member 110 on both sides. As noted above, in some embodiments, the connecting member 110 is a hook and loop fastener, a snap fastener, removable adhesive, buttons, zipper, or any other connection arrangement. As is further shown in FIG. 15, which depicts an outer side of a body 102 of a glove 100 with a club, in some embodiments, the strap 106 is configured to wrap around a handle of a golf club 90. In some embodiments, a strap 106 is configured to wrap around a club 90 and be secured to a complementary connecting member 112. It should be noted that in some embodiments, there are a plurality of complementary connecting members 112, and the strap 106 may be connected to whichever complementary connecting member induces a desired amount of pressure.

As shown in FIG. 16, which depicts an inner side of a body 102 of a glove 100 with a club 90, the strap 106 may have fewer strap finger receptacle holes than FIG. 12. Although this slightly reduces the contact surface area between the strap 106 and the club 90, it may increase the sleekness of the design since the strap 106 is smaller.

Further, in some embodiments, the total area of the complementary connecting member 112 may be reduced, while still achieving sufficient access for distal ends of straps 106 to be connected thereto. This can improve the wearability of the glove by reducing the amount of material required to bend and flex during use. As shown in FIG. 17, in one embodiment, a complementary connecting member 112 may have an arched shape to reduce the overall area of the connecting member 112.

It may be desirable for the proximal end of the strap to have a large surface area to disperse force throughout the glove. Further, it may be desirable portions of the strap to be narrow to allow for portions of the straps to pass between finger receptacles. As shown in FIG. 18, which depicts the glove of FIG. 17, in some embodiments, to achieve both a large proximal portion, and narrow distal portions, a large proximal end of a strap 106 may be anchored to the inner side of the body 102 of the glove 100, and the strap 106 may split into a plurality of distal ends which may also provide increased retaining force dispersion. In some embodiments, the proximal end may be considered a base 118, which may increase the strength of the attachment of the strap 106 to the body because of the increased surface area. The strap 106, after splitting may be considered strap branches. The branches may each have a connecting member 110 disposed at the distal end such that the branches may be secured around a club 90. In some embodiments, the strap branches are approximately 0.5 cm wide. In some embodiments, the strap branches are between 0.25 and 1.5 cm wide. In some embodiments, the strap may be sufficiently narrow as to allow for the strap to comfortably sit between finger receptacles. As should be appreciated, and as clarified below, the disclosure of the straps 106, and any feature of the glove 100, although possibly only discussed when referring to some embodiments, may be applied to any other concept disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, it may be beneficial for at least one of the branches to be disposed between the finger receptacles 104 when in a closed configuration, and for at least one of the branches to wrap around the ulnar side of the hand. Wrapping around the ulnar side of the hand may be considered wrapping around the outside of a pinky finger receptacle. In some embodiments, this may at least partially disperse the force applied by the strap 106 on both the hand and the club 90.

As discussed above, a long, arch shaped complementary connecting member 112 gives the user a plurality of locations to anchor the branches. Therefore, the user may adjust the angle of the force, and the quantity of force by changing the position where the distal end of the straps 106 are connected to the complementary connecting member 112. The user may adjust the quantity of force by connecting the distal end of a strap 106 towards or away from the wrist. The user may adjust the angle of the force by changing the lateral location of the distal end of the strap 106. As shown in FIG. 19, the plurality of branches are able to connect to the long, arch shaped complementary connecting member 112 at a plurality of angles and locations, which improves the user's ability to secure the club 90 in the glove.

It may be beneficial for the club to compress the strap base 118, which may remove force from the stitching (or other retaining method used to anchor the proximal end of the strap). For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the strap base 118 may be covered by the club. This reduces the force applied to the stitching because the club 90 is at least partially retaining the strap as well.

The inventors have recognized that in embodiments where multiple distal ends of straps are desired, it may be beneficial to proximally connect the straps such that there is a large connecting area between the strap and the glove, and the club may compress a portion of the strap, as discussed above, in order to remove force from the stitching. Accordingly in some embodiments, two straps may be proximally connected in a base region 118, as seen in FIG. 40. This may be beneficial since having this strap structure increases the securing force of the strap to the inner side of the body, and also reduces the separation force of the strap from the glove.

Further, the inventors have recognized that the base portion 118 may also serve as a club handle indicator, which directs a user to place the club in a correct position. In other words, the user may be directed to align the club with the base portion 118.

