GB2380118A

GB2380118A - Protective leg pads

Info

Publication number: GB2380118A
Application number: GB0220595A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roger Robert Andrew Bradley; Simon Christopher Barnett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-09-05
Filing date: 2002-09-05
Publication date: 2003-04-02
Anticipated expiration: 2022-09-05
Also published as: NZ513971A; GB2380118B; AU2002300851B2; GB0220595D0

Abstract

One-piece protective leg pads 11, 12 for use in the game of cricket comprise a 3D moulded body made, in part, of a high density foamed plastic material. The pad 11 intended for the leading leg of the wearer includes a substantially forward facing flat surface 21 and a side face 23 substantially perpendicular to the face 21. An impact absorbing area 13 is included at the top of each pad and a cutout portion for accommodating footwear is included at the bottom of each pad.

Description

"IMPROVEMENTS IN PROTECTIVE PADS" This invention relates to protective gear and more particularly a protective guard intended to be worn by a batsman playing the game of cricket.

In the game of cricket, a batsman will wear a variety of protective gear including leg guards or so called"pads".

Over the years the pads have changed very little. While still performing a protective function the pads remain somewhat uncomfortable to wear and can restrict mobility not only when the batsman is running between wickets but also during stroke making. There is also the possibility that known pad constructions do not entirely provide the level of protection which is required in the modern game.

There is thus an opportunity to provide a leg pad which provides an improvement in one or more of the areas of comfort, protection and mobility of the wearer. It is thus an object of the present invention to achieve such improvement.

Broadly in one aspect of the invention there is provided a leg pad including a one piece three dimensionally shaped moulded body which includes a high density foamed plastic material, the shape of the pad being such that in its moulded form the pad in use wraps around that part of the leg of a wearer which forms the leading surface of the leg.

According to a preferred form of the invention the pad is intended for the leading leg of the wearer and includes a substantially flat surface which in use is forward facing.

Preferably the pad also includes a side surface edge which in use is located along the inner side of the leg of the wearer, said side surface being substantially normal to the plane of the flat surface.

In a preferred form of the invention the pad includes an air cavity behind a front layer of the foamed plastic material of the moulded body.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention

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and a second pad, the second pad being intended for, in use, wearing on the back or trailing leg of the wearer, the second

pad being of a different shape to the first pad and constructed to provide maximum protection down the inside portion of the leg of the wearer.

In the following more detailed description of the invention according to its preferred form, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings in which :- Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a set of pads incorporating the present invention, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the set of pads shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the pad which is intended for use on the front or leading leg of a player, Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1 but showing the set of pads in conjunction with integrated thigh pads.

Figure 5 is a partial perspective view from behind of a second embodiment of the front or leading leg pad,

Figure 6 is a front view of the pad as shown in Figure 5, Figure 7 is a top plan view of the pad of Figure 5, Figure 8 is a side view (inside leg) of the pad of Figures 5 to 7, Figure 9 is a perspective view of a leg pad with a novel form of strapping for attachment of the pad to a leg of the player, Figure 10 is a plan view of the arrangement shown in Figure 9, Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 9 but showing a different form of the strapping, and Figure 12 is a plan view of the arrangement shown in Figure 11.

The leg guard or leg pad according to the present invention is intended principally for the game of cricket. As is normal the batsman will wear a set of pads, one for the leading or forward leg, when the batsman is in his/her batting stance, and a second which is worn on the backward or trailing leg. Unlike conventional pads, however, the present invention provides a set of leg pads where the two pads are quite different and are designed/constructed to suit the particular requirements for protection, comfort and mobility for the leading and trailing legs (as they appear in a batting stance) of the batsman.

In the drawings there is shown a front leg pad 11 and a back leg pad 12. Each of the pads is manufactured from or includes a high density foamed plastics material. The pad is moulded in one piece in a three dimensional shape which is designed specifically to wrap around and fit comfortably on the leg of the wearer. Unlike a conventional pad there is no knee roll.

In the preferred form of the invention each pad 11 and 12 is provided with a detachable liner for comfort and easy cleaning. The liner is not illustrated in the drawings but is

principally a shaped area of suitable material which is provided with fastenings that fasten to complementary fastening on the inside surface of the pad. The presence of the lining and its method of attachment is not seen to be important to the present invention and therefore is not further described or illustrated herein.

Each of the pads 11 and 12 is provided at its upper end with a flap system 13. The flap system 13 is moulded integrally with the pad. As can be best seen in Figure 3 the pad system 13 is formed by a plurality of upwardly extending flap sections 14 which are delineated one from the other by an area of reduced material thickness 15. Likewise, the outer flap sections 14a and 14b are joined to the side sections 16a and 16b of the pad but delineated by an area 17 of reduced cross-sectional thickness.

In a similar manner, an area of reduced cross-sectional thickness is preferably provided at the root end of each flap section 14 where the flap system 13 joins to the main body of the pad.

In the preferred form of the invention the front face of the front pad 11 is formed of high density foam for maximum

protection to the wearer and minimum rebound when the ball strikes the pad. However, to increase protection and to minimise rebound an air cavity 19 is formed within the body 10 of the pad 11. This air cavity 19 preferably opens through a slotted portion 20 which is preferably located at or adjacent to the root ends of the flap elements 14.

