QUICK RELEASE LEG GUARD ASSEMBLY

A quick release protective equipment assembly is disclosed and may include a fabric sleeve adapted to be worn by an athlete and a piece of protective equipment removably attached to the fabric sleeve by one or more magnetic fasteners and one or magnets embedded in the fabric sleeve and the protective equipment.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to a baseball safety equipment. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to leg guards that a baseball catcher, or softball catcher, may wear to protect his or her shins, knees, and feet from being hit by a baseball.

BACKGROUND

Baseball is the oldest professional sport that is played in the United States. From its humble beginnings in the mid-19thcentury to its rapid ascent to become “America's Game,” baseball has been played by athletes of all ages and skills from Little League players to Major League players.

Baseball is played on a generally diamond shaped baseball field between two teams of nine players each. During play, the first team takes the field in nine different fielding positions: pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, left fielder, center fielder, and right fielder. While the pitcher throws the baseball to the catcher over home plate, one player at a time from the second team stands in the batter's box adjacent to home plate and attempts to hit the baseball.

Out of the nine fielding positions, the catcher is most vulnerable to injury from pitched balls or foul balls and wears the most protective equipment. Typically, the catcher wears a helmet with a mask, a chest protector, and leg guards. In between innings during play, the catcher must frequently take the protective gear off and put the protective gear back on. For example, the catcher must remove the bulky protective gear before taking a turn at bat. Out of all of the gear, the leg guards require the most effort to take on and off. Each leg protector has at least four straps and each strap has a hook that must be engaged with a D ring, or similar device, to properly affix the leg protector to the catcher's leg. The constant removal and donning of the catcher's protective equipment can significantly slow down the pace of a baseball game.

Accordingly, there is a need for leg guards for a baseball catcher that are easier to put on and easier to take off during a baseball game.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment, a quick release protective equipment assembly is disclosed and may include a fabric sleeve adapted to be worn by an athlete and a piece of protective equipment removably attached to the fabric sleeve by one or more magnetic fasteners and one or more magnets embedded in the fabric sleeve and the protective equipment.

In another embodiment, a quick release leg guard assembly is disclosed and may include a leg guard mounting sleeve adapted to be worn on an athlete's leg. The leg guard mounting sleeve may include at least one magnetic fastener. The quick release leg guard assembly may also include a quick release leg guard. The quick release leg guard may include at least one magnet adapted to engage the at least one magnetic fastener and allow the quick release leg guard to removable engage the leg guard mounting sleeve.

In still another embodiment, a quick release leg guard assembly is disclosed and may include a leg guard mounting sleeve adapted to be worn on an athlete's leg. The leg guard mounting sleeve may include an inner layer formed with at least one pocket and at least one magnetic fastener disposed within the at least one pocket. The quick release leg guard assembly may also include a quick release leg guard. The quick release leg guard may include an inner cushioning layer disposed on an inner surface and the inner cushioning layer may be formed with at least one recess and at least one magnet disposed within the at least one recess. The at least one magnet may be adapted to engage the at least one magnetic fastener to allow the quick release leg guard to removable engage the leg guard mounting sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure is presented to provide an illustration of the general principles of the present invention and is not meant to limit, in any way, the inventive concepts contained herein. Moreover, the particular features described in this section can be used in combination with the other described features in each of the multitude of possible permutations and combinations contained herein.

All terms defined herein should be afforded their broadest possible interpretation, including any implied meanings as dictated by a reading of the specification as well as any words that a person having skill in the art and/or a dictionary, treatise, or similar authority would assign particular meaning. Further, it should be noted that, as recited in the specification and in the claims appended hereto, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural referents unless otherwise stated. Additionally, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” when used herein specify that certain features are present in that embodiment, but should not be interpreted to preclude the presence or addition of additional features, components, operations, and/or groups thereof.

Referring initially toFIG. 1throughFIG. 2, a quick release leg guard assembly is shown and is generally designated100. As shown, the quick release leg guard assembly includes a quick release leg guard102and a leg guard mounting sleeve104. As described in greater detail below, in general, a baseball catcher can wear a leg guard mounting sleeve104on each leg under his baseball trousers. Each leg guard mounting sleeve104can include a series of magnets or magnetic discs. Further, each quick release leg guard102can include a series of opposed magnets. During use, in order to don a quick release leg guard102on each leg, the baseball catcher may place the quick release leg guard102adjacent to his, or her, leg and the leg guard mounting sleeve104and the quick release leg guard102may snap to and engage the leg guard mounting sleeve104. To remove the quick release leg guard102, the baseball catcher may simply grab the quick release leg guard102and pull it with enough force to overcome the force of attraction between the magnets or between the magnets and magnetic discs.

Referring now toFIG. 3andFIG. 4, details concerning the construction of the quick release leg guard102are illustrated. As shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 4, the quick release leg guard102may include a shin guard500that may include a first end502and a second end504distanced from the first end502. The shin guard500may be curved to fit around the lower leg of a wearer. Further the shin guard500may be generally semi-cylindrical. The shin guard500may be a single molded piece or it may include multiple molded pieces connected together with rivets or other appropriate fasteners.

The shin guard500may be made from a relatively stiff and shatterproof polymer, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or a combination of both. Further, the shin guard500may include an outer surface506and an inner surface508. The shin guard500may include an inner cushioning layer510disposed on, or otherwise affixed to, the inner surface508of the shin guard502. The inner cushioning layer510may be made from a relatively soft, cushioning material, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, low-resilience polyurethane foam (LRPu), or a combination of both.

