ATHLETIC GLOVE

Abstract

An athletic glove is provided with a front panel for covering a palm of the hand a rear panel for covering the back of the hand. A vertical axis extends along a lateral side of the glove defines a palm side and a back side of the glove. The front panel has a first palm portion of the glove for covering a first portion a palm of a hand. The rear panel has a second palm portion for covering a second portion of the palm of the hand. A fastening tab secured to one of the front or rear panel at a first end along the palm side and a second distal end of the tab is releasably secured to an attachment location along the back side.

Claims

1. An athletic glove comprising: a front panel for covering a palm of the hand, the front panel extending from a front fingertip to a front wrist edge, wherein a vertical axis extends along a lateral side of the glove defining a palm side and a back-side of the glove; a rear panel joined to the front panel for covering the back of the hand, the rear panel extending from a rear fingertip to a rear wrist edge; a tab secured to the front panel at a first end along the palm side, wherein a second distal end of the tab is releasably secured to an attachment location along the back side; and a lateral seam joining the front panel and the rear panel from a first seam end at the front and rear fingertips to a second seam end at the front and rear wrist edge, wherein the lateral seam at the wrist edge is positioned on the palm side.

2. (canceled)

3. The athletic glove of claim 1, wherein the lateral seam has an upper seam section and a palm seam section, wherein the upper seam section extends along a lateral side of the glove, and the palm seam section extends across the palm side of the glove, wherein the palm seam section extends at a first angle from the lateral side of the glove towards a medial side of the glove.

4. The athletic glove of claim 3, wherein the palm seam section has a first palm segment that extends at a first angle towards a medial side, and a second palm segment that extends at a second angle from the first palm segment to the wrist edge.

5. The athletic glove of claim 1, wherein a lower attachment point of the tab is offset from the wrist edge and an upper attachment point of the tab is located in a central palm region.

6. The athletic glove of claim 1, wherein a lower attachment point of the tab is positioned adjacent the front and rear wrist edge and an upper attachment point of the tab is secured closer to the lateral side than the lower attachment point.

7. An athletic glove comprising: a front panel having a front finger portion and a first palm portion of the glove for covering a first portion of a palm of a hand; a rear panel having a rear finger portion and back portion for covering a back the hand, and a second palm portion for covering a second portion of the palm of the hand; a lateral seam joining the front panel and the rear panel along a lateral side of the glove, the lateral seam having an upper seam portion joining the front finger portion and the rear finger portion, and a palm seam portion joining the first palm portion and the second palm portion; a tab secured to the lateral seam along the palm seam portion at a first end, wherein a second distal end of the tab is releasably secured to an attachment location along the rear panel.

8. The athletic glove of claim 7, wherein the second palm portion has a width less than or equal to a finger portion width.

9. The athletic glove of claim 7, wherein the second palm portion has a width at least equal to a finger portion width and less than a width of two finger portions.

10. The athletic glove of claim 7, wherein the rear panel includes a rear wrist portion, wherein the front panel includes a front wrist portion, wherein the palm seam portion of the lateral seam joins the front and rear wrist portions.

11. The athletic glove of claim 10, wherein a lower edge of the tab is secured adjacent the front and rear wrist portions.

12. The athletic glove of claim 7, wherein the palm seam portion of the lateral seam extends at a first angle from the upper seam portion towards a medial side opposite the lateral side.

13. The athletic glove of claim 7, wherein the palm seam portion of the lateral seam has a first segment that extends at a first angle from the upper seam portion, and a second segment that extends at a second angle from the first segment.

14. The athletic glove of claim 13, wherein an upper attachment point of the tab is secured adjacent the first segment of the palm seam portion.

15. The athletic glove of claim 7, wherein the tab is a continuous strip having a length to extend continuously across the second palm portion and at least a part of the back portion to the attachment location.

