Partial Fingered Glove

Abstract

According to the various features characteristics and embodiments of the present invention which will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds, the present invention provides partially fingered gloves and the use of said gloves, intended to increase the overall performance in sports activities including but limited to football and golf. Because of its unique finger configurations, grip enhancers, and/or its hand protective properties, the present invention makes a glove now operable on for football quarterback's throwing hand and golfers, for example.

Claims

1. A sports glove comprising a palmar portion, a dorsal portion and a distal lateral edge, wherein the palmar portion and the dorsal portion meet at the distal lateral edge; said sports glove including a glove body having a dorsal portion designed to cover a back of a user's hand, and a palmar portion designed to cover an entire palm of a user's hand; a plurality of digital stall projections from the distal lateral edge of the body, the plurality of digital stalls comprising a first digital stall, a second digital stall, and a third digital stall, wherein said first digital stall is designed to enclose an entire thumb of a user's hand, wherein said second digital stall is designed to enclose an entire forefinger of a user's hand, wherein said third digital stall covers at least a portion of a middle finger of a user's hand, wherein said distal lateral edge does not provide a digital stall for a ring finger and does not provide a digital stall for a pinkie finger of a user's hand; and wherein said glove body provides a terminal edge at said distal lateral edge of said glove body, wherein said terminal edge has two separate openings or apertures designed such that only one finger may extend through each aperture, whereby said first aperture is positioned along said terminal edge such that said first aperture allows the ring finger of a user's hand to naturally extend past said terminal edge to completely expose said ring finger when the glove is worn; whereby said second aperture is positioned along said terminal edge such that said second aperture allows the pinkie finger of a user's hand to naturally extend past said terminal edge to completely expose a pinkie finger when the glove is worn; wherein said first aperture has a circumference whereby only a ring finger of a user's hand is able to extend through said first aperture; wherein said second aperture has a circumference whereby only a pinkie finger of a user's hand is able to extend through said second aperture; and wherein said glove further comprises of a grip enhancing means on at least a portion or portions of the surface area of the palmar portion of said glove body.

2. The glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said third digital stall fully encloses the user's middle finger.

3. The glove as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a grip-enhancing means along any portion of the palmar surface of said glove, any portion overlaying any area on or between the thumb and forefinger area, generally defined by the metacarpal of the forefinger and extending up along the metacarpal of the thumb, and therebetween, or any portion of any existing finger stalls, or any portion overlaying any of the metacarpophalangeal joints, or combinations thereof.

4. The glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein said dorsal segment has one or a plurality of discrete protrusions.

5. The glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein any portion of the metacarpal of any of the four fingers or the thumb, and therebetween, or any portion of the thumb or any existing finger stalls further comprises a shock-absorbing member or members, in part or in their entirety.

6. The glove as claimed in claim 1, wherein a shock-absorbing member or members overlays any portion of the wrist area, any of the carpometacarpal joints, extending up to as much as about five inches along the carpal bone of the wrist, in part or in its entirety.

7. A sports glove comprising a glove body having a dorsal portion designed to cover an entire back of a user's hand, and a palmar portion designed to cover an entire palm of the user's hand including all five metacarpals of said user's hand and including all five metacarpophalangeal joints of said user's hand; wherein said dorsal portion and palmar portion have distal and proximal ends with a plurality of digital stalls projecting from the distal ends of the glove body, the plurality of digital stalls comprising only of a first digital stall, a second digital stall, and a third digital stall; wherein said first digital stall and said second digital stall are designed to enclose a thumb and a forefinger of a user's hand, respectively; wherein said third digital stall encloses a middle finger of a user's hand; and wherein said glove is designed without digital stalls for a ring finger or a pinkie finger of the user's hand; and wherein said glove body dorsal and palmar distal ends further comprises of two separate openings or apertures, wherein said first aperture is designed to have a circumference whereby only the ring finger of the user's hand is able to extend through said first aperture; wherein said first aperture is further designed to be positioned along said distal ends such that the ring finger digital segment of the user's hand extends through said first aperture to completely expose a distal phalanx, middle phalanx and proximal phalanx of the ring finger when the glove is worn; wherein said second aperture is designed to have a circumference whereby only the pinkie finger of the user's hand is able to extend through said second aperture; and wherein said second aperture is further designed to be positioned along said distal ends such that the pinkie finger digital segment of the user's hand extends through said second aperture to completely expose a distal phalanx, middle phalanx and proximal phalanx of the pinkie finger digital segment when the glove is worn, thereby providing a sport glove that increases the user's grip along the thumb, forefinger, middle finger and palm of the user's hand while simultaneously allowing heightened tactile sensitivities along the middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger of the user's hand; and wherein said glove further comprises of a grip enhancing means; wherein said grip enhancing means is designed to create a higher coefficient of friction than the surrounding palmar portion of the glove.

8. The glove as claimed in claim 7, wherein said third digital stall fully encloses the middle finger of the user's hand; and wherein said grip enhancing means is designed to overlay a metacarpophalangeal joint of the user's pinkie finger.

9. The glove as claimed in claim 7, wherein said grip enhancing means consists of a plurality of depressions.

10. The glove as claimed in claim 7, wherein said grip enhancing means is designed to overlay the palmar side of said first digital stall or said second digital stall, or both, and thereby create a higher coefficient of friction along the user's thumb or forefinger, or both, and increase the user's grip of a sports device or sports ball when said glove is used.

11. The glove as claimed in claim 7, wherein said grip enhancing means consists of a plurality of projections.

12. The glove as claimed in claim 7, wherein said grip enhancing means consists of a grip enhancing coating; wherein said grip enhancing means is designed to overlay a metacarpophalangeal joint of the user's pinkie finger.