As shown inFIG. 4, the quick release leg guard102may include a first recess512formed in the inner cushioning layer510of the shin guard502. The first recess512may be formed near the first end502of the shin guard500along a central longitudinal axis514. The base of the first recess512may be a portion of the inner surface508of the shin guard502. Further, a first magnet516may be disposed within the first recess512. The first magnet516may be affixed to, or otherwise disposed on, the inner surface508of the shin guard502. The first magnet516may extend from the inner surface508of the shin guard502into the first recess512. Moreover, the first magnet516may be flanked on at least three sides by the inner cushioning layer510. In another aspect, the first magnet516may be embedded in the inner cushioning layer510, e.g., within a pocket formed therein. The first magnet516may be a permanent magnet. The first magnet516may be made from iron, nickel and cobalt and their alloys, some alloys of rare-earth metals, or a combination thereof. Further, the first magnet516may be made from neodymium. The first magnet516may have a grade of N35, N38, N40, N42, N45, N48, N50, or N52.

Additionally, the first magnet516may have a diameter that is greater than or equal to 0.5 inches, such greater than or equal to 0.5625 inches, greater than or equal to 0.625 inches, greater than or equal to 0.75 inches, greater than or equal to 0.8125 inches, greater than or equal to 0.875 inches, or greater than or equal to 1.0 inches. In another aspect, the diameter is less than or equal to 1.5 inches, such as less than or equal to 1.375 inches, less than or equal to 1.3125 inches, less than or equal to 1.25 inches, less than or equal to 1.1875 inches, less than or equal to 1.125 inches, or less than or equal to 1.0625 inches. In another aspect, the diameter can be within a range between, and including, any of the minimum and maximum values of the diameter described herein.

In a particular aspect, the inner cushioning layer510may have a thickness, TCL, and the first magnet516may have a thickness, TM1, and TM1may be substantially equal to TCL. In another aspect, TM1may be greater than or equal to 90% TCL, such as greater than or equal to 92.5% TCL, greater than or equal to 95.0% TCL, greater than or equal to 97.5% TCL, greater than or equal to 98.0% TCL, greater than or equal to 98.5% TCL, greater than or equal to 99.0% TCL, greater than or equal to 99.5% TCL, or greater than or equal to 99.9% TCL. In another aspect, TM1may be less than or equal to 110% TCL, such as less than or equal to 107.5% TCL, less than or equal to 105.0% TCL, less than or equal to 102.5% TCL, less than or equal to 102.0% TCL, less than or equal to 101.5% TCL, less than or equal to 101.0% TCL, less than or equal to 100.5% TCL, or less than or equal to 100.1% TCL. In still another aspect, TM1may be within a range between, and including, any of the minimum and maximum values of TM1described herein. In another aspect, the first magnet516may be backed by a backing plate, or spacer, (not shown) and in such a case, TM1can include the thickness of the first magnet516plus the thickness of the backing plate, or spacer.

In another aspect, the first recess512may have a depth, DR1, measured from the outer surface of the inner cushioning layer510to the inner surface508of the shin guard502and TM1may be substantially equal to DR1. In another aspect, TM1may be greater than or equal to 90% DR1, such as greater than or equal to 92.5% DR1, greater than or equal to 95.0% DR1, greater than or equal to 97.5% DR1, greater than or equal to 98.0% DR1, greater than or equal to 98.5% DR1, greater than or equal to 99.0% DR1, greater than or equal to 99.5% DR1, or greater than or equal to 99.9% DR1. In another aspect, TM1may be less than or equal to 110% DR1, such as less than or equal to 107.5% DR1, less than or equal to 105.0% DR1, less than or equal to 102.5% DR1, less than or equal to 102.0% DR1, less than or equal to 101.5% DR1, less than or equal to 101.0% DR1, less than or equal to 100.5% DR1, or less than or equal to 100.1% DR1. In still another aspect, TM1may be within a range between, and including, any of the minimum and maximum values of TM1described herein. In an aspect in which a backing plate, or spacer, is included behind the first magnet516, TM1can include the thickness of the first magnet516plus the thickness of the backing plate, or spacer.

In another aspect, TM1may be greater than or equal to 0.0625 inches, such as greater than or equal to 0.125 inches. Moreover, TM1may be less than or equal to 0.25 inches, such as less than or equal to 0.1875 inches. It is to be understood that TM1may be within a range between and including any of the minimum and maximum values of TM1described herein.

As further illustrated inFIG. 4, the quick release leg guard102may include a second recess518formed in the inner cushioning layer510of the shin guard502. The second recess518may be formed near the second end504of the shin guard500and may be offset from the central longitudinal axis514by a first offset distance, DO1. The base of the second recess518may be a portion of the inner surface508of the shin guard502. The quick release leg guard102may also include a third recess520formed in the inner cushioning layer510of the shin guard502. The third recess520may be formed near the second end504of the shin guard500and may be offset from the central longitudinal axis514by a second offset distance, DO2. In a particular aspect, DO1may be substantially equal to DO2. The base of the third recess520may be a portion of the inner surface508of the shin guard502. As shown, the third recess520and the second recess518may be aligned with each other along a transverse axis521that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis514.