16. A golf glove comprising: a front panel configured to cover a palm side of a hand, the front panel having a front finger panel and a first palm portion; a rear panel configured to cover a back side the hand, the rear panel having a rear finger panel and a second palm portion least partially extending around a lateral side of the glove to the palm side of the hand; a lateral seam joining the front panel and the rear panel of the glove, the lateral seam having an upper seam portion joining the front and rear finger panels along the lateral side of the glove opposite a medial side of the glove having a thumb portion, and a lower seam portion joining the first and second palm portions, wherein the lower seam portion extends to a palm side of the hand; a fastening tab secured to one of the front or rear panel at a first end and positioned along the palm side of the hand, the tab having a length to extend continuously across the second palm portion and across the lateral side of the glove to be releasably secured to an attachment location along the back side of the hand.

17. The golf glove of claim 16, wherein the second palm portion has a width at least equal to a finger portion width.

18. The golf glove of claim 16, wherein the lower seam section of the lateral seam has a first segment that extends at a first angle towards the medial side of the glove, and a second segment extends at a second angle from the first segment to a wrist end.

19. The golf glove of claim 16, wherein the rear panel includes a rear wrist portion, wherein the front panel includes a front wrist portion, wherein the lower seam portion of the lateral seam joins the front and rear wrist portions on the palm side of the hand.

20. The golf glove of claim 16, wherein an upper attachment point of the tab is secured closer to the lateral side than a lower attachment point.

21. The golf glove of claim 16, wherein the lateral seam extends from a first seam end at the front and rear fingertips to a second seam end at the front and rear wrist edge, wherein the lateral seam at the wrist edge is configured to be positioned on the palm side of the hand.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 is a rear view of an athletic glove according to one embodiment, where the glove is shown in unworn position, where the fastening tab is shown closed.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a front view of the athletic glove of claim 1 shown in unworn position, where the fastening tab is shown open.

[0026] FIG. 3 is side view of the lateral side of the glove shown in an unworn position.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a front view of the athletic glove worn by a user and in a tightened configuration.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a front-side perspective view of the athletic glove worn by a user and in a tightened configuration.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the athletic glove worn by a user and in a tightened configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0031] Traditional gloves have a fastening tab located only on the back of the hand, but this does not secure the fit of the around the lateral side and pinky finger area of the glove. The present application provides an athletic glove 10, such as a golf glove, that improves the fit, feel, and unity with the hand by improving the fit of the glove 10. The athletic glove 10 in FIGS. 1-3 is illustrated as unworn by a user, to show the features of the glove 10 as formed. FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the athletic glove worn by a user in a tightened configuration.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows the back side 12 of the glove 10 where a fastening tab 26 is shown in an open position, while FIG. 2 shows the palm side 14 of the glove 10 with the fastening tab 26 in a closed position. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a lateral side 16 of the glove 10 along the pinky finger 20, wherein an upright axis 28 defines a palm side 14 and a back side 12 of the glove 10. The medial side 18 of the glove 10 is along the thumb 22 and first finger 24. The fastening tab 26 is secured to the palm side 14 of the glove 10, which allows provides overall better fit, feel and performance enabled by wrapping the athlete's hand from the palm side 14 to the back side 12. In particular, the glove 10 provides better fit along the lateral side 16 and the area aligned with the pinky finger 20 or other along the palm side 14 that are prone to looseness. The improved fit of the glove 10 also prevents any undesirable movement or slippage with an unsecure or loose-fitting glove that could compromise the athlete's performance.

[0033] A front panel 30 covers the palm of the hand and a rear panel 32 covers the back of the hand. The front panel 30 and rear panel 32 extend from the fingertip that defines the top edge 36 of the glove 10 to a bottom edge 38 of the glove 10 along the wrist. The front panel 30 has a front finger portion 40, a first palm portion 42 and a first wrist portion 44. Similarly, the rear panel 32 has a rear finger portion 50, a central back portion 52 and a rear wrist portion 54. The rear panel 32 also has a second palm portion 62 for covering a second portion of the palm of the wearer's hand, and a second wrist portion 56 that extends to the palm side of the glove 10, as shown in FIGS. 2-3.

