Football training gloves

Abstract

A glove includes a tubular fabric substrate having an upper end and, in opposed relation to the upper end, at least four defined finger portions, each of the four defined finger portions being generally tubular in shape to engage one of four fingers of one of a user's right and left hands, the four fingers being, in order, the pinky, the ring finger, the middle finger, and the index finger. The upper end defines an upper opening. A diagram of a football formation is provided affixed onto the substrate. The diagram includes one of either numerical or letter designators. A distinct designator is affixed to the substrate on an exterior of each of the four defined finger portions.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
         1 . A glove comprising:
 a tubular fabric substrate having an upper end and, in opposed relation to the upper end, at least four defined finger portions, each of the four defined finger portions being generally tubular in shape to engage one of four fingers of one of a user's right and left hands, the four fingers being, in order, the pinky, the ring finger, the middle finger, and the index finger;   the upper end defining an upper opening;   a diagram of a football formation provided affixed onto the substrate, the diagram comprising one of numerical and letter designators, a distinct designator being affixed to the substrate on an exterior of each of the four defined finger portions.   
     
     
         2 . The glove of  claim 1 , the diagram being affixed onto the substrate such that when the user assumes a ready stance at the offensive line, each of the distinct designators are positioned to be visible to the user. 
     
     
         3 . The glove of  claim 1 , a compressive member comprises a strap of elastic material fastened to the substrate generally at the upper opening whereby the substrate is drawn into snug contact with the user's wrist when worn. 
     
     
         4 . The glove of  claim 1 , a compressive member comprises a flap of material fastened to the substrate includes hook material generally at the upper opening whereby the flap is drawn into snug contact a patch of loop material to draw the substrate into snug contact with the user's wrist when worn. 
     
     
         5 . The glove of  claim 1 , the substrate comprises stretch fabric and stretches to admit a user's hand and when admitted to draw the substrate into snug contact with the user's wrist when worn. 
     
     
         6 . The glove of  claim 1 , to include a second glove comprising a diagram of a football formation provided affixed onto the substrate, the diagram comprising one of numerical and letter designators, a distinct designator being affixed to the substrate on an exterior of each of the four defined finger portions. 
     
     
         7 . The glove of  claim 1 , wherein an elastic band encircles the upper opening to draw the substrate generally at the upper opening into snug contact with the users wrist when worn. 
     
     
         8 . A training method for teaching football players proper play in response to audible signals from the quarterback, the method comprising:
 providing a diagram detailing features of the offensive line in American Rules football;   providing a substrate assembled to form a glove having an upper end defining an upper opening and a lower end to define at least four defined finger portions, each of the four defined finger portions being generally tubular in shape to engage one of four fingers of one of a user's right and left hands, the four fingers being, in order, the pinky, the ring finger, the middle finger, and the index finger;   affixing the diagram to the glove in a position such that it is visible to a user when wearing the glove and assuming a ready stance; and   compressing the substrate with a compression member to draw the substrate into snug contact with the user's wrist generally at the upper opening thereby assuring that the substrate will not move from its position when worn.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the diagram is affixed onto the substrate such that when the user assumes a ready stance at the offensive line, the diagram is readily visible to the user. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the compressive member comprises a strap of elastic material fastened to the substrate on opposing ends generally at the upper opening whereby the substrate is drawn into snug contact with the user's wrist when worn. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the compressive member comprises mating hook and loop faster sections. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the compressive member comprises stretch fabric located generally at the upper opening.