While the sports world has widely recognized the need for shin protection, perhaps the greatest need(s) exists for baseball and softball infielders. When batted, a baseball can leave the bat at a rate of 120 miles per hour (mph) or more. Similarly, softballs can leave the bat in excess of 130 mph. As a result, infield defensive players can sustain serious injury when impacted.
The purpose of ILGs are to reduce shin injuries sustained by the impact of a softball and/or baseball. ILGs are designed to attach/remove quickly and be worn only when a player is on defense. ILGs are lightweight and fasten firmly to the lower leg through adjustable straps and/or magnets, or simply held in place with socks. ILGs extend from (just above) the foot to (just below) the knee.
A defensive shin protector (1) for infield softball and baseball players, which is to be worn on the front of the lower leg (8), protecting the tibia bone.
The outer shield element (6) is manufactured to absorb the initial impact of the ball, while the inner padding (7) provides comfort to the user while also distributing the force of the impact, thus reducing the probability of injury therefrom.
Outer shield element (6) and inner padding (7) both contain spaces, or breaks, smaller than the size(s) for each respective ball, which allows the impact to be distributed more evenly and uses less overall material, thereby making the invention lighter than the same device without spaces or breaks.
Shin protector (1) may be held in position with knee-length socks between the knee (2) and ankle (4). Protection does not extend to the backside of the lower leg, or calf muscle (3).