Abstract:
An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes a golf glove with an attached strap which forces the last two fingers of an impaired leading hand against a golf club grip. This provides the golfer with such an impaired hand the ability to control the club in making a conventional golf swing. Embodiments are unobtrusive and quick and easy to use, causing no delay in the play. In addition, embodiments assists a non-impaired golfer in making a proper golf swing by eliminating the distraction of regripping. Embodiments can be used as a training aid in assisting a golfer in developing habits which lead to a proper golf swing. Finally, embodiments assist golfers of any capability in making proper swings under conditions of moist hands due to perspiration or precipitation.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to provisional application No. 61/188,728 filed Aug. 12, 2008. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX 
       [0004]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0005]    This disclosure relates to apparel comprising hand coverings for use in playing golf. 
       DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART INCLUDING INFORMATION DISCLOSED UNDER 37 CFR 1.97 AND 37 CFR 1.98. 
       [0006]    Golf gloves are commonly used by golfers to improve the grip of the leading hand on a golf club and to protect the leading hand from irritation from repeated golf swings. The leading hand for a right handed golfer is the left hand. The leading hand for a left handed golfer is the right hand. Golf gloves are used for the left hand only for a right-handed user. Modified golf gloves are permitted by the USGA Rules of Golf at 14-3, Exceptions, for use in competitions when the modifications are designed to compensate for physical deficiencies in the user. 
         [0007]    In the present application embodiments are disclosed which are improved golf gloves for use by golfers with a physically impaired lead hand. Such embodiments enable golfers with an impaired lead hand to play golf with an effective swing. Embodiments also are unobtrusive, inexpensive, and easy to manufacture and use. 
         [0008]    In this disclosure the following terminology is used: the thumb is termed 1 st  finger; the index finger is termed 2 nd  finger, the middle finger is termed 3 rd  finger, the ring finger is termed 4 th  finger, and the little finger is termed 5 th  finger. The descriptive material in this disclosure is for embodiment gloves which fit the lead hand, that is, the left hand for right handed golfers. It is specifically contemplated that embodiments which are a mirror-image of those disclosed will describe embodiments which fit the right hand, as would be used by left handed golfers. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,083,604 discloses a golf glove in which a strap extends from the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers together and is attached to a buckle at the base of the 1 st  finger. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,852,779 discloses a golf glove with an elastic band which is attached to the back of the 1 st  finger area and is extended about the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers after the club is gripped and the elastic band is then removable attached to the back of the glove. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,100,302 discloses a golf glove designed to maintain the proper club grip which includes a band which surrounds the base of 3 rd , 4 th , and 5 th  fingers into which the club grip is placed. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,217,332 discloses a sportsman&#39;s accessory for bowlers and golfers which comprises a flat body members which extends from the back of the user&#39;s hand to midway on the forearm. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,348,238 discloses golf glove with a strap attached to the palm at the base of the 1 st  finger and which extends to and is attached to the back of 3 rd , 4 th  and 5 th  fingers or to the back of the glove by hook and loop fasteners after the club is gripped. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,520,539 discloses a golf glove which comprises a band covering the palm extending between the 1 st  and 2 nd  fingers, with a section extending from the bottom of the band which is rolled about the club grip. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,559,212 discloses a golf glove with a detachable flap which is attached to the palm of the glove and to 3 rd , 4 th , and 5 th  fingers by hook and loop fasteners. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,918,097 discloses a sport glove with a strap attached to the 5 th  finger which extends around the palm and attaches to the back of the glove, as well as to the back of the 3 rd , 4 th , and 5 th  fingers after the club is gripped. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,057,255 discloses a golf swing aid which involves a wrist strap and a flexible tie which helps the golfer unflex his wrists in addressing the ball. 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,428 discloses a club gripping aid which includes a glove with an attached training strap which holds the golfer&#39;s right 1 st  finger during the golf swing. 
         [0019]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,730,354 discloses a glove with strap attached to the palm which encircles the 1 st  finger and is reattached to a buckle at the palm. 
         [0020]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,231 discloses a exercise glove with a strap extending from the 5 th  finger region of the palm to the base of the 1 st  finger and encloses a club grip. 
         [0021]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,120 discloses a golf glove with a flap which attaches to the back of the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers and attaches at the other end to the palm. 
         [0022]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,414,868 discloses a golf glove with straps attached to the back of the glove at the base of the 1 st  and 2 nd  fingers. The straps extend around the gripped club and are attached at the other ends to the back of the 1 st  to 3 rd  fingers or at the base of the 4 th  finger. 