13. A sports glove comprising a glove body having a dorsal portion designed to cover an entire back of a user's hand, and a palmar portion designed to cover an entire palm of the user's hand including all five metacarpals of said user's hand and including all five metacarpophalangeal joints of said user's hand; wherein said dorsal portion and palmar portion have distal and proximal ends with a plurality of digital stalls projecting from the distal ends of the glove body, the plurality of digital stalls comprising only of a first digital stall, a second digital stall, and a third digital stall; wherein said first digital stall and said second digital stall are designed to enclose a thumb and a forefinger of the user's hand, respectively; wherein said third digital stall is designed to enclose a middle finger of the user's hand; and wherein said glove is designed without digital stalls for a ring finger or a pinkie finger of the user's hand; and wherein said glove body dorsal and palmar distal ends further comprises of two separate openings or apertures, wherein said first aperture is designed to have a circumference whereby only the ring finger of the user's hand is able to extend through said first aperture; wherein said first aperture is further designed to be positioned along said distal ends such that the ring finger digital segment of the user's hand extends through said first aperture to completely expose a distal phalanx, middle phalanx and proximal phalanx of the ring finger when the glove is worn; wherein said second aperture is designed to have a circumference whereby only the pinkie finger of the user's hand is able to extend through said second aperture; and wherein said second aperture is further designed to be positioned along said distal ends such that the pinkie finger digital segment of the user's hand extends through said second aperture to completely expose a distal phalanx, middle phalanx and proximal phalanx of the pinkie finger digital segment when the glove is worn, thereby providing a sport glove that increases the user's grip along the thumb, forefinger, middle finger and palm of the user's hand while simultaneously allowing heightened tactile sensitivities along the middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger of the user's hand; and wherein said glove further comprises of a panel; wherein said panel is affixed to the palmar portion of said glove; and wherein said panel is designed to create a higher coefficient of friction than the surrounding palmar portion of the glove.

14. The glove as claimed in claim 13, wherein a grip enhancing means is formed on said panel.

15. The glove as claimed in claim 13, wherein a grip enhancing means is formed on said panel; wherein said grip enhancing means consists of a plurality of projections.

16. The glove as claimed in claim 13, wherein a grip enhancing means is formed on said panel; wherein said grip enhancing means consists of a plurality of depressions.

17. The glove as claimed in claim 13, wherein a grip enhancing means is formed on said panel; wherein said grip enhancing means consists of a grip enhancing non-slip coating, a latex coating, a nitrile coating, or a PVC coating.

18. The glove as claimed in claim 13, wherein said panel is designed to overlay a metacarpophalangeal joint of the user's pinkie finger.

19. The glove as claimed in claim 13, wherein said panel is designed to overlay a metacarpophalangeal joint of the user's ring finger.

20. The glove as claimed in claim 13, wherein said panel is designed to overlay the metacarpophalangeal joint of the user's pinkie finger; and wherein said glove further comprises of an expandable opening means at a wrist end that is adapted to receive the user's hand.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWING

[0120] It is expressly understood that the following descriptions and drawing are for illustration purposes only, and in no way are intended to limit the scope of the present invention and its various embodiments. For example, the drawings are of embodiments for the left hand but can easily be created for the right hand.

[0121] FIG. 1 is a drawing of the palmar (front) view of an embodiment. The thumb and forefinger are completely covered. The ring finger and pinkie finger are essentially completely uncovered. The middle finger is completely covered.

[0122] FIG. 2 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG. 1, showing the dorsal (back) view.

[0123] FIG. 3 is a drawing of the palmar view of a second embodiment. The thumb and forefinger are completely covered. The ring finger and pinkie finger are essentially completely uncovered. The middle finger is completely uncovered.

[0124] FIG. 4 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG. 3, showing the dorsal view.

[0125] FIG. 5 is a drawing of the palmar view of a third embodiment, shown as a partial-fingered glove. The thumb and forefinger are completely covered. The ring finger and pinkie finger are essentially completely uncovered. The middle finger is partially covered.

[0126] FIG. 6 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG. 5, showing the dorsal view.

[0127] FIG. 7 is a picture of a famous football quarterback's football grip.

[0128] FIG. 8 is a drawing of an alternative dorsal segment to FIG. 1.

[0129] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, showing a liner.

[0130] FIG. 10 is a drawing of an alternative dorsal segment to FIG. 5.

[0131] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 10, showing a liner and protrusions.

[0132] FIG. 12 is a side view of the glove embodiment comprised of FIG. 10 (dorsal segment) and FIG. 5 (palmar segment).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0133] It is expressly understood that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0134] Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an athletic glove of the present invention is shown and designated as 10. The palmar (front) view of a left-handed glove is drawn in FIG. 1 and the dorsal (back) view of the same glove is drawn in FIG. 2. This partial-fingered embodiment provides a glove having a dorsal portion 11, a palmar portion 12 for overlaying respective back and palm regions of a human hand, said dorsal and palmar portions having distal and proximal ends with a plurality of digital segments (or stalls) projecting from said distal ends. The glove includes a glove body having a back portion covering the back of the hand 11, and a front portion covering substantially all of the palm or front of the hand 12. The glove body includes finger stalls and a thumb stall each adapted to receive a finger or thumb, respectively, therein.

[0135] In the illustrated embodiment, the glove is constructed such that the thumb 13 and forefinger 14 digital segments enclose said thumb and forefinger, including enclosing the fingertips. The glove has a finger segment that also encloses the middle finger, including enclosing its fingertips. The ring finger and pinkie finger are both completely uncovered.

[0136] The palmar section covers the entire palm of the hand 12; the dorsal section covers most of the back of the hand 11, allowing only for any micro recesses along the dorsal surface, typically used to provide ventilation. The glove also has a wrist portion that surrounds the wrist of a user.

[0137] The thumb stall 13 is defined by a dorsal portion 18 and a palmar portion 19. The forefinger stall 14 is defined by a dorsal portion 20 and a palmar portion 21. The middle finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 22 and a palmar portion 23. An opening is provided for the ring finger 25. An opening is provided for the pinkie finger 27. The wrist portion is preferably expansible so as to hold more securely to the user's wrist. Therefore the embodiment also has an expandable opening means 28 at a wrist end 29 adapted to receive the user's hand. The expandable opening means comprises an elastic material along the wrist portion, such as an elastomeric band 28 fixed around the wrist. If desired, the opening means may comprise a strap means at the open end of the glove body for fastening the glove body secure about the wrist area. The strap means may be unitary with the glove body and may include VELCRO fasteners, buttons, and the like or other suitable closure means thereon.

