Sport Performance Gloves

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 intended to increase the overall performance in sports activities including but limited to football and golf. Primarily because of its unique finger configurations, and/or grip enhancers, and/or hand protective properties, as well as providing an strategically located aperture exposing a portion of a user's forefinger, the present invention makes a glove more operable in various sports activities.

Claims

1. A hand cover comprising a body comprising a palmar portion, a dorsal portion, and a distal end; a first digital segment projecting from said distal end of said body, said first digital segment being adapted to overlay a fingertip of a thumb of a user; and a second digital segment projecting from said distal end of said body and being adapted to overlay a fingertip of a forefinger of said user; wherein said second digital segment comprises a dorsal portion, a palmar portion, and a side portion, and wherein said second digital segment comprises an aperture adapted to leave at least a portion of a proximal phalangeal of said forefinger uncovered; and wherein said palmar portion of said body comprises a plurality of depressions or a plurality of projections comprising a tackifier, the tackifier being adapted to overlay a portion of a metacarpophalangeal joint of said user.

2. The hand cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein said aperture is located along the side portion of said second digital segment; and wherein said aperture enables skin-to-skin contact between the exposed portion of said at least proximal phalanx of said forefinger and a portion of a pinkie finger of an opposing hand during an interlocking grip of a golf club.

3. The hand cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein said aperture is located along the side portion of said second digital segment, adjacent the user's middle finger.

4. The hand cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein said aperture is located along the dorsal portion of said second digital segment; and wherein said aperture enables skin-to-skin contact between the exposed portion of said at least proximal phalanx of said forefinger and a portion of a pinkie finger of an opposing hand during an overlapping grip of a golf club; and wherein said second digital segment is the only digital segment with an aperture.

5. The hand cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein said aperture is located along the dorsal portion of said second digital segment and extends along the side portion of said second digital segment.

6. The hand cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein said aperture is located to also expose at least a portion of the middle phalanx of the user's forefinger; wherein said aperture does not extend to expose the distal interphalangeal or metacarpophalangeal of the user's forefinger, thereby defining the aperture along said forefinger segment.

7. The hand cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein said aperture enables skin-to-skin contact between the exposed portion of said at least proximal phalanx of said forefinger and a portion of a pinkie finger of an opposing hand during an interlocking grip of a golf club.

8. The hand cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grip enhancing means comprises of a panel; wherein grip enhancing means is formed on said panel; and wherein said grip enhancing means comprises of a plurality of projections, a plurality of depressions, a tackifier, or combinations thereof.

9. The hand cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grip enhancing means comprises of a panel; wherein grip enhancing means is formed on said panel; wherein said panel is adapted to overlays the pinkie finger metacarpal, the ring finger metacarpal, or both.

10. A hand cover comprising a body comprising a palmar portion, a dorsal portion, and a distal end; a first digital segment projecting from said distal end of said body, said first digital segment being adapted to overlay a fingertip of a thumb of a user; and a second digital segment projecting from said distal end of said body and being adapted to overlay a fingertip of a forefinger of said user; wherein said second digital segment comprises a dorsal portion, a palmar portion, and a side portion, and wherein said second digital segment comprises an aperture adapted to leave a portion of a proximal phalangeal of said forefinger uncovered; and wherein said palmar portion of said body comprises of a grip enhancing means; wherein said grip enhancing means is adapted to create a higher coefficient of friction than the surrounding palmar portion of the glove and thereby provide increased grip capabilities for a user when gripping a sports ball or device during sports play.

11. The hand cover as claimed in claim 10, wherein said grip enhancing means consists of a plurality of depressions.

12. The hand cover as claimed in claim 10, wherein said grip enhancing means consists of a plurality of projections.

13. The hand cover as claimed in claim 10, wherein said grip enhancing means comprises of a tackifier.

14. The hand cover as claimed in claim 10, wherein said grip enhancing means comprises of a tackifier, the tackifier being adapted to overlay a portion of a metacarpophalangeal joint of said user.

15. The hand cover as claimed in claim 10, wherein said grip enhancing means comprises of a tackifier, the tackifier being adapted to overlay at least a portion of the user's pinkie finger metacarpal, ring finger metacarpal, or both.

16. A hand cover comprising a body comprising a palmar portion, a dorsal portion, and a distal end; a first digital segment projecting from said distal end of said body, said first digital segment being adapted to overlay a fingertip of a thumb of a user; and a second digital segment projecting from said distal end of said body and being adapted to overlay a fingertip of a forefinger of said user; wherein said second digital segment comprises a dorsal portion, a palmar portion, and a side portion, and wherein said second digital segment comprises an aperture adapted to leave a portion of a proximal phalangeal of said forefinger uncovered; and wherein said palmar portion of said body comprises of a grip enhancing means that is adapted to provide a higher coefficient of friction than the surrounding area of the glove surface and thereby provide increased grip capabilities for a user when gripping a sports ball or device during sports play.

17. The hand cover as claimed in claim 16, wherein said aperture resides along the dorsal portion of the forefinger's proximal and middle phalanges, but does not extend to expose the distal interphalangeal or the metacarpophalangeal, defining the aperture on the forefinger segment.

18. The hand cover as claimed in claim 10, wherein said aperture extends along the side of the forefinger segment, adjacent the middle finger segment.

19. The hand cover as claimed in claim 10, wherein said grip enhancing means is formed on the palmar surface of the forefinger's metacarpophalangeal.

20. The hand cover as claimed in claim 10, wherein said grip enhancing means is formed on the palmar surface of the forefinger's metacarpophalangeal, and wherein the other four metacarpophalangeal joints of a user's hand are free of said grip enhancing means.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWING

[0170] It is expressly understood that the following descriptions and drawings 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.

[0171] FIG. 1 is a drawing of the palmar (front) view of an embodiment. The glove completely covers a user's thumb and middle finger. The glove also has a finger segment that covers the ring finger's proximal phalanx but does not extend to cover the ring finger's middle phalanx. Said glove further provides a pinkie finger segment that covers the pinkie finger's proximal phalanx but does not extend to cover the pinkie finger's middle phalanx. In addition, a forefinger segment exists that encloses the forefinger; said forefinger segment also has an aperture along the proximal phalanx.

[0172] FIG. 2 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG. 1, showing the dorsal (back) view.

[0173] FIG. 3 is a drawing of the palmar (front) view of a second embodiment. The glove completely covers a user's thumb, middle finger and pinkie finger. In addition, a forefinger segment exists that encloses the forefinger; said forefinger segment also has an aperture along the proximal phalanx. There is no ring finger stall so there is no dorsal or palmar portion defining the ring finger stall; the glove provides a ringlet for the ring finger to extend through the glove.

[0174] FIG. 4 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG. 3, showing the dorsal view.

[0175] FIG. 5 is a drawing of the palmar view of a third embodiment, shown as a partial-fingered glove. The thumb and middle finger are both completely covered. The ring finger segment and the pinkie finger segment both cover about ⅓rd of said fingers. In addition, a forefinger segment exists that encloses the forefinger; said forefinger segment also has an aperture along the proximal phalanx.

[0176] FIG. 6 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG. 5, dorsal (back) view.

[0177] FIG. 7 is a picture of a famous football quarterback's football grip.

[0178] FIG. 8 is an alternative dorsal segment to the glove drawn and described in FIG. 5, showing shock-absorbing members.

[0179] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, showing a liner.

[0180] FIG. 10 is an alternative dorsal segment to the glove drawn and described in FIG. 1, showing shock-absorbing members.

[0181] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 10, showing a liner and protrusions.

[0182] FIG. 12 is a side view of the glove embodiment described in FIG. 10 (dorsal segment) and FIG. 1 (palmar segment).

[0183] FIG. 13 shows an alternate grip-enhancing means surface 21 or 31, of the embodiment described in FIG. 5.

[0184] FIG. 14 shows the top and bottom view of a panel which creates a higher friction surface on an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0185] FIG. 15 is a drawing of the palmar view of a fourth embodiment, shown as a partial-fingered glove.

[0186] FIG. 16 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG. 15, showing the dorsal view.

[0187] FIG. 17 is a drawing of the palmar view of a fifth embodiment, shown as essentially a full-fingered glove, with an aperture residing along the dorsal portion of the forefinger's proximal phalanx, but not extending beyond the proximal interphalangeal or below the metacarpophalangeal, defining the aperture on the forefinger segment.

[0188] FIG. 18 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG. 17, showing a dorsal view.

[0189] FIG. 19 is a drawing of the palmar view of a sixth embodiment, shown as essentially a full-fingered glove, with an aperture residing along the dorsal and palmar portions of the forefinger's proximal and middle phalanges, but not extending beyond the distal interphalangeal or below the metacarpophalangeal.

[0190] FIG. 20 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG. 19, showing a dorsal view.

[0191] FIG. 21 is a drawing of the palmar view of a seventh embodiment, shown as a full-fingered glove, with an aperture residing along the dorsal portion of the forefinger's proximal and middle phalanges, but not extending beyond the proximal interphalangeal or below the metacarpophalangeal.

[0192] FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the embodiment as described in FIG. 21, showing a dorsal view.

[0193] FIG. 23 is a drawing of the palmar (front) view of eighth embodiment. The glove completely covers a user's thumb and middle finger. The glove also has a finger segment that covers the ring finger's proximal phalanx but does not extend to cover the ring finger's middle phalanx. Said glove further provides a pinkie finger segment that covers the pinkie finger's proximal phalanx but does not extend to cover the pinkie finger's middle phalanx. In addition, a forefinger segment exists that encloses the forefinger; said forefinger segment also has an aperture along the dorsal portion to expose a portion of a user's forefinger.

[0194] FIG. 24 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG. 23, showing the dorsal (back) view.