         [0023]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,089 discloses a golf club with enhanced anti-twist resistance when fully wet. 
         [0024]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,013 discloses a glove with extensions on the backs of 1 st  to 5 th  which are enclosed by a strap after the club is gripped. 
         [0025]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,883 discloses a hand covering and grip enhancer which may be used to enhance the grip on a golf club. 
         [0026]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,649 discloses a weightlifting glove which includes a partially elastic band which encircles the palm. 
         [0027]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,324 discloses a glove-like gripping aid with an elastic wrist band attached to an elastic hand strip which enhances the grip when extended over the fingers and reattached to the wrist band. 
         [0028]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,805 discloses a glove-like gripping aid with an elastic wrist band attached to an elastic hand strip which enhances the grip when extended over the fingers and reattached to the wrist band and has in addition a D ring which assists in the attachment. 
         [0029]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,073 discloses a golf glove in which the backs of the 3 rd  to 5 th  fingers are attached to the palm of the glove after the club is gripped. 
         [0030]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,787 discloses a golf swing training method which involves a strap extending from the 1 st  finger to the wrist. 
         [0031]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,941 discloses a golf glove with a strap which extends from the back of the glove to the palm and is attached to the backs of the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers after the club is gripped. 
         [0032]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,942 discloses a golf glove with a strap which is attached to the glove and to which are attached the back 4 th  and 5 th  fingers of the glove after the club is gripped. 
         [0033]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,374 discloses a golf glove with an attached strap which engulfs the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers after the club is gripped. 
         [0034]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,898,944 discloses an athletic glove with a protrusion strap which engulfs the 3 rd  and 4 th  fingers and includes a rod which is pressed against the club grip. 
         [0035]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,035,442 discloses a sports glove for arthritis which has thick padding to increase the relative diameter of the club and a strap which encloses the 2 nd  to 5 th  fingers after the club is gripped. 
         [0036]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,269 discloses a golf glove with an elastic strap which is attached to the back of the glove above the palm and at the base of the 1 st  finger. The elastic strap covers the 3 rd  to 5 th  fingers after the club is gripped. 
         [0037]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,354 discloses a golf glove with elastic club gripping strap which covers the 3 rd  to 5 th  fingers after the club is gripped. 
         [0038]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,912,731 discloses a non-slip glove with emery cloth on both the inside and outside of the fingers. 
         [0039]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,377 discloses a glove with a pliable member extending on the palm side from the wrist to the fingers and which is used to enclose the club before the member is attached to the palm side of the fingers. 
         [0040]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,211,004 discloses a glove and system which includes a strap which wraps about the hand and covers the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers after the club is gripped. 
         [0041]    U.S. Pat. No. D460,585 discloses the ornamental design of a golf glove and a hook-and-loop attachment strap. 
         [0042]    U.S. Pat. No. D561,946 discloses the ornamental design of a golf training glove. 
         [0043]    U.S. Pat. Applic. Pub. No. 2006/0015983 discloses a golf glove with a strap attached to the back of the glove which loops about the club grip. 
         [0044]    U.S. Pat. Applic. Pub. No. 2007/0184911 discloses golf glove which is removable attached to the club grip. 
         [0045]    U.S. Pat. Applic. Pub. No. 2007/0287550 discloses a golf glove and system which includes a strap which wraps about the hand and covers the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers after the club is gripped. 
         [0046]    The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings. None of the disclosed prior art provide the advantages of the present disclosure, that of providing a golf glove which effectively assists the play of golfers with impaired hands, is unobtrusive and virtually invisible in use, and is constructed inexpensively of materials without adverse effect on the environment. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0047]    The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tool and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements. 
         [0048]    Embodiments include a golf glove for use by a golfer having at least the 5 th  finger which is unable to close on a golf club grip comprising a golf glove having a palm surface and a back surface, and an inelastic flexible strap. The strap having a first and a second end, and an upper and a lower surface, the strap fixedly attached at the first end to the back surface of the glove at the lower surface of the strap, and the strap extending over the back knuckles of the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers and over the palm surface of the glove. The strap having connector means for demountable connection by a connector between the lower surface of the second end and the upper surface of the fixed end, and the strap capable of compressing at least the 5 th  finger against the golf club grip when the first and second end are connected. 
