ADJUSTABLE KNEE WEDGE FOR A CATCHER
An adjustable knee wedge may include a wedge shaped first compressible block, a wedge shaped second compressible block releasably coupled to the wedge shaped first compressible block and a leg guard mounting interface coupled to at least one of the first compressible block and the second compressible block.
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The sports of baseball and softball require a catcher behind home plate. The catcher must generally crouch when receiving a ball thrown by a pitcher. Such crouching may place great stress on the catcher's knees.
Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The FIGS. are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLESDisclosed are example catcher knee wedges that are to be supported behind a catcher's lower leg so as to provide a resting surface for the catcher's thigh and buttocks when the catcher is crouching. The example catcher knee wedges comprise a modular system which provides an adjustable thickness to accommodate differently sized catchers and different personal preferences. The example catcher knee wedges facilitate stacking of different wedge-shaped compressible blocks, which are releasably coupled to one another, to provide a selected overall thickness, a selected spacing between the back of the catcher's calves and thighs. In such implementations, the catcher may selectively adjust the catcher knee wedge between a first configuration formed by a single wedge-shaped first compressible block and a second configuration formed by a wedge shaped second compressible block stacked upon the wedge shaped first compressible block.
In some implementations, the different wedge-shaped compressible blocks are releasably coupled to one another by block-to-block connectors that directly connect the compressible blocks. In some implementations, the different wedge-shaped compressible blocks are releasably coupled to one another by being removably positioned within an outer flexible housing. In such implementations, the outer flexible housing may include a mouth through which the different wedge-shaped compressible blocks may be inserted and removed.
At various times during practice or during a game, a catcher may want to discontinue use of the knee wedge or switch to a different knee wedge having a different thickness. For example, during particular points in practice or a game, the catcher may want to remove the knee wedge or switch to a different knee wedge for enhanced maneuverability when catching. When not performing catching duties, such as when the catcher is at bat, the catcher may want to remove the knee wedge.
The example knee wedges may facilitate faster and easier connection and disconnection of the knee wedge to and from the other protective leg gear being worn by the catcher. In some implementations, the example knee wedges comprise a leg guard mounting interface in the form of at least one flexible belt loop or sleeve. The belt loop or sleeve is sized and/or is deformable or stretchable such that any buckles or other rigid connectors used to connect the knee wedge to the protective leg gear may be passed through the at least one sleeve. As a result, the catcher may more easily disconnect the knee wedge from the existing strap that otherwise wraps about the catcher's lower leg to retain portions of the leg guard against a front of the catcher's lower leg. Although disclosed in the context of being used with the modular or adjustable knee wedge, the example leg guard mounting interfaces may likewise be utilized with non-expendable or non-adjustable knee wedges providing similar benefits.
Disclosed is an example knee wedge that comprises a wedge-shaped first compressible block, a flexible housing having an interior and a selectively closable mouth providing access to the interior. The interior removably contains the wedge-shaped first compressible block. The knee wedge further comprises a leg guard mounting interface coupled to an exterior of the flexible housing.
Disclosed is an example knee wedge that comprises a wedge shaped first compressible block, a wedge shaped second compressible block releasably coupled to the wedge shaped first compressible block, and a leg guard mounting interface coupled to at least one of the first compressible block and the second compressible block.
Disclosed is an example leg protection system. The example leg protection system comprises a leg guard and a catcher knee wedge releasably connected to the leg guard. The catcher knee wedges are selectively adjustable between a plurality of configurations comprising a first configuration using a wedge-shaped first compressible block, a second configuration using a wedge shaped second compressible block sized differently than the wedge shaped first compressible block, and a third configuration using a stacking of the first compressible block and the second compressible block.
