Sport glove

The disclosure relates to an improved sport glove construction comprising loosely but securely connected inner and outer glove shells of different constructions, each contributing significant and desirable characteristics to the combination. The inner glove is constructed of a highly elastic, stretchable material, so constituted as to be received tightly over the entire hand of the wearer, snugly enclosing and conforming to the individual fingers and thumb, as well as the palm and back areas of the hand. The construction of the elastic inner glove shell is such as to provide a secure yet comfortable feel to the glove. The elastic inner glove is entirely enveloped by a second or outer glove of a material and construction selected to provide appropriate gripping and other characteristics. The outer glove may be of a somewhat elastic material, such as knitted fabric, but may also be of a relatively nonelastic material, such as leather, vinyl or the like, or may be a combination of materials. The inner and outer glove shells are attached securely but loosely at selected areas, to permit easy donning and doffing of the glove while at the same time accommodating the necessary degree of elastic expansion of the inner glove shell relative to the outer shell when the glove is applied to the hand.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Sport gloves of the type concerned herein are utilized in a wide variety of 
activities, such as golf, baseball, tennis, driving, etc. The function of 
such gloves is twofold: to improve the grip of the hand to the object, and 
also to protect the hand of the wearer. Early designs of sport gloves 
typically were constructed of leather or leather-like material, which has 
certain significant disadvantages. Among these are that the material may 
deteriorate quickly under service conditions, which include exposure to 
perspiration of the hand. Additionally, such gloves typically are required 
to be provided in a wide variety of sizes, in order to fit the wide range 
of hand sizes with reasonable comfort and effectiveness. 
One of the early efforts to overcome the disadvantages of leather or 
leather-like sport gloves construction is reflected in the Scherr U.S. 
Pat. No. 2,907,046, for example. The glove of the Scherr patent is of 
knitted construction, comprising a blend of stretchable and 
non-stretchable yarns, and is arranged to fit snugly on the hand of the 
wearer. Because of the somewhat slick or slippery nature of the 
snug-fitting, stretchable glove, a leather or other appropriate gripping 
surface is secured onto the palm area of the glove, with individual strips 
of leather extending along the gripping areas of the finger and thumb 
stalls. The objective of the glove construction of the Scherr patent is to 
combine the desired gripping qualities of leather or the like with the 
snug-fitting characteristics of a knitted, elastic glove. 
A minor modification of the glove of the Scherr patent is reflected in the 
Stanton U.S. Pat. No. 3,597,765. The glove of the Stanton patent comprises 
a stretchable, elastic glove, provided, in the same manner as the Scherr 
patent, with sewed-on leather surfacing in the gripping areas. In the 
Stanton patent, there are individual strips of facing material which 
extend along the finger and thumb sections and on down into the palm area 
of the glove, so that the palm area is provided with friction surfacing in 
strip form, rather than covering the entire palm area as in the Scherr 
patent. 
Although the glove of the Scherr U.S. Pat. No. 2,907,046 represented an 
improvement over previous constructions, both it and the modification 
thereof reflected by the Stanton patent have certain limitations sought to 
be avoided by the present invention. For example, the surfacing material 
is effectively limited to small strip-like areas, in order to realize the 
elastic characteristics of the basic glove construction. This introduces 
important limitations from the standpoint of styling and appearance and 
also can reduce or limit overall gripping effectiveness. Additionally, the 
stretchable, elastic glove has limited warming characteristics, reducing 
its desirability for some fall and winter sports. 
In accordance with the present invention, a novel and improved form of 
sport glove is provided, which utilizes the desirable features of a 
stretchable, elastic glove, as reflected in the Scherr patent, for 
example, yet which at the same time has improved functional and styling 
characteristics. To this end, the sport glove of the present invention 
incorporates inner and outer complete glove shells, each of different but 
complementary characteristics. The inner glove is constructed of a 
stretchable, elastic knitted material, while the outer shell is 
constructed of a material or combination of materials having the desired 
gripping, styling and other characteristics. The two glove shells, while 
securely connected, are arranged to accommodate a significant degree of 
independent movement, especially if the outer glove shell is constructed 
in whole or in part of a relatively inelastic material. 