A second magnet522may be disposed within the second recess518. The second magnet522may be affixed to, or otherwise disposed on, the inner surface508of the shin guard502. The second magnet522may extend from the inner surface508of the shin guard502into the second recess518. Moreover, the second magnet522may be flanked on at least three sides by the inner cushioning layer510. In another aspect, the second magnet522may be embedded in the inner cushioning layer510, e.g., within a pocket formed therein. A third magnet524may be disposed within the third recess520. The third magnet524may be affixed to, or otherwise disposed on, the inner surface508of the shin guard502. The third magnet524may extend from the inner surface508of the shin guard502into the third recess520. Moreover, the third magnet524may be flanked on at least three sides by the inner cushioning layer510. In another aspect, the third magnet524may be embedded in the inner cushioning layer510, e.g., within a pocket formed therein. The second magnet522and the third magnet524may be aligned with each other along the transverse axis521. The second and third magnets522,524may be permanent magnets. The second and third magnets522,524may be made from iron, nickel and cobalt and their alloys, some alloys of rare-earth metals, or a combination thereof. Further, the second and third magnets522,524may be made from neodymium. The second and third magnets522,524may have a grade of N35, N38, N40, N42, N45, N48, N50, or N52. The grade of the second and third magnets522,524may be the same as the grade of the first magnet516or different from the grade of the first magnet516.

Additionally, the second and third magnets522,524may have a diameter that is greater than or equal to 0.5 inches, such greater than or equal to 0.5625 inches, greater than or equal to 0.625 inches, greater than or equal to 0.75 inches, greater than or equal to 0.8125 inches, greater than or equal to 0.875 inches, or greater than or equal to 1.0 inches. In another aspect, the diameter is less than or equal to 1.5 inches, such as less than or equal to 1.375 inches, less than or equal to 1.3125 inches, less than or equal to 1.25 inches, less than or equal to 1.1875 inches, less than or equal to 1.125 inches, or less than or equal to 1.0625 inches. In another aspect, the diameter can be within a range between, and including, any of the minimum and maximum values of the diameter described herein. The diameter of the second and third magnets522,524may be the same as the diameter of the first magnet516or different from the diameter of the first magnet516.

In a particular aspect, the second magnet522may have a thickness, TM2, and the third magnet524may have a thickness, TM3. TM2may be substantially equal to TM3and both TM2and TM3may be substantially equal to TCL. In another aspect, TM2and TM3may be greater than or equal to 90% TCL, such as greater than or equal to 92.5% TCL, greater than or equal to 95.0% TCL, greater than or equal to 97.5% TCL, greater than or equal to 98.0% TCL, greater than or equal to 98.5% TCL, greater than or equal to 99.0% TCL, greater than or equal to 99.5% TCL, or greater than or equal to 99.9% TCL. In another aspect, TM2and TM3may be less than or equal to 110% TCL, such as less than or equal to 107.5% TCL, less than or equal to 105.0% TCL, less than or equal to 102.5% TCL, less than or equal to 102.0% TCL, less than or equal to 101.5% TCL, less than or equal to 101.0% TCL, less than or equal to 100.5% TCL, or less than or equal to 100.1% TCL. In still another aspect, TM2and TM3may be within a range between, and including, any of the minimum and maximum values of TM2and TM3described herein.

In another aspect, the second magnet522and the third magnet524may be backed by a respective backing plate, or spacer, (not shown) and in such a case, TM2can include the thickness of the second magnet522plus the thickness of the backing plate, or spacer, and TM3can include the thickness of the third magnet524plus the thickness of the backing plate, or spacer.

In another aspect, the second recess518may have a depth, DR2, measured from the outer surface of the inner cushioning layer510to the inner surface508of the shin guard502. The third recess520may have a depth, DR3, measured from the outer surface of the inner cushioning layer510to the inner surface508of the shin guard502. DR2may be substantially equal to DR3. Moreover, DR2and DR3may substantially equal to TM2and TM3.

In another aspect, TM2and TM3may be greater than or equal to 90% DR2(or DR3) such as greater than or equal to 92.5% DR2(or DR3), greater than or equal to 95.0% DR2(or DR3), greater than or equal to 97.5% DR2(or DR3), greater than or equal to 98.0% DR2(or DR3), greater than or equal to 98.5% DR2(or DR3), greater than or equal to 99.0% DR2(or DR3), greater than or equal to 99.5% DR2(or DR3), or greater than or equal to 99.9% DR2(or DR3). In another aspect, TM1may be less than or equal to 110% DR2(or DR3), such as less than or equal to 107.5% DR2(or DR3), less than or equal to 105.0% DR2(or DR3), less than or equal to 102.5% DR2(or DR3), less than or equal to 102.0% DR2(or DR3), less than or equal to 101.5% DR2(or DR3), less than or equal to 101.0% DR2(or DR3), less than or equal to 100.5% DR2(or DR3), or less than or equal to 100.1% DR2(or DR3). In still another aspect, TM2and TM3may be within a range between, and including, any of the minimum and maximum values of TM2and TM3described herein. In an aspect in which a backing plate, or spacer, is included behind the second magnet522and a backing plate, or spacer, is included behind the third magnet524, TM2can include the thickness of the second magnet522plus the thickness of the backing plate, or spacer, and TM3can include the thickness of the third magnet524plus the thickness of the backing plate, or spacer.

In another aspect, TM2and TM3may be greater than or equal to 0.0625 inches, such as greater than or equal to 0.125 inches. Moreover, over TM2and TM3may be less than or equal to 0.25 inches, such as less than or equal to 0.1875 inches. It is to be understood that TM2and TM3may be within a range between and including any of the minimum and maximum values of TM2and TM3described herein. Further, TM2and TM3may be the same as TM1or different from TM1.