Leg guard 12 is mountable to front surfaces of the one leg of a catcher, generally extending from the top of the catcher's feet to above the catcher's knee. Leg guard 12 comprises shin guard 14, knee guard 16, extended knee guard 17 and thigh guard 18. The individual guards may partially overlap one another and may be coupled to one another by at least one elongate flexible strap or band that extends between such guards. One example of such a leg guard 12 is described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/946,029 (WT-0298-US-NP) filed on Jun. 3, 2020 by Dierkes et al. and entitled Adjustable Leg Guard for a Catcher, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
In the example illustrated, leg guard 12 is secured to the catcher's leg by a collection of individual elastic support straps 22-1, 22-2, 22-3 and 22-4 (collectively referred to as support straps 22). Strap 22-1 wraps about catcher's thigh and has opposite ends connected to thigh guard 18. Strap 22-2 wraps about the catches leg at or below and behind the catcher's knee and has opposite ends connected to knee guard 16. Straps 22-3 and 22-4 extend about the catcher's lower leg or calf and have opposite ends connected to knee wedge 20.
In the example illustrated, each of the opposite ends of the various straps 22 is threaded through a buckle having a hook which is hooked to a hook of the corresponding guard. In other implementations, each of such straps 22 may have ends which are releasably connected to the respective guards with other mechanisms such as hook and loop connections, snaps, or the like. In some implementations, one end of each such straps 22 may be fixedly joined to the respective guard, wherein the other end is releasably connected to the respective guard.
Knee wedge 20 (schematically illustrated) comprises a wedge-shaped modular assembly or stack of individual web-shaped compressible blocks 30-1 and 30-2 (collectively referred to as blocks 30) which are releasably coupled to one other and which are connected to straps 22-3 and 22-4 by a leg guard mounting interface 40-1 (schematically illustrated). In the example illustrated, each of the compressible blocks 30 are of different sizes, offering different incremental overall thicknesses to knee wedge 20. In some implementations, the different compressible blocks may have similar thicknesses. In some implementations, block 30-1 and 30-2 have different constructions, being formed from different materials and offering different degrees of compressibility (different stiffnesses). In one implementation, the blocks 30 are formed of an EVA foam having a hardness of approximately 30 C. In one implementation, the blocks are formed of an EVA foam having a density of approximately 0.075 g/cm3. In other implementations, the blocks can be formed of materials having different hardness and/or density values.
In the example illustrated, the pair of compressible blocks 30-1 and 30-2 are sized for average adults, having a combined uncompressed thickness T of at least 3 inches and no greater than 8 inches. When configured for an average youth, the pair compressible blocks 30-1 and 30-2 may have a combined uncompressed thickness T of at least 3 inches and no greater than 6 inches. The total thickness of the two blocks 30 may be differently apportioned amongst the different blocks in different implementations. Although knee wedge 20 is illustrated as comprising two blocks 30, in some implementations, additional blocks 30 may be further releasably coupled to blocks 30-1 and 30-2 to provide the total combined thickness for knee wedge 20. In some implementations, knee wedge 20 may additionally comprise a soft compressible pad 874 (see
In some implementations, blocks 30-1 and 30-2 are formed from a similar material such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, also sometimes referred to as expanded rubber or foam rubber. The EVA foam offers an appropriate degree of stiffness for providing adequate support for the catcher's knees when the catcher's thighs are bearing down on knee wedge 20 while the catcher is crouched. In other implementations, other compressible materials offering similar compressibility may be used.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “releasably” or “removably” with respect to an attachment or coupling of two structures means that the two structures may be repeatedly connected and disconnected to and from one another without material damage to either of the two structures or their functioning.
Blocks 30 may be releasably coupled to one another in various fashions. As described in more detail hereafter, in some implementations, blocks 30 may be releasably coupled to another by direct physical connections between the stacked blocks. Such direct connections may be achieved with snaps, hook, and loop (VELCRO®) arrangements, buckles and the like provided along various exterior faces of the adjacent blocks 30. In some implementations, blocks 30 may be releasably coupled to one another by an outer flexible housing or bag which removably receives blocks 30. In such an implementation, the outer flex housing or bag may comprise a mouth through which such blocks 30 are inserted, removed, and exchanged.
Because blocks 30 are releasably coupled to one another, different combinations of blocks may be used to selectively adjust the overall thickness and support height of knee wedge 20.
