Hinged Catcher Leg Guard With Extended Knee Cap Wrap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current leg guards for baseball and softball catchers inadequately protect the inner side portions of the knees and often misalign during quick movements, requiring catchers to reposition the pads, which can be distracting and hinder performance.
Innovation Solution
A leg guard design featuring a hinged configuration with an extended knee cap wrap that articulates less than 90 degrees, preventing axial rotation or vertical displacement, and a strapping system for adjustable attachment, ensuring the pads remain aligned and secure during various stances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a triple kneecap design is used to protect the knee area, then basic knee protection is provided, but the inner side portions of the catcher's knees are not sufficiently protected
Solution Approach 1:
The leg guard is divided into multiple separate protective components including a first kneecap guard, a second kneecap guard, and an extended kneecap guard that specifically targets the inner knee area. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific protective function, with the extended guard providing dedicated coverage for previously unprotected inner knee portions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the leg guard are designed with different protective characteristics. The extended kneecap guard has a specific shape and positioning that concentrates protection on the inner knee area, while the main kneecap guards provide coverage for the front and outer knee areas. Each region's protective element is tailored to address the specific harmful factors encountered in that location.
2Speed
If the catcher moves quickly between crouching and standing positions, then the catcher can react to pitches and plays, but the leg guard pads become misaligned and require repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The leg guard incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the pads to automatically reposition themselves during movement. The flexible connection between pad components enables them to shift with the catcher's leg movements, maintaining proper alignment without requiring manual intervention. This dynamic design accommodates the full range of motion from crouching to standing positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg guard pads are designed to self-adjust and self-realign during catcher movement. The flexible mounting system and interconnecting components allow the pads to automatically return to their correct positions after displacement, eliminating the need for the catcher to manually reposition them during gameplay.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the leg guard is secured tightly to prevent movement, then protection stability is improved, but the catcher's mobility and range of motion are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The leg guard uses flexible connections and adjustable strapping systems that adapt to the catcher's movements. The straps can be tensioned to provide stability during impact while allowing natural leg motion. The flexible mounting of the protective pads enables them to move with the leg without restricting the range of motion, maintaining both stability and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg guard system allows for adjustment of securing parameters through interchangeable straps and adjustable fastening mechanisms. The catcher can modify the tension and positioning of the straps to optimize the balance between stability and mobility based on specific gameplay conditions and personal comfort preferences.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a leg guard that provides increased protection while also providing maximum articulation and increased freedom of movement for the user. More particularly, the leg guard includes a toe guard, a shin guard, a knee guard including an extended knee cap wrap, an extended knee guard, a thigh guard, a left hinge, and a right hinge. Through the use of an extended knee cap wrap and a hinged configuration, the leg guard provides additional protection for the knees of a catcher and allows catchers to freely and quickly move to or through different stances without having to re-position the pads of the leg guard. The hinged configuration provides enhanced mobility for the user by preventing the leg guard from shifting and rotating about the shin of the user and allowing the leg guard to remain static without axial rotation or vertical movement.