FIG. 3andFIG. 4further indicate that the quick release leg guard102may include a toe guard526that may be connected to the shin guard500by a first soft hinge528. The first soft hinge528may be connected to the shin guard500near the first end502of the shin guard500and the toe guard526may be connected to the first soft hinge528. The toe guard526may be made from a relatively stiff and shatterproof polymer, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or a combination of both. In a particular aspect, the first soft hinge528may be made from a flexible fabric such as neoprene. The toe guard526may include an outer surface530and an inner surface532. The toe guard526may include an inner cushioning layer534disposed on, or otherwise affixed to, the inner surface532of the toe guard526. The inner cushioning layer534may be made from a relatively soft, cushioning material, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, low-resilience polyurethane foam (LRPu), or a combination of both.

The quick release leg guard102may also include a knee guard536that may be connected to the shin guard500by a second soft hinge538. The second soft hinge538may be connected to the shin guard500near the second end504of the shin guard500and the knee guard536may be connected to the second soft hinge538. The knee guard536may be made from a relatively stiff and shatterproof polymer, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or a combination of both. In a particular aspect, the second soft hinge538may be made from a flexible fabric such as neoprene. The knee guard536may include an outer surface540and an inner surface542. The knee guard536may include an inner cushioning layer544disposed on, or otherwise affixed to, the inner surface542of the knee guard536. The inner cushioning layer544may be made from a relatively soft, cushioning material, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, low-resilience polyurethane foam (LRPu), or a combination of both.

As further illustrated, the quick release leg guard102may further include a thigh guard546that may be connected to the knee guard536by a third soft hinge548. The third soft hinge548may be connected to the knee guard536opposite the second soft hinge538and the thigh guard546may be connected to the third soft hinge548opposite the knee guard536. The thigh guard546may be made from a relatively stiff and shatterproof polymer, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or a combination of both. The third soft hinge548may be made from a flexible fabric such as neoprene. The thigh guard546may include an outer surface550and an inner surface552. The thigh guard546may include an inner cushioning layer554disposed on, or otherwise affixed to, the inner surface552of the shin guard502. The inner cushioning layer554may be made from a relatively soft, cushioning material, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, low-resilience polyurethane foam (LRPu), or a combination of both.

As shown inFIG. 4, the quick release leg guard102may include a fourth recess556formed in the inner cushioning layer554of the thigh guard546. The fourth recess556may be formed along the central longitudinal axis514of the quick release leg guard102and may be aligned with the first recess512. The base of the fourth recess556may be a portion of the inner surface552of the thigh guard546.

A fourth magnet558may be disposed within the fourth recess556. The fourth magnet558may be affixed to, or otherwise disposed on, the inner surface508of the shin guard502. The fourth magnet558may extend from the inner surface508of the shin guard502into the fourth recess556. Moreover, the fourth magnet558may be flanked on at least three sides by the inner cushioning layer554. In another aspect, the fourth magnet558may be embedded in the inner cushioning layer510, e.g., within a pocket formed therein. The fourth magnet558may be a permanent magnet. The fourth magnet558may be made from iron, nickel and cobalt and their alloys, some alloys of rare-earth metals, or a combination thereof. Further, the fourth magnet558may be made from neodymium. The fourth magnet558may have a grade of N35, N38, N40, N42, N45, N48, N50, or N52. The grade of the fourth magnet558may be the same as the grade of the first, second, and third magnets512,522,524. The grade of the fourth magnet558may be the same as the grade of the first magnet516and different from the grade of the second and third magnets522,524. Also, the grade of the fourth magnet558may be different from the grade of the first magnet516and the grade of the second and third magnets522,524.

Additionally, the fourth magnet558may have a diameter that is greater than or equal to 0.5 inches, such greater than or equal to 0.5625 inches, greater than or equal to 0.625 inches, greater than or equal to 0.75 inches, greater than or equal to 0.8125 inches, greater than or equal to 0.875 inches, or greater than or equal to 1.0 inches. In another aspect, the diameter is less than or equal to 1.5 inches, such as less than or equal to 1.375 inches, less than or equal to 1.3125 inches, less than or equal to 1.25 inches, less than or equal to 1.1875 inches, less than or equal to 1.125 inches, or less than or equal to 1.0625 inches. In another aspect, the diameter can be within a range between, and including, any of the minimum and maximum values of the diameter described herein. The diameter of the fourth magnet558may be the same as the diameter of the first, second, and third magnets512,522,524. The diameter of the fourth magnet558may be the same as the diameter of the first magnet516and different from the diameter of the second and third magnets522,524. Moreover, the diameter of the fourth magnet558may be different from the diameter of the first, second, and third magnets512,522,524.

In a particular aspect, the inner cushioning layer554may have a thickness, TCL, and the fourth magnet558may have a thickness, TM4, and TM4may be substantially equal to TCL. In another aspect, TM4may be greater than or equal to 90% TCL, such as greater than or equal to 92.5% TCL, greater than or equal to 95.0% TCL, greater than or equal to 97.5% TCL, greater than or equal to 98.0% TCL, greater than or equal to 98.5% TCL, greater than or equal to 99.0% TCL, greater than or equal to 99.5% TCL, or greater than or equal to 99.9% TCL. In another aspect, TM4may be less than or equal to 110% TCL, such as less than or equal to 107.5% TCL, less than or equal to 105.0% TCL, less than or equal to 102.5% TCL, less than or equal to 102.0% TCL, less than or equal to 101.5% TCL, less than or equal to 101.0% TCL, less than or equal to 100.5% TCL, or less than or equal to 100.1% TCL. In still another aspect, TM4may be within a range between, and including, any of the minimum and maximum values of TM4described herein. In another aspect, the fourth magnet558may be backed by a backing plate, or spacer, (not shown) and in such a case, TM4can include the thickness of the fourth magnet558plus the thickness of the backing plate, or spacer.

