U.S. patent application number 16/946029 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-09 for adjustable leg guard for a catcher.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wilson Sporting Goods Co.. The applicant listed for this patent is Wilson Sporting Goods Co.. Invention is credited to Matthew J. Dierkes, Shaun P. Gilday, Corey R. Williams.
Application Number | 20210379475 16/946029 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004930122 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210379475 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dierkes; Matthew J. ; et
al. |
December 9, 2021 |
ADJUSTABLE LEG GUARD FOR A CATCHER
Abstract
A shin guard may include an upper shin guard piece and a lower
shin guard piece removably connected and overlapping the upper shin
guard piece. A leg guard may include a toe guard releasably
connected to a shin guard by a hook and loop fastener. A leg guard
may include a knee guard, a thigh guard and a continuous flexible
band underlying and connecting the thigh guard and the knee
guard.
Inventors: |
Dierkes; Matthew J.;
(Chicago, IL) ; Gilday; Shaun P.; (Chicago,
IL) ; Williams; Corey R.; (Hawthorn Woods,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wilson Sporting Goods Co. |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
1000004930122 |
Appl. No.: |
16/946029 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/1275 20130101;
A63B 2071/125 20130101; A63B 2071/1283 20130101; A63B 2209/10
20130101; A63B 71/1225 20130101; A63B 2071/1241 20130101; A63B
2071/1258 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/12 20060101
A63B071/12 |
Claims
1. A shin guard comprising: an upper shin guard piece having an
upper end for connection to a knee guard and a lower end; a lower
shin guard piece removably connected to the upper shin guard piece,
wherein the upper shin guard piece of the lower shin guard piece
overlap one another.
2. The shin guard of claim 1, wherein the lower shin guard piece is
removably connectable to the lower end of the upper shin guard
piece at a plurality of selectable positions.
3. The shin guard of claim 2, wherein the upper shin guard piece
and the lower shin guard piece are removably connected to one
another by a hook and loop fastener.
4. The shin guard of claim 1, wherein the lower shin guard piece
has a lower end comprising ankle guards.
5. The shin guard of claim 1, wherein the lower shin guard piece
comprises a moldable and hardenable panel.
6. A leg guard comprising: a knee guard; and a shin guard
comprising: an upper shin guard piece having an upper end pivotably
connected to the knee guard and a lower end; and a lower shin guard
piece removably connected to the upper shin guard piece, wherein
the upper shin guard piece and the lower shin guard piece overlap
one another.
7. The leg guard of claim 6, wherein the lower shin guard piece is
removably connectable to the lower end of the upper shin guard
piece at a plurality of selectable positions.
8. The leg guard of claim 6, wherein the lower shin guard piece has
a lower end comprising ankle guards.
9. The leg guard of claim 6, wherein the lower shin guard piece
comprises a moldable panel.
10. The leg guard of claim 6 further comprising a toe guard, the
toe guard being removably connected to the lower shin guard piece
at any one of a plurality of selectable locations.
11. The leg guard of claim 10, wherein the toe guard and the lower
shin guard piece are removably connectable to one another by a hook
and loop fastener.
12. The leg guard of claim 10, wherein the toe guard comprises a
moldable panel.
13. The leg guard of claim 6 further comprising: a thigh guard; and
a continuous flexible band underlying and connecting the thigh
guard and the knee guard.
14. The leg guard of claim 13 further comprising an extended knee
guard overlapping at least portions of the thigh guard and the knee
guard, the extended knee guard being affixed to the continuous
flexible band.
15. A leg guard comprising: a shin guard; a toe guard releasably
connected to the shin guard in one of a plurality of separate
selectable locations, the toe guard being removably connected to
the shin guard by a hook and loop fastener; an upper shin guard
piece having an upper end and a lower end; and a lower shin guard
piece removably connected to the upper shin guard piece, wherein
the upper shin guard piece and the lower shin guard piece overlap
one another.
16. The leg guard of claim 15, wherein the lower shin guard piece
is removably connectable to the lower end of the upper shin guard
piece at a plurality of selectable positions.
17. The leg guard of claim 16, wherein the upper shin guard piece
and the lower shin guard piece are removably connected to one
another by a hook and loop fastener
18. The leg guard of claim 15, wherein the lower shin guard piece
has a lower end comprising ankle guards.
19. The leg guard of claim 15, wherein the lower shin guard piece
comprises a moldable panel.
20. The leg guard of claim 15 further comprising a toe guard, the
toe guard being removably connected to the lower shin guard piece
at any one of a plurality of selectable locations.
21. The leg guard of claim 20, wherein the toe guard and the lower
shin guard piece are removably connectable to one another by a hook
and loop fastener.
