Athletic Protector

Abstract

An athletic protector includes: an interior portion; an exterior portion configured to cover the interior portion; and a belt portion configured to be securable to the exterior portion. The interior portion includes at least one hard member. The hard member is formed in an arch shape, is elastically deformable, and has a length L1 in a width direction, a length L2 in a height direction orthogonal to the width direction, and a length L3 between both ends along the width direction. Length L1 in the width direction and length L2 in the height direction have a relation of L2>L1/2. Length L1 in the width direction and length L3 between both ends have a relation of L3

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This nonprovisional application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-190582 filed on Nov. 8, 2023 with the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an athletic protector.

Description of the Background Art

There are conventional athletic protectors for protecting human arms, legs and the like, in which a protective body that covers an area to be protected during an athletic activity is worn with a belt portion. Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2019-183302, for example, describes an arm guard in which an upper arm protective body is worn with a belt portion.

In the arm guard described in the above-described publication, the upper arm protective body extends around one-half or less of the circumference of an arm. When the arm guard is placed on the arm when being worn, therefore, the arm guard may slip from the arm before the belt portion is wound therearound. This is inconvenient for a wearer of the arm guard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an athletic protector that can be readily worn since an operation of winding a belt portion is stable when the athletic protector is being worn on an area to be protected during an athletic activity.

An athletic protector of the present invention includes: an interior portion; an exterior portion configured to cover the interior portion; and a belt portion configured to be securable to the exterior portion. The interior portion includes at least one hard member. The hard member is formed in an arch shape, is elastically deformable, and has a length L1 in a width direction, a length L2 in a height direction orthogonal to the width direction, and a length L3 between both ends along the width direction. Length L1 in the width direction and length L2 in the height direction have a relation of L2>L1/2. Length L1 in the width direction and length L3 between both ends have a relation of L3<L1.

The athletic protector of the present invention can be readily worn since an operation of winding the belt portion is stable when the athletic protector is being worn on an area to be protected during an athletic activity.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an athletic protector according to a first embodiment that has been worn on an arm.

FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing a configuration of the athletic protector according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a first modification of the athletic protector according to the first embodiment.

FIGS. 5(A) to 5(D) are cross-sectional views each schematically showing configurations of hard members of a second modification of the athletic protector according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing an athletic protector according to a second embodiment that has been worn on a leg.

FIG. 7 is a front view schematically showing a configuration of the athletic protector according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along the line VIII-VIII shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a modification of the athletic protector according to the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. Unless otherwise noted herein, the same or corresponding parts in the following drawings are denoted by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

First Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 1, an athletic protector 100 according to a first embodiment is worn on an upper arm to cover an elbow, in order to protect an arm that is the area to be protected during an athletic activity. Athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment is an arm guard. Athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment is worn, for example, on an arm of a baseball batter. Specifically, the wearer wears athletic protector 100 on his/her arm facing the pitcher while gripping a bat 200.

Athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment includes an interior portion 10, an exterior portion 20, and a belt portion 30. Interior portion 10 is covered with exterior portion 20. In the present embodiment, entire interior portion 10 is covered with exterior portion 20. Belt portion 30 is attached to exterior portion 20. Belt portion 30 is held on exterior portion 20 in the state of being wound around the upper arm.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, interior portion 10 is housed in exterior portion 20. Interior portion 10 includes at least one hard member 11. Hard member 11 has a hardness higher than a hardness of exterior portion 20. Hard member 11 is arranged on the outermost side of interior portion 10.

Hard member 11 is formed in an arch shape. That is, hard member 11 is formed in an arch shape in a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The arch shape may be bilaterally asymmetrical or bilaterally symmetrical. The arch shape may be a circular arc shape.

Hard member 11 is elastically deformable. Hard member 11 is elastically deformable such that an opening of the arch shape is enlarged. Hard member 11 is elastically deformable such that the opening of the arch shape is enlarged or reduced.

