US20140158652A1

US20140158652A1 - Catcher's Stand

Info

Publication number: US20140158652A1
Application number: US13/552,865
Authority: US
Inventors: Dean O'Neil Dubose
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-12-11
Filing date: 2012-12-11
Publication date: 2014-06-12

Abstract

The Catcher's Stand is an apparatus designed for the storage/stowage of baseball softball catcher's equipment. The apparatus has a place for each individual article of catcher's equipment. The equipment can be stored/stowed on a short-term or long-term basis. The apparatus can also be used to thoroughly clean and try the catcher's equipment, thus prolonging the life of the equipment. The Catcher's Stand can also perform the same functions for equipment of the following sports: Hockey/Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Jai-Alai, and Cricket.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The Catcher's Stand is an apparatus specifically designed to store/stow baseball and softball catcher's equipment. The apparatus is constructed with a highly durable polymer plastic. The apparatus is sturdy, durable and light weight. It is designed to stand upright and erect. The Catcher's Stand can easily hold up to 75 pounds of equipment.

BACKGROUND

The Catcher's Stand is specifically designed to be a storage apparatus for baseball and softball catcher's equipment. The streamline design of the apparatus with its uniquely crafted arms, conform to the shape of each piece of equipment. The apparatus is also designed for either/and/or long-term or short-term storage. The Catcher's Stand also facilitates the cleaning of the equipment as the apparatus is stationery and upright. This allows the equipment to dry evenly, thus preventing mold and mildew. Although The Catcher's Stand was intentionally designed for storage of a baseball and softball catcher's equipment, the apparatus can be used to serve the same function with the equipment of the following sports: Hockey/Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Jai-Alai, and Cricket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is the MIDDLE ARM of The Catcher's Stand.

FIG. 2 is the LOWER ARM of The Catcher's Stand.

FIG. 3 is the DETACHABLE BASE of The Catcher's Stand.

FIG. 4 is a COMPOSITE (ENTIRE APPARATUS) DRAWING of The Catcher's Stand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The Catcher's Stand is a baseball/softball catcher's equipment storage stand/rack. The apparatus stands 50″ tall with a 4.5″ bar (arm) at the top of the apparatus, a 14″ uniquely curved middle bar (arm), and an 8″ lower bar (arm) that bends upward at a 45-degree angle at the ends of the arm. The apparatus also has an ‘H’ shaped detachable base. The base has a center horizontal bar that is 24″ in length that connects to two vertical bars on either side of the center horizontal bars. The vertical bars are 19″ in length. The 4.5″ top bar is designed to store/stow the headgear of the catcher. The 14″ uniquely curved center horizontal bar is designed to store/stow the body armor/breastplate. The 8″ lower bar is designed to store/stow the shin guards. The 50″ vertical bar is the ‘spine’ of the apparatus, designed to support the top, center and lower arms/appendages of the apparatus. The ‘H’ shaped base is designed to allow the apparatus to stand freely without the aid of external support. The ‘H’ shaped base is detachable.
The appendages or arms of The Catcher's Stand are detachable for easy storage when not in use. The apparatus can be erected and functional/operational in :30 seconds. The light weight property of the polymer plastic allows for strength and sturdiness, and easy transportability.

SUMMARY

The Catcher's Stand is specialty product specifically designed for baseball and softball catchers. This apparatus is designed to store catcher's equipment, and to provide a medium for equipment maintenance. As a result of proper storage and maintenance, the longevity of the equipment is extended. This saves parents, teams and leagues thousands of dollars annually on equipment purchases. Because of its utility The Catcher's Stand will create its own niche in the baseball and softball community. Upon the securing of this patent, The Catcher's Stand will be approved for use by all governing bodies of Baseball and softball.

Claims

1. The Catcher's Stand is a uniquely engineered storage rack and stand specifically built to store baseball and softball catcher's equipment. The catcher's helmet/mask is stored on the top arm, where it will not only be stored without the possibility of damage to the equipment, the helmet will also receive proper ventilation in order to dry after extended use (allowing the equipment to dry properly after use will also prevent mold and mildew, thus prolonging the durability and usage of the equipment). The breastplate/body armor is stored on the uniquely curved middle arm. The unique curvature of the middle arm will allow the breastplate/body armor to be stored damage-free, and free from mold and mildew. The shin guards are stored on the lower arms, allowing for proper storage and drying. The “H”-shaped base allows the apparatus to stand upright, bearing the weight of all the equipment. The Catcher's Stand is an ideal place for off-season storage, keeping the equipment intact until needed.

2. The Catcher's Stand will facilitate equipment maintenance, thus prolonging equipment utility. The equipment can be cleaned while stored on the apparatus. Because The Catcher's Stand stores the equipment in an upright position (similar to being worn), soiled areas that are between the crevices of the equipment can be easily detected and cleaned thoroughly. Once cleaning is completed, the equipment can dry while stored on the apparatus. Additionally, an aerosol disinfectant can be applied while the equipment is stored on the apparatus, further preventing mold and mildew.

3. Baseball and softball equipment, to include the little-league level, is expensive. Catcher's equipment is the most expensive. Catchers wear more equipment than anyone on the field. This investment must be protected. The Catcher's Stand can help extend the longevity of the equipment. From little-league to major-league, there is no adequate means to properly store catcher's equipment. At all levels of baseball and softball, catcher's equipment is usually dumped into a damp, dark locker, within a locker room that is equally dark and wet. The equipment is usually damp, smelly and dirty when continuously used throughout a season. At season's end, the equipment has to be discarded, because it is dirty, unraveling and full of mold and mildew. (WARNING: Equipment inundated with mold and mildew is a health hazard, particularly to children and adolescents in the formidable years). The Catcher's Stand is designed to alleviate these problems, and prolong the usage of the equipment. As mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, proper storage and ventilation helps to prevent dangerous mold and mildew. The Catcher's Stand is the ideal product to help prevent mold and mildew through proper storage and cleaning.

4. The Catcher's Stand is specialty product specifically designed for baseball and softball catchers. This apparatus is designed to store catcher's equipment, and to provide a medium for equipment maintenance. As a result of proper storage and maintenance, the longevity of the equipment is extended. This saves parents, teams and leagues thousands of dollars annually on equipment purchases. Because of its utility The Catcher's Stand will create its own niche in the baseball and softball community. Upon the securing of this patent, The Catcher's Stand will be approved for use by all governing bodies of Baseball and softball.