Anatomically dynamic and ergonomic leg guard

Abstract

A leg guard includes an anterior shin protective panel positioned to cover at least a portion of a user's anterior shin region, a lateral protective panel positioned to cover at least a portion of the user's lateral lower leg region, and a medial protective panel positioned to cover at least a portion of the user's medial lower leg region. The panels are mounted on one or more flexible liners in a vertically segmented orientation to articulate with respect to one another. Additional protective panels may be included to protect a user's knee, thigh, or foot. A strap for a leg guard may include a buckle having a protrusion positioned to engage an elongated opening in the leg guard. The strap may bias the buckle into a tilted position, while raised surfaces near the elongated opening resist release or rotation of the buckle.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]Standard youth sports protective gear is usually scaled-down from adult protective gear. For example, a standard youth catcher's leg guard is sized from an adult catcher's leg guard. But young players (e.g., players ages 6-12) present a varying range of anthropometric measurements and qualities along with age-appropriate ergonomic limitations and performance demands, so standard youth sports protective gear is generally sized without proper regard for anatomical proportions and variances present across the youth demographic. Accordingly, standard youth sports protective gear is often bulky or awkward, which results in discomfort and poor performance or protection for the young player. This is true for youth leg protection. Standard youth leg guards typically have fixed, single-piece shin protectors, or narrow central shin protectors (sometimes with foam to protect the sides of the leg), that suffer from inadequate anatomical adaptability and protection.[0002]Standard...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a leg guard that includes protective panels for the shin, lower leg, and knee. These panels are mounted on flexible liners that can move and articulate with each other. The leg guard also has a strap with a buckle that can be adjusted to tilt the guard. The technical effect of this invention is to provide better protection for the user's legs in various sports activities.

Problems solved by technology

But young players (e.g., players ages 6-12) present a varying range of anthropometric measurements and qualities along with age-appropriate ergonomic limitations and performance demands, so standard youth sports protective gear is generally sized without proper regard for anatomical proportions and variances present across the youth demographic.

Accordingly, standard youth sports protective gear is often bulky or awkward, which results in discomfort and poor performance or protection for the young player.

Standard youth leg guards typically have fixed, single-piece shin protectors, or narrow central shin protectors (sometimes with foam to protect the sides of the leg), that suffer from inadequate anatomical adaptability and protection.

The unsecured nature of such a design is prone to disengagement during play if a player has not properly tightened the straps or if the player has placed the buckle hook backwards.

Such a problem is more pronounced for younger players who may be less diligent about securing their gear.

This is complicated and time-consuming for youth players, especially those who share protective gear that consequently must be adjusted often.

Accordingly, there is a lack of anatomically dynamic and ergonomic youth-centric protective gear for baseball or softball catchers and other players.

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