[0195] FIG. 25 is a drawing of the palmar (front) view of a ninth embodiment. The glove completely covers a user's thumb, middle finger and pinkie finger. In addition, a forefinger segment exists that encloses the forefinger; said forefinger segment also has an aperture along the dorsal portion to expose a portion of a user's forefinger. There is no ring finger stall so there is no dorsal or palmar portion defining the ring finger stall; the glove provides a ringlet for the ring finger to extend through the glove.

[0196] FIG. 26 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG. 25, showing the dorsal view.

[0197] FIG. 27 is a drawing of the palmar view of a tenth embodiment, shown as a partial-fingered glove. The thumb and middle finger are both completely covered. The ring finger segment and the pinkie finger segment both cover about ⅓rd of said fingers. In addition, a forefinger segment exists that encloses the forefinger; said forefinger segment also has an aperture along the proximal phalanx.

[0198] FIG. 28 is a drawing of the embodiment as described in FIG. 27, dorsal (back) view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0199] 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.

[0200] Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an embodiment of the present invention is shown and designated as 70. The palmar view of a left-handed glove is drawn in FIG. 1 and the dorsal view of the same glove is drawn in FIG. 2. 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 a plurality of finger stalls (or digital segments) and a thumb stall (digital segment) each adapted to receive a finger or thumb, respectively, therein.

[0201] In the illustrated embodiment, the glove is constructed such that the thumb 73 and forefinger 74 digital segments enclose a user's thumb and forefinger, respectively, including enclosing the fingertips. The glove has a middle finger segment that covers the middle finger 75, a ring finger segment that covers the ring finger's proximal phalanx 76 but does not extend to cover the ring finger's middle phalanx, and a pinkie finger segment that covers the pinkie finger's proximal phalanx 77 but does not extend to cover the pinkie finger's middle phalanx.

[0202] The forefinger segment also has an aperture 92 that is located on about fifty percent of the proximal phalanx and extends to about sixty percent of the middle phalanx of the forefinger segment's palmar portion. The aperture also extends out to the side of the aforementioned areas, but does not generally extend onto the dorsal surface of the forefinger segment 74. The aperture also does not extend beyond the distal interphalangeal nor below the metacarpophalangeal, thus defining its terminal edges.

[0203] The palmar section also covers the palm segment overlaying the palm of the hand 72; the dorsal section also covers most of the back of the hand 71. The glove also has a wrist portion that surrounds the wrist of a user.

[0204] 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. The ring finger stall 76 is defined by a dorsal portion 84 and a palmar portion 85. The pinkie finger stall 77 is defined by a dorsal portion 86 and a palmar portion 87.

[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 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 this wrist portion may be sewn onto the glove.

[0206] This embodiment further shows how the present invention may comprise a grip enhancing means 90. Although the embodiment now provides a higher coefficient of friction than what the skin of throwing hand of a quarterback or a golfer's dominant hand would otherwise provide, 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.

[0207] In the illustrated embodiment, the grip enhancing means 90 comprises a high friction surface 90 formed on the entire palmar portion of the glove body 72, including the palmar surfaces of the thumb segment 79 and any existing finger segments 81, 83, 85 and 87. Preferably, the high friction surface is formed from a PVC material, a nitrile material, a latex material, or a rubber material 90. The surface may include a depression or projection pattern formed from the high friction material. Formed on the illustrated material is a grip enhancing means comprising a plurality of square-like projections 91 that are applied to the entire palmar surface area by any standard means. 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, thus creating the glove.

[0208] 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. Alternatively, embodiments may simply comprise of a more elastic material on the dorsal surface overlaying said metacarpophalangeal joints while the rest of the dorsal surface is comprised of a more durable material. The elastic material could be stitched onto those areas, and therefore replacing the more durable materials along those select areas. Alternatively, said joints may simply have protrusions molded into the dorsal surface thereby allowing added flexibility along select areas of the hand 166.

[0209] The palmar and dorsal surfaces, and any wrist portions, may then be conjoined on any finger and thumb portions, dorsal and palm portions and a wrist portion using any standard methods, such as by stitching, thus defining a pocket for receiving a user's hand.

[0210] Additionally, embodiments such as this one, may be coated with a with a water repellant substance, such as a synthetic resin 500 throughout the entire outer surface of the glove. Alternatively, the embodiments may also comprise of micro holes/recesses along any portions of the glove, generally used on golf gloves and football gloves for ventilation or moisture management purposes. These micro holes are generally about 0.120 millimeters or so in diameter.

[0211] As aforementioned, this embodiment provides users with several benefits, in multiple sports. For example, football quarterbacks may use this embodiment on their dominant hand thereby allowing the quarterback significantly more grip capabilities while simultaneously being able to have heightened tactile abilities at the same time on key areas of the dominant hand. Configuring the glove in this unique manner solves the problems which have previously prevented most football quarterbacks to choose to play the position of quarterback without the use of a glove. This embodiment thereby overcomes the prior art deficiencies.

[0212] By way of example, those who play golf would also significantly benefit by using this embodiment. A golfer who grips a golf club using the interlocking grip could particularly benefit by placing this embodiment over their dominant hand thereby creating a much strong overall grip while not losing much tactile sensations because of the partially uncovered ring finger but especially due to the aperture on the forefinger.

[0213] By way of example, baseball pitchers may also find this embodiment beneficial over their strong (pitching) hand primarily because it offers grip enhancing capabilities on the fingertips on select digital segments while allowing the pitcher to maintain heightened feel by simultaneously providing the pitcher with the ability to touch the baseball with his or her skin.

[0214] 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 the dorsal surface of the hand 41, and a front portion covering essentially the entire palm surface of the hand 42. The glove body includes finger segments and a thumb segment each adapted to receive a finger or thumb, respectively, therein.

[0215] The glove is constructed such that the thumb 43, forefinger 44, middle finger 53, and pinkie finger 63 digital segments separately completely enclose a user's thumb, forefinger, middle finger, and pinkie finger, respectively, including enclosing the fingertips. Additionally, an aperture exists 62 only along the proximal phalanx of the forefinger digital segment 44.

[0216] Furthermore, the ring finger of a user is completely uncovered therefore this embodiment does not have a ring finger digital segment. The glove provides a ringlet or recess 65 whereby a wearer's ring finger may extend entirely through said glove. Providing a golf glove without a ring finger stall solves significant problems for golfers who are married or engaged. Prior art gloves provide ring finger stalls that fit snugly around a user's ring finger. The problem is, of course, if a user is married or engaged she or he is wearing a ring on her ring finger. Prior art forces the user to either take off her rings while swinging a golf club, or be highly uncomfortable and distracted by the ring finger stall continually pushing down on the rings and ring finger. By providing a recess in lieu of a ring finger stall, the user now may play golf without forsaking her beloved and taking off their rings.

[0217] The palmar portion of the glove therefore 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 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. The middle finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 52 and a palmar portion 53. The pinkie finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 54 and a palmar portion 55. There is no ring finger stall so there is no dorsal or palmar portion defining the ring finger stall; however the dorsal and palmar portion provides a ringlet 65 for a user's ring finger to extend completely through the glove 40.

[0218] The embodiment is also comprised of an aperture 62 along the forefinger segment 44. This aperture is bounded by the proximal phalanx portion of the forefinger segment, thus the aperture only exposes a user's forefinger proximal phalanx. The aperture is rectangular in general structure, and is located primarily on the palmar surface.

[0219] 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 57. As with other embodiments, the glove may alternatively have an expandable opening means comprised of an elastic material to expand and contract for easier glove application onto a hand.

[0220] This embodiment further shows how the present invention may also comprise a grip enhancing means 68. Although the embodiment now provides a higher coefficient of friction on the throwing hand of a quarterback or on a golfer's non-dominant hand, one may now further increase grip areas by adding a grip enhancing means on select areas.

[0221] The illustrated embodiment has a grip enhancing means 68 on select areas of the palmar portion—or front—of the hand, specifically along the thumb and forefinger digital segments as well as along the region between the thumb and forefinger segments. The grip enhancing means 68 comprises ovals depressions 68, each having a depth of at least about three hundred micrometers, and are further grouped in diamond shaped clusters 68 to allow for greater hand flexibility and movement.

[0222] The plurality of ovals located on the palmar section of the thumb stall 60 and forefinger stall 61 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.

[0223] A grip enhancing means 68 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 68 can also comprise of a high friction surface by applying a non-slip coating, such as a latex, a nitrile, or PVC coating, along described locations of this embodiment 60, 61 and 64. The coating could of course also be applied to the entire palmar portion of the glove 42.

[0224] 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.

[0225] As discussed, the grip-enhancing means 68 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 68 that are integral to the glove 40, using any standard method to accomplish this, such as stamping said depressed 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 68, such as a nitrile coating 69 over the palmar portion of the pinkie finger's metacarpophalangeal joint 69. This would be especially useful for golfers using the interlocking grip, for example, by providing added grip along the area where the fingers interlock.

[0226] This embodiment also comprises a detachable ball marker 45. A ball marker is often used when playing golf. During certain times, such as when reaching the green or when obstructing another player's direct path to the golf hole, the golfer may pick his ball and place a ball marker directly behind the golf ball; the golfer can then pick up the golf ball. The embodiment provides a convenient, detachable ball marker on the glove. The detachable ball marker in this embodiment is a small circular object 45 with a design that points to where the golf ball exactly is located. In this embodiment, the design is an arrow 46. The golfer will then place the ball marker just behind the golf ball but will now know exactly where the golf is by placing the arrow exactly behind the golf ball. The detachable ball marker is secured by any standard fastening means, such as by magnetism (as shown) or snap fastening, for example. The back portion of the detachable ball marker as well as the connecting dorsal segment of the glove 47, both therefore have small magnets. The ball marker may be circular or non-circular in design.

[0227] 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.

[0228] 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. 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 SCOTCH GUARD 501 throughout the entire outer surface of the glove.

