CN201349539Y - Shin guard with leg liner mounting strips - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to a shin guard, which is provided with a fixed strip which can be operationally fixed to a mounting device of soft shin liner strips; and the strip extends from an elastic shin liner pad fixed to a substantially rigid shell. The strip has a longitudinal central line which is not intersected with the substantially rigid shell when in wearing, thus allowing the strip to wrap the leg of a wearer. The strip can be rigidly or detachably fixed to the strip mounting device, can provide a strip adjusting structure so as to further improve fitness and comfort level of the wearer and can provide two mounting devices of shin liner strips, thus allowing the shin liner strip to be positioned above and below the substantially rigid shell which is long.

Description

Shin Guards with Leg Wrap Mounting Straps

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/856,679, filed November 3, 2006.

technical field

The present invention relates to a structure for securing an athlete's shin guard to a wearer.

Background technique

Shin guards are protective devices worn by athletes in a variety of sports to protect their lower legs. For example, soccer players commonly wear shin guards to protect their lower legs from inadvertent kicks by other players during play. It is important that the shin guards provide proper protection while still being comfortable, lightweight and not restricting the wearer's mobility.

Shin guards serve two main functions. First, shin guards reduce the likelihood and/or extent of shin injuries and fractures. Specifically, the tibia is an elongated bone in the lower leg that has a substantially triangular cross-section. One edge of the tibia faces relatively closer to the anterolateral surface of the lower leg. No muscle covers this portion of the tibia or most of its medial sides, creating a substantially unprotected and vulnerable leading edge. Therefore, an unintentional impact on the leg near the front edge of the tibia, especially an impact substantially perpendicular to the direction of the tibia, can easily injure or even fracture the tibia. Such collisions are common in football, where opposing players frequently race to kick the same ball at or near the same time. Shin guards attempt to reduce the likelihood of shin injuries from low-to-moderate impacts that could otherwise result in more serious injuries if shin guards were not worn.

Second, shin guards also protect the weaker portion of the lower leg by acting as a barrier against skin abrasions caused by accidental oblique soft tissue impacts and slides, etc.

Known shin guard designs include a basic strap-like structure that allows the wearer to strap foam or other elastic material around their calf. This padding material is lightweight and does not unduly restrict the wearer's dexterity. However, it provides only little protection to the tibia from impacting the anterior tibia.

Recently, various attempts have been made to improve the impact resistance of shin guards to better protect the shin. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,484,360 to Leighton et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,384,913 to Hendry, U.S. Patent No. 5,784,715 to Buchanan, and U.S. Patent No. 6,134,720 to Foreman In the U.S. patents, a substantially rigid member, such as an elongated plastic plate, is provided at a position where the shin guard is close to the front edge of the tibia. The rigid planar member prevents accidental impact forces applied substantially perpendicularly to the tibia from deflecting the shin guard, thereby protecting the tibia from fracture.

Accordingly, most modern shin guards have a padded elastic shin wrap portion that engages and wraps around the wearer's shin, and an elongated, substantially rigid shell that is operatively secured to the padded elastic shin wrap. lining part.

Known structures for securing these modern shin guards to the wearer include: (1) an elastic band secured to the shin guard itself which essentially surrounds the padding and shin guard shell, eg, granted to Henson U.S. Patent No. 5,301,370; (2) Fixed, non-adjustable open ring material on the longitudinal surface of the shin guard, with attachments attached to the inner surface of the football sock, for example, No. 3,465,364 to Edelson (Edelson) U.S. Patents; (3) Custom made socks for retaining shin guards therein, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,581,817 to Hicks, U.S. Patent No. 4,669,126 to Jones, and U.S. Patent No. 4,669,126 to Cassidy US Patent No. 4,306,315 to Castiglia; and (4) a strapless shin guard that is held in place by the tension created by knitting a football sock.

Despite these known shin guard securing structures, they suffer from some disadvantages. For example, when the shin guards are secured to the wearer with straps protruding from the substantially rigid shell, the straps press the wearer's legs against the non-lining substantially rigid shell. This impairs wearer comfort and often results in undesirable slippage between the shin guard and the wearer's shin during use, even when padding is placed between the wearer's leg and the rigid shell.

Similarly, the wearer typically has to address this inappropriate movement by taping or securing additional elastic detachable straps, such as U.S. Patent No. 5,926,844 to Bear, to better keep the shin guards position. Such tapes and removable straps have their own drawbacks. For example, adhesive plasters are time-consuming to apply and remove, and cannot be reused. Similarly, the elastic detachable straps get lost when not in use, and because they are located around the sock, usually above and below the shin guard padding, can still cause unwanted shin guard movement.