[0034] The second palm portion 62 has a width less than or equal to a width of one finger portion, such as the width of a pinky finger portion 58. In another embodiment, the second palm portion 62 may have a width less than a width of two finger portions, such as the pinky finger portion 58 and fourth finger portion 60.

[0035] The front and rear panels 30, 32 may be made from any suitable materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the glove 10 may be made of leather, synthetic leather or other synthetic materials that provide suitable grip characteristics. Alternatively, natural or synthetic leather materials may be applied to a base fabric layer (e.g., polyester, rayon, cotton, etc.) Additionally, inserts of a different material, such as mesh, microfiber, polyesters, rayons, nylon or elastane materials, may be incorporated for improved ventilation, comfort or stretch. The front and rear panels 30, 32 may be formed of a combination of any other suitable glove materials. The panels of the of the glove may be sewn or stitched together. Alternatively, other techniques for attaching the panels may be used such as ultrasonic welding or adhesive, for example.

[0036] The glove 10 may also include a thumb panel 64 attached to the front and rear panels 30, 32 as shown in FIGS. 1-2. The thumb panel 64 may be stitched to the front panel 32 along a thumb cutout 66 adjacent the first palm portion 42. Similarly, the thumb panel 64 may be stitched to the rear panel 32 adjacent the central back portion 52. Alternatively, other techniques for attaching the thumb panel 64 to the glove 10 may be used such as ultrasonic welding or adhesive, for example. The thumb panel 64 may also be integrally formed with either of the front or rear panels 30, 32. The thumb panel 64 may be formed of the same material as the front and rear panels 30, 32. The wrist portions 44, 54 are located below the thumb panel 64.

[0037] The fastening tab 26 is attached along the palm side 14 of the glove 10 at a starting end 72. The fastening tab 26 may be attached to the front panel 30 by sewing, ultrasonic welding, adhesive or other suitable attachment method. The fastening tab 26 may be a continuous strip having a length to extend continuously across the second palm portion 62 and at least a part of the back portion 52 to an attachment location 76. The fastening tab 26 is attached to the palm side 14 at the starting end 72 between a lower attachment point 80 and an upper attachment point 82. The lower attachment point 80 is spaced apart from and above the bottom wrist edge 38 on the palm side 14. The upper attachment point 82 is positioned with a central palm region 88. The central palm region 88 may be positioned opposite the thumb panel 64 and extend an upright distance generally equal to the thumb panel 64. The central palm region 88 is located above the elastic elements 78 and above the wrist portion 44.

[0038] A second distal end 74 of the fastening tab 26 is releasably secured to an attachment location 76 along the back side 12 with a securement mechanism 84. Athletic gloves, including golf gloves, have a fastening tab primarily to ensure a secure and adjustable fit. The fastening tab 26 facilitates easily taking off the glove and putting on the glove without sacrificing the tight fit of the glove. The fastening tab 26 and securement mechanism 84 allow for adjustment of the glove tightness around the wrist and hand. The fastening tab 26 typically utilizes a securement mechanism 84 such as a hook-and-loop fastener or Velcro fastener. Some athletic gloves may also have a securement mechanism 84 such as a snap or buckle closure for securing the fastening tab 26. Snap closures may use metal or plastic snaps or fasteners secured with an interference fit. Magnetic fasteners may also be used. Any suitable securement mechanism 84 may be used to fasten the distal end 74 of the fastening tab 26 to the back side 12 of the glove 10.

[0039] The adjustability provided by the fastening tab 26 maintains a snug fit needed for grip and control during athletic activities. The fastening tab 26 having a starting end 72 on the palm side 14 of the glove 10 provides additional support as it wraps around the lateral side 16 of the hand from the palm side 14 to the back side 12.