[0229] Alternatively, the embodiments may also comprise of micro holes/recesses along any portions of the glove, generally used on golf gloves and football gloves for ventilation or moisture management purposes. These micro holes are generally about 0.120 millimeters or so in diameter.

[0230] Referring now to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, 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. 5 and the dorsal (back) view of the same glove is drawn in FIG. 6. 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 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.

[0231] In the illustrated embodiment, the glove is constructed such that the thumb, forefinger and middle finger digital segments enclose a user's thumb, forefinger and middle finger, including enclosing the fingertips. The glove also provides a ring finger segment that covers the ring finger's proximal phalanx but does not extend to cover the ring finger's middle phalanx; a user's ring finger is therefore covered about one-third of the way up.

[0232] There is no pinkie finger stall so there is no dorsal or palmar portion defining the pinkie finger stall. The glove provides a ringlet or recess 26 whereby a wearer's pinkie finger extends entirely through said glove.

[0233] The embodiment is also comprised of an aperture 32 along the forefinger segment 14. This aperture is located on about thirty percent of the proximal phalanx and about seventy percent of the middle phalanx portions of the forefinger segment. The illustrated aperture does not extend below the forefingers' metacarpophalangeal or above its proximal interphalangeal. The aperture is oval in general structure, and is located primarily on the palmar surface.

[0234] The palmar section covers the entire palm of a user's hand 12 and the dorsal section covers the back of a user's hand 11, allowing only for any micro recesses, typically used to provide ventilation. The glove also has a wrist portion that surrounds the wrist of a user.

[0235] 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. The ring finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 24 and a palmar portion 25. This embodiment does not have a pinkie finger segment. The glove provides a ringlet 26 or recess whereby a wearer's pinkie finger may extend entirely through said glove.

[0236] 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 throughout 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.

[0237] This embodiment further shows how the present invention may comprise a grip enhancing means 37. Although the glove now provides a higher coefficient of friction on the throwing hand of a quarterback or on a golfer's dominant hand, for example, one may now further increase grip capabilities by adding a grip enhancing means along the palmar surface of the glove.

[0238] The thumb and forefinger digital segments of this embodiment each also comprise a grip enhancing means 37, in the form of a plurality of projections 30, 31, 34 such as PVC dots 30, 31, on at least a portion of the thumb and forefinger segments. The PVC dots preferably project out at least about three hundred micrometers. The PVC dots located on the palmar section of the thumb 30 and forefinger stalls 31 are throughout said stalls, including on the distal phalanges of the thumb and forefinger. 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.

[0239] The grip enhancing means 37 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 37 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.

[0240] 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 especially to quarterbacks and golfers for reasons described herein. Other grip enhancing configurations and locations may of course be preferred.

[0241] For example, a quarterback who often rushes with the football may prefer a grip enhancing means 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 64 (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 than the rest of the glove body.

[0242] A golfer may have similar grip enhancing preferences as those discussed. An individual using the overlapping grip method may additionally desire a grip enhancing means overlaying the palmar surface areas. The resulting grip enhancing configurations would offer the golfer added control on the dominant hand's thumb and forefinger. Additionally, the partially uncovered fingers as well as the aperture along the forefinger segment offer maximum retention of tactile sensation. The uncovered finger portions allow the user to maximize hand coordination, for example, while the aperture allows the user to maintain maximum feel ability on the golf club—both crucial aspects in completing a successful golf swing. This unique offering will significantly increase the golfer's ability to control a golf club and also therefore a golf swing and golf ball.

[0243] The embodiment's grip enhancing means 37 can also comprise of a high friction surface, such as a plurality of crisscross projections, 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. The height of the projections may vary, as aforementioned. These projections are about one millimeter, for example.

[0244] The grip enhancing means can also comprise of a high friction surface by applying a non-slip coating, such as a latex, a 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.

[0245] Additionally, embodiments such as this one, may be completely coated with a with a water repellant substance 33, such as a synthetic resin on the palmar surface or throughout the entire glove. Alternatively, a plurality of micro 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.

[0246] 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.

[0247] 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.

[0248] This embodiment also may comprise a grip enhancing means 37 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, using any standard methods. The embodiment's gripping means can comprise of a high friction surface, such as creating crisscross 34 or grooves that are formed on a rubber grip enhancing panel 35, for example, then attaching said grip enhancing panel onto a portion of the gloves palmar surface area. The panel is attached to the palmar surface of the glove by any standard methods of attachment, such as by adhesion or stitching.

[0249] The grip enhancing 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, 36. The panel portion overlaying the pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal 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.

[0250] The grip enhancing means formed of a panel 35 may generally be comprised of any flexible material, for example, a plastic material having a top surface comprising the grip enhancing area formed by a plurality of depressions, 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 enhancing means could have a preferred depth beginning about three hundred micrometers, and can be imparted by, for example, embossing or standard mechanical treatments. The panel may 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.

[0251] The panel 35 provides an effective coefficient of friction, preferably of at least a Shore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of 1.5. More preferably, said panel provides a Shore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of between 1.5 and 4.5; More preferably, said panel provides a Shore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of between 2.0 and 4.5; Still more preferably, said panel provides a Shore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of between 2.5 and 4.5.

[0252] Referring now to FIG. 7 is a picture of John Elway's hall of fame football grip and captures a standard method of a quarterback prepares to throw a football.

[0253] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show an alternative dorsal portion 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 and thumb stalls, along the dorsal surface overlaying any or all of the metacarpals, or combinations thereof.

[0254] In the illustrated embodiment, the glove is constructed such that the thumb, forefinger and middle finger digital segments enclose a user's thumb, forefinger and middle finger, including enclosing the fingertips. The glove also provides a ring finger segment that covers the ring finger's proximal phalanx but does not extend to cover the ring finger's middle phalanx, and therefore is covered about one-third of the way up.

[0255] There is no pinkie finger stall so there is no dorsal or palmar portion defining the pinkie finger stall. The glove provides a ringlet or recess 26 whereby a wearer's pinkie finger extends entirely through said glove. The embodiment is also comprised of an aperture 32 along the forefinger segment 14.

[0256] This embodiment has a shock-absorbing member 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 overlay the thumb 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.

[0257] The length of the shock-absorbing member 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 generally not extending over one hundred and eighty degrees.

[0258] 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 overlay the forefinger 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.

[0259] The length of the shock-absorbing member 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 generally not extending onto the palmar surface of the forefinger segment.

[0260] This embodiment also has a shock-absorbing member along substantially the dorsal surface overlaying the proximal phalanx of the middle finger 22 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 generally not extending onto the palmar surface of the middle finger segment.

[0261] This embodiment also has a shock-absorbing member along the dorsal surface overlaying the proximal phalanx of the ring finger 24 but does not extend to cover any portion the ring finger's middle phalanx. The shock-absorbing member overlaying the ring finger 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 ring finger segment 113 and 114 extending from the glove and, as mentioned, the dorsal surface area of the ring finger segment 24—allowing for the shock-absorbing member to extend circumferentially along the sides of the ring finger segment but generally not extending onto the palmar surface of the ring finger segment.

[0262] This embodiment also has a shock-absorbing member along substantially 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 overlay the metacarpals as separate padding segments, 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 the thumb metacarpal.

[0263] Finally, the wrist portion also comprises a shock-absorbing member that protrudes on the dorsal segment 126 and 127, along the carpals about 1 inch 126, 127. This will give the user added protection from the abrasion such as from hitting said fingers and wrist on the ground or while the quarterback rushes with the football.

[0264] 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 or attachments to the glove and then bonding these second layers to the back of the glove, using heat sealing or other methods. The shock absorbing member overlaying the middle finger 22 is attached to the glove.

[0265] As illustrated, the rest of the shock-absorbing members are integral with the material that form the glove, and may be applied to select areas of the glove by standard methods and forms of attachment 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.

[0266] The liner 123 can be interposed between the shock-absorbing member and the interior of the glove, and separates the shock-absorbing member from the user's hand, fingers, thumb and metacarpals, such as disclosed above, allowing 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 affix the shock-absorbing member to the glove. Padding can be interposed between the dorsal segment and the liner. 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, such as by chemical bonding.

[0267] The shock-absorbing member will give the user added protection from the abrasion from hitting a user's fingers against the helmet of an opponent, for example. The shock-absorbing member of the present invention offer the unique ability of being able to protect an injury while maintaining grip capabilities in select areas 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.

[0268] The paddings can be made of a neoprene material or of any other materials aforementioned. The illustrated dorsal segment is constructed of the same material as that of FIG. 6 but may also be of a thicker, more durable material, such as a synthetic leather for added protection, or any other materials aforementioned. The dorsal segment may be joined to the palmar segment, as described in FIG. 5, by methods known in the art such as by sewing to form an opening for receiving the user's hand.

[0269] 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 also 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.

[0270] 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 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 members to the glove.

[0271] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show an alternative dorsal portion 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 all of the wrist area including any of the carpometacarpals, or combinations thereof.

[0272] In the illustrated embodiment, the glove is constructed such that the thumb 73 and middle finger 75 digital segments enclose a user's thumb and middle finger, respectively, including enclosing the fingertips. The glove has a forefinger segment that covers the forefinger 74, a ring finger segment that covers the ring finger's proximal phalanx 76 but does not extend to cover the ring finger's middle phalanx, and a pinkie finger segment that covers the pinkie finger's proximal phalanx 77 but does not extend to cover the pinkie finger's middle phalanx.

[0273] 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 about one hundred and eighty degrees of the digital segment.

[0274] This embodiment has a shock-absorbing member 150 along a substantial portion 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 cloth pad, is configured as a one pad segment 151, and is defined by the length and width of the forefinger segment's dorsal surface.

[0275] This embodiment has a second layer shock-absorbing member along 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 of the forefinger.

[0276] 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 about one hundred and eighty degrees of the digital segment.