         [0049]    Embodiments include the method of gripping a golf club grip by a golfer having a 5 th  finger which is unable to close on a golf club grip comprising the steps, obtaining a golf glove having a palm surface and a back surface, and an inelastic flexible strap having a first and a second end, and an upper and a lower surface, the strap fixedly attached at the first end to the back surface of the glove at the lower surface of the strap, the strap extending over the back knuckles of the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers and over the palm surface of the glove, the strap having connector means for demountable connection by a connector between the lower surface of the second end and the upper surface of the fixed end, the strap capable of compressing the at least the 5 th  finger against the golf club grip when the first end and second end are connected. The second step involves inserting the golfer&#39;s hand into the golf glove, followed by gripping the golf club with at least the 1st finger of the golfer&#39;s hand against the grip, pulling the strap clockwise from the back surface of the glove over the knuckles of the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers on the back of the hand, around the 4 th  finger and 5 th  finger, thereby compressing the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers against the grip, and connecting the second end of the strap to the first end of the strap. 
         [0050]    In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following descriptions. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0051]      FIG. 1  shows the palm side of an embodiment golf glove. 
           [0052]      FIG. 2  shows the back side of an embodiment golf glove. 
           [0053]      FIG. 3  shows the use of an embodiment golf glove by a user with impaired gripping ability. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0054]    Many golfers find their game impaired by a great variety of degenerative conditions which restrict the movement of the fingers. In particular, the ability of the 1 st  and 4 th  and 5 th  fingers of the lead or left hand to grip the club is important to making a proper golf swing. The ability of the 1 st  and 5 th  fingers to grip the club is essential to obtaining proper control of a golf club swing. 
         [0055]    Perhaps the most common cause of restriction of movement of the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers is arthritis. This condition may cause decreased range of motion in the fingers. An estimated 21 million people have osteoarthritis in the U.S., and about 1.3 million persons have rheumatoid arthritis. 
         [0056]    Other hand aliments which affect golfers include contractures which restrict movement of the fingers. These occur when normally elastic connective tissues are replaced by inelastic tissue, making it hard to stretch the area and preventing normal movement. Contractures can occur in skin, underlying tissues, muscle, tendons and joints. They may be inherited, result from nerve damage or reduced use of the joint, or injury, such as burns. 
         [0057]    Dupuytren&#39;s disease is a condition in which the connective tissue under the skin thickens and shortens, causing the gradual contraction of the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers. This is a relatively common genetic disease in men which generally begins at age 50 or 60. 
         [0058]    Volkmann&#39;s contracture is a condition of the hand, fingers, and wrist which is caused by injury to the forearm muscles. Such muscles pull the fingers and result in a condition where some or all of the fingers are in a contracted or extended position. 
         [0059]    The effects of any condition which results in impaired gripping ability of the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers of the left hand can be ameliorated by use of embodiment golf gloves. 
         [0060]      FIG. 1  shows the palm side of an embodiment golf glove  10 . Visible in  FIG. 1  is the palm surface  16  of the glove  10 , 1 st  finger  11 , 2 nd  finger  12 , 3 rd  finger  13 , 4 th  finger  14  and 5 th  finger  15  of the glove. Also visible is the inelastic strap  20  showing the lower surface  24  of the strap, and the second end  22  of the strap, and the hook portion  25  of the hook and loop connector on the lower surface  24  at the second end  22  of the strap. 
         [0061]      FIG. 2  shows the back side of an embodiment golf glove  10 . Visible in  FIG. 2  is the back surface  17  of the glove  10 , 1 st  finger  11 , 2 nd  finger  12 , 3 rd  finger  13 , 4 th  finger  14  and 5 th  finger  15  of the glove. Also visible is the inelastic strap  20  showing the upper surface  23  of the strap, the fixed connection  27  between the back surface  17  of the glove and the first end  21  of the strap  20 , and the loop portion  26  of the hook and loop connector on the upper surface  23  at the first end  21  of the strap. 
         [0062]      FIG. 3  shows the use of an embodiment golf glove  10  by a user having a left hand  32  with impaired gripping ability. Visible in  FIG. 3  is the user&#39;s hand  32  wearing an embodiment golf glove  10  and gripping a golf club grip  30 . The club shaft  35  is shown, with a break  33  indicating the extended shaft leading to the club head. Also visible is the palm side  16  of the golf glove, the 1 st  finger  11 , 2 nd  finger  12 , 3 rd  finger  13 , 4 th  finger  14  and 5 th  finger  15  of the glove. Also visible is the upper surface  23  of the strap  20  which partially covers the 4 th  finger  14  and 5 th  finger  15 . The covered portions of the fingers is indicated by dashed lines. 