22. The leg guard of claim 20, wherein the toe guard comprises a
moldable panel.
23. The leg guard of claim 15 further comprising: a knee guard; a
thigh guard; and a continuous flexible band underlying and
connecting the thigh guard and the knee guard.
24. The leg guard of claim 23 further comprising an extended knee
guard overlapping at least portions of the thigh guard and the knee
guard, the extended knee guard being affixed to the continuous
flexible band.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Shin Guards are frequently worn to protect a sport
participant's shins from impact. Shin guards may be worn in such
sporting activities such as hockey, soccer, baseball and softball.
In baseball and softball, shin guards maybe incorporated as part of
a larger leg guard. Baseball and softball catchers often wear leg
guards while the catcher is crouching when receiving a pitch.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are side views schematically
illustrating portions of an example shin guard assembly in various
states providing different lengths.
[0003] FIGS. 2A and 2B are side views schematically illustrating
portions of an example toe and shin guard assembly in various
states providing different configurations.
[0004] FIGS. 3A and 3B are side views schematically altering
portions of an example toe and shin guard assembly in various
states providing different lengths and configurations.
[0005] FIG. 4 is a side view schematically illustrating portions of
an example thigh and knee guard assembly.
[0006] FIG. 5 is a side view schematically illustrated portions of
an example thigh and knee guard assembly.
[0007] FIGS. 6A and 6B are side view schematically illustrating
portions of an example leg guard in various states providing
different links and configurations.
[0008] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an example leg
guard.
[0009] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the example leg guard
of FIG. 7.
[0010] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the example leg guard of
caffeine 7 when being worn.
[0011] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an example shin guard portion
of the example leg guard of FIG. 7.
[0012] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an example toe and shin guard
portion of the example leg guard of FIG. 7.
[0013] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers
designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The
figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts
may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown.
Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations
consistent with the description; however, the description is not
limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES
[0014] Disclosed are example shin guards that provide a customized
fit for differently sized sport participants. The example shin
guards comprise two pieces that are removably connected to one
another and that overlap one another. In some implementations, one
of the two pieces may be removed and replaced with a differently
sized piece to accommodate a differently sized sport participant.
In some implementations, the extent to which the two pieces overlap
one another may be selectively adjusted to accommodate differently
sized sport participants. Such customization may be especially
beneficial in youth sports where a sport participant may grow and
change in height over a period of time. Such customization may also
be beneficial in team sports, wherein a single shin guard may be
adjusted so as to be worn by multiple differently sized sport
participants on a single team.
[0015] In some implementations, the example shin guards comprise a
first piece that is fixed in shape and size, wherein the first
piece is to cover a portion of a sport participant's shin that is
less variable amongst different participants. The example shin
guards further comprise a second piece that is moldable and
hardenable and is to cover those portions of the sport
participant's shin that may be more variable or susceptible to
changes in size. For purposes of this disclosure, the term
"moldable and hardenable" refers to a material that is bendable,
moldable or pliable, with manually applied force, to a desired
shape, wherein the material may be subsequently hardened or cured
to a state that is not bendable or pliable.
[0016] In some implementations, the second piece may comprise a
flexible outer skin containing a liquid or flowable material,
wherein the liquid or flowable material may be something only
hardened while the flexible outer skin is in the desired shape. In
some implementations, the second piece may comprise a panel of a
soft pliable non-liquid material, wherein the soft pliable
non-liquid material may be subsequently hardened to a non-pliable
state once the panel has been molded to a desired shape, conforming
to the adjacent anatomy of the sport participant. In one
implementation, the second piece may comprise a moldable and
hardenable panel such as a panel including gel to shell technology,
commercially available from EVOSHIELD.RTM.. The moldable and
hardenable panel may be supported or positioned adjacent to the
sport participant's shin and shaped to match the sport
participant's shin. Once in the desired shape, the moldable and
hardenable panel may be left in place adjacent the sport
participant shin as the panel is hardened or cured to a permanent
shin protecting shape and state. In some implementations, the
second piece may comprise a compressible, yet bendable pad that is
retained in an arcuate shape by one or more straps or other pad
framing and retaining structures.
