Patent ID: 6128777
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: A41D,A63B

Abstract:
A batter's forearm protector product, including a forearm protector for being custom-formed to the shape of a batter's forearm while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, supporting custom fit, said forearm protector product comprising:(a) an outer container formed of moisture-imnpervious material;(b) a flexible forearm protector positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use, the forearm protector shaped to provide, when in place on a batter's forearm, protection to the forearm including the elbow, said forearm 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 forearm when the forearm 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 forearm of the batter, said unitary structure comprising an asymmetric bilobal shape including a primary elbow protection lobe for extending along the lateral aspect of the forearm from the wrist to beyond the elbow to provide protection to the forearm and elbow against impact from a baseball, and a secondary forearm protection lobe rigidly integral with said primary elbow protection lobe for extending along the outer extent of the forearm from the wrist to the upper forearm but not including the elbow to provide protection to the forearm while providing enhanced mobility to the batter's arm during batting; and(c) first and second complementary fasteners attached to opposing side edges of the forearm protector, at least one of said first and second complementary fasteners being adapted for extending circumferentially around the forearm and releasably attaching to the second complementary fastener for retaining the forearm protector in place on the batter's forearm while being worn.