In another aspect, the fourth recess556may have a depth, DR4, measured from the outer surface of the inner cushioning layer554to the inner surface508of the shin guard502and TM4may be substantially equal to DR4. In another aspect, TM4may be greater than or equal to 90% DR4, such as greater than or equal to 92.5% DR4, greater than or equal to 95.0% DR4, greater than or equal to 97.5% DR4, greater than or equal to 98.0% DR4, greater than or equal to 98.5% DR4, greater than or equal to 99.0% DR4, greater than or equal to 99.5% DR4, or greater than or equal to 99.9% DR4. In another aspect, TM4may be less than or equal to 110% DR4, such as less than or equal to 107.5% DR4, less than or equal to 105.0% DR4, less than or equal to 102.5% DR4, less than or equal to 102.0% DR4, less than or equal to 101.5% DR4, less than or equal to 101.0% DR4, less than or equal to 100.5% DR4, or less than or equal to 100.1% DR4. In still another aspect, TM4may be within a range between, and including, any of the minimum and maximum values of TM4described herein. In an aspect in which a backing plate, or spacer, is included behind the fourth magnet558, TM4can include the thickness of the fourth magnet558plus the thickness of the backing plate, or spacer.

In another aspect, TM4may be greater than or equal to 0.0625 inches, such as greater than or equal to 0.125 inches. Moreover, over TM4may be less than or equal to 0.25 inches, such as less than or equal to 0.1875 inches. It is to be understood that TM4may be within a range between and including any of the minimum and maximum values of TM4described herein. Further, TM4may be the same as TM1, TM2, and TM3. TM4may be the same is TM1and different from TM2and TM3. In another aspect, TM4may be different from TM1, TM2, and TM3.

As further shown inFIG. 4, the first magnet516may be located near a lower end560of the quick release leg guard102, the second magnet522and the third magnet524may be centrally located within the quick release leg guard102, and the fourth magnet558may be located near an upper end562of the quick release leg guard202.FIG. 4also shows that the shin guard506of the quick release leg guard102may also include an alignment recess560formed between the second and third magnets522,524along the longitudinal axis514of the quick release leg guard102. The alignment recess560may be sized and shaped to receive a complimentary alignment feature formed on the leg guard mounting sleeve104, described below. The alignment recess560may have a length, LAR, that may extend at least partially along the length of the shin guard502, LSG, measured along the longitudinal axis514.

In a particular aspect, LAR, may be greater than or equal to 10% LSG, such as greater than or equal to 15% LSG, or greater than or equal to 20% LSG. Conversely, LARmay be less than or equal to 75% LSG, less than or equal to 70% LSG, less than or equal to 65% LSG, less than or equal to 60% LSG, less than or equal to 55% LSG, less than or equal to 50% LSG, less than or equal to 45% LSG, less than or equal to 40% LSG, less than or equal to 35% LSG, or less than or equal to 35% LSG. In another aspect, LARmay be within a range between, and including, any of the minimum and maximum values of LARdescribed herein.

In another aspect, the alignment recess560may have a width, WAR, and a ratio of WARto LAR(WAR:LAR) may be greater than or equal to 0.05. Further, WAR:LARmay be greater than or equal to 0.06, such as greater than or equal to 0.07, greater than or equal to 0.08, greater than or equal to 0.09, or greater than or equal to 0.10. In another aspect, WAR:LARmay be less than or equal to 0.25, such as less than or equal to 0.225, less than or equal to 0.20, or less than or equal to 0.15. In yet another aspect, WAR:LARmay be within a range between, and including, any of the minimum and maximum values of WAR:LARdescribed herein.

Referring now toFIG. 5andFIG. 6, details concerning the construction of the leg guard mounting sleeve104are illustrated. The leg guard mounting sleeve104may include a generally cylindrical body700having a lower end702and an upper end704. The leg guard mounting sleeve104may be a fabric that is flexible and stretchable and may lay flat when placed on a flat surface. The leg guard mounting sleeve104may be made from spandex, nylon, latex fibers, or a combination thereof. The leg guard mounting sleeve104may include an outer surface706and an inner surface708.

As shown inFIG. 6, the leg guard mounting sleeve104may include an inner layer710disposed on, or otherwise affixed to, the inner surface708of the body700. In a particular aspect, the inner layer710may be a fabric that is flexible and stretchable. Further, the inner layer710may be made from spandex, nylon, latex fibers, or a combination thereof.FIG. 6indicates that the inner layer710may be formed with a first pocket712near the lower end702of the body700of the leg guard mounting sleeve104. A first magnetic fastener714may be disposed within the first pocket712. As shown, the first pocket712and the first magnetic fastener714may be disposed along a central longitudinal axis716. In one aspect, the first magnetic fastener714may be a steel strike plate. In another aspect, the first magnetic fastener714may be a magnet. In still another aspect, the first magnetic fastener714may be a disk of magnetic putty. The use of magnetic putty may increase the comfort of the player wearing the leg guard mounting sleeve104.

FIG. 6also shows that the inner layer710of the body700of the leg guard mounting sleeve104may include a second pocket718and a third pocket720centrally located near a midpoint of the body700of the leg guard mounting sleeve104. The second pocket718may be offset from the central longitudinal axis716by a first offset distance, DO1. The third pocket720may be offset from the central longitudinal axis716by a second offset distance, DO2. In a particular aspect, DO1may be substantially equal to DO2.