[0017] Disclosed are example shin and toe guard assemblies. The
example shin and toe guard assemblies provide a customized fit for
differently sized sport participants. The example shin and toe
guard assemblies comprise a shin guard piece and a toe guard
releasably connected to one another. In some implementations, the
toe guard may be removed and replaced with a differently sized toe
guard to accommodate a differently sized sport participant. In some
implementations, the location and extent to which the toe guard
extends from the shin guard piece and over the sport participant's
foot may be selectively adjusted to accommodate differently sized
sport participants. In some implementations, the toe guard is
releasably connected to the shin guard piece by an elongate
flexible band that is connectable to the shin guard piece at any
one of a variety of different locations by hook and loop fastener
mechanism with one of the hook and loop provided on the flexible
band and the other of the hook and loop provided on a backside of
the shin guard piece. The toe guard may be further retained in
place by a strap extending from the toe guard and wrapping
underneath and about the sport participant's foot. Such
customization provided by the shin and toe guard assembly may be
especially beneficial in youth sports where a sport participant may
grow in change in height over a period of time. Such customization
may also be beneficial in team sports, wherein a single shin guard
may be adjusted so as to be worn by multiple differently sized
sport participants on a single team.
[0018] Disclosed are example thigh and knee guard assemblies. Such
assemblies may comprise a knee guard and a thigh guard pivotably
connected to one another by continuous flexible band that underlies
and connects both the thigh guard and the knee guard. In one
implementation, the thigh guard and the knee guard may both
riveted, stitched or otherwise fastened to respective portions of
the band. The band may extend across a majority of a width of each
of the thigh guard and the knee guard to not only pivotally connect
the two guards, but to also structurally support and stabilize the
two guards against transverse relative movement or twisting.
Although the band is sufficiently flexible to allow a sufficient
degree of freedom such as when a catcher crouches to receive a
pitch and so as to allow some degree of twisting (in contrast to
much stiffer plastic linkages or hinges), the width of the band is
sufficiently wide so as to limit the degree of twisting. Because
the band further extends behind or underlies a majority of each of
the knee guard and the leg guard, which are rigid or inflexible,
such underlying portions of the band are securely anchored to
further limit undesirable relative twisting of the knee guard and
the leg guard. In one implementation, the band may have a width of
at least 2 inches. In one implementation, the band may comprise a
flexible fabric band having a width of at least 0.5 inch and no
greater than 3.0 inches. Because the band structurally supports and
stabilizes the two guards against transverse movement and twisting,
the two guards are more securely retained in place, and placing the
assembly on the sport participant's leg may be simplified.
[0019] In some implementations, the example thigh guard assemblies
may additionally comprise an extended knee guard which overlaps
portions of each of the thigh guard and the knee guard. The
extended knee guard is directly affixed to the flexible band. In
such implementations, the flexible band serves as a direct support
foundation for each of the thigh guard, knee guard and extended
knee guard, simplifying the construction of the example via knee
guard assembly. The family does not involve infrastructure for
pivotally supporting the knee guard relative to the thigh guard and
a second additional structure for pivotally supporting the extended
knee guard.
[0020] Disclosed are example leg guards. The example leg guards may
include one or more of the above shin guard, shin and toe guard
assembly and thigh and knee guard assembly. The resulting leg guard
is well-suited for protecting a catcher's leg while crouching when
receiving a pitch. The example leg guards provide a customizable
leg guard assembly that may adapt to differently sized sport
participants. The example leg guard may serve as a one guard fits
all solution for reducing equipment costs and for ensuring that the
leg guards being worn by sport participants are properly sized and
fitted to the sport participant's anatomy to best protect the legs
of the sport participant.
[0021] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are diagrams schematically illustrating
portions of an example shin guard 20 in different selectable
states. Shin guard 20 comprises upper shin guard piece 24 and lower
shin guard piece 28. Upper shin guard piece 24 and lower shin guard
piece 28 are removably connected to one another so as to overlap
one another. As a result, one of the two pieces may be removed and
replaced with a differently sized piece to accommodate a
differently sized sport participant. In the example illustrated,
the extent to which the two pieces overlap one another may be
selectively adjusted to accommodate differently sized sport
participants. Such customization may be especially beneficial in
youth sports where a sport participant may grow in change in height
over a period of time. Such customization may also be beneficial in
team sports, wherein a single shin guard may be adjusted so as to
be worn by multiple differently sized sport participants on a
single team.
[0022] In the example illustrated, upper shin guard piece 24 is
fixed in shape and size, wherein piece 24 is to cover a portion of
a sport participant's shin that is less variable amongst different
participants. In the example illustrated, upper shin guard piece 24
has an upper end for connection to a knee guard. In other
implementations, pieces 24 and 28 may be configured for use
independent of a knee guard or a larger leg guard assembly.