[0138] This embodiment further shows how the present invention may comprise a grip enhancing means. Although the glove now provides a higher coefficient of friction on the throwing hand of a quarterback or on a golfer's dominant hand, one may now further increase grip capabilities by adding a grip enhancing means along the palmar surface of the glove.

[0139] The thumb and forefinger digital segments of this embodiment have a grip enhancing means, in the form of PVC dots, on the thumb and forefinger segments. The PVC dots preferably project out at least about seven hundred micrometers. The PVC dots located on the palmar section of the thumb 30 and forefinger stalls 31 are throughout said stalls. Similar embodiments may have a grip enhancing means along only the thumb segment overlaying the distal phalanx or the forefinger's distal phalanx, or combinations thereof, to maximize grip abilities on the fingertips of the thumb and forefinger.

[0140] The grip enhancing means may be integral to the glove or may be affixed to the glove using any standard methods. For example, this embodiment comprises grip enhancing means that are integral to the glove thumb and forefinger stalls, using any standard method known in the art. For example, the PVC dots can be imparted by any standard methods, such as, for example, by molding. The heights of the PVC dots in this embodiment are all the same height, and are in rows. Other embodiments could of course offer different heights, non-uniform heights, and have a more random pattern on the top surface.

[0141] The locations of the grip enhancing means may vary on several factors of course, such as personal preference and preferred degree of enhanced grip. This added grip configuration will be useful to quarterbacks and golfers for reasons described herein. Other grip enhancing configurations and locations may of course be preferred.

[0142] For example, a quarterback who often rushes with the football may prefer a grip enhancer throughout any existing finger stalls, whereas a quarterback who often throws the football may prefer a grip enhancing means on the fingertips of the thumb and forefinger segments, and along the area between the thumb and forefinger metacarpophalangeal joints (See FIG. 3). Having a gripping enhancing means along these areas will significantly increase the quarterback's ability to control the football throughout a throw or rush attempt by creating an even higher coefficient of friction.

[0143] A golfer may have similar grip enhancing preferences as those discussed. An individual using the interlocking grip method may additionally desire a grip enhancing means overlaying the palmar surface area of the pinkie finger's metacarpophalangeal joint, in part or in its entirety. The resulting grip enhancing configurations would offer the golfer added control on the dominant hand's thumb, forefinger, and along the area where the golfer's two hands interlock. Additionally, the partially uncovered fingers would offer maximum retention of tactile sensation along uncovered finger portions. This unique offering will significantly increase the golfer's ability to control a golf club and also therefore a golf swing.

[0144] The embodiment's grip enhancing means can also comprise of a high friction surface, such as creating crisscross depressions, to the glove area beginning at the digital creases and extending to overlay the forefinger metacarpophalangeal joint; the middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint, the ring finger metacarpophalangeal joint, and the pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal joint, 34. The grip enhancing means portion overlaying the pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal joint preferably does not extend over the upper-palmar crease, however, to provide optimal flexibility.

[0145] The grip enhancing means can also comprise of a high friction surface by applying a non-slip coating, such as a latex, nitrile, or PVC coating, along described locations of this embodiment. The coating could of course also be applied to the entire palmar portion of the glove.

[0146] A plurality of tiny recesses of about 0.120 millimeters in diameter may be randomly disposed about the front, back and finger and thumb stalls of the glove, thereby providing added comfort and more ventilation.

[0147] As aforementioned, the present invention, including this embodiment may be constructed using standard materials and methods of construction known in the art of making sports gloves. For example, construction of this embodiment may be accomplished by standard methods, such as, by designing the dorsal and palmar sections to meet along a conjoining lateral edge to define a pocket for receiving the eminence of a user's hand. Said dorsal and palmar sections could be conjoined by sewing, for example.

[0148] This embodiment further shows how the present invention may comprise of the same materials to construct both the palmar and dorsal surface. This particular glove can be made of a polyester and cotton blend for superior comfort, say about seventy percent polyester. The polyester thread, for example, could be spun with the cotton yarns to produce the composite. Other materials that could comprise these glove embodiments include, but are not limited to woven materials that include natural, synthetic or blends of natural and synthetic yarns, flexible plastics, and thermoextruded or thermoset rubbery embodiments including those made from thermoplastic elastomers. Examples of synthetic yarns include nylon, polyester, and spandex (polyurethane) yarns, and LYCRA. Additionally, embodiments such as this one may be completely coated with a water repellant substance, such as a synthetic resin 33.

[0149] This embodiment also may comprise a grip enhancing means that is affixed to the glove. In general, as aforementioned, a grip enhancing means may be either formed on or applied to any palmar portion, such as the palm or any thumb or any existing finger stalls for example, using any standard methods. The embodiment's gripping means can comprise of a high friction surface, such as creating crisscross grooves 34 that are depressed onto a rubber surface panel 35, for example, then attaching said panel onto a portion of the glove palmar surface area. The panel is then attached to the palmar surface of the glove by any standard methods of attachment, such as by adhesion or stitching.

[0150] The panel may be is attached to the glove area, for example, beginning at the digital creases and extending to overlay the forefinger metacarpophalangeal joint, the middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint, the ring finger metacarpophalangeal joint, and the pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal joint, 34. The panel portion overlaying the pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal 36 preferably does not extend over the upper-palmar crease, however, to provide optimal flexibility. This form of attachment may additionally be used to affix a grip-enhancing means over the thumb stall, any existing finger stalls and/or along the area between the forefinger and thumb stalls, in part or in their entirety, for example.