As shown, the second pocket718and the third pocket720are aligned with each other along a transverse axis722that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis716. A second magnetic fastener724may be disposed within the second pocket718and a third magnetic fastener726may be disposed within the third pocket720. The second magnetic fastener724and the third magnetic fastener726may be aligned with each other along the transverse axis722. In one aspect, the second and third magnetic fasteners724,726may include steel strike plates. In another aspect, the second and third magnetic fasteners724,726may include magnets. In still another aspect, the second and third magnetic fasteners724,726may be a disk of magnetic putty. The use of magnetic putty may increase the comfort of the player wearing the leg guard mounting sleeve104.

FIG. 6further shows that the leg guard mounting sleeve104may include a fourth pocket728in the inner layer710of the body700of the leg guard mounting sleeve104. The fourth pocket728may be formed near the upper end704of the body700of the leg guard mounting sleeve104. Further, the fourth pocket728may be aligned with the first pocket712along the longitudinal axis716. The leg guard mounting sleeve104may also include a fourth magnetic fastener730disposed within the fourth pocket728. The fourth magnetic fastener730may be aligned with the first magnetic fastener714along the longitudinal axis716. In one aspect, the fourth magnetic fastener730may be a steel strike plate. In another aspect, the fourth magnetic fastener730may be a magnet. In another aspect, the fourth magnetic fastener730may be a disk of magnetic putty. The use of magnetic putty may increase the comfort of the player wearing the leg guard mounting sleeve104.

Referring back toFIG. 5, the leg guard mounting sleeve104may include an alignment feature732extending from a front of the outer surface706of the body700of the leg guard mounting sleeve104. The alignment feature732may be a flexible rib affixed to, or sewn into, the body700of the leg guard mounting sleeve104and may extend outward from the outer surface706of the body700of the leg guard mounting sleeve104. Further, the alignment feature732may extend at least partially along the length of the body700of the leg guard mounting sleeve104along the longitudinal axis716of the leg guard mounting sleeve104. In a particular aspect, the alignment feature732may fit into and engage the alignment recess560formed on the shin guard506of the quick release leg guard102between the second and third magnets522,524.

The alignment feature732may have a length, LAF, that may extend at least partially along the length of the body700of the leg guard mounting sleeve104, LMS, measured along the longitudinal axis716of the leg guard mounting sleeve104while the body700of the leg guard mounting sleeve104is relaxed, i.e., not stretched longitudinally.

In a particular aspect, LAF, may be greater than or equal to 10% LMS, such as greater than or equal to 15% LMS, or greater than or equal to 20% LMS. Conversely, LAFmay be less than or equal to less than or equal to 50% LMS, less than or equal to 45% LMS, less than or equal to 40% LMS, less than or equal to 35% LMS, or less than or equal to 35% LMS. In another aspect, LAFmay be within a range between, and including, any of the minimum and maximum values of LAFdescribed herein.

In another aspect, the alignment recess560may have a width, WAF, and a ratio of WAFto LAF(WAF:LAFmay be greater than or equal to 0.05. Further, WAF:LAFmay be greater than or equal to 0.06, such as greater than or equal to 0.07, greater than or equal to 0.08, greater than or equal to 0.09, or greater than or equal to 0.10. In another aspect, WAF:LAFmay be less than or equal to 0.25, such as less than or equal to 0.225, less than or equal to 0.20, or less than or equal to 0.15. In yet another aspect, WAF:LAFmay be within a range between, and including, any of the minimum and maximum values of WAF:LAFdescribed herein.

The leg guard mounting sleeve104may be adapted to stretch longitudinally and radially to fit relatively tightly around an athlete's leg when worn. Moreover, when the leg guard mounting sleeve104is properly worn, as shown inFIG. 2, the magnetic fasteners714,724,726,730may be aligned at several different positions along the athlete's leg. For example, the first magnetic fastener714may be locate above the athlete's ankle. The second and third magnetic fasteners724,726may be located closer to, but below, the athlete's knee. The fourth magnetic fastener730may be located above the athlete's knee.

When the quick release leg guard102is assembled, or engaged, with the leg guard mounting sleeve104(as shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2), the first magnet516on the quick release leg guard102can engage the first magnetic fastener714on the leg guard mounting sleeve104. The second magnet522on the quick release leg guard102can engage the second magnetic fastener724on the leg guard mounting sleeve104. The third magnet524on the quick release leg guard102can engage the third magnetic fastener726on the leg guard mounting sleeve104. Moreover, the fourth magnet558on the quick release leg guard102can engage the fourth magnetic fastener730on the leg guard mounting sleeve104.

Each magnet/magnetic fastener pairing516/714,522/724,524/726,558/730may include a pull force, FP, that is the amount of force required to disassemble each magnet/magnetic fastener pairing516/714,522/724,524/726,558/730. In a particular aspect, FPmay be greater than or equal to 5.0 pounds, such as greater than or equal to 7.5 pounds, or greater than or equal to 10.0 pounds. In another aspect, FPmay be less than or equal to 20.0 pounds, such as less than or equal to 17.5 pounds, less than or equal to 15.0 pounds, or less than or equal to 12.5 pounds. It is to be understood that FPmay also be within a range between, and including, any of the minimum and maximum values of FPdescribed herein.