[0040] The rear panel 32 of the glove may also include a slit opening 86 that increases the width of the glove to allow the wearer to easily slide their hand in and out of the glove 10. As shown, the slit opening 86 extends from the bottom edge 38 towards the fingers. The slit opening 86 can vary in length. When the glove 10 is on, the slit opening 86 may be closed using the securement mechanism 84, which pulls the edges of the slit together, ensuring that the glove fits tightly around the wearer's hand. The fastening tab 26 and slit opening 86 are especially helpful in athletic activities that require frequent removal and reapplication, such as golfing, where the glove might be taken off between shots, but then quickly resecured for the next shot or hole. The slit opening 86 also allows the glove 10 to accommodate a wider range of hand sizes and shapes while still allowing a secure fit for each wearer.

[0041] The wrist portions 44, 54 may also include an elastic securement element 78 to ensure the glove fits snugly and comfortably on the user's hand. The elastic element 78 may be a continuous band or strap that extends around the glove 10 along the wrist portions 44, 54. The elastic element 78 may be positioned on the inside or interior of the wrist portions 44, 54, or the elastic element 78 may be integrated in the material of the glove. The glove 10 may have multiple elastic elements 78, arranged in parallel. Alternatively, the wrist portions 44, 54 may have a separate elastic panel that could be knitted or ribbed or stitching that exhibits elastic and expandable properties. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the elastic securement element 78 extends along the front wrist portion 44 on the front panel 30 and the back wrist portion 54 on the rear panel 32. However, the second wrist portion 54 that extends on the lateral side 16 and the back side 12 does not include any elastic securement element 78.

[0042] Traditional athletic gloves, such as golf gloves, have a lateral side seam that is oriented vertically, starting from the tip of the pinky finger down to the wrist. Also, traditional glove construction has the fastening tab located entirely on the back side. However, traditional athletic gloves do not provide a secure fit around the lateral side of the glove at the pinky finger and around the wrist. In another embodiment, the glove 10 may have a lateral seam 90 that extends to the palm side 12 of the glove 10.

[0043] The lateral seam 90 joins the front panel 30 and the rear panel 32. As shown in FIG. 3, the lateral seam 90 extends from the top edge 36 at the fingertips to the bottom edge 38 at the wrist edge of the glove 10. The lateral seam 90 has a first seam end 92 at the front and rear fingertips along the top edge 36. A second seam end 94 is located at the bottom edge 38 along the front wrist portion 44 and the second wrist portion 56 of the rear panel 32. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, at the second seam end 94, the lateral seam 90 is positioned on the palm side 14.

[0044] The lateral seam 90 joining has an upper seam section 96 joining the front finger portion 40 and the rear finger portion 50. The upper seam section 96 extends generally along the lateral axis 28 and may be colinear with the lateral axis 28. The upper seam section 96 may also be generally parallel to the lateral axis 28 along a lateral side of the glove 10. The upper seam section 96 extends from the finger end to below a finger valley 108.

[0045] The lateral seam 90 also has a lower seam section 98 below the upper seam section 96. The lower seam section 98 joins the first palm portion 42 of the front panel 30 and a second palm portion 62 of the rear panel 32. The lower seam section 98 extends from the upper seam section 96 on the lateral side 16 of the glove 10 and across the palm side 14 of the glove 10. The lower scam section 98 extends at a first angle to the palm side 14 from the lateral side 16 towards a medial side 18 of the glove 10. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the lower seam section 98 of the lateral seam 90 has a first palm segment 100 that extends at a first angle towards the medial side 18 from the finger seam portion. A second palm segment 102 that extends at a second angle from the first palm segment 100 to the second end at the bottom wrist edge 38. The lower seam section 98 may have an alternate shape or contour along the palm side 14. The lower seam section 98 may have any suitable shape along the palm side 14 such as multiple segments, a single segment, a continuous contour or curvature, or linear shape.