[0151] The panel may generally be comprised of any flexible material, for example, a plastic material 35 having a top surface comprising the grip enhancing area formed by a plurality of depressions 34 such as, for example, ridges. A preferred depth of the depressions would be such that the gap formed by the depressions would allow for some movement of the newly formed top surface edges thereby increasing the grip capabilities of the user. This grip enhancer could have a preferred depth beginning about six hundred micrometers, and can be imparted by, for example, embossing or standard mechanical treatments. The grip enhancing surface would provide an effective coefficient of friction, preferably of at least a Shore A Durometer of three or greater. The panel would then be bonded to, and become a part of the top surface of a portion of the glove, by any standard method such as, for example, cementing or hot melt gluing.

[0152] Referring now to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a second embodiment of the athletic glove of the present invention is shown and designated as 40. The palmar (front) view of a left-handed glove is drawn in FIG. 3 and the dorsal (back) view of the same glove is drawn in FIG. 4. This partial-fingered embodiment provides a glove having a dorsal portion 41 and a palmar portion 42 for overlaying respective back and palm regions of a human hand, said dorsal and palmar portions having distal and proximal ends with a plurality of digital segments (or stalls) projecting from said distal ends. The glove includes a glove body having a back portion covering essentially the entire dorsal surface of the hand 41, and a front portion covering essentially the entire palm surface of the hand 42. The glove body includes a finger segment and a thumb segment each adapted to receive a finger and thumb, respectively, therein.

[0153] The glove is constructed such that the thumb 43 and forefinger 44 digital segments completely enclose said thumb and forefinger, including enclosing the fingertips. The middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger are all completely uncovered.

[0154] The palmar surface of the glove essentially covers the rest of the front of the hand, including the entire palm of the hand 42; the dorsal section covers most of the back of the hand 41, allowing only for micro recesses for ventilation 24, and for a slit on the wrist portion for an opening to more easily insert a hand. The thumb stall 43 is defined by a dorsal portion 48 and palmar portion 49. The forefinger stall 44 is defined by a dorsal portion 50 and a palmar portion 51. An opening is provided for the middle finger 53, the ring finger 54, and the pinkie finger 55.

[0155] The glove also has an expandable opening means at a wrist end portion 59 adapted to receive the user's hand. The expandable opening means comprises a strap means 56 at the open end 57 of the glove body for fastening the glove body secure about the wrist area. The strap means may be unitary with the glove body and may include VELCRO fasteners 58, buttons, and the like or other suitable closure means thereon. The wrist portion is preferably expansible so as to hold more securely around the user's wrist. The dorsal surface of the glove therefore has an uncovered portion along the wrist area 57. As with other embodiments, this glove may alternatively have an expandable opening means comprised of an elastic material to expand and contract for easier glove application onto a hand, as previously described.

[0156] This embodiment further shows how the present invention may comprise a grip enhancing means. Although the embodiment now provides a higher coefficient of friction on the throwing hand of a quarterback or on a golfer's dominant hand, one may now further increase grip areas by adding a grip enhancing means on select areas.

[0157] The illustrated embodiment has a grip enhancing means on select areas of the front of the hand, specifically along the two digital segments as well as along the region between the thumb and forefinger segments. The grip enhancing means comprises ovals depressions 60, each having a depth of at least about five hundred micrometers, and are further grouped in diamond shaped clusters 68 to allow for greater hand flexibility and movement.

[0158] The plurality of ovals 61 located on the palmar section of the thumb stall 49 and forefinger stall 51 are throughout said stalls. Similar embodiments may have a grip enhancing means along only the distal phalanx of the thumb segment or the distal phalanx of the forefinger, or combinations thereof, to maximize grip abilities primarily on the fingertips of the thumb and forefinger.

[0159] A grip enhancing means is also on the palmar portion of the glove overlaying the area between the thumb and the forefinger segments 64, generally defined by the portion overlaying the forefinger metacarpal, the thumb metacarpal 66 and the area between said metacarpals extending to the edge of the palm 67. The grip enhancing means can also comprise of a high friction surface by applying a non-slip coating, such as a latex, nitrile or PVC coating, along described locations of this embodiment 49, 51, 64. The coating could of course also be applied to the entire palmar portion of the glove 42.

[0160] The locations of the grip enhancing means may vary on several factors of course, such as personal preference and preferred degree of enhanced grip. Additionally, the depressed designs may vary, such as being in the form of non-linear or crisscross lines, for example. Finally, the depths may vary as well.

[0161] As discussed, the grip enhancing means may be integral to the glove or may be affixed to the glove using any standard methods. For example, this embodiment can comprise grip enhancing means that are integral to the glove, using any standard method to accomplish this, such as stamping ovals on described portions of the glove. As mentioned, the grip enhancing means can also comprise of a high friction surface by applying a non-slip coating, such as latex, nitrile or PVC coating. These coatings may be a preferable choice when applying a grip enhancing means on any metacarpophalangeal joints. For example, a similar embodiment may comprise a grip enhancing means, such as an anti-slip coating over the palmar portion of the pinkie finger's metacarpophalangeal joint. This would be especially useful for golfers using the interlocking grip or football quarterbacks, for example, by providing added grip along critical grip areas.

[0162] As aforementioned, the present invention, including this embodiment may be constructed using standard materials and methods of construction known in the art of making sports gloves. For example, construction of this embodiment may be accomplished by standard methods, such as, by designing the dorsal and palmar sections to meet along a conjoining lateral edge to define a pocket for receiving the eminence of a user's hand. Said dorsal and palmar sections could be conjoined by sewing, for example. One could use any standard method of manufacture and assembly or construction known in the art.

[0163] The embodiment is suitably a substantially conventionally constructed sports glove, modified as aforementioned. This particular glove can be made of a polyester and cotton blend for superior comfort or of a synthetic leather latex coated glove for added durability. Other materials that could comprise these glove embodiments include, but are not limited to woven materials that include natural, synthetic or blends of natural and synthetic yarns, thermoextruded or thermoset rubbery embodiments including those made from thermoplastic elastomers, and cloths.

[0164] Examples of synthetic yarns include nylon, polyester, and spandex (polyurethane) yarns. Additionally, embodiments such as this one may be coated with a with a water repellant substance, such as a synthetic resin throughout the glove 40.