         [0063]    In embodiments the reversible connection between the first end  21  of the strap  20  (in  FIG. 2 ) and the second end  22  of the strap  20  (in  FIG. 1 ) is a hook and loop connector. A suitable hook and loop connector is a VELCRO hook and loop strap. VELCRO is a trademark for all-purpose straps made of synthetic fibers and used separately and/or with a plastic or metal ring for binding purposes owned by Velcro Industries BV., Curacao, Netherland Antilles. 
         [0064]    In embodiments other reversible connectors may be used to connect the first and second ends of the strap. Other suitable connectors include a snap connector, button connector, hook and eye connector, clamp, latch, bolt and nut, or zipper connector. 
         [0065]    In embodiments, the length of the strap is about 12 inches and the width of the strap is about 1 inch. In embodiments the length of the strap is from about 9 to about 15 inches and the width of the strap is from about ¾ to about 1½ inches. 
         [0066]    Any suitable inelastic, flexible material may be used for the strap. In embodiments, the strap is manufactured of plastic material. In other embodiments the strap is manufactured of leather, rubber, plastic composition, woven fabric, fiberglass, or composite materials. 
         [0067]    The use of an embodiment glove is shown in  FIG. 3 . In use, the golfer with an impaired left hand  32  places an embodiment golf glove  10  on his or her left hand. The golf club grip  30  is grasped by the user&#39;s left hand  32  with the 1 st  finger  11  pointed in the direction  33  of the club head, and the, 2 nd  finger  12 , and 3 rd  finger  13  (enclosed in the golf glove) are wrapped about the golf club grip  30  to the best of the user&#39;s ability. Since the user has impaired 4 th  and 5 th  fingers which are unable to grasp the grip, the strap  20  is pulled clockwise from the back surface of the glove over the knuckles of the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers on the back of the hand, around the 4 th  finger  14  and 5 th  finger  15  thereby pressing the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers against the grip. The user uses his or her right hand to pull the strap from the back side of the glove over the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers and past the base of the 1 st  finger to the back side of the glove, where the bottom surface of the second end of the strap is attached to the top surface of the first end of the strap on the back surface of the glove. The tendency of the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers to assume a position intermediate between fully extended and fully against a user&#39;s palm creates a tension in the strap which enhances firmness of the user&#39;s grip on the club grip. 
         [0068]    Some golfers with an impaired lead hand are able to achieve a suitable grip and swing while covering only the 5 th  finger. 
         [0069]    The result of using embodiment golf gloves is to enable the user to play golf with the same skill at that of an unimpaired user. In particular, embodiments enable to golfer to retain the club during the swing, and to eliminate rotation of the club during the swing, thereby eliminating or reducing the resulting hook or slice. 
         [0070]    Embodiments of the present disclosure have the advantage of simplicity and unobtrusiveness. They are simple and easy to manufacture, inexpensive, without adverse environmental effects, and easily donned by the golfer. They do not mark the user as handicapped or in need of special concessions. 
         [0071]    An unexpected benefit is in the discovery that embodiments are effective in preventing regripping in golfers with unimpaired hands. Regripping is the habit of some golfers to release the 4 th  and 5 th  fingers of the left hand or just the 5 th  finger, and regrip the club just at the top of the backswing, just before the forward or down swing. Regripping causes loss of orientation or rotation of the club head, leading directly to a hook or slice. Embodiments prevent regripping. 
         [0072]    A related benefit is in the use of embodiments by beginning golfers. The golf swing is unnatural to many players, and requires the beginner to concentrate on many different details. Use of embodiment gloves has the unexpected beneficial effect of allowing the beginner to forget about proper placement of the fingers of his or her left hand during a swing, freeing the neophyte to concentrate on other elements of the swing. 
         [0073]    An unexpected benefit of embodiment gloves is in the improvement in swings when the golfer has damp hands. Damp hands stem from perspiration or from rain or drizzle, and often result in hooks or slices from improper orientation of the club head due to rotation of the club in the golfer&#39;s hands. Use of embodiment gloves prevents such rotation, with improvement of strokes in golfers with unimpaired or impaired hands. 
         [0074]    While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope. The applicant or applicants have attempted to disclose all the embodiments of the invention that could be reasonably foreseen. There may be unforeseeable insubstantial modifications that remain as equivalents.