The front or forward facing surface 21 of the front pad 11 is preferably flat or substantially flat as can for example be seen in Figure 2. The transition between this flat surface 21 and the side 22 of the pad which engages along the inner side of the leg of the player is substantially a right angle so that the outward facing surface 23 of the side edge 22 is substantially at right angles to the forward surface 21.

In the batting stance of the player the bat will generally be located adjacent the inner side 22 of the pad 11. Therefore, because of the generally straight side surface 23 and the absence of the conventional knee roll a minimal gap can exist between the edge of the bat and the edge of the pad. This thereby minimises the gap through which a ball may pass.

In addition, it is believed that this configuration of the pad 11 will encourage good technique on the part of the player.

This will arise because the player will wish to maintain the edge of the bat close to the side surface 23 of the pad 11 so as to minimise the gap between bat and pad. This straight side surface 23 and the absence of a knee roll also means that bat movement is not restricted inside of and relative to the pad.

Because of the wrap around design of the pad, better protection is provided on the inner and outer knee of the player as well as providing good protection in the bony area just below the kneecap. Also the inner knee is not exposed to balls coming off the bat because the pad wraps around the leg.

Furthermore, there is good protection of the ankle arising from the shaped lower extensions 24 located either side of the recessed portion 25 which fits over the top of the footwear of the wearer. Therefore, the outer face of the ankle is protected from the direct deliveries while the inner ankle is protected from balls which may deflect off the bat.

The design of the pad is believed to be such that not only is there more comfort and protection but in play there are factors which achieve a more controllable rebound of ball from pad. Also, the pad provides increased mobility not only when

the player is running between wickets but during stroke making.

The one piece design means that there is no knee roll and this reduces uncontrolled rebounds which can occur off the knee roll. The flat face area 21 not only absorbs the ball (thereby reducing rebound) but any rebound is directed in front of the pad rather than deflecting at an angle from the pad. It is believed this will reduce the number of balls deflecting from pad to bat. Deflections will thus generally go straightforward onto the bat in much the same manner of a standard defensive shot.

The flap system 13 by being essentially one piece but nevertheless segmented will also tend to control rebound of a ball making contact therewith. For example, it is believed that the segmented flap system will direct the ball away from the gloves of the player thereby reducing dismissal opportunities. In addition, the flap design by not being bulky and loose reduces the restriction that conventional pads can otherwise occur with conventional pads when the player is attempting sweep shots.

In the design of each of pads 11 and 12 only two straps are needed for each pad. This further enhances comfort to the player and can lead to increased mobility. Due to the three dimensional nature of the pads no twisting of the pad on the player's leg will generally take place when the player is running.

This can lead, in a lower cost version of the pads, to a simpler means of strapping the pad to the leg. As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the strapping can comprise a cord 30 which is anchored at each end to one side 31 of the pad. The cord 30 can be removably attached to the other side 32 by either engaging in a recess or recesses in side 32 near the peripheral edge or can engage with hooks or hook shaped protrusions.

According to the arrangement of Figures 11 and 12 the cord 30 has its free ends hook shaped (e. g. connected to hook elements 33) which engage in openings in side 32.

Referring now to the second or back leg pad 12 the pad once again is of a construction having the same type of flap system 13 but as can be seen from Figure 1. The flap system is, however, of a different shape. For example, the outer flap

size is reduced where protection is unnecessary thereby freeing up shot making (e. g. cut shots). The flap system 13 can also be shaped to provide protection to the inner knee and lower inner quad where greater protection is required.

In the preferred form of the invention there is at least high density foam along the inside surface 25 of the pad 12 so as to provide high protection on the inside of the leg. In the normal batting stance this is the part of the leg where protection is needed. On the other or outside of the leg where high protection is unnecessary the bulk in weight of the protective material can be reduced thereby reducing the overall weight of the pad.

Once again, the back batting leg pad 12 has an ankle arch shape to increase comfort with the sides on the outside ankle reduced where once again protection is not normally required during normal batting.

The back leg pad 12 is thus designed for its specific functions rather than being simply a copy of the front pad 11 and therefore the set of pads combined depart radically from the conventional leg pads where the two pads are essentially the same.

As can be seen in Figure 4 the pads 11 and 12 can be integrated with thigh guards or pads 26 and 27. The thigh pad 26 is intended for front thigh protection and as with the leg pads is preferably a three dimensional moulded form which largely provides a wrap around design. As with the leg pads the thigh pads 26 and 27 are moulded for the specific functions that they provide.

While not strictly necessary, the thigh pad 26, could, as with the front leg pads 11, be provided with one or a plurality of air cavities which absorbs shock and therefore reduces rebound. Also when higher degrees of protection are required, plastic inserts can be strategically moulded into or attached to L he thigh pad 26. As can be seen the thigh pad 26 preferably includes a flap projection 28 which is intended for protecting the hip bone of the player.

With the back thigh pad 27 this is specifically shaped to protect the inner/front of the thigh.

