Catcher's Stand

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.