Pursuant to the invention, the materials and the constructions of the inner 
glove shell are chosen to provide a snug overall fit, so that the hand of 
the wearer is rather tightly confined yet not constricted against required 
movement. In this respect, sufficient contraction of the inner glove shell 
about the hand, fingers and thumb to provide a slight "tingly" sensation 
in the hand has been found to be popular. The tightness should not, of 
course, be such as to impair good circulation. 
In the glove of the invention, the outer glove shell is selected without 
significant regard for snugness of fit around the hand, and almost 
exclusively with regard to independent characteristics, such as gripping 
capability, appearance, warmth (in the case of sport gloves intended for 
winter sports), or the like. The outer glove shell may be of a stretchable 
construction (e.g., a knitted fabric), but in such cases the 
stretchability of the outer glove shell is not relied upon significantly 
to achieve the desired tight conformity and snugness of the overall glove 
of the wearer's hand. The function of snugness is derived substantially if 
not exclusively from the inner glove shell and, insofar as the outer glove 
may contribute snugness by its stretchability, this is a secondary 
consideration. Indeed, in some of the constructions of the new sports 
glove, the outer glove shell will be formed of materials, such as leather 
or vinyl, which are clearly of a non-stretchable and nonelastic nature. In 
other advantageous constructions of the new glove, the outer shell may be 
formed of combinations of different materials, to achieve a combination of 
optimum functions. For example, the outer glove may have a body formed of 
a knitted material, for warmth and attractiveness, in conjunction with 
materials such as surfacing of leather or vinyl in selected areas, for 
improved gripping. 
In accordance with a significant feature of the invention, a dual-shell 
sport glove is provided which comprises a tight-conforming, elastic, 
stretchable inner shell and a somewhat looser fitting, friction-gripping 
outer shell, wherein the inner and outer shells are secured together in 
limited areas, sufficient to maintain the unitary integrity of the 
dual-shell construction, while at the same time accommodating such 
relative expansion and contraction and relative movement as is necessary 
in the normal utilization of the glove. To advantage, the inner and outer 
glove shells are secured at least at the tips of the thumb and finger 
stalls and along at least a portion of the cuff area. In some cases, 
attachment may also be made at the quirks of the finger stalls and also 
along one side area. In those cases where the outer glove shell has 
limited stretch characteristics, the areas of attachment between the inner 
and outer shells are correspondingly limited, to accommodate greater 
relative distension of the inner glove shell when the dual glove is 
applied to the hand. 
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the outer glove shell may 
be formed of a combination of materials, to achieve desired styling, 
gripping and other characteristics. By way of example, the outer glove 
shell may be formed of a stylish and attractive knitted material, such as 
orlon which, by itself, may have less than wholly adequate gripping 
characteristics. In such cases, strips or other forms of surfacing 
material may be applied to appropriate areas of the outer glove shell to 
enhance the gripping action. Inasmuch as the outer glove shell is not 
relied upon for its stretch characteristics, a wide latitude is possible 
in the form, location and character of grip-enhancing materials. 
For a better understanding of the above and other features and advantages 
of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed 
description of a preferred embodiment, and to the accompanying drawing.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring now to the drawing, the new sport glove is shown to comprise 
separate inner and outer glove shells 10, 11 respectively. The individual 
glove shells are securely attached one to the other, as will be more fully 
described, while providing for a substantial degree of independent 
movement of one with respect to the other. 
Pursuant to the invention, the inner glove shell 10 is formed of a highly 
elastic, stretchable material. Among those materials suitable for the 
purpose is a knitted tricot material comprised of a blend of nylon and 
spandex yarns. Such materials are widely used and readily available from 
standard mill sources at attractive prices. A commonly used nylon-spandex 
blend may be on the order of 20% spandex yarns, 80% nylon yarns. 40 denier 
yarns are suitable for the purposes of the present invention. It will be 
understood, of course, that neither the specific yarns nor the specific 
material is deemed critical to the invention. However, the specified 
characteristics of elasticity, stretchability and the like are 
representative of the characteristics generally desired for the inner 
shell 10. 
Because of the rather substantial stretchability of the inner glove shell 
10, one, or at least a few, basic inner shell sizes can accommodate the 
normal spectrum of hand sizes. 
Although the specific construction of the inner glove shell 10 is not 
significant to the invention, the shell typically may be formed by first 
cutting a double panel section, comprising the entire glove exclusive of 
the thumb stall. That section is hemmed along the cuff and along the 
confronting edges. A separate thumb stall, cut separately, is secured to 
the body of the glove along the seam 14. 