Contents of the invention

Thus, despite known improvements to shin guards and their accessories, there remains a need for comfort that is lightweight, durable, provides a substantially rigid frame of protection to the shin, yet still fits comfortably and remains in place on the wearer during use. The location of the greaves needs. These needs are fulfilled by the present invention, among other advantages which will become apparent from the following description.

Specifically, the shin guard has an elongated, substantially rigid shell secured to an elastic shin wrap liner. A portion of the pad protrudes from the rigid shell to form a soft shin wrap strap mount. A securing strap is operably secured to the strap mounting device. The strap is operably secured to the strap mounting, thereby allowing the strap and mounting to fully wrap around or encase the wearer's leg. In one disclosed embodiment, the strap is mounted relative to the substantially rigid shell such that a substantially horizontal plane extending through the longitudinal centerline of the strap does not intersect the substantially rigid shell. In another disclosed embodiment, two such soft shank wrap mounting means are provided, one below and one above the substantially rigid shell, thereby allowing two shank wrap straps Can be attached to the shin guards.

The straps preferably have adjustment features to allow each wearer to individually adjust comfort and fit.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a front right side view of a leg shin guard with a soft fitting strap operably secured to the leg shin guard showing one possible orientation towards the wearer's leg according to an embodiment of the present invention. fixed.

Figure 2 is a rear right side view of the shin guard of Figure 1 showing a possible detachable configuration.

Figure 3 is a right side view of the shin guard of Figure 1 showing one possible mounting attachment to the wearer's leg.

Figure 4 is a front left side view of a shin guard according to a first alternative embodiment of the present invention showing one possible fixation to the wearer's leg.

Figure 5 is a right side view of a shin guard according to a second alternative embodiment of the present invention showing one possible detachable configuration.

Figure 6 is a right side view of a shin guard according to a third alternative embodiment of the present invention showing one possible detachable configuration.

Detailed ways

Figures 1-6 illustrate lightweight, comfortable shin guards 10 (Figures 1-3), 10' (Figure 4), 10" (Figure 5) and 10'" (Figure 6) with detachable or rigid fixation Adjustable elasticized leg wraps mounted thereon 12 (Figs. 1-6), 12' (Fig. 4).

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 , the shin guard 10 has an elongated substantially rigid shell 14 secured to an elastic shin wrap pad 16 . A portion of the pad protrudes from the rigid shell 14 to form a soft shin wrap strap mount 18 . A securing strap 20 is operably secured to the strap mounting device 18 . The strap 20 is operatively secured to the strap mounting device 18, thereby allowing the strap and mounting device to fully wrap around the wearer's leg 30 when the strap 20 is secured around the wearer 30, as best shown in FIG. Or wrap the wearer's legs 30 therein. More preferably, the strap 20 is mounted relative to the substantially rigid shell 14 such that a substantially horizontal plane 100 extending through the strap 20 along the longitudinal centerline of the strap 20 does not intersect the substantially rigid shell 14, as shown in FIG. 3 shown. More preferably, the strap 20 is rigidly secured to the strap mounting device 18 and includes an adjustment structure 24, such as hook and loop material 32 or the like, so that the strap can be adjusted to fit and comfortably fit a particular wearer. Each of these components is detailed below.

A. Elastic shin wrap padding

As shown in FIG. 1, the elastic shin wrap 16 is preferably an elongated planar structure forming an upper edge 40, a lower edge 42, a middle edge 44, side edges 46, an outer surface 48 (FIG. 1) and an inner surface 50. (figure 2). More preferably, the planar structure is arched so as to conform to the front outer surface of the wearer's leg 30 and surround most of the front and middle portions of the wearer's lower leg 30 and the sides.

The elastic shin wrap 16 also serves as the padded portion of the shin guard 10 and is made of conventional materials such as sheets of elastic foam or the like. Additional padding (not shown) may also be operatively secured to the elastic shin wrap 16 if desired. Preferably, the elongated planar structure of the shin wrap 16 is made of a material commonly known in the industry as "EVA" foam or the like. Closed cell foam is preferred over open cell foam as it is non-hygroscopic and therefore does not absorb moisture etc.