[0277] This embodiment has a shock-absorbing member along the middle finger stall 82, such as substantially along substantially all 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. The length of the shock-absorbing member is further restricted to the length of the discreet protrusion 145 along the proximal phalanx of the middle finger stall and, as mentioned but other embodiments may have a protrusion extending throughout the dorsal surface area of the middle finger segment.

[0278] This embodiment also has a shock-absorbing member along substantially the dorsal surface overlaying the metacarpals of the forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger 160. The shock-absorbing member overlaying the four metacarpals, the forefinger, middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger, is in the pattern of a rectangle 161, 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 a protrusion overlaying the thumb metacarpal 163, in part or in its entirety. Of course, users may prefer any combination of the aforementioned.

[0279] Finally, the wrist portion also comprises a shock-absorbing member that protrudes on the dorsal segment 164 and 159, along the carpals about ½ inch 165. This will give the user added protection from the abrasion such as from hitting said fingers and wrist on the ground or while the quarterback rushes with the football.

[0280] Additionally, the embodiment is configured such that a second protrusion exists on the proximal interphalangeal joint of the forefinger's dorsal surface 166. This discreet protrusion is 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.

[0281] 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 or so, to two inches 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 likes to rush with the football, the thicker padding he may desire) and a 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.

[0282] Multiple layered shock-absorbing members 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.

[0283] The shock-absorbing members 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 a plurality of discreet shock-absorbing protective protrusions 133, 139, 145, 159, 160, 164, and 166.

[0284] For example, the shock-absorbing member may comprise a thick layer of resilient plastic foam material, such as ¼ 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 would be of sufficient manner to house the pads.

[0285] As mentioned, the shock-absorbing members may alternatively be affixed to the dorsal surface of the glove. Methods have previously been discussed such as, for example, encasing the shock-absorbing members of this embodiment with the same material forming the glove 122, then attaching the casings to the dorsal surface such as the wrist area 122, by any standard methods such as by stitching.

[0286] 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 may have 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.

[0287] Additionally, embodiments such as this may be coated with a water repellant substance, such as a synthetic resin 504, for example, especially useful during rainy weather game situations.

[0288] 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 other protrusions 133, 139, 145, 159, 160, 164, and 166 along the glove body dorsal portion are constructed in like fashion.

[0289] The thickness of the shock-absorbing member can vary by user preference, such as about ¼ inch for example, and extends to cover the dorsal portion of the glove's digital finger segment, the padding therefore defined by the dorsal portion of the forefinger digital segment. 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.

[0290] This embodiment has a second layer shock-absorbing member along the proximal phalanx 136 dorsal portion 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 of the forefinger.

[0291] 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 segment, say about 0.20 inch for example, and other dimensions to snugly enclose the aforementioned pads.

[0292] Additionally, the embodiment is configured such that a second protrusion exists on the forefinger, located 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. Also, the liner may be made of a fleece material 170 thus offering additional comfort and warmth for the user, especially useful during rainy conditions.

[0293] FIG. 12 is a side view of the glove embodiment comprised of FIG. 10 (dorsal segment) and FIG. 1 (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 overlaying the four finger metacarpals 160, and the protrusions on the wrist segment 159 and 164. The protrusions may have various dimensions of course. The illustrated protrusions preferably have a height of about 0.20 of an inch, for example. As mentioned, this embodiment could also prove beneficial with or without the apertures on the metacarpophalangeal joints, such as the middle finger segment's metacarpophalangeal 93.

[0294] FIG. 13 shows an alternate palmar portion with alternative grip-enhancing means 37 surfaces as shown in FIG. 5. Specifically, shown is grip enhancing means creating a high friction surface along the distal 181 and middle 182 phalanges of the forefinger stall 14, along substantially the entire palmar portion of the thumb stall 13, and along a substantial portion of the forefinger metacarpophalangeal joint, middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint, the ring finger metacarpophalangeal joint, and the pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal joint 34; each comprising of a grip enhancing means which is comprised of a plurality of spaced apart depressions 180. Said grip enhancing means may be integrally formed on the glove body 30 or applied to a grip enhancing panel 181, 182 and then affixed to the palmar portion of the glove body. As illustrated, the plurality of depressions preferably have a depth of at least three hundred micrometers, and may be formed from a high friction material, such as latex for example. The depressions 180 are located throughout the top surface of the grip enhancing panels 181, 182.

[0295] More specifically, for example, one grip enhancing panel covers much of the distal phalanx of the forefinger 181 but does not overlay the digital crease. A second grip enhancing panel covers much of the middle phalanx of the forefinger 182 but does not overlay the digital crease.

[0296] In addition, a grip enhancing means comprising a grip enhancing panel overlays the forefinger metacarpophalangeal joint, the middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint, the ring finger metacarpophalangeal joint, and pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal joint of the glove body, and is formed of any material aforementioned, such as LYCRA.

[0297] The grip enhancing means comprising of these grip enhancing panels preferably provide a higher and more effective coefficient of friction than the rest of the glove body, preferably providing a Shore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of between 1.5 and 4.5.

[0298] The grip enhancing means may further comprise of tackifiers including tackifier resins, such as rosins and their derivatives, terpenes, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and aromatic resin, and any of a variety of hydrocarbon-type resins, tackifier coatings, tackified materials such tackified leathers and synthetic leathers, and other tackifier substances well commercially known in the art, strategically placed along the palmar portion of the glove body, thus providing very high grip capabilities to a user, especially to football quarterbacks and golfers.

[0299] In the illustrated embodiment, the glove palmar portion further comprises of a grip enhancing means comprised of a plurality of discreet tackified locations. More specifically, a grip enhancing means comprises a grip enhancing panel overlaying the forefinger distal phalanx, whereby said grip enhancing panel is a tackified material 181, such as a impregnating a synthetic leather with a tackifier resin; said grip enhancing panel is configured to overlay a digital phalanx, in part or in its entirety, but not to extend beyond a digital phalanx. In addition, a grip enhancing means comprises a grip enhancing panel overlaying the forefinger middle phalanx, whereby said grip enhancing panel is a tackified material, such as coating the forefinger middle phalanx any commonly known tackifier 182, such as POWR TAC TACKIFIER COATING; said grip enhancing panel is configured to overlay a digital phalanx, in part or in its entirety, but not to extend beyond a digital phalanx.

[0300] The aperture 32 extends to expose primarily only a user's forefinger proximal phalanx.

[0301] FIG. 14 shows the top (front) and bottom (back) portions of a panel which creates a higher friction surface on an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5. Specifically, shown is a panel overlaying much of the metacarpophalangeal joints of the forefinger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinkie finger stalls.

[0302] 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, using any standard methods.

[0303] This embodiment shows a gripping means comprising of a high friction surface, such as creating crisscross grooves 34 that are depressed onto a gripping enhancing panel 35, for example, then attaching said panel onto a portion of the gloves palmar surface area. The bottom portion of the panel 185 is attached to the palmar surface of the glove by any standard methods of attachment, such as by an adhesive 184 or stitching.

[0304] In FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the present invention is shown as another partial-fingered glove 200 worn by a user. The palmar view of a left-handed glove is drawn in FIG. 15 and the dorsal view of the same glove is drawn in FIG. 16.

[0305] This partial-fingered embodiment provides a glove having a dorsal portion 208, a palmar portion 212 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 208, and a front portion covering the palm or front of the hand 212. The glove body includes finger stalls (or digital segments) and a thumb stall (digital segment) each adapted to receive a finger or thumb, respectively, therein.

[0306] In the illustrated embodiment, the glove is constructed such that the thumb, forefinger and middle finger are each entirely covered. The forefinger segment however, also provides an aperture 207. Specifically, the dorsal surface portion of most of the forefinger's proximal and middle phalanges are uncovered, defining the aperture on the forefinger segment; the distal phalanx is entirely covered by the forefinger stall. The ring finger is largely covered, except from the third joint to the fingertips, which is entirely uncovered. The pinkie finger is largely uncovered, except for part of the first joint, which remains covered.

[0307] The small opening 207, or aperture, on the forefinger segment will allow the skin of said finger to make contact with the skin of another finger on a user's opposing hand. For example, a golfer who grips a club using the overlapping grip could wear this embodiment on his/her weak-hand. The golfer would then place his dominant-hand's pinkie finger on top of and between his/her weak-hand's covered forefinger and middle fingers. However, this embodiment would allow the skin of the weak hand's forefinger to touch the skin of the dominant hand's pinkie finger, thus increasing hand coordination.

[0308] The thumb stall is defined by a dorsal portion 201 and a palmar portion 202. The forefinger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 203 and a palmar portion 204. The middle finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 205 and a palmar portion 206. Additionally, the dorsal surface portion of most of the forefinger's proximal and middle phalanges, and therebetween, are uncovered 207 defining the aperture on the forefinger segment.

[0309] The ring finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 209 and a palmar portion 210. The ring finger segment does not extend to cover the ring finger's distal phalanx 211. The pinkie finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 213 and a palmar portion 214, and overlays a substantial portion of the proximal phalanx but does not extend to cover a user's proximal interphalangeal joint 183.

[0310] This embodiment further shows how the present invention may comprise a grip enhancing means 300. Although the glove now provides a higher coefficient of friction on the throwing hand of a quarterback or on a golfer's dominant hand, for example, one may now further increase grip capabilities by adding a grip enhancing means along the palmar portion of the glove.

[0311] The grip enhancing means may comprise a plurality of projections, a plurality of depressions, one or more grip enhancing panels, or tackifiers, for example.

[0312] More specifically, for example, the grip enhancing means may comprise of tackifiers including tackifier resins, such as rosins and their derivatives, terpenes, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and aromatic resin, and any of a variety of hydrocarbon-type resins, tackifier coatings, tackified materials such tackified leathers and synthetic leathers, and other tackifier substances well commercially known in the art, strategically placed along the palmar portion of the glove body, thus providing very high grip capabilities to a user, especially to football quarterbacks and golfers.