Sizing of the inner glove shell 10 is largely a function of merchandising 
approach and of the character of the outer glove shell 11, as will more 
fully appear. Thus, in places where a relatively few sizes of inner shells 
are to be provided for the entire spectrum of hand sizes, a reasonable 
amount of stretch may be provided for in both length and width directions. 
However, in cases where a larger variety of sizes of inner shells are to 
be utilized, a lesser degree of stretch may be provided, particularly in 
the length direction. In either case, the amount of stretch to be provided 
is a function of comfort to the wearer. It is popular to provide a 
sufficiently snug fit to achieve a slight "tingle" in the hand and 
fingers, while at the same time neither unduly restricting blood 
circulation or inhibiting free use of the hand. 
Pursuant to the invention, rather than securing a surfacing material to the 
palm and finger area of the elastic shell 10, the glove of the invention 
incorporates a full outer gloove shell 11, which completely encloses and 
totally conceals the inner shell 10. The outer glove shell 11 may be 
formed of a wide variety of materials or combinations of materials, but 
should exhibit the desired wear and frictional gripping characteristics 
sought for in a sport glove. Among the materials suitable for the purpose 
are, of course, leather and vinyl. In addition, a number of knitted 
fabrics are available which exhibit effective gripping characteristics, 
particularly if combined with other materials as hereinafter described. 
Among these are fabrics constructed of wool, acrylic, cotton or nylon. 
Within the contemplation of the present invention, practically any 
material, stretchable or non-stretchable, that has an acceptable exterior 
glove surface for the purpose intended can be utilized as the outer shell. 
Where the outer glove shell 11 is of knitted construction it may, of 
course, be of a size and shape to provide for some degree of expansion 
when applied to the hand of the wearer. However, this is not a necessary 
or principal characteristic of the outer glove shell 11 and, indeed, is 
not intended as a substitute for the tight fitting, contractile 
characteristic of the elastic inner glove shell 10. Thus, with a typical 
loose-knit construction, the outer glove shell 11 will easily expand to 
receive the hand of the wearer, without any significant degree of 
resistance or without any particular feeling of tightness or snugness 
about the hand of the wearer. Of course, where the outer glove shell 11 is 
constructed of a material such as leather or vinyl, which is essentially 
nonelastic in character, the outer glove shell is properly sized in the 
first instance to receive a given size of hand. Whether the outer shell is 
of a knitted, and therefore somewhat stretchable, character or of a 
relatively non-stretchable material such as vinyl or leather, the outer 
glove shell will be proportioned to a "normal" size, taking into 
consideration the presence internally of the elastic inner glove shell 10. 
Pursuant to the invention, the inner and outer glove shells 10, 11 are 
connected together at limited areas, sufficient to assure that the inner 
shell 10 remains properly oriented and disposed within the outer shell, 
but at the same time accommodating substantial relative elastic movement 
and adjustment of the inner shell relative to the outer shell. In the form 
of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the inner and outer shells are 
attached to each other specifically at the tips 15 of the fingers and 
thumb, and also at the quirk or crotch areas 16 between fingers. The 
specific nature of the attachment is not significant to the invention, 
although it should be generally unobtrusive, but sufficiently secure to 
permit insertion of the fingers into and removal from the finger stalls 17 
and thumb stalls 18 of the elastic inner shell 10, while retaining the 
integrity of the limited attachment points. The dual-shell glove assembly 
of FIGS. 1-3 also provides for attachment of the shells at a plurality of 
points 19 along one side of the glove, most advantageously along the 
little finger side as reflected in FIG. 2, and also along a portion of the 
cuff, as indicated at 20. 