Hard member 11 has a length L1 in a width direction D1, a length L2 in a height direction D2 orthogonal to width direction D1, and a length L3 between both ends along width direction D1. Length L1 in width direction D1 is the length of entire hard member 11 in width direction D1. Length L1 in width direction D1 is the maximum length in width direction D1. Length L2 in height direction D2 orthogonal to width direction D1 is the length of entire hard member 11 in height direction D2. Length L2 in height direction D2 orthogonal to width direction D1 is the maximum length in height direction D2. Length L3 between both ends along width direction D1 is the length between both ends of hard member 11 along width direction D1. Length L3 between both ends along width direction D1 is the maximum length between both ends along width direction D1.

Length L1 in width direction D1 and length L2 in height direction D2 have a relation of L2>L1/2. Length L1 in width direction D1 and length L3 between both ends have a relation of L3<L1.

Hard member 11 is, for example, a self-reinforced plastic composite. Hard member 11 is made of, for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP).

Hard member 11 has a total length of, for example, not less than 150 mm and not more than 250 mm. Hard member 11 has a thickness of, for example, not less than 0.5 mm and not more than 3 mm. The arch shape of hard member 11 has a radius of curvature of not less than 30 mm and not more than 50 mm. The arch shape of hard member 11 has a length of not less than 170 mm and not more than 350 mm.

In the present embodiment, interior portion 10 includes a first soft member 12 and a second soft member 13. First soft member 12 is overlaid on the inner side of hard member 11. Hard member 11 has a hardness higher than those of first soft member 12 and second soft member 13.

First soft member 12 is made of, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane foam, rubber, polyethylene foam. First soft member 12 has a total length of, for example, not less than 150 mm and not more than 250 mm. First soft member 12 has a thickness of, for example, not less than 3 mm and not more than 6 mm.

Second soft member 13 is overlaid on the inner side of first soft member 12. Second soft member 13 is made of, for example, EVA, polyurethane foam, rubber, polyethylene foam. Second soft member 13 has a total length of, for example, not less than 150 mm and not more than 250 mm. Second soft member 13 has a thickness of, for example, not less than 6 mm and not more than 10 mm.

Exterior portion 20 is configured to cover interior portion 10. Exterior portion 20 is made of, for example, synthetic leather, artificial leather, synthetic fiber, or the like. In the present embodiment, a loop portion F1 of a hook-and-loop fastener F is provided on the surface of exterior portion 20. The outer surface of exterior portion 20 may be configured in a mesh arrangement.

Belt portion 30 is configured to be securable to exterior portion 20. In the present embodiment, there is one belt portion 30. Belt portion 30 is an elastic belt. Belt portion 30 can extend and retract in a direction in which it extends. Belt portion 30 has a thickness of, for example, not less than 25 mm and not more than 100 mm.

In the present embodiment, hook portions F2 of hook-and-loop fastener F are provided on the inner sides of both end portions of belt portion 30. When hook portions F2 on belt portion 30 engage loop portion F1 on exterior portion 20, belt portion 30 is secured to exterior portion 20.

Though belt portion 30 is secured to exterior portion 20 with hook-and-loop fastener F in the present embodiment, the securing is not limited to the use of hook-and-loop fastener F and belt portion 30 may be secured to exterior portion 20 with, for example, a buckle.

Though there is one belt portion 30 in the present embodiment, the number of belt portions 30 is not limited to one and there may be, for example, two belt portions 30. Next, functions and effects of athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

According to athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment, length L1 in width direction D1 and length L2 in height direction D2 have the relation of L2>L1/2. Thus, length L2 of the arch shape of hard member 11 in height direction D2 is longer than the arc length of the arch shape of hard member 11 in height direction D2. In addition, length L1 in width direction D1 and length L3 between both ends have the relation of L3<L1. Thus, length L3 between both ends of hard member 11 is shorter than length L1 of hard member 11 in width direction D1. Therefore, athletic protector 100 can be held on the arm by hard member 11 when athletic protector 100 is being worn on the arm. Since belt portion 30 is wound around the arm in this state, the operation of winding belt portion 30 is stable. Accordingly, athletic protector 100 can be readily worn.

According to athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment, the arch shape of hard member 11 has a radius of curvature of not less than 30 mm and not more than 50 mm. It is thus possible to provide an optimal fit to the arm by athletic protector 100.