[0023] In the example illustrated, lower shin guard piece 28 is
moldable and hardenable and is to cover those portions of the sport
participant's shin that may be more variable or susceptible to
changes in size. In one implementation, piece 28 may comprise a
flexible outer skin containing a liquid or flowable material,
wherein the liquid or flowable material may be something only
hardened while the flexible outer skin is in the desired shape. In
some implementations, the piece 28 may comprise a panel of a soft
pliable non-liquid material, wherein the soft pliable non-liquid
material may be subsequently hardened or cured to a non-pliable
state once a panel has been molded to a desired shape, conforming
to the adjacent anatomy of the sport participant. In one
implementation, the second piece may comprise a moldable and
hardenable panel such as a panel including gel to shell technology,
commercially available from EVOSHIELD.RTM.. The moldable and
hardenable panel may be supported or positioned adjacent to the
sport participant's shin and shaped to match the sport
participant's shin. Once in the desired shape, the moldable and
hardenable panel may be left in place adjacent the sport
participant shin as the panel is hardened to a permanent shin
protecting shape and state. In some implementations, piece 28 may
comprise a compressible, yet bendable pad that is retained in an
arcuate shape by one or more straps or other pad framing and
retaining structures.
[0024] In the example illustrated, upper shin guard piece 24
comprises distinct connection points 34-1, 34-2 and 34-3
(collectively referred to as connection points 34). At the same
time, lower shin guard piece 28 comprises distinct connection
points 38-1, 38-2 and 38-3 (collectively referred to as connection
points 38). Each of connection points 34 serves as part of a
connection interface that interlocks with any of connection points
38. Because connection points 34 and 38 interact with one another
on a back face our side of the front upper shin guard piece 24,
such connection points 34 are less susceptible to damage or
becoming contaminated with dirt or other debris which may impair
connection.
[0025] In one implementation, each of connection points 34
comprises a first portion of a snap fastener while each of
connection points 38 comprises a second corresponding portion of
the snap fastener. In one implementation, each of connection points
34 comprises one of a hook and loop structure while each of
connection points 38 comprises the other of the hook and loop
structure (for example, VELCRO.RTM.). As shown by broken lines, in
some implementations, connection points 34 and/or connection points
38 may alternatively comprise continuous elongate strips of hook
material or loop material, providing a continuum of different
connection positions. In other implementations, connection points
34 and 38 may comprise other cooperative interlocking structures
that facilitate releasable securement of pieces 24 and 28 at
different positions relative to one another.
[0026] In the connected state shown in FIG. 1A, connection points
34-2 and 38-1 are connected to one another while connection points
34-3 and 38-2 are connected to one another to provide an
intermediate length for shin guard 20. In the connected state shown
in FIG. 1B, connection points 34-3 and 38-1 are connected to one
another to provide an extended length for shin guard 20. In the
connected state shown in FIG. 1C, connection points 34-1, 34-2 and
34-3 are connected to connection points 38-1, 38-2 and 30-3,
respectively, to provide a shorter shin guard 20. As should be
appreciated, connection point 38-3 may also be connected to
connection point 34-2 for an even shorter shin guard 20 or
connected to connection point 34-1 for a still shorter shin guard
20. The length of shin guard 20 may be adjusted to accommodate
differently size shins of different sport participants. In other
implementations, other numbers of connections points and adjustable
overlapping positions of the shin guard pieces 24 and 28, and other
numbers of overlapped positions and degrees or sizes of overlapping
of the pieces 24 and 28, are contemplated.
[0027] FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically illustrate an example shin and
toe guard assembly 120. Shin and toe guard assembly 120 may provide
a customized fit for differently sized sport participants. Shin and
toe guard assembly 120 comprises a toe guard that may be removed
and replaced with a differently sized toe guard to accommodate a
differently sized sport participant. In some implementations, the
location and extent to which the toe guard extends from the shin
guard piece and over the sport participants foot may be selectively
adjusted to accommodate differently sized sport participants. Shin
and toe guard assembly 120 comprises shin guard piece 128 and toe
guard 150.
[0028] Shin guard piece 128 comprises a member shaped and sized to
cover and protect the sport participant's shin. In one
implementation, shin guard piece 128 may comprise a hard shell
backed by cushioned compressible pad. In another implementation,
shin guard piece 128 may comprise a moldable and hardenable panel
that has been hardened to match or correspond to the profile or
shape of the sport participant's shin. The panel may be enclosed in
a fabric sleeve, pocket or encasement or may be directly exposed.
In one implementation, shin guard piece 128 corresponds to shin
guard piece 28 described above except that shin guard piece 128 is
additionally configured for removable connection to toe guard 150,
forming assembly 120.
[0029] Toe guard 150 extends over or above a top of a sport
participant's foot, protecting his or her foot from impacts. Toe
guard 150 is especially directed to protecting a catcher's foot
from impacts from a thrown pitch or a foul tipped batted ball. Toe
guard 150 comprises toe guard piece 154 and flexible band 156.