[0165] Referring now to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a third embodiment of the present invention is shown and designated as 70. The palmar view of a left-handed glove is drawn in FIG. 5 and the dorsal view of the same glove is drawn in FIG. 6. This partial-fingered embodiment provides a glove having a dorsal portion 71, a palmar portion 72 for overlaying respective back and palm regions of a human hand, said dorsal and palmar portions having distal and proximal ends with a plurality of digital segments (or stalls) projecting from said distal ends. The glove includes a glove body having a back portion covering the back of the hand 71, and a front portion covering the palm or front of the hand 72. The glove body includes finger stalls (or digital segments) and a thumb stall (digital segment) each adapted to receive fingers and a thumb, respectively, therein.

[0166] In the illustrated embodiment, the glove is constructed such that the thumb 73 and forefinger 74 digital segments enclose said thumb and forefinger, including enclosing the fingertips. The glove has a finger segment that covers the middle finger's proximal phalanx 75 but does not extend to cover any portion the middle finger's distal phalanx. The ring finger and pinkie finger are both essentially completely uncovered.

[0167] The palmar section covers the palm of the hand 72; the dorsal section covers the back of the hand 71. The glove also has a wrist portion that surrounds the wrist of a user.

[0168] The thumb stall 73 is defined by a dorsal portion 78 and a palmar portion 79. The forefinger stall 74 is defined by a dorsal portion 80 and a palmar portion 81. The middle finger stall 75 is defined by a dorsal portion 82 and a palmar portion 83. An opening is provided for the ring finger 76, and the pinkie finger 77. The wrist portion is preferably expansible so as to hold more securely to the user's wrist. Therefore the embodiment also has an expandable opening means 88 at a wrist end 89 adapted to receive the user's hand. The expandable opening means comprises an elastic material along the wrist portion, such as an elastomeric band 88 fixed around the wrist. If desired, the opening means may comprise a strap means at the open end of the glove body for fastening the glove body secure about the wrist area. The strap may have two pads of cohesive-adhesive material for releasably securing the strap. The strap as well as the wrist portion may be sewn onto the glove.

[0169] This embodiment further shows how the present invention may comprise a grip enhancing means. Although the embodiment now provides a higher coefficient of friction on the throwing hand of a quarterback or on a golfer's dominant hand, one may now further increase grip areas by adding a grip enhancing means on select areas or on the entire palmar surface of the glove.

[0170] In the illustrated embodiment, the grip enhancing means comprises a high friction surface 90 formed on the entire palmar surface of the glove 72, including the palmar surfaces of the thumb segment 79 and any existing finger segments 81 and 83. Preferably, the high friction surface is formed from a PVC material, a latex material, or a rubber material. The surface may include a depression or projection pattern formed from the high friction material. Formed on this material is a plurality of square-like projections 91 that are applied to the entire palmar surface area by any standard mechanisms. These square-like projections preferably are spaced apart to allow for added grip and flexibility. The rubber palmar surface can then be conjoined to the dorsal surface, for example, thus creating the glove.

[0171] The dorsal surface may comprise of a different material than the palmar surface, such as a more durable fabric, but would preferably also be rather flexible. If the dorsal surface is comprised of more durable fabrics, such as synthetic leather, then some added elasticity capabilities may be also preferable, though not required, on select area of the dorsal surface, in particular around the metacarpophalangeal joints. For example, the dorsal surface may comprise of an aperture on the forefinger's metacarpophalangeal joint, the middle finger's metacarpophalangeal joint, the ring finger's metacarpophalangeal joint, and on the pinkie finger's metacarpophalangeal joint (as seen 93 and 94 on FIG. 12). Alternatively, embodiments may simply comprise of a more elastic material of the dorsal surface overlaying said metacarpophalangeal joints while the rest of the dorsal surface is comprised of a more durable material. Additionally, said joints may simply have protrusions molded into the dorsal surface thereby allowing added flexibility along select areas of the hand (as seen 166 on FIG. 11).

[0172] Embodiments may also preferably comprise of a shock-absorbing member (or members) along any portion of the dorsal surface, such as any or all existing finger or thumb stalls, along the dorsal surface overlaying any or all of the metacarpals, along any of the carpometacarpal joints, or combinations thereof. In at least one embodiment a shock-absorbing member is secured along substantially the entire dorsal segment. The shock-absorbing member would then essentially mirror the dorsal surface design, and can be configured as a one pad segment. Other embodiments may preferably cover the dorsal segment as separate padding segments, for example, to allow for significant finger flexibility by having one pad overlaying only the proximal phalanges, a second pad overlaying only the distal phalanges, and a third pad overlaying the metacarpals of any existing finger segments. A separate pad segment may also overlay the wrist portion, such as a crescent shaped pad surrounding the metacarpalcarpal joints or the carpal bone, in part or in their entirety.

[0173] The illustrated embodiment has shock-absorbing members along substantially the dorsal surface overlaying the forefinger 80. The shock-absorbing member overlaying only the forefinger's proximal phalanx is in the pattern of a rectangle 85, and is configured as a one pad segment 87. The shock-absorbing member overlaying the forefinger's proximal interphalangeal joint area is in the pattern of a square 84, and is configured as a one pad segment 86. Other embodiments may prefer to combine the entire area as one padding segment, for example, to allow for added protection throughout the forefinger.

[0174] As mentioned, the shock-absorbing member may be affixed to the glove by any standard methods of attachment, such as by stitching or adhesion. For example, it can be in the form of pouches 122 or attachments to the glove, said pouches containing the padding, and then bonding said pouches to the back of the glove, using heat sealing or other standard methods. The pouches may be constructed using standard material, such as flexible rubber or plastics, or made of the same material forming the dorsal surface of the glove.

[0175] The shock-absorbing members may alternatively be integral with the material that form the glove, and may be applied to the glove by standard methods and forms of attachment methods as aforementioned.