In the example illustrated, each of blocks 30-1 and 30-2 are illustrated is having a generally three-sided triangular wedge shape. As indicated by broken lines, in other implementations, blocks 30-1 and 30-2 may alternatively have a four-sided wedge shape. Although the wedges of blocks 30 are illustrated as having a 90-degree corner, in some implementations, one or both of blocks 30 may omit a 90-degree corner or may have other angles between its exterior faces. In some implementations, such exterior faces may be curved, rounded, or provided with channels.
In some implementations, such faces of blocks 30-1 and 30-2 may have depressions 450-1, 450-2, 550, and projections 451-1, 451-2, 552, respectively (shown in
Leg guard mounting interface 40-1 facilitates removal or releasable connection of knee wedge 20 to the existing straps 22-3 and 22-4 that secure leg guard 12 to the catcher's leg. In some implementations, as shown by
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In one implementation, the rear 666 and sides 670 of housing 660 are formed from a flexible and elastic material such as Lycra. The top 672 is formed from neoprene to provide cushion and stretch. The bottom 674, providing face 661, In some implementations, the panel 663 forming face 661 of housing 660 may be formed from a flexible but generally inelastic material such as textured polyurethane. In yet other implementations, the portions of housing 60 may be formed from other materials or other combinations of materials.
As shown by
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Leg guard mounting interface 740-1 comprises at least one, and nominally at least two spaced, belt loops or sleeves 700. Each of sleeves 700 comprises first and second sleeve openings 701-1 and 701-2 spaced along an axis 703 extending perpendicular to the length of the back face.
In some implementations, each of sleeves 700 comprises a band of material having opposite ends affixed to the lower face 37 of block 30-1. In the example illustrated by
In the example illustrated, sleeves 700 are formed from a material that is flexible, facilitating collapse of sleeves 700 into a substantially flat state against lower face 37. As a result, sleeves 700 are less likely to be uncomfortable to the catcher wearing knee wedge 720. In addition, sleeves 700 facilitate individual use of each of block 30-1 and 30-2 as well as the stacking of blocks 30-1 and 30-2.
As with leg guard mounting interface 740-1, leg guard mounting interface 740-2 comprises two pairs of aligned sleeves 700 through which straps 22-3 and 22-4 (and their associated buckles 744) may be passed for individually securing compressible block 30-22 leg guard 12. As further shown by
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In some implementations, housing 860 is formed from an a sufficiently flexible and elastic material such that housing 860 may receive both blocks 830-1 and 830-2, along with pad 874, while also remaining substantially taught and smoothly wrapped against and about the individual block 830-1, 830-2 with or without pad 874, or the multiple blocks 830, with or without pad 874, concurrently received within interior 869. In one implementation, the rear face 866 and side walls 870 of housing 860 are formed from a flexible and elastic material such as Lycra. The top 872 is formed from neoprene to provide cushion and stretch. The bottom 874, providing face 861 of housing 860, may be formed from a flexible but generally inelastic material such as textured polyurethane. In yet other implementations, the portions of housing 860 may be formed from other materials or other combinations of materials.
As shown by
In the example illustrated, sleeves 800 are formed from a material that is flexible, facilitating collapse of sleeves 800 into a substantially flat state against lower face 861. As a result, sleeves 800 are less likely to be uncomfortable to the catcher wearing knee wedge 820. In the example illustrated, sleeves 800 are formed from a polyurethane. In other implementations, sleeves 800 may be formed from other elastic or inelastic materials.
As shown by
In the example illustrated, each second end 904 of sleeves 900 carries one of a hook and loop portion 908 of a hook and loop fastener arrangement (VELCRO®), whereas in opposing portion of face 861 supports the other of the hook and loop portion 910 of the hook and loop fastener. In yet other implementations, one or both ends of each of sleeves 900 may be releasably connected to face 861 in other fashion such as with snaps, hooks, quick-release buckles, and the like.
Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example implementations, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the disclosure. For example, although different example implementations may have been described as including features providing various benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example implementations or in other alternative implementations. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example implementations and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements. The terms “first”, “second”, “third” and so on in the claims merely distinguish different elements and, unless otherwise stated, are not to be specifically associated with a particular order or particular numbering of elements in the disclosure.