According to athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment, the arch shape of hard member 11 has a length of not less than 170 mm and not more than 350 mm. It is thus possible to ensure a larger protected area by athletic protector 100 than is conventionally possible. Safety can therefore be assured.

Referring to FIG. 4, a first modification of athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment is described. Unless otherwise described herein, the first modification of athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment has the same configuration and the same functions and effects as those of athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment.

In the first modification of athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment, interior portion 10 includes a first hard member 111, a second hard member 112, and first soft member 12. First hard member 111 is overlaid on the outer side of first soft member 12. Second hard member 112 is overlaid on the inner side of first soft member 12. First soft member 12 is sandwiched between first hard member 111 and second hard member 112.

Interior portion 10 includes second soft member 13. Second soft member 13 has a hardness equal to or lower than a hardness of first soft member 12. Second soft member 13 is overlaid on the inner side of second hard member 112.

Next, functions and effects of the first modification of athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

According to the first modification of athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment, first hard member 111 is overlaid on the outer side of first soft member 12, and second hard member 112 is overlaid on the inner side of first soft member 12. It is thus possible to provide improved protection by first hard member 111 and second hard member 112. In addition, first hard member 111, second hard member 112 and first soft member 12 can serve as dampers to thereby absorb impact to the arm.

According to the first modification of athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment, second soft member 13 having a hardness equal to or lower than the hardness of first soft member 12 is overlaid on the inner side of second hard member 112. It is thus possible to provide a flexible fit to the arm by second soft member 13.

Referring to FIGS. 5(A) to 5(D), a second modification of athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment is described. Unless otherwise described herein, the second modification of athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment has the same configuration and the same functions and effects as those of the first modification of athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment.

In the second modification of athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment, at least one of first hard member 111 and second hard member 112 is divided in width direction D1.

As shown in FIG. 5(A), first hard member 111 may not be divided, and second hard member 112 may be divided into two portions. Second hard member 112 is divided at one location.

As shown in FIG. 5(B), first hard member 111 may not be divided, and second hard member 112 may be divided into three portions. Second hard member 112 is divided at two locations. As shown in FIG. 5(C), first hard member 111 may not be divided, and second hard member 112 may be divided into two portions, with a large gap between the divided portions of second hard member 112. The gap preferably has a maximum width smaller than the diameter of a baseball. A hardball baseball has a diameter of about 73 mm. Thus, the gap preferably has a maximum width of less than 73 mm. As shown in FIG. 5(D), first hard member 111 may be divided into three portions, and second hard member 112 may be divided into two portions. First hard member 111 is divided at two locations. Second hard member 112 s divided at one location.

Next, functions and effects of the second modification of athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

According to the second modification of athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment, at least one of first hard member 111 and second hard member 112 is divided in width direction D1. Thus, production of athletic protector 100 is facilitated by the division of at least one of first hard member 111 and second hard member 112 in width direction D1. Therefore, productivity of athletic protector 100 can be improved.

Second Embodiment

Unless otherwise described herein, athletic protector 100 according to a second embodiment has the same configuration and the same functions and effects as those of athletic protector 100 according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, athletic protector 100 according to the second embodiment is worn on a lower leg to cover a shin, in order to protect a leg that is the area to be protected during an athletic activity. Athletic protector 100 according to the second embodiment is a leg guard. Athletic protector 100 according to the second embodiment is worn, for example, on a leg of a baseball batter.

Athletic protector 100 according to the second embodiment includes a shin portion 101 and an instep portion 102. Shin portion 101 is configured to protect the shin of a wearer. Instep portion 102 is configured to protect the instep of the wearer. In the present embodiment, shin portion 101 of athletic protector 100 includes interior portion 10, exterior portion 20, and belt portion 30. Belt portion 30 is held on exterior portion 20 in the state of being wound around the lower leg of the wearer. Instep portion 102 of athletic protector 100 does not include interior portion 10 of athletic protector 100 according to the second embodiment. That is, instep portion 102 of athletic protector 100 does not include hard member 11.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, interior portion 10 of shin portion 101 of athletic protector 100 includes at least one hard member 11. Since the protector is worn on the lower leg, the arch shape of hard member 11 in the present embodiment is enlarged in width direction D1 as compared to hard member 11 worn on the upper arm in the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment as well, length L1 in width direction D1 and length L2 in height direction D2 have a relation of L2>L1/2. Length L1 in width direction D1 and length L3 between both ends have a relation of L3<L1.