[0176] The thickness of the padding in this embodiment may vary, beginning at about ¼ inch or more, and made of any material aforementioned. The length of the embodiment shock-absorbing members are generally restricted to the length of the forefinger segment extending from the glove and, as mentioned, the dorsal surface area of the forefinger segment—allowing for the shock-absorbing member to extend circumferentially along the sides of the forefinger segment but not extending onto the palmar surface of the forefinger segment.

[0177] The palmar and dorsal surfaces, and any wrist portions, may be joined together using any standard methods, such as by stitching, thus defining a pocket for receiving a user's hand.

[0178] Referring now to FIG. 7 is a picture of John Elway's hall of frame football grip and captures a standard method of preparing to throw a football. As one can see, Elway's glove-less throwing hand has his middle finger and ring finger overlaying the football laces, while his thumb, forefinger and pinkie fingers are holding the football as best they can.

[0179] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show an alternative dorsal segment to FIG. 1. Embodiments may also preferably comprise of a shock-absorbing member along any portion of the dorsal surface, such as any or all existing finger or thumb stalls, along the dorsal surface overlaying any or all of the metacarpals, along any of the carpometacarpal joints, or combinations thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, a shock-absorbing member is secured along substantially all of the dorsal surface overlaying the thumb 18. The shock-absorbing member overlaying the thumb is in the pattern of a diamond 100, and is configured as a one pad segment 101. Other embodiments may prefer to may do so as separate padding segments, for example, to allow for significant finger flexibility by having one pad overlaying only the proximal phalanx, and a second pad overlaying only the distal phalanx of the thumb. By not covering any of the thumb joints you have added flexibility but less protection.

[0180] The length of the shock-absorbing member of this embodiment is further restricted to the length of the thumb segment extending from the glove 102 and 103 and, as mentioned, the dorsal surface area of the thumb segment 18—allowing for the shock-absorbing member to extend circumferentially along the sides of the thumb segment but not extending onto the palmar surface of the thumb segment, therefore not extending over one hundred and eighty degrees of the digital segment.

[0181] This embodiment also has a shock-absorbing member along substantially all of the dorsal surface overlaying the forefinger 20. The shock-absorbing member overlaying the forefinger is in the pattern of a rectangle 104, and is configured as a one pad segment 105. Other embodiments may prefer to may do so as separate padding segments, for example, to allow for significant finger flexibility by having one pad overlaying only the proximal phalanx, a second pad overlaying only the middle phalanx, and a third pad overlaying only the distal phalanx of the forefinger. By not covering any of the forefinger joints you have added flexibility but less protection.

[0182] The length of the shock-absorbing member of this embodiment is further restricted to the length of the forefinger segment 106 and 107 extending from the glove and, as mentioned, the dorsal surface area of the forefinger segment 20—allowing for the shock-absorbing member to extend circumferentially along the sides of the forefinger segment but not extending onto the palmar surface of the forefinger segment. The thickness of this and other padding in this embodiment may vary, beginning at about ¼ inch or more, and made of any material aforementioned.

[0183] This embodiment also has a shock-absorbing member along substantially all of the dorsal surface overlaying the proximal phalanx of the middle finger but does not extend to cover any portion the middle finger's middle phalanx. The shock-absorbing member overlaying the middle finger is in the pattern of a square 108, and is configured as a one pad segment 109. The length of the shock-absorbing member would further be restricted to the length of the middle finger's proximal phalanx segment 110 and 111 extending from the glove and, as mentioned, the dorsal surface area of the middle finger segment 22—allowing for the shock-absorbing member to extend circumferentially along the sides of the middle finger segment but not extending onto the palmar surface of the middle finger segment. This embodiment also has a second shock-absorbing member along the dorsal surface overlaying the middle phalanx of the middle finger but does not extend to cover any portion the middle finger's distal phalanx. This shock-absorbing member is in the pattern of a diamond 112, and is configured as a one pad segment 112. The length of the shock-absorbing member would further be restricted to the length of the middle finger's middle phalanx segment extending from the glove and, as mentioned, the dorsal surface area of the middle finger segment—allowing for the shock-absorbing member to extend circumferentially along the sides of the ring finger segment but not extending onto the palmar surface of the ring finger segment.

[0184] This embodiment also has a shock-absorbing member along substantially all of the dorsal surface overlaying the metacarpals of the four fingers 115. The shock-absorbing member overlaying the four metacarpals is in the pattern of a rectangle 116, and is configured as a one pad segment 117. Other embodiments may prefer to comprise of padding segments overlaying this area, for example, to allow for significant finger flexibility by having one pad overlaying only the top half of the metacarpals—the portion closest to the fingers, and a second pad overlaying the bottom half of the metacarpals—the portion closest to the wrist area. The length and width of the shock-absorbing member of this embodiment is generally restricted to the dorsal portion of the glove overlaying the metacarpal bones of the hand 118, 119, 120, and 121, in part or in their entirety. Of course, users may prefer any combination of the aforementioned, and may also include a shock-absorbing member secured to the thumb metacarpal bone. The thickness of this padded segment may preferably be ½ inch or more to provide more protection than over the digital segments, especially if a quarterback rushes relatively often.

[0185] The shock-absorbing members of this embodiment may comprise of a polyester fiber 101, 105, 109, 112, and 115, for example, of a neoprene material, or of any other material aforementioned.

[0186] As mentioned, the shock-absorbing member may be affixed to the glove by any standard methods of attachment, such as by stitching or adhesion. For example, it can be in the form of pouches (as seen 122 of FIG. 6) or attachments to the glove, said pouches containing the shock-absorbing member, and then bonding said pouches to the back of the glove, using heat sealing or other methods. The pouches may be constructed using standard material, such as flexible rubber or plastics, or made of the same material forming the dorsal surface of the glove.

[0187] As illustrated, the shock-absorbing member is integral with the material that form the glove, and may be applied to select areas of the glove by standard methods such as, for example, by the dorsal segment 11 comprising of a vinyl sheet material with a stretch nylon backing and the liner (or sleeve) 123 made of a knit of polyester. The liner is positioned along the inner surface of the dorsal segment 125 of the glove whereby the padded layer 105 or layers would be inserted and then sealed. The cushions may also be secured to the glove by conventional stitching 124.