[0030] Toe guard piece 154 comprises a hard outer shell. In some
implementations, the hard outer shell is additionally backed by
cushioning pad. In some implementation, toe guard piece 154
includes a strap extending from the shell for wrapping about the
sport participant's foot.
[0031] Flexible band 156 comprise a band of flexible fabric, rubber
and/or polymeric material extending between and connecting toe
guard piece 154 and shin guard piece 128. In one implementation,
flexible band 156 is fastened or affixed to toe guard piece 154
while being removably connectable to shin guard piece 128. In one
implementation, flexible band 156 is removably connectable to shin
guard piece 128 at a plurality of different user selectable
positions so as to adjust the relative positioning of toe guard
piece 154 with respect to shin guard piece 128.
[0032] In the example illustrated, shin guard piece 128 comprises
distinct connection points 164-1, 164-2 and 164-3 (collectively
referred to as connection points 164). At the same time, flexible
band 156 of toe guard 150 comprises distinct connection points
168-1, 168-2 and 168-3 (collectively referred to as connection
points 168). Each of connection points 164 serves as part of a
connection interface that interlocks with any of connection points
168. Because connection points 164 and 168 interact with one
another on a back face or side of the shin guard piece 128, such
connection points 164 are less susceptible to damage or becoming
contaminated with dirt or other debris which may impair
connection.
[0033] In one implementation, each of connection points 164
comprises a first portion of a snap fastener while each of
connection points 168 comprises a second corresponding portion of
the snap fastener. In one implementation, each of connection points
164 comprises one of a hook and loop structure while each of
connection points 168 comprises the other of the hook and loop
structure (for example, VELCRO.RTM.). As shown by broken lines, in
some implementations, connection points 164 and/or connection
points 168 may alternatively comprise continuous elongate strips of
hook material or loop material, providing a continuum of different
connection positions. In other implementations, connection points
164 and 168 may comprise other cooperative interlocking structures
that facilitate releasable securement of toe guard 150 engine guard
piece 128 at different positions relative to one another.
[0034] In the connected state shown in FIG. 2A, connection points
164-2 and 168-1 are connected to one another while connection
points 164-3 and 168-2 are connected to one another to provide a
first position for toe guard piece 154. In the connected state
shown in FIG. 2B, connection points 164-1, 164-2 and 164-3 are
connected to connection points 168-1, 168-2 and 168-3,
respectively, providing a second position for toe guard piece 154.
In the second position, shin guard piece 154 is closer to shin
guard piece 128 as compared to the position shown in FIG. 2A. As
should be appreciated, connection point 168-1 may be connected to
connection point 164-3 to provide yet a third position for toe
guard piece 150, farthest away from shin guard piece 128. In other
implementations, other numbers of connections points and adjustable
overlapping positions of the shin guard piece 164 and the flexible
strap 168, and other numbers of overlapped positions and degrees or
sizes of overlapping of the piece 164 and the strap 168, are
contemplated.
[0035] As a result, the length of shin guard 20 may be adjusted to
accommodate differently size shins of different sport participants.
Such customization provided by the shin and toe guard assembly may
be especially beneficial in youth sports where a sport participant
may grow in change in height over a period of time. Such
customization may also be beneficial in team sports, wherein a
single shin guard may be adjusted so as to be worn by multiple
differently sized sport participants on a single team.
[0036] FIGS. 3A and 3B are side views schematically illustrating
portions of an example shin and toe guard assembly 220. Assembly
220 is similar to assembly 120 described above except that assembly
120 comprises shin guard piece 228 in place of shin guard piece 128
and additionally comprises shin guard piece 24 as described above.
Shin guard piece 228 is similar to shin guard piece 128 except that
shin guard piece 228 additionally comprises connection points 38-1,
38-2 and 38-3 on its front face as described above with respect to
shin guard assembly 20.
[0037] As shown by FIGS. 3A and 3B, shin and toe guard assembly 220
is adjustable to accommodate differently sized sport participants
in two manners. First, shin and toe guard assembly 220 facilitates
selective adjustment of the relative positioning of shin guard
pieces 24 and 228 to accommodate different lengths of shins (as is
guide above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C). Second, shin and toe
guard assembly 220 facilitates selective adjustment of the relative
positioning of toe guard piece 154 and shin guard piece 228 to
accommodate different sized feet of the sport participant. Although
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate only two positions of the shin and toe
guard assembly 220, the shin and toe guard assembly 220 is capable
of numerous other adjustable positions of the shin guard piece 24,
the shin guard piece 228 and/or the strap 168.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a side view schematically illustrating portions of
an example thigh and knee guard assembly 320. Assembly 320
comprises a knee guard 380 and a thigh guard 384 pivotably
connected to one another by continuous flexible band 386 that
underlies and connects both the thigh guard 384 and the knee guard
386. Both knee guard 380 and thigh guard 384 comprise a hard outer
shell backed by a cushion or pad. In one implementation, the thigh
guard 384 and the knee guard 380 may both riveted, stitched or
otherwise fastened to respective portions of the band 386.