Hard member 11 has a total length of, for example, not less than 200 mm and not more than 300 mm. There are two belt portions 30 for shin portion 101 of athletic protector 100.

Next, functions and effects of athletic protector 100 according to the second embodiment will be described.

According to athletic protector 100 according to the second embodiment, length L1 in width direction D1 and length L2 in height direction D2 have the relation of L2>L1/2. Thus, length L2 of the arch shape of hard member 11 in height direction D2 is longer than the arc length of the arch shape of hard member 11 in height direction D2. In addition, length L1 in width direction D1 and length L3 between both ends have the relation of L3<L1. Thus, length L3 between both ends of hard member 11 is shorter than length L1 of hard member 11 in width direction D1. Therefore, athletic protector 100 can be held on the leg by hard member 11 when athletic protector 100 is being worn on the leg. Since belt portion 30 is wound around the leg in this state, the operation of winding belt portion 30 is stable. Accordingly, athletic protector 100 can be readily worn.

Referring to FIG. 9, a modification of athletic protector 100 according to the second embodiment is described. Unless otherwise described herein, the modification of athletic protector 100 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration and the same functions and effects as those of athletic protector 100 according to the second embodiment.

In the modification of athletic protector 100 according to the second embodiment, interior portion 10 includes first hard member 111, second hard member 112, and first soft member 12. First hard member 111 is overlaid on the outer side of first soft member 12. Second hard member 112 is overlaid on the inner side of first soft member 12.

Interior portion 10 includes second soft member 13. Second soft member 13 has a hardness equal to or lower than a hardness first soft member 12. Second soft member 13 is overlaid on the inner side of second hard member 112.

Next, functions and effects of the modification of athletic protector 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. According to the modification of athletic protector 100 according to the second embodiment, first hard member 111 is overlaid on the outer side of first soft member 12, and second hard member 112 is overlaid on the inner side of first soft member 12. It is thus possible to provide improved protection by first hard member 111 and second hard member 112. In addition, first hard member 111, second hard member 112 and first soft member 12 can serve as dampers to thereby absorb impact to the leg.

According to the modification of athletic protector 100 according to the second embodiment, second soft member 13 having a hardness equal to or lower than the hardness of first soft member 12 is overlaid on the inner side of second hard member 112. It is thus possible to provide a flexible fit to the leg by second soft member 13. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

Claims

1. An athletic protector comprising: an interior portion;an exterior portion configured to cover the interior portion; anda belt portion configured to be securable to the exterior portion, whereinthe interior portion includes at least one hard member,the hard member is formed in an arch shape, is elastically deformable, and has a length L1 in a width direction, a length L2 in a height direction orthogonal to the width direction, and a length L3 between both ends along the width direction,length L1 in the width direction and length L2 in the height direction have a relation of L2>L1/2, andlength L1 in the width direction and length L3 between both ends have a relation of L3<L1.

2. The athletic protector according to claim 1, wherein the interior portion includes a first hard member, a second hard member, and a first soft member,the first hard member is overlaid on an outer side of the first soft member, andthe second hard member is overlaid on an inner side of the first soft member.

3. The athletic protector according to claim 2, wherein the interior portion includes a second soft member having a hardness equal to or lower than a hardness of the first soft member, andthe second soft member is overlaid on an inner side of the second hard member.

4. The athletic protector according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first hard member and the second hard member is divided in the width direction.

5. The athletic protector according to claim 1, wherein the arch shape of the hard member has a radius of curvature of not less than 30 mm and not more than 50 mm.

6. The athletic protector according to claim 1, wherein the arch shape of the hard member has a length of not less than 170 mm and not more than 350 mm.