[0188] The liner 123 can be interposed between the shock-absorbing member and the interior of the glove, and separate the shock-absorbing member from the user's hand, fingers, thumb and metacarpals, such as disclosed above, and allow easy insertion of the user's hand. Preferably, the liner is fixed to the dorsal segment interior using methods known in the art, such as stitching, to fix the shock-absorbing member to the glove. The liner secures the shock-absorbing member between the user's hand and the dorsal segment. Of course, other methods of attachment that are known in the art may be used.

[0189] The shock-absorbing member will give the user added protection from the abrasion from hitting the hand against the helmet of an opponent, for example. As shown, the present invention can offer the unique ability of being able to protect a hand while maintaining grip capabilities by offering padded layer or layers, a significant and substantial advancement to prior art, such as bandages and BAND-AID, thus providing a solution to a long-felt need of being able to protect a quarterback's throwing hand.

[0190] The illustrated dorsal segment may be constructed of the same material as that of FIG. 2, or may be of a thicker, more durable material, such as a synthetic leather for added protection, or may be constructed with any other material aforementioned. The dorsal segment may be joined to the palmar segment, as described in FIG. 1 by methods known in the art such as by sewing, to form an opening for receiving the user's hand.

[0191] The wrist portion is preferably expansible so as to hold more securely to the user's wrist. Therefore the embodiment also has an expandable opening means 28 at a wrist end 29 adapted to receive the user's hand. The expandable opening means comprises an elastic material along the wrist portion, such as an elastomeric band 28 fixed around the wrist. If desired, the opening means may comprise a strap means at the open end of the glove body for fastening the glove body secure about the wrist area. The strap means may be unitary with the glove body and may include VELCRO fasteners, buttons, and the like or other suitable closure means thereon.

[0192] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, showing the liner. Specifically, the illustration shows the forefinger stall 20, whereby the shock-absorbing member 105 lies between the inner surface 125 of the dorsal segment 11 and the liner 123. The thickness of the shock-absorbing member 105 can vary by user preference. The thickness of this embodiment may be about ¼ inch for example. The shock-absorbing member may be constructed with known material as those aforementioned, such as cotton, for example. Preferably, the liner is fixed to the dorsal segment interior using methods known in the art, such as stitching, to fix the shock-absorbing member to the glove.

[0193] FIG. 10 is an alternative dorsal segment to FIG. 5. Embodiments may also preferably comprise of a shock-absorbing member along any portion of the dorsal surface, such as any or all existing finger or thumb stalls, along the dorsal surface overlaying any or all of the metacarpals, or combinations thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the glove is constructed such that the thumb 78 and forefinger 80 digital segments enclose said thumb and forefinger, including enclosing the fingertips. The glove has a finger segment that covers the middle finger's proximal phalanx 82 but does not extend to cover any portion the middle finger's middle phalanx.

[0194] The dorsal section covers most of the back of the hand 71. The glove also has a wrist portion that surrounds the wrist of a user.

[0195] This embodiment has a shock-absorbing member along substantially all of the proximal phalanx 130 dorsal surface overlaying the thumb 78. The shock-absorbing member overlaying the thumb is in the pattern of a rectangle 131, and is configured as a one pad segment 131. Other embodiments may prefer to offer additional separate padding segments, for example, with a second pad overlaying only the distal phalanx of the thumb. The length of the shock-absorbing member is further restricted to the length of the protrusion 133 along the proximal phalanx of the thumb stall, and, as mentioned, the dorsal surface area of the thumb segment 78—allowing for the shock-absorbing member to extend circumferentially along the sides of the thumb segment but not extending onto the palmar surface of the thumb segment, therefore not extending over one hundred and eighty degrees of the digital segment.

[0196] This embodiment has a shock-absorbing member 150 along substantially all of the dorsal surface overlaying the forefinger 80. The shock-absorbing member overlaying the forefinger is in the pattern of a rectangle 151, is an elongated pad, and is configured as a one pad segment 151, and is defined by the length and width of the forefinger segment's dorsal surface.

[0197] This embodiment has a second layer shock-absorbing member along substantially all of the proximal phalanx 136 dorsal surface overlaying the forefinger 80. The shock-absorbing member overlaying the forefinger is in the pattern of a square 137, and is configured as a one pad segment 137. Other embodiments may prefer to offer additional separate padding segments, for example, with a second pad overlaying only the middle phalanx, and a third pad overlaying only the distal phalanx. The length of the second layer shock-absorbing member is further restricted to the length of the protrusion 139 along the proximal phalanx on forefinger stall and, as mentioned, the dorsal surface area of the forefinger segment 80—allowing for the shock-absorbing member to extend circumferentially along the sides of the thumb segment but not extending onto the palmar surface of the thumb segment, therefore not extending over one hundred and eighty degrees of the digital segment.

[0198] This embodiment has a shock-absorbing member along substantially all of the proximal phalanx dorsal surface overlaying the middle finger 82. The shock-absorbing member overlaying the middle finger is in the pattern of a rectangle 143, and is configured as a one pad segment 143. Other embodiments may prefer to offer additional separate padding segments or layers over the proximal phalanx.

[0199] The length of the shock-absorbing member is further restricted to the length of the protrusion 145 along the proximal phalanx of the middle finger stall and, as mentioned, the dorsal surface area of the middle finger segment—allowing for the shock-absorbing member to extend circumferentially along the sides of the middle finger segment but not extending onto the palmar surface of the middle finger segment, therefore not extending over one hundred and eighty degrees of the digital segment.

[0200] This embodiment also has a shock-absorbing member along substantially all of the dorsal surface overlaying the metacarpals of the four fingers. The shock-absorbing member overlaying the four metacarpals is in the pattern of a rectangle 163, and is configured as a one pad segment 162. Other embodiments may prefer to may do so as separate padding segments, for example, to allow for significant finger flexibility by having one pad encased and protruding from only the top half of the metacarpals—the portion closest to the fingers, and a second pad encased and protruding from the bottom half of the metacarpals—the portion closest to the wrist area. The length and width of the shock-absorbing member is generally restricted to the protrusion on the dorsal portion of the glove overlaying the metacarpal bones of the hand, and can also include the thumb metacarpal, in part or in its entirety. Of course, users may prefer any combination of the aforementioned.