[0039] Flexible band 386 extends across a majority of a width of
each of the thigh guard 384 and the knee guard 380 to not only
pivotally connect the two guards, but to also structurally support
and stabilize the two guards against transverse relative movement
or twisting. Although the band 386 is sufficiently flexible to
allow a sufficient degree of freedom such as when a catcher
crouches to receive a pitch and so as to allow some degree of
twisting (in contrast to much stiffer plastic linkages or hinges),
the width of the band 386 is sufficiently wide so as to limit the
degree of twisting. Because the band 36 further extends behind or
underlies a majority of each of the knee guard 380 and the leg
guard 384, which are rigid or inflexible, such underlying portions
of the band are securely anchored to further limit undesirable
relative twisting of the knee guard and the leg guard. In one
implementation, the band 36 may have a width of at least 2 inches.
In one implementation, the band may comprise a flexible fabric band
of at least 2 inches. In one implementation, the band may be formed
from a fabric material having a width of at least 0.5 inch and no
greater than 3.0 inches. Because the band 36 structurally supports
and stabilizes the two guards against transverse movement and
twisting, the two guards are more securely retained in place and
placing the assembly on the sport participant's leg may be
simplified. In other implementations, the flexible band 386 can be
a pair of spaced apart flexible bands 386 that each connect the
knee guard 380 and the leg guard 384 with the space between the
flexible bands 386 being suitable to extend over a player's knee
cap. In another implementation, the flexible band 386 may be a wide
band and may include a knee cap opening for extending over or
accommodating the player's knee cap.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a side view schematically illustrating portions of
an example thigh guard assembly 420. Assembly 420 is similar to
assembly 320 described above except that assembly 420 additionally
comprises an extended knee guard 488 which overlaps portions of
each of the thigh guard 384 and the knee guard 380. The extended
knee guard 488 is directly affixed to the flexible band 386. In
some implementations, the extended knee guard 488 is stitched,
riveted and/or fixed to flexible band 386 at a location between
knee guard 380 and thigh guard 384. In other implementations, the
knee guard 488 may be removably attached to flexible band 386. In
such implementations, the flexible band 386 serves as a direct
support or foundation for each of the thigh guard 384, knee guard
380 and extended knee guard 488, simplifying the construction of
the example thigh and knee guard assembly. The assembly 420 does
not involve an additional first structure for pivotally supporting
the knee guard relative to the thigh guard and a second additional
structure for pivotally supporting the extended knee guard,
reducing complexity and cost.
[0041] FIGS. 6A and 6B are side views schematically illustrated
portions of an overall leg guard 520 into different size adjusted
states. Leg guard 520 comprises a combination of: shin guard
assembly 220 and thigh and knee guard assembly 420 described above
except that assembly 520 comprises flexible band 586 in place of
flexible band 386. Flexible band 586 is similar to flexible band
326 except that flexible band 586 has an extended length so as to
overlap in extends behind shin guard piece 24, where flexible band
586 is affixed to a backside of shin guard piece 24. In one
implementation, flexible band 326 is stitched, riveted or otherwise
fastened to shin guard piece 24. In some implementations, flexible
band 586 may be affixed to shin guard piece 24 at other locations.
In other implementations, the flexible band 586 may be removably
and/or adjustably attached to the shin guard piece 24. In the
example illustrated, flexible band 586 serves as a single base or
foundation for supporting both assembly 220 and assembly 420.
[0042] Similar to flexible band 486, flexible band 586 not only
pivotally connects the two assemblies, but also structurally
supports and stabilizes assemblies 220 and 420 against transverse
relative movement or twisting. Although the band 586 is
sufficiently flexible to allow a sufficient degree of freedom such
as when a catcher crouches to receive a pitch and so as to allow
some degree of twisting (in contrast to much stiffer plastic
linkages or hinges), the width of the band 586 is sufficiently wide
so as to limit the degree of twisting. Because the band 586 further
extends behind or underlies a majority of thin guard piece 24,
which are rigid or inflexible, such underlying portions of the band
are securely anchored to further limit undesirable relative
twisting of the assemblies 220 and 420. In one implementation, the
band 586 may have a width of at least 2 inches. In one
implementation, the band may comprise a flexible fabric band having
a thickness of at least 0.5 inch and no greater than 3.0 inch.