To operate the quick release leg guard assembly100, an athlete may first put a leg guard mounting sleeve104on each leg (as shown inFIG. 2). Thereafter, the athlete may lower his or her trouser legs over each leg guard mounting sleeve104. The athlete may then bring a quick release leg guard102up to each leg in front of a leg guard mounting sleeve104. The magnetic attraction between the magnets516,522,524,558and the magnetic fasteners714,724,726,730may snap the quick release leg guard102to the leg guard mounting sleeve104. The alignment feature732on the leg guard mounting sleeve104may cooperate with the alignment recess560on the quick release leg guard102to maintain proper alignment of the quick release leg guard102with respect to the leg guard mounting sleeve104. In lieu of the alignment feature732and alignment recess560, if the magnetic fasteners714,724,726,730are magnets, the magnets516,522,524,558on the quick release leg guard102will self-center with the magnetic fasteners714,724,726,730to maintain proper alignment of the quick release leg guard102with respect to the leg guard mounting sleeve104.

Accordingly, the quick release leg guard assembly acts as a quick release protective assembly that includes a fabric sleeve, e.g., the leg guard mounting sleeve104, that is adapted to be worn on an athlete's limb, such as a leg or arm. A piece of protective equipment, e.g., the quick release leg guard102, may be placed over the baseball trousers and removable attached to the outer surface of the fabric sleeve disposed under the trousers by magnets and magnetic fasteners embedded in both the sleeve and the protective equipment. The piece of protective equipment may be the quick release leg guard102for baseball players and softball players. In another aspect, the piece of protective equipment may be a shin guard for soccer players and field hockey players and the sleeve may be adapted to be worn just on the athlete's lower leg.

Referring now toFIGS. 7 through 9, a second exemplary embodiment of the quick release leg guard assembly is shown and is generally designated800. As best shown in these figures, the quick release leg guard assembly800includes a leg guard804(FIG. 9) and a mounting sleeve808(FIGS. 7 and 8). As described in connection with the first embodiment, a wearer, e.g., a baseball catcher, can don and wear the mounting sleeve808on each leg under his baseball trousers, and the leg guard804over the wearer's trousers in the manner described below.

As best shown inFIG. 8, the mounting sleeve808is sized to extend between the wearer's ankle and knee and is typically slightly shorter than the length of the leg guard804. Moreover, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, the mounting sleeve808includes a mounting surface812that is of a generally truncated V-shape and includes a width that progressively decreases from one end to another, i.e., from its top end in proximity to the knee, to its bottom end in proximity to the ankle, thereby allowing for better conformity with the anatomy (i.e., with the lower leg) of the wearer. In certain applications, the mounting sleeve808may be arranged to extend higher than is shown inFIG. 8, and may extend over the knee of the wearer. As best shown inFIG. 7, each mounting sleeve808may also include a fabric liner816formed of any suitable elastomeric or textile material. The mounting sleeve808may be arranged for attachment to the wearer's leg with the mounting surface812formed to the contour of the wearer's leg and oriented to cover and provide protection to the wearer's shin. The mounting surface812may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the mounting surface812may be formed of a suitable soft rubber that is comfortable against the skin of the wearer and is waterproof to facilitate washing and cleaning. The mounting surface814may provide a sufficient degree of rigidity for enabling mounting of the leg guard804thereto, but also may provide a sufficient degree of flexibility to enable the wearer to wrap the mounting surface812around the contour of the wearer's leg. One such suitable material that meets these requirements is silicone, but other materials are contemplated within the scope of the invention. Although the mounting surface812is illustrated as having a web-like construction, such a construction is merely exemplary and other constructions are contemplated so long as the mounting surface812provides the requisite degree of rigidity for attachment of the leg guard804thereto and flexibility for providing mobility during use. The mounting surface812may include a pair of opposed closed loops828extending laterally from each side of the mounting surface812. Preferably, the closed loops828may be embedded in the side edges of the mounting surface812. However, other methods for joining the closed loops828to the mounting surface812are contemplated. The closed loops828may be formed of any suitable rigid plastic material to add rigidity to the mounting surface812.

One or more sleeve fasteners814may be disposed on the mounting surface812of the mounting sleeve808. In this manner, the fabric liner816may be separated from the mounting surface812and machine washed and cleaned to avoid the sleeve fasteners814from generating excessive noise or causing damage to the washing machine during cleaning. As best shown inFIG. 7, four sleeve fasteners814are disposed on the mounting surface812of the mounting sleeve808, but a greater or fewer number could be employed within the scope of the invention. As best illustrated inFIG. 7A, in one aspect, each sleeve fastener814may be formed of a magnetically attractive material, such as a ferrous metal, and may include a recessed area in the shape of a cup having a bottom wall and a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, the side wall having a diameter. Thus, each sleeve fastener814is sized to receive and accept therein a guard fastener848located on the leg guard804, the guard fastener being in the form of a magnet having a cylindrical shape. In this manner, the sleeve fastener814with the guard fastener848disposed therein act against lateral forces that may occur during use of the leg guard assembly800to prevent unwanted separation of the leg guard804from the mounting sleeve800. In another less preferred aspect, each sleeve fastener814may be a magnet.

The fabric liner816may be made of a supple material such as nylon or any suitable elastomeric or textile material which conforms itself to the anatomy of the wearer to enhance the adjustability of the quick release leg guard assembly800on the wearer's leg during attachment, use, and removal without unnecessarily hindering the wearer's mobility. The fabric liner816may include a web portion820arranged for placement over the wearer's calf during use. Fastening flaps824may extend laterally from the web portion820and may be arranged to extend through the closed loops828disposed on opposite sides of the mounting surface812. Hook and loop fasteners may be respectively disposed on the rear surface of the web portion820as well as on the rear surfaces of the fastening flaps824to enable attachment of the leg guard mounting sleeve808to the wearer's leg and to minimize movement of the leg guard mounting sleeve808during use.