In general, the manner of attachment of the inner and outer glove shells 
10, 11 is such as to assure the retention of the separate shells in a 
preassembled relationship at the fingers and at the cuff. Accordingly, 
during donning and doffing of the glove, the wearer need not treat the 
dual-shell assembly as being comprised of two separate and somewhat 
independent shells, but can manage the glove largely as if it were a more 
conventional lined glove. However, and as a significant aspect of the 
invention, the construction of the glove differs significantly from a 
conventional lined glove in that a substantial independent elastic 
expansion and contraction of the inner shell is provided, at least in the 
transverse or circumferential direction. As reflected in FIG. 3, for 
example, the respective shells 10, 11 may be secured together in the cuff 
areas around less than the entire circumference of the cuff and/or are 
rather loosely "tacked" together, so that the elastic inner shell 10 can 
undergo significant circumferential expansion independently of the outer 
shell. In some cases, where the outer shell 11 is of knitted construction 
and has a substantial stretchability in its own right the outer shell may 
be permitted to expand and contract in the cuff area along with the 
elastic inner shell. However, where the outer shell 11 is of a relatively 
non-stretchable material such as leather or vinyl, the shells should be 
secured together at more widely spaced points, and/or over only a fraction 
of the circumference, to accommodate differential contracting and 
expanding movements. By appropriately spacing the points of attachment 
between the elastic inner shell 10 and a relatively non-stretchable outer 
shell 11, the material of the outer shell may be arranged and caused to 
gather in accordion fashion while the inner shell 10 contracts 
elastically. 
In the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 4-7, the outer shell of the 
dual-shell sport glove is of a composite construction in order to achieve 
a combination of optimum characteristics. The contractile inner glove 
shell 30 is formed of a material and has the structural characteristics as 
described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. In the 
second-illustrated modification of the invention, the inner glove shell 30 
is secured to the outer shell 31 at the tips 32 of the finger and thumb 
stalls and around the cuff 33 of the inner shell. 
In the embodiment of FIGS. 4-7, the outer glove shell 31 is formed of a 
combination of materials and includes a shell body 32 formed of materials 
and of a construction selected primarily for characteristics of attractive 
styling, warmth, or the like, but not necessarily having optimum gripping 
characteristics. To greatest advantage, the shell body 32 is of a knitted 
construction, and thus inherently has a relatively high degree of 
expandability and contractability. Nevertheless, it is to be understood 
that the characteristics of the outer shell body 32 are not relied upon 
primarily to provide tight-fitting conformity to the hand. The contractile 
inner shell 30 serves that primary purpose. However, since the outer shell 
body 32 will have a reasonable degree of expansion and contraction 
capability, it is feasible to secure the cuff area 33 of the contractile 
inner shell 30 throughout its full circumference to the outer shell body 
32, as by means of a line of relatively loose stitching 34. 
As reflected in FIGS. 5 and 6, the outer shell body 32 may be formed with a 
cuff area 35 which extends beyond the cuff 33 of the inner shell for both 
styling and comfort. In the illustrated arrangement, the cuff of the 
contractile inner shell 30 may be located close to the base of the thumb, 
in the region at which the hand narrows sharply to the dimensions of the 
wrist. The cuff 35 of the outer shell body may extend well beyond that 
point to provide a more attractively styled glove, as well as to provide 
protection of the wrist area. The specifically illustrated form of glove 
is provided with a cuff 35 which is sufficiently long to have a folded 
back margin 36 forming a double cuff. Strips 37 of vinyl or leather, for 
example, may be secured to the cuff area for styling purposes. 
The outer shell body 32, being of a construction and of a material selected 
primarily for optimum characteristics other than gripping, is provided 
with means for grip enhancement in the significant areas. To this end, 
elongated strips 38 of leather, vinyl or other high friction material may 
be sewn along the front faces of the finger and thumb stalls, and 
additional strips 39 of similar material may be sewn to extend diagonally 
along the face of the palm area. In the specific form of the invention 
illustrated in FIGS. 4-7, the grip enhancing strips 38, 39 are relatively 
long and narrow, and the strips 38 extending along the faces of the thumb 
and finger stalls generally terminate at the bases of the stalls. However, 
particularly since the outer shell body 32 is not relied upon for elastic, 
contractile function, the particular form and nature of the grip enhancing 
areas is not critical. In other words, the sought-for characteristics of 
the outer shell body are not significantly interferred with by application 
of the grip enhancing elements 38, 39. By way of contrast, attachment of 
such strips directly to a contractile shell, such as the inner shell 30, 
would tend to interfere with the contractile properties of the shell. 
The dual-shell sport glove of the invention represents a significant 
improvement over prior art gloves utilizing snug-fitting, elastic 
coverings, in that the glove of the invention provides for both improved 
appearance and improved performance characteristics. Thus, whereas popular 
prior art gloves utilize a limited area friction surfacing secured 
directly on the palm and finger surfaces of the contractile shell, the 
glove of the present invention permits the use of a totally enclosing 
exterior glove shell, which can be both attractive in appearance, superior 
in a functional sense, and entirely competitive in manufacturing expense 
with the earlier types of glove. 