Because the band 586 structurally supports and stabilizes
assemblies 220 and 420 against transverse movement and twisting,
assemblies 220 and 420 are more securely retained in place. In
addition, placing the assembly on the sport participant's leg may
be simplified.
[0043] FIGS. 7-9 illustrated portions of an example leg guard 720,
an example implementation of leg guard 520. FIG. 7 is a front
perspective view of leg guard 720. FIG. 8 is a rear perspective
view of leg guard 720. FIG. 9 illustrates leg guard 720 while being
worn. Leg guard 720 comprises shin guard piece 724, shin guard
piece 728, toe guard 750, knee guard 780, thigh guard 784 (shown in
FIGS. 8 to 9) and flexible band 786.
[0044] Shin guard piece 724 and 728 comprise implementations of
shin guard pieces 24 and 228 described above. Shin guard pieces 724
and 728 are removably connected to one another so as to overlap one
another. As a result, one of the two pieces may be removed and
replaced with a differently sized piece to accommodate a
differently sized sport participant. In the example illustrated,
the extent to which the two pieces overlap one another may be
selectively adjusted to accommodate differently sized sport
participants. The number of adjustable positions between the shin
guard pieces 724 and 728 is very large allowing for any user to
find an adjustable position that meets his or her needs. Such
customization may be especially beneficial in youth sports where a
sport participant may grow in change in height over a period of
time. Such customization may also be beneficial in team sports,
wherein a single shin guard may be adjusted so as to be worn by
multiple differently sized sport participants on a single team.
[0045] In the example illustrated, shin guard piece 724 is fixed in
shape and size, wherein piece 724 is to cover a portion of a sport
participant's shin that is less variable amongst different
participants. In the example illustrated, shin guard piece 724 has
an upper end coupled to knee guard 780 by flexible band 786. In the
example illustrated, shin guard piece 724 is affixed to flexible
band 786 by rivets or stitching.
[0046] Shin guard piece 728 is moldable and hardenable and is
configured to cover those portions of the sport participant's shin
that may be more variable or susceptible to changes in size. In the
example illustrated, piece 728 comprises a panel of a soft pliable
non-liquid material, wherein the soft pliable non-liquid material
may be subsequently hardened or cured to a non-pliable state once a
panel has been molded to a desired shape, conforming to the
adjacent anatomy of the sport participant. In one implementation,
shin guard piece 728 may comprise a moldable and hardenable panel
such as a panel including gel to shell technology, commercially
available from EVOSHIELD.RTM.. The moldable and hardenable panel
may be supported or positioned adjacent to the sport participant's
shin and shaped to match the sport participant's shin. Once in the
desired shape, the moldable and hardenable panel may be left in
place adjacent the sport participant shin as the panel is hardened
to a permanent shin protecting shape and state.
[0047] In the example illustrated, shin guard piece 728 comprises a
flexible strap 729 affixed to one side of piece 728 and removably
connected with the other side of piece 728 by hook and loop
fastener. Prior to the hardening of piece 728, while piece 728 is
still in a moldable state, strap 729 may be wrapped about the sport
participants calf, the back of the shin, to retain piece 728 in
place and in a shape closely conforming to the shin. Once shin
guard piece 728 has hardened and retains its shape, strap 729 may
still be used to retain shin guard piece 728 place adjacent to the
sport participant's shin.
[0048] In other implementations, piece 728 may comprise a flexible
outer skin containing a liquid or flowable material, wherein the
liquid or flowable material may be something only hardened while
the flexible outer skin is in the desired shape. In still other
implementations, piece 728 may comprise a compressible, yet
bendable pad that is retained in an arcuate shape by one or more
straps.
[0049] As further shown by FIGS. 7 and 8, shin guard piece 728 has
a lower end portion which comprises ankle guards 735 separated by
intervening cut out 736. Ankle guards 735 comprise opposite ears
projecting downward from the remainder of shin guard piece 728.
Ankle guards 735 are sized and shaped so as to at least partially
cover and protect the balls of the ankle of the leg upon which leg
guard 720 is being worn. Cut out 736 receives portions of tow guard
750, facilitating angular adjustment of tow guard 750 relative to
shin guard piece 728. In other implementations, ankle guards 735
may be omitted.
[0050] FIG. 10 is a front view of leg guard 720 prior to the
shaping/molding and hardening of shin guard piece 728 and a
rearview of the remainder of leg guard 720. As shown by FIG. 10,
shin guard pieces 724 and 728 are removably connected to one
another at any of a variety of different selectable locations by
two continuous bands 734 and 738 that form opposite portions of a
hook and loop fastener. As a result, the length of shin guard
formed by pieces 724 and 728 may be adjusted to accommodate
differently size shins of different sport participants. In other
implementations, shin guard pieces 724 and 728 may be removably
connected to one another by other fastening mechanism such as snap
fasteners and the like.