[0046] Various seam types and methods may be used to form the lateral seam 90. For example, a straight seam may be used by stitching the front and rear panels 30, 32 together in a straight line. A flatlock seam may join the front and rear panels 30, 32 with a flat, wide stitch that lies flush with the fabric. In addition to sewing techniques, the lateral seam 90 may be formed with a bonded seam that uses adhesive or heat to fuse or stake the edges of the front and rear panels 30, 32 together. Other seam types may be used that between the front and rear panels 30, 32 to ensure durability and functionality in joining the panels, while still providing comfort to the user along the inside of the glove 10.

[0047] In another embodiment, the lateral seam 90 provides an attachment location for the fastening tab 26 to provide a more secure fit that enhances the stability of the glove 10. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the fastening tab 26 may be attached to the lateral seam 90 along the lower seam section 98 at a starting end 72. The fastening tab 26 may also be attached on the palm side 14 to either the front or rear panel 30, 32 adjacent the palm-scam section. By locating the starting end 72 of the fastening tab 26 on the palm side 14, the glove 10 is able to use material areas of the glove 10 that do not come in contact with the users grip during to provide better hold and feel for all areas of the grip. For example, the user's palm area adjacent the lateral side of the hand may not contact the golf club grip during a swing. Also, by locating the starting end 72 of the fastening tab 26 on the palm side 14 the glove 10, the fastening tab 26 can be much longer than a traditional glove. For example, the fastening tab 26 in FIGS. 1-5 may be twice the length of a traditional glove. For example, the fastening tab 28 may have a length of 70 mm to 100 mm, depending on the size of the glove. Alternatively, the fastening tab 28 may have a length of 80 mm to 95 mm. The length of the fastening tab 28 may be any suitable dimension for wrapping from the palm side 14 to the back side 12. The fastening tab 26 with a longer length wraps around the palm, and lateral side of the wearer's hand.

[0048] A lower attachment point 80 of the fastening tab 26 is secured along the front and rear wrist portions at the starting end 72, or attachment end. The lower attachment point 80 of the of the fastening tab 26 is positioned adjacent the elastic member 78 on the second front wrist portion 56 on the palm side. The lower attachment point 80 may be offset from the bottom edge 38 by a distance of 10 mm to 16 mm. However, the lower attachment point 80 may be offset from the bottom edge 38 by any suitable distance to position the fastening tab 26 along the central region 88 of palm.

[0049] The fastening tab 26 also has an upper attachment point 82. The upper attachment point 82 is offset vertically from the lower fastening point 80 by the width of the fastening tab 26. For example, the width of the fastening tab 26 between the lower and upper attachment points 80, 82 may be 50 mm to 80 mm, depending on the size of the glove. Alternatively, the width of the fastening tab may be 60 mm to 75 mm. The width of the fastening tab 26 may change between the starting end 72 and the distal end 74.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2, the upper attachment point 82 is closer to the lateral side 16 than the lower attachment point 80. For example, the upper attachment point 82 may be offset by an angle of 60-degrees to 70-degrees toward the lateral side. The upper attachment point 82 of the fastening tab 26 is secured adjacent the first palm segment 100 of the lower seam section 98 along the palm side 14. However, the fastening tab 26 may be secured at any position along the lower seam section 98.

[0051] The fastening tab 26 may be secured in the lateral seam 90 together with the front and rear panels 30, 32. Alternatively, the starting end 72 of the fastening tab 26 may be attached along the palm side 14 on one the front or rear panels 30, 32 separate from the lateral seam 90. The fastening tab 26 may be secured to the glove with any suitable method.

[0052] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the glove 10 being worn by a user and secured to the user's hand. In this use position, the fastening tab 26 is wrapped from the palm side around the lateral side 16 and secured to the attachment location 76 on the rear panel 32 at the back side 12. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the lateral seam 90 is pulled toward the lateral side 16 by the fastening tab 26 in the use position. In the use position, the front panel 30 is tight and secure against the wearer's palm without any wrinkles or loose areas, as shown in FIG. 4. The back side 12 of the glove may have a more relaxed fit to provide comfort while the palm side 14 has a close fit.

[0053] While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.