Although the inner and outer glove shells of the applicant's dual-shell 
construction are secured together sufficiently to act essentially as a 
single glove during donning and doffing, the fact that the inner and outer 
shells each are complete gloves enables the securement of one to the other 
to provide for sufficient independence to freely accommodate the necessary 
relative expansion and contraction of the highly elastic inner shell. 
Thus, in securing the inner and outer shells at the tips of the finger 
stalls, and around at least a portion of the cuff area, the hand may enter 
and be released from the glove substantially as if it were a single, lined 
glove of conventional construction. At the same time, the functional 
characteristics of the inner and outer glove shells are designed to be 
critically different, with the inner shell providing for significant 
elastic expansion and contraction, but without regard to gripping or other 
characteristics, and the outer shell providing desired gripping 
characteristics, attractive appearance, etc. without regard to the 
contractile properties of the elastic inner shell. The construction of the 
invention enables an extremely wide variety of materials and designs to be 
utilized in the forming of the outer glove shell, including knitted 
materials, leather, vinyl, etc. Where the outer shell material is 
expandable and contractable, as in the case of a knitted construction, for 
example, the outer shell may be more closely attached to the inner shell, 
so as to expand and contract therewith, but it is not designed or utilized 
in a significant way for contractile properties. 
The dual-shell glove of the invention, although by no means limited to the 
use in conjunction with winter sports, has an additional advantage for 
such purpose by reason of the two-layer construction. Because of its 
relatively lightweight construction, and its tight conformity to the hand, 
the contractile inner shell has limited warmth retaining properties. Thus, 
conventional gloves utilizing strip style friction surfacing, secured 
directly to an overall shell of elastic, tight-conforming material, 
provide rather limited protection against low temperatures. With the 
applicant's construction, on the other hand, the outer shell entirely 
envelopes the contractile inner shell. As a result, substantial heat 
retention properties may be constructed into the glove, not only by taking 
advantage of its two-layer construction but also by reason of the greater 
freedom in the selection of materials for the outer shell. 
The many advantages derived from the applicant's sport glove construction 
are realized without significant additional manufacturing expense. In 
general, the outer glove shell may be constructed in accordance with well 
known and conventional techniques, and the assembly thereof with the 
contractile inner shell is easily and quickly accomplished, because of the 
relatively limited nature of the securement. 
In the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-3, the outer glove shell, in 
addition to its other characteristics, has appropriate gripping 
characteristics for the purpose intended. In the modification of FIGS. 
4-7, however, the outer glove shell is selected to have primary 
characteristics other than gripping, such as attractive styling, warmth, 
comfort, etc., and additional surfacing materials are provided to enhance 
the gripping action of the glove as a whole. In either of the illustrated 
embodiments, the inner glove shell is utilized for its contractile 
characteristics, without regard to gripping, and the outer glove shell 
(including facing strips, if any) serves primarily to provide desired 
gripping characteristics, without regard to contractile properties. Even 
where the outer glove shell is of knitted, and therefore of somewhat 
expandable and contractable construction, it is not relied upon 
significantly as a means for achieving a tight fit on the hand, but is 
designed and constructed primarily for other properties. Where the outer 
glove shell is formed of a combination of materials, even the outer shell 
body itself may be selected without primary regard to gripping 
characteristics, and surfacing materials may be applied for grip 
enhancement. The application of such surfacing materials, whether in strip 
form or otherwise, does not tend to compromise the contractile 
characteristics of the glove, as in the prior art patents mentioned 
hereinabove, because it is secured to the outer shell and not to the 
contractile inner shell. Accordingly, the glove of the invention combines 
superior functional characteristics with regard to tight, close conforming 
fit on the hand, with superior gripping capability, and further combines 
those superior functional characteristics with the ability to provide a 
glove which is attractively styled and comfortable to wear. 
It should be understood, of course, that the specific forms of the 
invention herein illustrated and described are intended to be 
representative only, as certain changes may be made therein without 
departing from the clear teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, 
reference should be made to the following appended claims in determining 
the full scope of the invention.