[0313] In the illustrated embodiment, the glove palmar portion further comprises of a grip enhancing means comprised of a plurality of discreet tackified locations 301, 302.

[0314] More specifically, a grip enhancing means comprises a grip enhancing panel 300 overlaying the pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal joint 301, whereby said grip enhancing panel is a tackified material 301, such as by tackifying a panel with any commonly known tackifier, such as any commonly known hydrocarbon-type resins; such as a impregnating a synthetic leather with a tackifier resin 301; said grip enhancing panel is configured to overlay a metacarpophalangeal joint, in part or in its entirety, but not to extend beyond a metacarpophalangeal joint.

[0315] In addition, the entire palmar portion of the thumb digital segment comprises a tackified material 302, such as impregnating a leather with a tackifier resin 302 and then affixing said material onto the rest of the palmar portion of the glove body. This particular configuration provides for maximum grip capabilities for a user, such as a golfer. The less flexible thumb segment is not of importance to a golfer because the weak hand's thumb does not need to bend at any time during a golf swing.

[0316] The grip enhancing means formed of these tackfied materials integral to the glove body or formed of tackified grip enhancing panels, are preferably configured to provide a significantly higher coefficient of friction, preferably of at least a Shore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of between 2.0 and 4.5; Still more preferably a Shore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of between 2.5 and 4.5.

[0317] 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 at a wrist end adapted to receive the user's hand. The expandable opening means comprises an elastic material along the wrist portion, such as an elastomeric band 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 this wrist portion may be sewn onto the glove.

[0318] Additionally, embodiments such as this one, may be completely coated with a with a water repellant substance 505, such as a synthetic resin 505 on the dorsal surface 212 or throughout the entire glove 208, 212. Alternatively, a plurality of micro 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.

[0319] The materials forming the illustrated embodiment may comprise those discussed in reference to the present invention, such as primarily synthetic leather in a NYLON material. Likewise, any previously discussed methods of construction and materials may be applied to this embodiment.

[0320] 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.

[0321] FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 show a partially open hand cover 220, where said cover is a glove having connected back portion 228 and palmar portion 230 for protecting respective back and palmar areas of the human hand, the back and palmar portions having distal and proximal ends with a plurality of digital segments projecting from the distal ends, where the digital segment of the thumb overlays a user's entire thumb including the fingertip of said thumb, where the digital segment of the forefinger overlays the forefinger including the fingertip of said forefinger, said forefinger also comprises an aperture along the digital segment of the forefinger leaving uncovered at least a portion of the proximal phalanx of said forefinger. In addition, the digital segment of the middle finger overlays the entire middle finger including the fingertip of said middle finger, and at least one of the remaining two fingers are at least partially covered.

[0322] In the illustrated embodiment, the digital segment of the ring finger overlays the entire ring finger including the fingertip of said ring finger. Additionally, the digital segment of the pinkie finger overlays the entire pinkie finger including the fingertip of said pinkie finger.

[0323] The thumb stall is defined by a dorsal portion 221 and a palmar portion 222. The forefinger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 223 and a palmar portion 224. The middle finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 225 and a palmar portion 226. Additionally, an aperture 227 resides along the dorsal portion of the forefinger's proximal phalanx, but does not extend beyond the proximal interphalangeal or below the metacarpophalangeal, defining the aperture on the forefinger segment. The aperture of this embodiment extends along the side of the forefinger, adjacent the middle finger segment 225, but does not extend to expose the palmar portion of a user's forefinger. The ring finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 229 and a palmar portion 230. The pinkie finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 231 and a palmar portion 232.

[0324] 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 233 at a wrist end 234 adapted to receive the user's hand. The expandable opening means comprises an elastic material along the wrist portion, such as an elastomeric band 233 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 this wrist portion may be sewn onto the glove.

[0325] Additionally, embodiments such as this one, may be completely coated with a with a water repellant substance 506, such as SCOTCH GUARD on the palmar surface 230 or throughout the entire glove 228, 230. Alternatively, a plurality of micro 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.

[0326] The materials forming the illustrated embodiment may comprise those discussed in reference to the present invention. Likewise, any previously discussed methods of construction may be applied to this embodiment. 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.

[0327] FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 show a partially open hand cover 240, where said cover is a glove having connected back 303 and palmar portions 304 for protecting respective back and palmar areas of the human hand, the back and palmar portions having distal and proximal ends with a plurality of digital segments projecting from the distal ends, where the digital segment of the thumb overlays the entire thumb including the fingertip of said thumb, where the digital segment of the forefinger overlays the forefinger including the fingertip of said forefinger, said forefinger digital segment also comprises an aperture along the digital segment of the forefinger leaving exposed at least a portion of the proximal phalanx of said forefinger. In addition, the digital segment of the middle finger overlays the entire middle finger including the fingertip of said middle finger, the digital segment of the ring finger overlays the entire ring finger including the fingertip of said ring finger, and the digital segment of the pinkie finger overlays the entire pinkie finger including the fingertip of said pinkie finger.

[0328] The thumb stall is defined by a dorsal portion 241 and a palmar portion 242. The forefinger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 243 and a palmar portion 244. The middle finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 245 and a palmar portion 246. Additionally, an aperture resides along the dorsal 247 and palmar 248 portions of the forefinger's proximal and middle phalanges, but does not extend beyond the distal interphalangeal or below the metacarpophalangeal, defining the aperture on the forefinger segment. Preferably, at least approximately twenty percent of the proximal phalanges and middle phalanges are each uncovered, but can certainly be more or less. The uniquely placed aperture, substantially on the side of the forefinger, adjacent the middle finger 245, 246, provides golfers using the interlocking grip method maximum tactile sensation and is thereby uniquely configured to meet the special needs of users gripping a golf club using a conventional interlocking grip method.

[0329] The ring finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 249 and a palmar portion 250. The pinkie finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 251 and a palmar portion 252.

[0330] 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 253 at a wrist end 254 adapted to receive the user's hand. The expandable opening means comprises an elastic material along the wrist portion, such as an elastomeric band 253 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 this wrist portion may be sewn onto the glove.

[0331] Additionally, embodiments such as this one, may be completely coated with a with a water repellant substance 507, such as a synthetic resin 507 on the palmar surface 304 or throughout the entire glove 303, 304. Alternatively, a plurality of micro 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.

[0332] The materials forming the illustrated embodiment may comprise those discussed in reference to the present invention. Likewise, any previously discussed methods of construction may be applied to this embodiment.

[0333] FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 show a partially open hand cover 260, where said cover is a glove having connected back 261 and palmar portions 262 for protecting respective back and palmar areas of the human hand, the back and palmar portions having distal and proximal ends with a plurality of digital segments projecting from the distal ends, where the thumb digital segment overlays a user's entire thumb including the fingertip of said thumb, where the forefinger digital segment overlays the forefinger including the fingertip of said forefinger, said forefinger digital segment also comprises an aperture along the forefinger digital segment exposing at least a portion of the proximal phalanx of a user's forefinger. In addition, the middle digital segment overlays the entire middle finger including the fingertip of said middle finger, the ring finger digital segment overlays the entire ring finger including the fingertip of said ring finger, and the pinkie finger digital segment overlays the entire pinkie finger including the fingertip of said pinkie finger.

[0334] The thumb stall is defined by a dorsal portion 263 and a palmar portion 264. The forefinger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 265 and a palmar portion 266. The middle finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 267 and a palmar portion 268. Additionally, an aperture 269 resides along the dorsal portion of the forefinger's proximal and middle phalanges, but does not extend to expose the distal interphalangeal or the metacarpophalangeal, defining the aperture on the forefinger segment. Preferably, for example, approximately fifty percent of the proximal phalanx and about fifty percent of the middle phalanx of the dorsal segment are each uncovered, but can certainly vary. The aperture of the embodiment extends along the side of the forefinger stall 266, adjacent the middle finger stall 268.

[0335] The ring finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 280 and a palmar portion 281. The pinkie finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 282 and a palmar portion 283.

[0336] This embodiment further shows how the present invention may comprise a grip enhancing means 284 along any portion of the palmar glove body 262. The embodiment now provides a higher coefficient of friction on a golfer's weak hand, allowing for increase grip especially when gripping a golf club using the conventional interlocking grip.

[0337] In the illustrated embodiment, the grip enhancing means 284 comprises a high friction surface 270 formed on the palmar surface of the forefinger's metacarpophalangeal portion of the glove 271. Preferably, the high friction surface is formed from a PVC material 270, a nitrile material, a latex material, or the like. The surface may include a plurality of depressions or a plurality of projections formed from the grip enhancing panel.

[0338] Formed on the illustrated glove is a plurality of projections 270, such as PVC dot projections 270 that are formed by any standard means, such as by bonding, along the glove body palmar portion. These circular-like projections preferably are spaced apart to allow for added grip and flexibility, and overlay the metacarpophalangeal joint of the forefinger, but do not extend beyond a metacarpophalangeal joint 271.

[0339] The grip enhancements will provide support the interlocked weak hand forefinger that has to extend out to interlock with the dominant hand's pinkie finger. As the user extends out the weak hand's forefinger it raises the forefinger's metacarpophalangeal slightly. Providing this added grip will therefore better support the user's control around the interlocked fingers. Among the advantages include the ability to have enhanced overall control and golf swing stability.

[0340] The grip enhancing means may also comprise of a plurality of depressions, grip enhancing panels and/or tackifiers and tackified materials along the forefinger metacarpophalangeal joint 271.

[0341] The grip enhancing means provides on the glove body palmar portion 262 may further comprise of tackifiers 305 including tackifier resins, such as rosins and their derivatives, terpenes, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and aromatic resin, and any of a variety of hydrocarbon-type resins, tackifier coatings, tackified materials such tackified leathers and synthetic leathers, and other tackifier substances well commercially known in the art, strategically placed along the palmar portion of the glove body, thus providing very high grip capabilities to a user, especially to football quarterbacks and golfers.

