Patent Publication Number: US-2005125870-A1

Title: Forearm guard

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/817,830, filed Apr. 6, 2004, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/863,645, filed May 23, 2001, which claimed priority to Provisional Application No. 60,208,220, filed May 30, 2000. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      This invention relates to an article of protective sports gear for protection of the forearm of a baseball player during batting.  
      2. Description of the Prior Art  
      The utilization of protective gear in both contact and non-contact sports is well-known. In baseball, the use of protective gear was initially the exclusive province of the catcher, and the home plate umpire. Gradually, the ballplayers adopted protective head gear, shin guards and, more recently, guards to protect their forearm while batting.  
      The following patents are representative of the state of the art in protective gear used to protect the forearms of individuals.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,707,861 (to Lavoie, issued Nov. 24, 1987) discloses a forearm shield pad which can be releasably secured to a forearm of a person by surrounding straps. The pad includes a sturdy, rigid core and a shock-dampening surrounding sheath. The Lavoie device can best be described as a type of body armor for use by law enforcement and correctional officers in their physical confrontations with aggressive individuals. Accordingly, the exterior face of the pad also includes a longitudinal channel member into which may be releasably engaged a cylindrical striking club of the prison warden.  
      U.S. Des. Pat. No. 300,676 (to Pierce, issued Apr. 11, 1989) discloses a unique and ornamental design for a forearm guard which comprises a fabric sleeve and a series of protective (impact absorbing) pads affixed to the sleeve. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the Pierce design, the impact absorbing pads appear as a distinct series of rigid, articulating segments arranged along a sleeve. The segmentation of the impact absorbing pads is calculated to permit flexure of the forearm guard and, thus, unrestrained freedom or movement/articulation of the forearm.  
      Notwithstanding the protection purportedly offered by each of the foregoing devices, additional improvement is necessary to provide protection, that is both light weight, and readily adaptable to a sports environment (e.g., baseball), while at the same time preserving freedom of movement without discomfort or distraction.  
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
      It is the object of this invention to remedy the above and related deficiencies in the prior art.  
      More specifically, it is the principle object of this invention to provide a forearm guard suitable for use in a sports environment, such as baseball.  
      It is another object of this invention to provide a forearm guard suitable for use in a sports environment wherein the guard is both light weight and can be put on and removed without any mechanical fasteners (e.g., Velcro), straps, or other releasable means.  
      It is yet another object of this invention to provide a forearm guard suitable for use in a baseball environment that provides both protection to the forearm and is absorbing of perspiration that can cause the baseball bat to slip from the batter&#39;s hands.  
      Additional objects of this invention include the integration of the forearm guard into sports apparel (e.g., sweat shirt sleeves).  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The above and related objects are achieved by providing a forearm guard which comprises a sleeve of stretchable material and a flexible impact absorbing pad affixed to the forearm portion of said sleeve. The sleeve is preferably comprised of washable fabric that includes an elastomeric component, and/or is woven to provide stretchability. The sleeve can be of any suitable length and diameter effective to secure the impact absorbing pad over the forearm and thereby protect the forearm of the wearer during an athletic activity. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, the forearm guard is particularly suitable in the protection of the forearm of a baseball player from a wild pitch during batting. Thus, the structure of the forearm guard, as contemplated by this invention, preserves freedom of movement and flexure of the forearm during the swinging of the baseball bat, while at the same time retaining the shock absorbing pad in position to protect the batter from injury. The forearm guard of this invention also includes the additional feature of incorporation of a sweat band-like function into the sleeve, either by the fabrication of the entire sleeve of a terry cloth-like material, or simply including such terry cloth like material at the proximal end of the sleeve adjacent to the batter&#39;s wrist.  
      In another of the preferred embodiments of this invention, the forearm guard can be included/integrated as a component of sports apparel (sweat shirt); and, included on each sleeve thereof. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of the forearm guard of the invention;  
       FIG. 2  depicts a schematic of the sleeve of the forearm guard of this invention, including its overall dimensions;  
       FIG. 3  depicts a schematic of the protective pad of the forearm guard of this invention, including its overall dimensions. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      The forearm guard ( 10 ) of this invention shown in  FIG. 1  is designed for use in a baseball sports environment, specifically in the protection of the forearm of a baseball player during batting. The guard ( 10 ) depicted in  FIG. 1  comprises two basic components, specifically, an elastomeric sleeve ( 12 ) and a shock/impact absorbing pad ( 14 ) associated therewith. Each of these components are distinct and yet associated with one another to provide both effective protection of the forearm during batting and absorption of perspiration from the batter&#39;s arm, so as to prevent moisture from loosening his grip on the baseball bat. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, the sleeve is typically tubular in nature and designed to extend from just above the batter&#39;s wrist to just below the elbow. The flexible compliant nature of the sleeve, (e.g., a terry cloth fabric incorporation, an elastomer yarn or insert) insures both compliance with the form of the batter&#39;s forearm, and resistance to movement along the length of the arm during swing of the bat or arm movements associated with running. Because of the relatively light weight construction of this guard, the elastomeric tension needed to retain the guard in place on the forearm is relatively small, thus, insuring maximum freedom of movement of the forearm during athletic activity.  
      Similarly, the shock absorbing pad, that is associated with the sleeve, is also formed of a relatively flexible impact resistant material (e.g., expandable foam or elastomer). The material of choice for this pad (e.g., neoprene rubber) is relatively flexible at an effective impact absorbing thickness, which is typically less than about 0.25 inches and at least about 0.125 inches in thickness. It is understood that the thickness of the shock absorbing pad is limited by practical considerations relative to flexure of the guard and effectiveness in protection. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, the composite structure resulting from the sleeve and shock absorbing pad achieve the requisite protection without adding substantial weight to the device, or causing movement limiting restriction on the athlete&#39;s forearm. In another of the preferred embodiments of this invention the impact resistant pad is either permanently affixed to the sleeve, or alternatively, releasably attached to the sleeve with a Velcro-like fastener.  
      In another of the preferred embodiments of this invention, the forearm guard is integrated into a garment (e.g., a sweat shirt); and most preferably into both sleeves thereof; to afford maximum protection to the wearer.  
      While the forearm guard of this invention has been described in reference to baseball, it is understood that such a device, particularly when incorporated into a sports shirt, may also be a desirable addition to a team sports uniform (e.g., a flag/touch football, or basketball), where limited contact between players often occurs. Additional uses of the forearm guard of this invention may also find application in work clothes or comparable protective clothing and uniforms in the workplace.