Patent ID: 6131195
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
A batter's lower leg protector product including a lower leg protector for being custom-formed to the shape of a batter's lower leg while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, supporting custom fit, said lower leg protector product comprising:(a) an outer container formed of moisture-impervious material;(b) a flexible lower leg protector positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use, the lower leg protector shaped to provide, when in place on a batter's leg, protection to the front, lateral and medial aspect of the leg above the ankle and to the lateral and medial ankle bones, said lower leg protector comprising:(i) a substrate;(ii) a reactive system impregnated into or coated onto the substrate, the system remaining stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardening upon exposure to moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure;(iii) a flexible protective pad positioned on one side of the substrate to provide cushioning between the substrate and the batter's lower leg when the lower leg protector is being worn;(iv) an outer cover covering the substrate on the side opposite the protective pad; and(v) said substrate, protective pad and outer cover connected together into a unitary structure for being molded while flexible to the lower leg and ankle of the batter;(c) complementary fasteners attached to opposing side edges of tile lower leg protector for retaining the lower leg protector in place on the batter's leg while being worn;(d) a foot protector for being releasably attached to a lower, centrally-disposed area of the lower leg protector for providing protection to the top of the foot, said foot protector being initially positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and scaled therein against entry of moisture until use and comprising:(i) a substrate,(ii) a reactive system impregnated into or coated onto the substrate, the system remaining stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardening upon exposure to moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure;(iii) a flexible protective pad positioned on one side of the substrate to provide cushioning between the substrate and the batter's foot when the foot protector is being worn;(iv) a outer cover covering the substrate on the side opposite the protective pad; and(v) said substrate, protective pad and outer-cover connected together into a unitary structure after being molded while flexible to the top of the foot of the batter; and(vi) complementary fasteners cooperating with the leg protector and the foot protector for attachment of the foot protector to the front of the leg protector when enhanced protection to the top of the foot is desired, and for detachment of the foot protector from the front of the leg protector when enhanced mobility of the wearer is desired while maintaining full protection to the leg.