[0342] In the illustrated embodiment, the glove palmar portion further comprises of a grip enhancing means comprised of a discreet tackified location. More specifically, a grip enhancing means comprises a grip enhancing panel 306 overlaying the pinkie finger metacarpal and the ring finger metacarpal, whereby said grip enhancing panel is a tackified material 306, such as a impregnating a synthetic leather 306 with a tackifier resin 305, and then affixing said grip enhancing panel onto the glove body palmar portion. The illustrated grip enhancing panel does not overlay the metacarpophalangeal joint 307 to allow the user to more easily clench his or her pinkie finger while increasing grip.

[0343] 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 273 at a wrist end adapted to receive the user's hand. The expandable opening means comprises an elastic material along the wrist portion, such as an elastomeric band fixed around the wrist. If desired, the opening means may comprise any standard 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 274 adhesive material 275 for releasably securing the strap. The strap as well as this wrist portion may be sewn onto the glove.

[0344] This embodiment also comprises a detachable ball marker 276. A ball marker is often used when playing golf. During certain times, such as when reaching the green or when obstructing another player's direct path to the golf hole, the golfer may pick his ball and place a ball marker directly behind the golf ball; the golfer can then pick up the golf ball. The embodiment provides a convenient, detachable ball marker on the glove. The detachable ball marker in this embodiment is a small circular object 276. The golfer will then place the ball marker just behind the golf ball but will now know exactly where the golf is by placing the arrow exactly behind the golf ball. The detachable ball marker is secured by any standard fastening means, such as by snap fastening, by a VELCRO fastening compartment 277, or by magnetism.

[0345] Additionally, embodiments such as this one, may be completely coated with a with a water repellant substance such as a synthetic resin on the palmar surface or throughout the entire glove. Alternatively, a plurality of micro recesses of about 0.120 millimeters or so in diameter may be randomly disposed about the front, back and finger 279 and thumb stalls 278 of the glove, thereby providing added comfort and more ventilation.

[0346] The materials forming the illustrated embodiment may comprise those discussed in reference to the present invention. Likewise, any previously discussed methods of construction may be applied to this embodiment.

[0347] Referring now to FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, an embodiment of the present invention is shown and designated as 370. The palmar view of a left-handed glove is drawn in FIG. 23 and the dorsal view of the same glove is drawn in FIG. 24. This partial-fingered embodiment provides a glove having a dorsal portion 371, a palmar portion 372 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 371, and a front portion covering the palm or front of the hand 372. The glove body includes finger stalls (or digital segments) and a thumb stall (digital segment) each adapted to receive a finger or thumb, respectively, therein.

[0348] In the illustrated embodiment, the glove is constructed such that the thumb and forefinger digital segments enclose said thumb and forefinger, including enclosing the fingertips. The glove has a finger segment that covers the middle finger, a finger segment that covers the ring finger's proximal phalanx but does not extend to cover the ring finger's middle phalanx, and a finger segment that covers the pinkie finger's proximal phalanx but does not extend to cover the pinkie finger's middle phalanx.

[0349] The forefinger segment also has an aperture 392 exposing a user's proximal interphalangeal joint. The aperture also extends out to the sides of the aforementioned areas of the forefinger segment, but does not generally extend onto more than twenty-five percent of the palmar surface of the forefinger segment.

[0350] The palmar section also covers the palm segment overlaying the palm of the hand 372; the dorsal section also covers most of the back of the hand 371. The glove also has a wrist portion that surrounds the wrist of a user.

[0351] The thumb stall is defined by a dorsal portion 378 and a palmar portion 379. The forefinger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 380 and a palmar portion 381. The middle finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 382 and a palmar portion 383. The ring finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 384 and a palmar portion 385. The pinkie finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 386 and a palmar portion 387.

[0352] 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 388 at a wrist end 389 adapted to receive the user's hand. The expandable opening means comprises an elastic material along the wrist portion, such as an elastomeric band 388 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 this wrist portion may be sewn onto the glove.

[0353] This embodiment further shows how the present invention may comprise a grip enhancing means 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313 along the glove body palmar portion 372. Although the embodiment now provides a higher coefficient of friction than what the skin of throwing hand of a quarterback or a golfer's dominant hand would otherwise provide; one may now further increase grip areas by adding a grip enhancing means on select areas of the palmar portion of the glove. In general, the grip enhancing means of the present invention may be integral to the glove or may be affixed to the glove surface by, for example, forming a grip enhancing panel and applying the panel onto a portion of the palmar portion of the glove body.

[0354] The glove body may include a grip enhancing means comprising a plurality of depressions or a plurality of projections formed on select areas of the palmar portion, thereby creating a higher coefficient than on the rest of the glove body.

[0355] Formed on the illustrated glove is a plurality of depressions 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313. These square-like and circular depressions preferably are spaced apart to allow for added grip and flexibility. The plurality of depressions are preferably provided on at least one centimeter by one centimeter of any finger stalls 374, 375, 376, 377, 310, 311, 312, 313. The depressions preferably have a depth less than 1/10 of a centimeter, for example, but can range generally from 1/20 of a centimeter to several centimeters.

[0356] The grip enhancing means comprising a plurality of depressions overlay, more specifically, for example, the entire palmar portion 373 of the thumb stall palmar segment 379. In addition, a plurality of depressions overlay the distal phalanx 374, the middle phalanx 310, and the proximal phalanx 311 of the forefinger stall palmar portion 381. In addition, a plurality of depressions overlay the distal phalanx 375, the middle phalanx 312, and the proximal phalanx 313 of the middle finger stall palmar portion 383. In addition, a plurality of depressions overlay the distal phalanx 376 of the ring finger 385. In addition, a plurality of depressions overlay the distal phalanx 377 of the pinkie finger 387. In addition, a plurality of depressions overlay the forefinger metacarpophalangeal joint 309, the middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint 308, the ring finger metacarpophalangeal joint 307, and pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal joint 306.

[0357] The grip enhancing means comprising a plurality of depressions may be integrally formed on, or may be affixed to the glove body palmar portion. For example, the plurality of depressions may be affixed the glove body by forming said plurality of depressions onto a panel, and then affixed the panel onto select areas of the glove body by any standard methods, such as by stitching or adhesion for example.

[0358] In the illustrated embodiment, the grip enhancing means further comprises a plurality of grip enhancing panels on key areas along the palmar surface of the glove 372, including the palmar surfaces of the thumb segment 373, any existing finger segments 381, 383, 385, 387, and on any finger metacarpophalangeal joints.

[0359] The grip enhancing means comprising of these grip enhancing panels preferably provide a higher and more effective coefficient of friction than the rest of the glove body, preferably providing a Shore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of between 1.5 and 4.5.

[0360] For example, a grip enhancing means comprising a grip enhancing panel 310 overlays up to but not more than the entire middle phalanx of the forefinger stall, and formed from a PVC material 310, for example. In addition, a grip enhancing means comprising a grip enhancing panel 311 overlays up to but not more than the entire proximal phalanx of the forefinger stall, and formed from a latex material, for example. In addition, a grip enhancing means comprising a grip enhancing panel 312 overlays up to but not more than the entire middle phalanx of the middle finger stall, and formed from a PVC material, for example. In addition, a grip enhancing means comprising a grip enhancing panel 313 overlays up to but not more than the entire proximal phalanx of the middle finger stall, and formed from a latex material, for example. In addition, a grip enhancing means comprising a grip enhancing panel 376 overlays up to but not more than the entire proximal phalanx of the ring finger stall, and formed from a neoprene material, for example. In addition, a grip enhancing means comprising a grip enhancing panel 377 overlays up to but not more than the entire proximal phalanx of the pinkie finger stall, and formed from a nitrile material, for example.

[0361] In addition, grip enhancing panels 309, 308, 307, 306 overlay the forefinger metacarpophalangeal joint 309, the middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint 308, the ring finger metacarpophalangeal joint 307, and pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal joint 306 of the glove body.

[0362] The grip enhancing means may further comprise of tackifiers including tackifier resins, such as rosins and their derivatives, terpenes, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and aromatic resin, and any of a variety of hydrocarbon-type resins, tackifier coatings, tackified materials such tackified leathers and synthetic leathers, and other tackifier substances well commercially known in the art, strategically placed along the palmar portion of the glove body, thus providing very high grip capabilities to a user, especially to football quarterbacks and golfers.

[0363] In the illustrated embodiment, the glove palmar portion further comprises of a grip enhancing means comprised of a plurality of discreet tackified locations. More specifically, a grip enhancing means comprises a grip enhancing panel 309 overlaying the forefinger metacarpophalangeal joint, whereby said grip enhancing panel is a tackified material 309, such as a impregnating a synthetic leather with a tackifier resin 309; said grip enhancing panel is configured to overlay a metacarpophalangeal joint, in part or in its entirety, but not to extend beyond a metacarpophalangeal joint. In addition, a grip enhancing means comprising a grip enhancing panel 308 overlays the middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint, whereby said grip enhancing panel is a tackified material 308, such as by coating a rubber material panel with any commonly known tackifier 308, such as POWR TAC SPRAY-ON TACKIFIER; said grip enhancing panel is configured to overlay a metacarpophalangeal joint, in part or in its entirety, but not to extend beyond a metacarpophalangeal joint. In addition, a grip enhancing means comprising a grip enhancing panel 307 overlays the ring finger metacarpophalangeal joint, whereby said grip enhancing panel is a tackified material 307, such as by tackifying a panel with any commonly known tackifier 307, such as any commonly known hydrocarbon-type resins for example; said grip enhancing panel is configured to overlay a metacarpophalangeal joint, in part or in its entirety, but not to extend beyond a metacarpophalangeal joint. In addition, a grip enhancing means comprising a grip enhancing panel 306 overlays the pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal joint, whereby said grip enhancing panel is a tackified material 306, such as a impregnating a synthetic leather with a tackifier resin 306; said grip enhancing panel is configured to overlay a metacarpophalangeal joint, in part or in its entirety, but not to extend beyond a metacarpophalangeal joint.