[0051] Toe guard 750 extends over or above a top of a sport
participant's foot, protecting his or her foot from impacts. Toe
guard 750 is especially directed to protecting a catcher's foot
from impacts from a throne pitch. Toe guard 750 comprises toe guard
piece 754 and flexible band 756.
[0052] Toe guard piece 754 comprises a hard outer shell 757
additionally backed by cushioning pad 758. In some implementations,
toe guard piece 754 includes a strap extending from the shell for
wrapping about the sport participant's foot.
[0053] Flexible band 756 comprise a padded or cushioned band of
flexible fabric in the shape of the tongue extending from toe guard
piece 754 for removable connection to shin guard piece 728. In the
example illustrated, flexible band 756 is fastened or affixed to
toe guard piece 754 while being removably connectable to shin guard
piece 728. As shown by FIG. 11, the back pad or side of shin guard
piece 728 comprises a band or patch 764 of a first portion of a
hook and loop fastener, whereas the front surface of flexible band
756 comprises a patch or band 768 of the other portion of the hook
and loop fastener. As a result, toe guard 750 may be removably
connected to shin guard piece 728 at any one of a variety of
different possible locations to accommodate different anatomies of
the particular sport participant wearing leg guard 720. Such
customization provided by the shin and toe guard assembly may be
especially beneficial in youth sports where a sport participant may
grow and change in height over a period of time. Such customization
may also be beneficial in team sports, wherein a single shin guard
may be adjusted so as to be worn by multiple differently sized
sport participants on a single team. In other implementations, band
756 may be removably connected to shin guard piece 728 by other
fastening mechanisms or arrangements. In some implementations, band
756 may be affixed to shin guard piece 728 by rivets, stitching or
the like.
[0054] As shown by FIG. 9, knee guard 780 and thigh guard 784 are
pivotably connected to one another by continuous flexible band 786
that underlies and connects both the thigh guard 784 and the knee
guard 780. Both knee guard 780 and thigh guard 784 comprise a hard
outer shell 790 backed by a cushion are padding provided by
flexible band 786. In one implementation, the thigh guard 784 and
the knee guard 780 may both riveted, stitched or otherwise fastened
to respective portions of the band 786.
[0055] Flexible band 786 extends across a majority of a width of
each of the thigh guard 784 and the knee guard 780 to not only
pivotally connect the two guards, but to also structurally support
and stabilize the two guards against transverse relative movement
or twisting. Although the band 786 is sufficiently flexible to
allow a sufficient degree of freedom such as when a catcher
crouches to receive a pitch and so as to allow some degree of
twisting (in contrast to much stiffer plastic linkages or hinges),
the width of the band 786 is sufficiently wide so as to limit the
degree of twisting. Because the band 786 further extends behind or
underlies a majority of each of the knee guard 780 and the leg
guard 784, which are rigid or inflexible, such underlying portions
of the band are securely anchored to further limit undesirable
relative twisting of the knee guard and the leg guard. In one
implementation, the band 786 may have a width of at least 2 inches.
In one implementation, the band may comprise a flexible fabric band
having a thickness of at least 0.5 inch and no greater than 3.0
inches. Because the band 786 structurally supports and stabilizes
the two guards against transverse movement and twisting, the two
guards are more securely retained in place and placing the assembly
on the sport participant's leg may be simplified.
[0056] Extended knee guard 788 which overlaps portions of each of
the thigh guard 384 and the knee guard 380. The extended knee guard
788 is directly affixed to the flexible band 786. In the
illustrated example, the extended knee guard 788 is stitched,
riveted alive fixed to flexible band 786 at a location between knee
guard 780 and thigh guard 784. In the illustrated example, the
flexible band 786 serves as a direct support or foundation for each
of the thigh guard 784, knee guard 780 and extended knee guard 788,
simplifying the construction of the example leg guard 720. As shown
by such figures, the various portions of leg guard 720 comprise
additional straps 792, 794 and 796 for further securing leg guard
720 about the leg of the sport participant.
[0057] Although the present disclosure has been described with
reference to example implementations, workers skilled in the art
will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from disclosure. For example, although different example
implementations may have been described as including features
providing various benefits, it is contemplated that the described
features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be
combined with one another in the described example implementations
or in other alternative implementations. Because the technology of
the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in
the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described
with reference to the example implementations and set forth in the
following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible.
For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims
reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of
such particular elements. The terms "first", "second", "third" and
so on in the claims merely distinguish different elements and,
unless otherwise stated, are not to be specifically associated with
a particular order or particular numbering of elements in the
disclosure.
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