In some embodiments, it may be beneficial for the complementary connecting members 112 to be positioned and sized in a manner which does not inhibit movement of the hand. In some embodiments, the plurality of complementary connecting members 112 disposed on the inner side of the body 102 may be positioned such that opposable thumb movement of a user is not restricted. For example, the complementary connecting members 112, in some embodiments, are not placed adjacent to a most proximal joint of the thumb, when the glove 100 is on a hand. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 20-22, in some embodiments, complementary connecting members 112 are disposed adjacent to the thumb receptacle 105, and along the length of the heal of the glove 100, and do not connect in order to support the central area having a desired level of mobility.

Further, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 22, the strap 106 may have a generally tapered structure which improves the strength and comfortability of the strap 106. In some embodiments, the strap 106 may taper inwards from a relatively large cross-sectional width at a proximal portion to a relatively small cross-sectional width at a more distal portion. In some embodiments, the tapering may increase the surface area of the connection between the strap 106 and the body 102, while reducing the material configured to be disposed between the finger receptacles 104 when the strap 106 is in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, reducing the material configured to be disposed between the finger receptacles 104 when the strap 106 is in a closed configuration may increase the comfortability of wearing the glove 100. In some embodiments, the strap 106 may taper outwards from a relatively small cross-sectional width at a middle portion to a relatively large cross-sectional width at a more distal portion. In some embodiments, the larger distal portion may increase the surface area of the connection between the strap 106 and the body 102, increasing the strength of the connection.

In some embodiments, it is valuable for the strap to have large proximal and distal ends, while a central portion is narrow. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the strap 106 is hourglass shaped, as shown in FIG. 22. In these embodiments, there is an increased surface area for both proximal and distal connection points, and the middle of the strap is sufficiently small to be disposed between the finger receptacles 104 without causing excess discomfort for a user.

The strap, although narrow when disposed between finger receptacles, may benefit from the strap 106 having protective padding 120. In some embodiments, the strap protective padding 120 increases the comfortability of the glove 100 when in the strap 106 is in the closed configuration. In some embodiment the strap protective padding 120 increases the durability of the strap 106. In some embodiments, the strap protective padding 120 is disposed in at least the portion of the strap 106 which is configured to be disposed between finger receptacles 104 when in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the strap protective padding 120 may be disposed in the middle portion of the hourglass shaped strap 106, as shown in FIG. 22.

As discussed above, it may be valuable for the strap to be stored when not in use. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 23, in some embodiments, the strap 106 may have a connecting member 110 disposed on the outside of the strap 106. The connecting member 110 disposed on the outside of the strap may be smaller since, in some embodiments, it is not required to have a larger retaining force. Rather, the connecting member 110 disposed on the outside of the strap may be strong enough to just store the distal end of the strap on the inner side of the body, as shown in FIG. 22.

Of course, one of skill will appreciate that a single strap may be employed. In this respect a single strap can be easier to operate and provide less bulk. Thus, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the glove includes a single strap sufficient to retain the club 90. Although in embodiments with one strap 106 the club 90 may have an increased ability to rotate compared to embodiments with two straps, one strap may be easier to operate and may still provide sufficient retaining force.

FIG. 24 also depicts the strap 106 with padding 120 on a portion of the strap which is disposed between finger receptacles 104. As discussed above, the inventors have recognized that the padding may both protect the user and the strap itself. Further, without strap protective padding 120 the strap may kink when compressed between finger receptacles 104, which may result in the strap 106 being damaged or incorrectly contacting the club 90.

In some embodiments, the body protective padding 122 protects the glove 100 from the club 90. In some embodiments, the body protective padding 122 protects the hand from the club 90. In some embodiments, the body protective padding 122 protects the hand from the strap 106, as will be discuss below. Accordingly, in addition to the strap protective padding 120 discussed above, in some embodiments, protective padding may be disposed on the inner side of the body, as shown in FIGS. 25-28, to further protect the hand.

In some embodiments, as discussed below, the non-perpendicular angle may increase the surface area of the contact between the strap 106 and the club 90. Increasing the surface area of the contact between the strap and the handle may reduce the club's ability to roll when strapped into the glove 100. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the proximal end of the strap 106 may be connected to the inner side of the body 102 at a non-perpendicular angle to an intended golf club 90 location.