[0364] Furthermore, a grip enhancing means may comprise a grip enhancing panel 305 overlays the pinkie finger's metacarpal, whereby said grip enhancing panel is a tackified material 305; said grip enhancing panel is configured to overlay the pinkie finger metacarpal, in part or in its entirety, but not to extend beyond said metacarpal. Providing a grip enhancing means along this location provides increased grip along a critical grip area especially important when controlling a football. In addition, many novice golfers find it difficult to keep the golf club shaft from moving on the downswing. Often, the shaft will be held toward the top of the pinkie metacarpal, closest to the metacarpophangeal joint, but as a golfer completes the downswing, the shafts uncontrollably moves down toward the bottom of the pinkie metacarpal, clearly resulting in inconstant golf swings. Thus, providing a grip enhancing means along the pinkie metacarpal will serve to resolve these grip deficiencies.

[0365] In addition, the entire palmar portion of the thumb digital segment comprises a tackified material 373, such as impregnating a leather with a tackifier resin and then affixing said material onto the rest of the palmar portion of the glove body. This particular configuration provides for maximum grip capabilities for a user, such as a golfer. The less flexible thumb segment is not of importance to a golfer because the weak hand's thumb does not need to bend at any time during a golf swing.

[0366] The grip enhancing means formed of these tackfied materials integral to the glove body or formed of tackified grip enhancing panels, are preferably configured to provide a significantly higher coefficient of friction, preferably of at least a Shore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of between 2.0 and 4.5; Still more preferably a Shore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of between 2.5 and 4.5.

[0367] Once the grip enhancing panels have been formed, these panels may then be applied to the palmar surface of the glove by any standard methods, such as by stitches or adhesives, for example.

[0368] Additionally, embodiments such as this one, may be completely coated with a with a water repellant substance such as a synthetic resin 508 on the palmar surface 372 or throughout the entire glove 372, 371. Alternatively, a plurality of micro recesses of about 0.120 millimeters or so 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.

[0369] 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. Alternatively, embodiments may simply comprise of a more elastic material on the dorsal surface overlaying said metacarpophalangeal joints while the rest of the dorsal surface is comprised of a more durable material. The elastic material could be stitched onto those areas, and therefore replacing the more durable materials along those select areas. Alternatively, said joints may simply have protrusions molded into the dorsal surface thereby allowing added flexibility along select areas of the hand.

[0370] The palmar and dorsal surfaces, and any wrist portions, may then be conjoined on any finger and thumb portions, dorsal and palm portions and a wrist portion using any standard methods, such as by stitching, thus defining a pocket for receiving a user's hand.

[0371] As aforementioned, this embodiment provides users with several benefits, in multiple sports. For example, football quarterbacks may use this embodiment on their dominant hand thereby allowing the quarterback significantly more grip capabilities while simultaneously being able to have heightened tactile abilities at the same time on key areas of the dominant hand.

[0372] By way of example, those who play golf would also significantly benefit by using this embodiment. A golfer who grips a golf club using the overlapping golf grip could particularly benefit by placing this embodiment over their dominant hand thereby creating a much strong overall grip while not losing much tactile sensations because of the partially uncovered ring finger.

[0373] Moreover, the strategically located aperture 392 along the forefinger segment—exposing a user's proximal interphalangeal joint—exposes the primary portion of the user's weak hand forefinger that touches the user's strong hand pinkie finger, when using a conventional overlapping golf grip method, and thereby uniquely designing a golf glove to meet the specific needs of those who grip a golf club using a conventional overlapping golf grip method.

[0374] By way of example, baseball pitchers may also find this embodiment beneficial over their strong (pitching) hand primarily because it offers grip enhancing capabilities on the fingertips on select digital segments while allowing the pitcher to maintain heightened feel by simultaneously providing the pitcher with the ability to touch the baseball with his or her skin.

[0375] Referring now to FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, a second embodiment of the athletic glove of the present invention is shown and designated as 400. The palmar (front) view of a left-handed glove is drawn in FIG. 25 and the dorsal (back) view of the same glove is drawn in FIG. 26. This partial-fingered embodiment provides a glove having a dorsal portion 441 and a palmar portion 442 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 dorsal surface of the hand 441, and a front portion covering essentially the entire palm surface of the hand 442. The glove body includes finger segments and a thumb segment each adapted to receive a finger or thumb, respectively, therein.

[0376] The glove is constructed such that the thumb 443, forefinger 444, middle finger 453, and pinkie finger 463 digital segments completely enclose said thumb, forefinger, middle finger, and pinkie finger, including enclosing the fingertips. Additionally, an aperture exists 462 only along the proximal phalanx of the forefinger segment. Furthermore, the ring finger of a user is completely uncovered therefore this embodiment does not have a ring finger digital segment. The glove provides a ringlet or recess 465 whereby a wearer's ring finger may extend entirely through said glove.

[0377] The palmar surface of the glove therefore covers the rest of the front of the hand, including the entire palm of the hand 442; the dorsal section covers most of the back of the hand 441, allowing for a slit on the wrist portion for an opening to more easily insert a hand. The thumb stall 443 is defined by a dorsal portion 448 and palmar portion 449. The forefinger stall 444 is defined by a dorsal portion 450 and a palmar portion 451. The middle finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 452 and a palmar portion 453. The pinkie finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 454 and a palmar portion 455. There is no ring finger stall so there is no dorsal or palmar portion defining the ring finger stall, however the dorsal and palmar portion provides a ringlet/recess 465 for the ring finger to extend through the glove.

[0378] The embodiment is also designed to provide of an aperture 462 along the forefinger segment 444, thereby exposing only a portion of a user's forefinger. This aperture is bounded by the proximal phalanx portion of the forefinger segment. The aperture is located primarily of the dorsal portion of the glove body.

[0379] The glove also has an expandable opening means at a wrist end portion 459 adapted to receive the user's hand. The expandable opening means comprises a strap means 456 at the open end 457 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 458, 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 457. As with other embodiments, the glove may alternatively have an expandable opening means comprised of an elastic material to expand and contract for easier glove application onto a hand.

[0380] This embodiment further shows how the present invention may also comprise a grip enhancing means 460, 479, 461, 401, 404, 464, 402, 405, 406, and 403. 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.

[0381] In general, the grip enhancing means of the present invention may be integral to the glove or may be affixed to the glove surface by, for example, forming a grip enhancing panel and applying the panel onto a portion of the glove.

[0382] The glove body may include a grip enhancing means comprising a plurality of depressions or a plurality of projections formed on select areas of the palmar portion, thereby creating a higher coefficient than on the rest of the glove body.

[0383] Formed on the illustrated glove is a plurality of projections 460, 461, 404, 464, 405, and 406. These circular projections preferably are spaced apart to allow for added grip and flexibility.

[0384] The illustrated embodiment has a grip enhancing means on select areas of the front of the hand, specifically along the four digital segments as well as along the region between the thumb and forefinger segments. The grip enhancing means comprises oval projections, each having a height of at least about three hundred micrometers, and are further grouped in diamond shaped clusters to allow for greater hand flexibility and movement.

[0385] The grip enhancing means comprising a plurality of oval projections are located on the palmar section of the thumb stall 460 and forefinger stall 461, and are throughout said stall palmar portions, to maximize grip abilities of a user's thumb and forefinger. In addition, a grip enhancing means comprising a plurality of projections are located along substantially the entire pinkie finger palmar portion 404. In addition, a grip enhancing means comprising a plurality of projections 405 overlay substantially the pinkie finger's metacarpophalangeal joint as well as a substantial portion of the pinkie finger's metacarpal 406, and formed from a nitrile material, for example.

[0386] A grip enhancing means comprising a plurality of projections is also on the palmar portion of the glove overlaying the area between the thumb and the forefinger segments 464, generally defined by the portion overlaying the forefinger metacarpal, the thumb metacarpal and the area between said metacarpals extending to the edge of the palm 467. The grip enhancing means can also comprise of a high friction surface by applying a non-slip coating, such as a latex, a nitrile, PVC coating, or a tackifier coating along described locations of this embodiment. The coating may of course also be applied to the entire palmar portion of the glove.

[0387] 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 projection designs may vary, such as being in the form of non-linear or crisscross lines, for example. Finally, the heights may vary as well.

[0388] As discussed, the grip enhancing means comprising a plurality of projections for example, may be integrally formed on or may be affixed to the glove body palmar portion. In other words, the plurality of projections may be affixed the glove body by forming said plurality of projections onto a grip enhancing panel, and then affixing the panel onto select areas of the glove body by any standard methods, such as by stitching or adhesion for example.

[0389] In the illustrated embodiment, the grip enhancing means further comprises a plurality of grip enhancing panels 401, 402, and 403 on key areas along the palmar surface of the glove 442, including the palmar surfaces of the thumb segment 479, any existing finger segments, and on any finger metacarpophalangeal joints, such as the forefinger metacarpophalangeal joint 402.

[0390] The grip enhancing means comprising of these grip enhancing panels preferably provide a higher and more effective coefficient of friction than the rest of the glove body, preferably providing a Shore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of between 1.5 and 4.5.

[0391] For example, a grip enhancing means comprising a grip enhancing panel 401 overlays up to but not more than the entire distal phalanx of the forefinger stall, and is formed from a high friction material 401, such as a neoprene material 401, for example.

[0392] In addition, a plurality of grip enhancing panels may separately overlay the forefinger metacarpophalangeal joint 402, the middle finger metacarpophalangeal joint, the ring finger metacarpophalangeal joint, and pinkie finger metacarpophalangeal joint 403 of the glove body, for example.