Referring toFIG. 9, details concerning the construction of the leg guard804are illustrated. As shown inFIG. 9, the leg guard804may include a shin guard832. The shin guard may be curved to the contour of the lower leg of a wearer. Further, the shin guard832may be semi-cylindrical. The shin guard832may be a single molded piece or it may include multiple molded pieces connected together with rivets or other appropriate fasteners. The shin guard832may be made from a relatively stiff and shatterproof polymer, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or a combination of both. The shin guard832may be formed of any suitable impact-absorbing material to provide protection to the skin. Further, the shin guard832may include an inner cushioning layer840affixed to the inner surface of the shin guard832. The inner cushioning layer840may be made from a relatively soft, cushioning material, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, low-resilience polyurethane foam (LRPu), or a combination of both.

One or more guard fasteners848may be disposed on or within the inner cushioning layer840. For example, as shown inFIG. 9, four guard fasteners848are shown located on the inner cushioning layer840. The guard fasteners848may be affixed to, or otherwise disposed on the inner cushioning layer840. In another aspect, the guard fasteners848may be embedded in the inner cushioning layer840. More preferably, the guard fasteners848may be permanent magnets. The guard fasteners848may be made from iron, nickel and cobalt and their alloys, some alloys of rare-earth metals, or a combination thereof. Further, the guard fasteners848may be made from neodymium. The guard fasteners848may have a grade of N35, N38, N40, N42, N45, N48, N50, or N52. Additionally, the guard fasteners848may be cylindrical in shape and having a diameter that is greater than or equal to 0.5 inches and less than or equal to 1.0 inches.

Alternatively, each of the guard fasteners848may be formed of a magnetically attractive material, such as a ferrous material and may include a recessed area in the shape of a cup having a bottom wall and a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, the side wall having a diameter. Thus, similar to the arrangement discussed above in connection withFIG. 7A, under this aspect, each guard fastener848may be sized to accept therein a sleeve fastener814in the form of a magnet having a cylindrical shape. In this manner, the guard fastener848with the sleeve fastener814disposed therein acts against lateral forces that may act upon the assembly800during use to cause unwanted separation of the leg guard804from the sleeve808.

FIG. 9further indicates that the leg guard804may include a toe guard852that may be connected to the shin guard832by a first soft hinge856. The toe guard852may be made from a relatively stiff and shatterproof polymer, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or a combination of both. In a particular aspect, the first soft hinge856may be made from a flexible fabric such as neoprene. The toe guard852may include an inner cushioning layer disposed on, or otherwise affixed to, the inner surface of the toe guard852. The inner cushioning layer may be made from a relatively soft, cushioning material, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, low-resilience polyurethane foam (LRPu), or a combination of both.

The leg guard804may also include a knee guard860that may be connected to the shin guard840by a second soft hinge864. The knee guard860may be made from a relatively stiff and shatterproof polymer, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or a combination of both. In a particular aspect, the second soft hinge864may be made from a flexible fabric such as neoprene. The knee guard860may include an inner cushioning layer868disposed on, or otherwise affixed to, the inner surface of the knee guard860. The inner cushioning layer868may be made from a relatively soft, cushioning material, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, low-resilience polyurethane foam (LRPu), or a combination of both.

The mounting sleeve808may be adapted to stretch longitudinally and radially to fit relatively tightly around an athlete's leg when worn. Moreover, when the mounting sleeve808is properly worn, the guard fasteners848of the leg guard804may be aligned with the sleeve fasteners814of the mounting sleeve808. When the leg guard804is assembled, or engaged, with the mounting sleeve808, the guard fasteners848(e.g., magnets) on the leg guard804can engage the sleeve fasteners814(e.g., formed of a ferrous metal) on the mounting sleeve808. Moreover, as best shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, the sleeve fasteners814and guard fasteners848are positioned at sufficient distances away from the vertical centerline of sleeve808and leg guard804, respectively, such that in the event a catcher is playing on one or both knees, discomfort and injury is avoided resulting from the fasteners digging into the catcher's knees and legs.

Each magnet/ferrous metal pairing may include a pull force, FP, that is the amount of force required to disassemble each magnet/ferrous metal pairing. In a particular aspect, FPmay be within a range of greater than or equal to 5.0 pounds and less than or equal to 20.0 pounds.

To operate the quick release leg guard assembly800, a wearer may first put a mounting sleeve808on each leg (as shown inFIG. 8). Thereafter, the wearer may lower his or her trouser legs over each mounting sleeve808. The wearer may then bring a leg guard804up to each leg in front of a mounting sleeve808. The magnetic attraction between the magnets848(for example) and the ferrous material814(for example) may snap the leg guard804to the mounting sleeve808. Accordingly, the quick release leg guard assembly800acts as a quick release protective assembly that includes a mounting sleeve808, that is adapted to be worn on a wearer's limb, such as a leg or arm. A piece of protective equipment, e.g., the leg guard804, may be removably attached to the outer surface of the sleeve by magnets and magnetic fasteners formed of a ferrous magnetic metal embedded in both the sleeve and the protective equipment. The piece of protective equipment may be the quick release leg guard800for baseball players and softball players. In another aspect, the piece of protective equipment may be a shin guard for soccer players and field hockey players and the sleeve may be adapted to be worn just on the athlete's lower leg.

It is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.