It may be beneficial for the distal end of the strap to have a plurality of surfaces to connect to in order to tailor the tightness and orientation of the strap. FIG. 27 illustrates how the distal end of the strap 106 may be connected to the plurality of complementary connecting members 112. The complementary connecting member 112 which receives the strap 106 may be chosen depending on the desired angle, and tension of the strap 106.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, the body protective padding 122 may protect a region of the glove 100, which is often broken, especially by beginners. The club 90 may be prone to rub against the glove 100 which could tear or otherwise damage the glove 100. Further, the body protective padding 122 may also protect the hand of a user from the club 90.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that since the body protective padding may cover a portion of the body where the club handle location indicator is intended to be located, the club handle location indicator may be disposed on a portion of the body protective padding. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, the club handle location indicator is printed into the body protective padding.

In some embodiments, body protective padding 122 may be disposed on an outer side of the body 102 to protect a user's hand from forces exerted by the strap 106 on the hand when the user swings the club 90. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, which depicts an outer side of a body 102 of a glove 100, in some embodiments, protective padding is disposed on the outer side of the body adjacent to the knuckles.

As discussed above, when swinging a club 90, a large force is produced. The strap 106 restricts movement of the club 90 and thus the strap 106 may pull on the hand with a large force. Accordingly, it may be valuable to position body protective padding 122 between the strap 106 and the hand. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 31, the body protective padding 122 may be disposed on an outer side of the body 102 adjacent to the knuckle area to protect the hand from the strap 106. At this location, the strap 106 bends around the knuckles. Therefore, the force of the strap 106 is applied to the knuckles. The body protective padding 122 in this location reduces both the wear on the strap 106 and the force felt by the user on the knuckles.

Further, when swinging the club, the strap may contact the sides of the finger receptacles near the knuckles. Accordingly, the inventors have realized it may be beneficial for the body protective padding 122 near the knuckles to at least partially conform to the finger receptacles, as seen in FIGS. 38 and 39, in order to provide protection for the proximal portion of the fingers. Although the protective padding is depicted as a base with prongs in FIGS. 38 and 39, it should be appreciated that any shape, which covers at least a portion of the knuckle area and the finger receptacles may be sufficient. Further, it should also be appreciated that the finger receptacles need not be covered. For example, the protective padding may not extend to the finger receptacles at least in embodiments where sleekness is a priority, or the strap is positioned to not contact the finger receptacles.

Further, as is also shown in FIG. 31, when the strap 106 wraps around the ulnar side of the hand, the strap 106 bends around a portion of the ulnar side, at a region proximal to the pinky. It may be beneficial to protect the hand from a strap which wraps around the ulnar side of the hand. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 31, protective body padding 122 is disposed on the body 102 proximal to the pinky. Similarly to the protective body padding disposed on the knuckles, the protective body padding disposed proximal to the pinky also protects both the strap 106 and the hand of the user in a location where large forces are applied.

It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the glove may include both the body club handle location indicator and the finger receptacle club handle location indicator. In some embodiments, the finger receptacle club handle location indicator assists a user in initially aligning the club, and beginning to grip the club, when the club is being placed in the hand. In some embodiments, the body club handle location indicator assists a user in aligning the club when the hand is closed. In some embodiments, the body club handle location indicator is configured to locate a golf club handle's desired upper bound when a user is gripping the golf club handle. In some embodiments, the upper bound is a line which visually assists the user in identifying where the top of the club handle should be located.

As discussed above, the spacing and angle of the straps 106 may reduce rotation and rolling of the club 90 respectively. As shown in FIG. 32, in some embodiments, the straps 106 are spaced greater than one inch apart. Therefore, the straps may exert a sufficient force to mitigate club rotation. Further, in FIG. 32 the straps are not perpendicular to the club 90. Therefore, the straps have additional surface area and provide increased force to assist in preventing the club from rolling, It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, since the straps 106 are disposed at an angle, and are inextensible, they may be shaped in order to maintain a flush connection with the club 90.

In addition to club placement, finger placement on the club may impact a user's swing. As shown in FIGS. 33-35, indicia 124 may be disposed on the inner sides of at least two of the finger receptacles 104 which are configured to align when the finger receptacles 104 are a correct distance away from each other. In summary, when the indicia 124 generally align, as shown in FIG. 33 the fingers are in the correct position; when the indicia 124 form a generally concave out shape, bending in a distal direction, as shown in FIG. 34, the fingers are too close together; and when the indicia 124 form a generally concave in shape, bending in a proximal direction, as shown in FIG. 35, the fingers are too far apart.