[0393] More specifically, for example, a grip enhancing means comprising a grip enhancing panel 402 preferably overlays up to but not more than the entire forefinger's metacarpophalangeal joint. In addition, a grip enhancing means comprising a grip enhancing panel 403 overlays substantially the pinkie finger's metacarpophalangeal joint extending to overlay a substantial portion of the pinkie finger's metacarpal, and formed from a nitrile material, for example.

[0394] Many novice golfers find it difficult to keep the golf club shaft from moving on the downswing. Often, the shaft will be held toward the top of the pinkie metacarpal, closest to the metacarpophangeal joint, but as a golfer completes the downswing, the shafts uncontrollably moves down toward the bottom of the pinkie metacarpal, clearly resulting in inconstant golf swings. Thus, providing a grip enhancing means along the pinkie metacarpal will serve to resolve these grip deficiencies. In addition, providing a grip enhancing means along this location provides increased grip along a critical grip area especially important when controlling a football.

[0395] The grip enhancing means may further comprise of tackifiers including tackifier resins, such as rosins and their derivatives, terpenes, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and aromatic resin, and any of a variety of hydrocarbon-type resins, tackifier coatings, tackified materials such tackified leathers and synthetic leathers, and other tackifier substances well commercially known in the art, strategically placed along the palmar portion of the glove body, thus providing very high grip capabilities to a user, especially to football quarterbacks and golfers.

[0396] In the illustrated embodiment, the glove palmar portion further comprises of a grip enhancing means comprised of a plurality of discreet tackified locations. More specifically, a grip enhancing means comprises a grip enhancing panel 402 overlaying the forefinger metacarpophalangeal joint, whereby said grip enhancing panel is a tackified material 402, such as a impregnating a synthetic leather with a tackifier resin 402; said grip enhancing panel is configured to overlay a metacarpophalangeal joint 402, in part or in its entirety, but not to extend beyond a metacarpophalangeal joint.

[0397] In addition, the entire palmar portion of the thumb digital segment comprises a tackified material 479, such as impregnating a leather 479 with a tackifier resin 479 and then affixing said material onto the rest of the palmar portion of the glove body. This particular configuration provides for maximum grip capabilities for a user, such as a golfer. The less flexible thumb segment is not of importance to a golfer because the weak hand's thumb does not need to bend at any time during a golf swing. Alternatively, a grip enhancing means may comprise a grip enhancing panel overlays the proximal phalanx of the thumb segment, whereby a grip enhancing means comprises any commonly known tackifier coating, such as POWR TAC SPRAY-ON TACKIFIER; said tackifier is coated onto any thumb or finger stalls, such as, for example, on the proximal phalanx of the thumb segment, in part or in its entirety, but not extending beyond a proximal phalanx.

[0398] The grip enhancing means formed of these tackified materials integral to the glove body or formed of tackified grip enhancing panels, are preferably configured to provide a significantly higher coefficient of friction, preferably of at least a Shore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of between 2.0 and 4.5; Still more preferably a Shore A Durometer Coefficient of Friction of between 2.5 and 4.5.

[0399] Once the grip enhancing panels have been formed, these panels may then be applied to the palmar surface of the glove by any standard methods, such as by stitches or adhesives, for example.

[0400] This embodiment also comprises a detachable ball marker 445. A ball marker is often used when playing golf. During certain times, such as when reaching the green or when obstructing another player's direct path to the golf hole, the golfer may pick his ball and place a ball marker directly behind the golf ball; the golfer can then pick up the golf ball. The embodiment provides a convenient, detachable ball marker on the glove. The detachable ball marker in this embodiment is a small circular object 445 with a design that points to where the golf ball exactly is located. In this embodiment, the design is an arrow 446. The golfer will then place the ball marker just behind the golf ball but will now know exactly where the golf is by placing the arrow exactly behind the golf ball. The detachable ball marker is secured by any standard fastening means, such as by magnetism (as shown) or snap fastening, for example. The back portion of the detachable ball marker as well as the connecting dorsal segment of the glove 447, both therefore have small magnets. The ball marker may be circular or non-circular in design.

[0401] Additionally, embodiments such as this one, may be completely coated with a with a water repellant substance such as SCOTCH GUARD 509 on the palmar surface or throughout the entire glove. Alternatively, a plurality of micro recesses of about 0.120 millimeters or so 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.

[0402] 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.

[0403] 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. 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 entire outer surface of the glove.

[0404] Referring now to FIG. 27 and FIG. 28, an athletic glove of the present invention is shown and designated as 510. The palmar (front) view of a left-handed glove is drawn in FIG. 27 and the dorsal (back) view of the same glove is drawn in FIG. 28. This partial-fingered embodiment provides a glove having a dorsal portion 511, a palmar portion 512 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 511, and a front portion covering the palm or front of the hand 512. The glove body includes finger stalls and a thumb stall each adapted to receive a finger or thumb, respectively, therein.

[0405] In the illustrated embodiment, the glove is constructed such that the thumb, forefinger and middle finger digital segments enclose said thumb, forefinger and middle finger, including enclosing the fingertips. The glove a finger segment that covers the ring finger's proximal phalanx but does not extend to cover the ring finger's middle phalanx, and therefore is covered about one-third of the way up.

[0406] There is no pinkie finger stall so there is no dorsal or palmar portion defining the pinkie finger stall. The glove provides a ringlet or recess 526 whereby a wearer's pinkie finger may extend entirely through said glove.

[0407] The embodiment is also comprised of an aperture 532 along the forefinger segment. This aperture located on about seventy percent of the proximal phalanx and no more than ten percent of the middle phalanx portions of the forefinger segment. The illustrated aperture does not extend to expose the metacarpophalangeal joint or the proximal interphalangeal. The aperture is oval in general structure, and is located on the palmar portion, or palmar section, of the glove body.

[0408] The palmar section covers the entire palm of the hand 512 and the dorsal section covers the back of the hand 511, allowing only for any micro recesses, typically used to provide ventilation. The glove also has a wrist portion that surrounds the wrist of a user.

[0409] The thumb stall 513 is defined by a dorsal portion 518 and a palmar portion 519. The forefinger stall 514 is defined by a dorsal portion 520 and a palmar portion 521. The middle finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 522 and a palmar portion 523. The ring finger stall is defined by a dorsal portion 524 and a palmar portion 525. This embodiment does not have a pinkie finger segment. The glove is designed to provide a ringlet 526 or recess whereby a wearer's pinkie finger may extend entirely through said glove body.

[0410] 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 528 at a wrist end 529 adapted to receive the user's hand. The expandable opening means comprises an elastic material along the wrist portion, such as an elastomeric band 528 fixed around throughout 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.

[0411] 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, for example, one may now further increase grip capabilities by adding a grip enhancing means along the palmar surface of the glove.

[0412] The thumb and forefinger digital segments of this embodiment have a grip enhancing means, in the form of plurality of depressions, on a portion of the palmar portion of the glove body, such as on a portion of the thumb and forefinger segments, for example. The plurality of depressions preferably have a depth of at least about three hundred micrometers.

[0413] The plurality of depressions are located on the palmar section of the distal and middle phalanges of the forefinger 531 stall, and on substantially the entire palmar portion of the thumb stall 530.

[0414] 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, 534. 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. The depths of the depressions may vary, as aforementioned. These depressions are about one millimeter, for example.

[0415] 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 depressions can be imparted by any standard methods, such as, for example, by molding or stamping. The heights of the PVC dots in this embodiment are all the same height, and are in rows.

[0416] The grip enhancing means may further comprise of tackifiers including tackifier resins, such as rosins and their derivatives, terpenes, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and aromatic resin, and any of a variety of hydrocarbon-type resins, tackifier coatings, tackified materials such tackified leathers and synthetic leathers, and other tackifier substances well commercially known in the art, strategically placed along the palmar portion of the glove body, thus providing very high grip capabilities to a user, especially to football quarterbacks and golfers.

[0417] In the illustrated embodiment, the glove palmar portion further comprises of a grip enhancing means comprised of a plurality of discreet tackified locations. More specifically, a grip enhancing means comprises a grip enhancing panel overlaying the forefinger distal and middle phalanges, whereby said grip enhancing panel is a tackified material 550, such as a impregnating a synthetic leather 550 with a tackifier resin 550; said grip enhancing panel is configured to overlay a finger segment, in part or in its entirety, but not to extend beyond a finger segment.

[0418] In addition, the entire palmar portion of the thumb digital segment comprises a tackified material 540, such as impregnating a leather with a tackifier 540 and then affixing said material onto the rest of the palmar portion of the glove body.

[0419] This particular configuration provides for maximum grip capabilities for a user, such as a golfer by providing a glove uniquely configured to meet the needs of a golfer's strong hand. The less flexible thumb segment is not of importance to a golfer because the weak hand's thumb does not need to bend at any time during a golf swing. In addition, the completely uncovered pinkie finger provides the continued high tactile sensitivities when overlaying the strong hand's (and usually glove-less) pinkie finger on top of the weak-hand's forefinger.

[0420] A golfer may have similar grip enhancing preferences as those discussed. An individual using the overlapping grip method may additionally desire a grip enhancing means overlaying the palmar surface areas. The resulting grip enhancing configurations would offer the golfer added control on the dominant hand's thumb and forefinger. Additionally, the partially uncovered fingers as well as the aperture along the forefinger segment offer maximum retention of tactile sensation. The uncovered finger portions allow the user to maximize hand coordination, for example, while the aperture allows the user to maintain maximum feel ability on the golf club—both crucial aspects in completing a successful golf swing. This unique offering will significantly increase the golfer's ability to control a golf club and also therefore a golf swing and golf ball.

[0421] A plurality of micro recesses 532 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. In addition or alternatively, the glove body may be coated with a moisture repellent 533 such as a synthetic resin 533.

[0422] 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.