Claims
1. A catcher knee wedge comprising:
- a wedge-shaped first compressible block;
- a flexible housing having an interior and a selectively closable mouth providing access to the interior, the interior removably containing the wedge-shaped first compressible block; and
- a leg guard mounting interface coupled to an exterior of the flexible housing.
2. The catcher knee wedge of claim 1, wherein the wedge-shaped first compressible block has length with a channel extending along the length.
3. The catcher knee wedge of claim 2, wherein the wedge-shaped first compressible block has a first degree of flexibility, wherein the catcher knee wedge further comprises a compressible pad received within the flexible housing, wherein the compressible pad has a second degree of flexibility greater than the first degree of flexibility and wherein the compressible pad is deformed into the channel.
4. The catcher knee wedge of claim 3, wherein the compressible pad has a first side adjacent the channel and a second side, opposite the first side, forming a second channel extending along a length of the compressible pad.
5. The catcher knee wedge of claim 1 further comprising a second compressible block received within the flexible housing and separable from the first compressible block.
6. The catcher knee wedge of claim 5, wherein the wedge-shaped first compressible block and the second compressible block collectively form a wedge-shaped fill for the flexible housing.
7. The catcher knee wedge of claim 1, wherein the flexible housing has a back face and wherein the leg guard mounting interface extends from the back face.
8. The catcher knee wedge of claim 7, wherein the leg guard mounting interface comprises a flexible sleeve configured to receive a leg guard strap.
9. The catcher knee wedge of claim 8, wherein the flexible sleeve has an internal opening width of at least 3 inches.
10. The catcher knee wedge of claim 8, wherein the back face has a length and a width shorter than the length and wherein the flexible sleeve comprises first and second sleeve openings spaced along an axis extending perpendicular to the length of the back face.
11. The catcher knee wedge of claim 7, wherein the flexible housing has a back face extending over and adjacent to the second channel and wherein the leg guard mounting interface comprises two pairs of aligned sleeves projecting from the back face.
12. The catcher knee wedge of claim 11, wherein the flexible housing comprises a back face formed from a first material and sidewalls formed from a second material different than the first material.
13. The catcher knee wedge of claim 11, wherein the flexible housing tapers from a first end wall to a second end wall and wherein the mouth extends through the first end wall.
14. The catcher knee wedge of claim 1, wherein the flexible housing tapers from a first end wall to a second end wall and wherein the mouth extends through the first end wall.
15. The catcher knee wedge of claim 1 further comprising a compressible pad releasably supported adjacent the first compressible pad.
16. The catcher knee wedge of claim 1, wherein the flexible housing has a back face and wherein the leg guard mounting interface comprises two pairs of aligned sleeves projecting from the back face.
17. The catcher knee wedge of claim 16, wherein each of the aligned sleeves has an internal opening width of at least 3 inches.
18. The catcher knee wedge of claim 1, wherein the flexible housing comprises a back face having a length and a width shorter than the length and wherein the leg guard mounting interface comprises a flexible sleeve having first and second sleeve openings spaced along an axis extending perpendicular to the length of the back face.
19. An adjustable knee wedge comprising:
- a wedge shaped first compressible block;
- a wedge shaped second compressible block releasably coupled to the wedge shaped first compressible block; and
- a leg guard mounting interface coupled to at least one of the first compressible block and the second compressible block.
20. A leg protection system comprising:
- a leg guard;
- a catcher knee wedge releasably connected to the leg guard and selectively adjustable between a plurality of configurations comprising: a first configuration comprising a wedge-shaped first compressible block; a second configuration comprising a wedge shaped second compressible block sized differently than the wedge shaped first compressible block; and a third configuration comprising a stacking of the first compressible block and the second compressible block.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 21, 2021
Publication Date: Apr 27, 2023
Applicant: Wilson Sporting Goods Co. (Chicago, IL)
Inventors: Andrew K. Tryner (Chicago, IL), Corey R. Williams (Hawthorn Woods, IL)
Application Number: 17/507,397