[0201] Finally, the wrist portion also comprises a shock-absorbing member that protrudes on the dorsal segment 164 and 159, along the carpals about one inch 165. This will give the user added protection from the abrasion along the carpometacarpal joints when hitting the ground or while the quarterback rushes with the football.

[0202] The shock-absorbing members may comprise any type of cloth fabric, like a cushion, or foam, such as an open cell foam 150. The shock-absorbing member need not be very thick, say beginning from about six hundred micrometers 150 to ½ inch 167 or more. The thickness of pads for example may vary on several factors, of course, such as degree of preferred protection (e.g., the more a quarterback rushes with the football, the thicker padding he may desire) & location of the pads (e.g., padding on only the pinkie metacarpal where many quarterback hand injuries occur). Each shock-absorbing member may comprise of one foam pad or a plurality of small pads to maximize flexibility. A second layer shock-absorbing member may also be offered. The second (or multiple) layer may preferably be of the same material but also may be thicker or more resilient to better protrude.

[0203] The shock-absorbing member may be stitched on or may be integral to the glove. This can be done by standard methods. The illustration shows the shock-absorbing member integrally formed on the glove. For example, the dorsal segment of the glove 71 comprises preferably a flexible, integrally molded member which has a tougher outer protective membrane 71 and a smoother hand-contacting inner membrane, such as a liner 170 or sleeve, membranes 71 and 170 being connected together around the peripheral edge of the member 172. Inner membrane 170 is generally flat and outer membrane has one or a plurality of discreet shock-absorbing protective protrusions, 133, 139, 145, 159, 163, 164, and 166.

[0204] For example, the shock-absorbing member may comprise a thick layer of resilient plastic foam material, such as ½ inch polyethylene foam sheet, which is interposed between outer membrane and inner membrane to provide a composite laminated sheet which is then molded. Outer membrane is of a suitable plastic material such as vinyl sheet material with a stretch nylon backing. Inner membrane is preferably of double knit polyester or other suitable textile material to minimize abrasion of hand. The composite laminate sheet can then be molded to form the spacing between protrusions, by pressing outer membrane toward inner membrane. The dimensions of the compartments (or protrusions) would be of sufficient manner to house the pads.

[0205] The wrist portion is preferably expansible so as to hold more securely to the user's wrist. Therefore the embodiment also has an expandable opening means 88 at a wrist end 89 adapted to receive the user's hand. The expandable opening means comprises an elastic material along the wrist portion, such as an elastomeric band 88 fixed around the wrist. If desired, the expandable opening means may comprise a strap means at the open end of the glove body for fastening the glove body secure about the wrist area. The strap means may comprise two pads of cohesive-adhesive material for releasably securing the strap, for example. The strap as well as the wrist portion may be sewn onto the glove.

[0206] Additionally, this embodiment is configured such that a second protrusion exists on the proximal interphalangeal joint of the forefinger's dorsal surface 166. This protrusion does not contain a second shock-absorbing member thus providing the user with added flexibility capabilities along the interphalangeal joint of the forefinger, especially beneficial if the dorsal segment is generally constructed with a more durable material, such as a leather latex glove.

[0207] Furthermore, embodiments such as this may be coated with a water repellant substance throughout the glove, such as a synthetic resin, for example. This feature will further enhance a user's ability to maintain control of a football during rainy conditions.

[0208] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 10, showing the liner and protrusions. Specifically, the illustration shows the forefinger stall 80, whereby the shock-absorbing member 150 lies between the inner surface 172 of the dorsal segment 71 and the liner 170. The thickness of the shock-absorbing member can vary by user preference, such as about ¼ inch for example. The shock-absorbing member may be constructed with known material and those aforementioned, such as cotton, for example. Preferably, the liner is fixed to the dorsal segment interior using methods known in the art, such as stitching, to fix the shock-absorbing member to the glove.

[0209] This embodiment has a second layer shock-absorbing member along, and is bounded by, the proximal phalanx 136 dorsal surface overlaying the forefinger 80. The shock-absorbing member overlaying the forefinger is in the pattern of a square 137, and is configured as a one pad segment 138. Other embodiments may prefer to offer additional separate padding segments, for example, with a second pad overlaying only the middle phalanx, and a third pad overlaying only the distal phalanx. The length of the second layer shock-absorbing member is further restricted to the protrusion 139 along the proximal phalanx on forefinger segment, say about 0.20 inch or more in height for example and, as mentioned, the dorsal surface area of the forefinger segment 80—allowing for the shock-absorbing member to extend circumferentially along the sides of the thumb segment but not extending onto the palmar surface of the thumb segment, therefore not extending over one hundred and eighty degrees of the digital segment.

[0210] Additionally, the embodiment is configured such that a second protrusion exists on the proximal interphalangeal joint of the forefinger's dorsal surface 166. This protrusion does not contain a second shock-absorbing member thus providing the user with added flexibility capabilities along the interphalangeal joint, especially beneficial if the dorsal segment is generally constructed with a more durable material, such as a leather latex glove.

[0211] Also, the liner may be made of a fleece material 170 thus offering additional comfort and warmth for the user, especially during rainy conditions.

[0212] FIG. 12 is a side view of the glove embodiment comprised of FIG. 10 (dorsal segment) and FIG. 5 (palmar segment). The illustration shows the protrusion on the thumb stall 133, the protrusions on the forefinger stall 139 and 166, the protrusion on the middle finger stall 145, the protrusion on the four finger metacarpals 163, and the protrusions on the wrist segment 159 and 164. The protrusions may have various dimensions of course. The illustrated protrusions have a height of about 0.20 of an inch, for example. As mentioned, this embodiment could also prove beneficial with the apertures on the knuckles 93, 94, 95, and 96.