The front thigh pad 26 is provided with a pair of straps with an uppermost one wrapping around the waist of the player to

stop the pad moving up or down. The lower strap is elastic or resilient which adjusts with expanding hamstring.

In the preferred form of the front thigh pad 26 there is an outer foam layer which absorbs impacts from the ball. A central foam layer and the aforementioned plastic insert (s) provides the majority of protection and spread shock.

With the back thigh pad 27 elastic straps are provided which strap above and below the hamstring.

Both thigh pads 26 and 27 incorporate a cut away shaped area of reduced thickness 29. These areas fit behind the flap system 13 of the respective pads 11 and 12 when the leg pads and thigh pads are in position on a player. Therefore, the thigh pads integrate with the leg pads thereby providing continuous protection from ankle through to hip/thigh without a gap between thigh pad and leg pad through which a ball could otherwise engage and cause injury to the player.

The leg pads and the integrated thigh pads thus are of light weight and comfortable moulded fit which form an integrated kit for overall protection of the player. As described herein the leg pads provide for increased mobility/speed of the

player between wickets and have the added advantage of controllable rebound of balls when striking the pads.

The invention is open to modification, as will be apparent to the skilled person, but without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

For example, the flap system 13 can be altered as shown in Figures 5 to 8. According to this form of the invention the degree of flexibility at the top of the pad can be achieved by having a rigid section 34 and a flexible section 35. A gap 36 separates the two sections 34 and 35. As can be seen in Figure 7, the gap 36 is disposed so that a side portion 37 of the rigid section 34 overlaps a terminal edge 38 of the flexible section 35. The drawing shows how the moulded nature of the pad enables the profiles of side portion 37 and edge 38 to be such as to achieve a smooth transition between sections 34 and 35 as well as provide a good degree of overlap.

In use of the pad, a ball striking the rigid section 34 will apply an impact force. Because the rigid section 34 is "supported" at one end by the flexible section 35, there will during the application of the impact force, be a degree of "give" or movement in rigid section 34. This will result in a

deadening of the reaction to the impact of the ball, thereby reducing the extent of rebound of the ball.

Other modifications will be apparent to the skilled person.

Claims

CLAIMS :- 1. A leg pad including a one piece three dimensional shaped pad which includes a high density foamed plastic material, the shape of the pad being such that in its moulded form the pad, in use, wraps around that part of the leg of a wearer which forms the leading surface of the leg.
2. A leg pad as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pad is intended for the leading leg of the wearer and includes a substantially flat surface, which in use is forward facing.
3. A leg pad as claimed in claim 2 wherein the pad further includes a substantially square leading edge which, in use, is located along the inner side of the leg of the wearer.
4. A leg pad as claimed in claim 2 or 3 wherein the pad includes an air cavity behind a front layer of foam of the moulded body.

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5. A leg pad as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 further including an impact absorbing area at a top of the pad.
6. A leg pad as claimed in claim 5 wherein the impact absorbing area is formed by at least one forward facing surface which is moveable relative to the main body of the pad upon, in use, being impacted by a ball.
7. A leg pad as claimed in claim 6 wherein the impact absorbing area is a flap system including a plurality of upwardly extending interconnected flap sections, at least one of the flap sections being movably connected to a rigid side of the pad.
8. A leg pad as claimed in claim 7 wherein the flap sections are integrally moulded with the pad, adjacent flat sections being interconnected by areas of reduced material thickness, said flap sections also being connected at a root end thereof to the main body of the pad by an area of reduced cross-sectional thickness.
9. A leg pad as claimed in claim 5 or 6 wherein the impact absorbing area is formed by a rigid section which overlaps at a peripheral edge portion with a flexible

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section, said rigid and flexible section, being integrally formed with the main body of the pad.
10. A leg pad as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a front face of the pad is formed of high density mouldable foamed material.
11. A leg pad as claimed in claim 8,9 or 10 wherein an air cavity is formed within the pad.
12. A leg pad as claimed in claim 11 wherein the air cavity opens through a slotted portion located adjacent the impact absorbing area.
13. A leg pad as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pad includes an area of high density foam which extends along a marginal length of the pad which, in use, extends along the inside leg of the trailing leg of a wearer of the pad.
14. A set of leg pads including a first pad as claimed in any one claims 2,3 and 4 and a second pad, the second pad being intended for, in use, wearing on the trailing leg of the wearer, the second pad being of a different shape

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to the first pad and constructed to provide maximum protection down the inside position of the leg of the wearer.
15. A set of pads as claimed in claim 14 in combination with a set of thigh pads, each thigh pad being of three dimensional moulded form and including an area of reduced thickness which, in use, overlaps with a marginal top portion of an adjacent leg pad.
16. The combination of claim 15 wherein at least one of the thigh pads includes at least one air cavity.
17. The combination of claim 15 or 16 wherein the thigh pads are moulded to conform with substantially the anatomical shape of the part of a user's body over which the pad will locate.
18. The combination of claim 15,16 or 17 wherein one or more of the thigh pads include at least one plastic material insert.
19. The combination of claim 18 wherein the insert is moulded into or attached to the thigh pad.

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20. A leg pad substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.