James E Mudd

US Patent:

20190037936, Feb 7, 2019

Filed:

Aug 6, 2018

Appl. No.:

16/055374

Inventors:

- St. Louis MO, US
Zach Runzo - Maplewood MO, US
James Mudd - O'Fallon MO, US
Geren Reavis - Lake Saint Louis MO, US
Paul Homan - Mansfield OH, US

International Classification:

A41D 13/05
A63B 71/12
A41D 13/015

Abstract:

An energy absorbing member that may be coupled to a chest protector like those worn by baseball or softball catchers and/or umpires is provided. The energy absorbing member may be releasably attachable with, or permanently sewn or riveted into, an upper central region of the chest protector. The energy absorbing member includes a backing plate having low elasticity that abuts the chest protector. The energy absorbing member further includes a front plate attached to the backing plate that preferably projects outwardly from the backing plate to form a hollow interior portion between the plates. The front plate is preferably an arcuate, convex plate that is able to distribute energy and deflects a batted or pitched ball so that absorbing member may absorb and distribute energy from the ball along the chest.