In order to assist a user in identifying when the indicia align, in some embodiments, the indicia 124 are lines. In some embodiments, the lines may be substantially vertical. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, a club handle location indicator 114 may be disposed on the inner side of the body. In some embodiments, the club handle location indicator 114 may be disposed on a distal portion of the inner side of the body 102. In some embodiments, the club handle location indicator 114 may be parallel to the lines. In some embodiments, the indicia 124 may be disposed on four of the finger receptacles 104.

In the disclosure presented above, a strap and/or a plurality of straps is disclosed. In some embodiments, the strap and/or a plurality of straps may be inextensible. In some embodiments, the strap and/or a plurality of straps may be compressible. The inventors have recognized that the strap being generally inextensible may improve the security of the club in the proper position and may prevent excess shifting of the club when high force is applied, such as when swinging. The inventors have recognized that the strap being compressible may improve the comfortability experienced by a user when using the strap. For example, in embodiments where a portion of the strap may be disposed between the finger receptacles, the strap may compress and minimally apply force to the side of a user's finger. Further, the compressibility may increase the amount the strap is able to conform to a user's hand.

In some embodiments, the strap may be constructed from any material which has one or both of these properties. In some embodiments, the strap is constructed from High Abrasion Neoprene Kevlar. In some embodiments, the strap is constructed from leather.

The inventors have recognized that as a user swings the club, they may begin to fatigue. This is especially true for beginners who have not learned the proper amount of force to grip the club with. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the glove includes a removable exterior strap 126 which assists in holding a user's hand on the club and reduces the user's need to grip the club as tight. To clarify, the exterior strap 126 may be different from the glove securing strap 108 and the strap 106 which secures a club 90. The exterior strap 126 may removably connect to the glove 100 at both ends 128 such that the exterior strap 126 may be completely removed and stored separately if the user does not intend to use the exterior strap 126 at any point. In some embodiments, the exterior strap 126 is configured to apply compressive pressure on the hand when gripping the club 90, such that the user feels a secure connection to the club 90 without clenching their hand or arm. The inventor has recognized that this may improve a user's swing and reduce fatigue.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 36-37 both ends 128 of the exterior strap 126 may be connected to the outer side of the glove 100 and wrap around the finger receptacles 104 in order to achieve the desired functionality of assisting the user in gripping the club. Specifically, in some embodiments, the exterior strap 126 wrapping around at least the ring finger provides sufficient compressive force without unduly restricting movement of the hand. It should be noted that the exterior strap 126 may wrap around the any of the finger receptacles 104.

In order to connect the exterior strap 126 to the glove 100, in some embodiments, the ends 128 of the exterior strap 126 have connecting members 110. In some embodiments, the connecting member is a hook and loop fastener, a snap fastener, removable adhesive, buttons, zipper, or any other connection arrangement. In some embodiments, the outer side the glove 100 has a complementary connecting member 112 configured to receive the distal ends 128 of the exterior strap 126. The complementary connecting members 112 may be disposed at various positions throughout the outer side of the body 102 to assist a user in tailoring the exterior strap 126 to align with user's hand and grip.

The inventors have also appreciated that it may be beneficial for the exterior strap 126 to be able to attach to itself. Specifically, in some embodiments, the second end of the exterior strap 126 is configured to removably connect to the first end of the exterior strap 126. For example, this may be beneficial in embodiments with insufficient space on the complementary connecting members 112.

In some embodiments, to assist in achieving a compressive and consistent force on the hand, the exterior strap may be constructed from an elastic material.

Various aspects of the present invention may be used alone, in combination, or in a variety of arrangements not specifically described in the embodiments described in the foregoing and is therefore not limited in its application to the details and arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. For example, aspects described in one embodiment may be combined in any manner with aspects described in other embodiments.

Also, the invention may be embodied as a method, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

Further, some features are described relative to a “user.” It should be appreciated that a “user” may be any individual wearing the glove or instructing someone using the glove.

Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements.

The terms “approximately” and “about” may be used to mean within ±20% of a target value in some embodiments, within ±10% of a target value in some embodiments, within ±5% of a target value in some embodiments, and yet within 12% of a target value in some embodiments. The terms “approximately” and “about” may include the target value, The term “substantially equal” may be used to refer to values that are within ±20% of one another in some embodiments, within ±10% of one another in some embodiments, within ±5% of one another in some embodiments, and yet within ±2% of one another in some embodiments.

Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.