If desired, the inner surface 50(2), which may contact the wearer's skin, is covered with a comfortable material (not shown), such as fabric or the like. Also, strips of trim material (not shown), such as fabric, are preferably secured around the edges 40, 42, 44, 46 of the elastic protection, such as by stitching, to provide a more aesthetically pleasing shin guard 10 and better Secure additional padding (if any) in it.

B. An elongated substantially rigid shell

The elongated, substantially rigid housing 14 is preferably constructed of a lightweight, impact-resistant, abrasion-resistant, semi-rigid material such as polypropylene, polypropylene thermoplastic compositions, and the like. Other materials with these desirable properties include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), nylon ABS, other reinforced injection molding materials, and the like.

Preferably, the elongated substantially rigid shell 14 is shaped to accommodate the substantially arcuate shape of the elastic shin wrap 16 . The elongated, substantially rigid shell is preferably rigidly secured to the outer surface 48 of the elastic shin wrap 16 using conventional attachment structures, such as single or double stitches 60a, adhesives, and the like.

As best shown in FIG. 2 , a portion of the shin wrap pad 16 extends perpendicularly from the attached substantially rigid shell forming a soft shin wrap strap mounting arrangement 18 . The strap mounting means 18 may extend below the substantially rigid housing 14, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, may extend above the substantially rigid housing 14, as shown in FIG. , 18' may be located one below the substantially rigid shell and one above the substantially rigid shell, as shown in FIG. 4 .

C. Shin straps

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , at least one securing strap 20 is operatively secured to the soft shin wrap strap mounting device 18 . The securing strap 20 may be releasably or rigidly secured to the strap mounting device 18, but is preferably rigidly secured towards at least one end 70a, as best shown in FIG. Known structures for rigidly securing the strap to the mounting device include single or double stitching 60b, adhesives, and the like.

The straps are preferably made of a conventional durable elastic shin strap material, such as nylon, and have adjustment structures 24 for enabling the straps to be fastened and releasably secured around the wearer's legs.

Various exemplary adjustment structures 24 are shown in FIGS. 1-3 , 5 and 6 . In FIGS. 1-3, strap 20 has a first end 70a and an opposite second end 70b. The first end 70a is preferably rigidly secured to the shin wrap strap mounting device 18, with the first piece of hook and loop fastener material 32 positioned on the outer surface of the strap 20 toward the first end 70a, as shown. A mating hook and loop material 32 is operably secured to the inner surface of the strap 20 toward the second end 70b. Accordingly, the strap can be looped around the leg of the wearer 30, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, so that the two pieces of hook and loop fastener material engage each other to secure the strap snugly in place.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a conventional "D-Hook" strap configuration can also be used as the adjustment structure 24 . Strap 20 is rigidly secured to strap mount portion 18 towards its first end 70a. Openings 71 or D-hooks (not shown) are secured to strap mount portion 18 as shown. Alternating mating hook and loop fastener material 32 is located toward the second end 70b of the strap, as shown. The wearer passes the second end of the strap through the opening 71 or a D-hook (not shown) and folds the strap along itself so that the mating hook-and-loop fastener materials 32 are operatively engaged with each other so that the strap wraps around The wearer is fitted close to the body.

Referring to FIG. 6 , a conventional double-stacked strap configuration can also be used as the adjustment structure 24 . The left and right straps 20a, 20b are secured to the strap mounting device 18 toward their respective first ends 70a by known constructions such as conventional single or double stitching 60b or the like. The opposing second ends 70b each include matching hook and loop material 32 that operatively engage each other when the straps 20a, 20b overlap each other about the wearer's leg.

Preferably, at least one mounting strap 22 is also operatively secured towards the upper edge 40 of the shin guard 10 , forming the upper strap 22 . More preferably, the upper strap 22 is conventionally mounted relative to the substantially rigid outer shell 14 such that a substantially horizontal plane 102 extending through the strap 22 along the longitudinal centerline of the strap 22 intersects the substantially rigid outer shell, as shown in FIG. 3 shown. To reduce undue repetition, Figures 1-3, 5-6 show various alternative upper strap 22 configurations, like reference numerals denoting like elements.

Optionally, as best shown in FIG. 4 , a strap mounting device 18 ′ may protrude from the elastic shin wrap 16 above the substantially rigid shell 14 to allow the substantially horizontal plane 108 to not interfere with the substantially rigid shell 14 . The shell 14 intersects. Thus, the upper strap 22 wraps the wearer's shin therein in substantially the same manner as the lower mounting strap 20 .

D. Use and Operation

The wearer installs the shin guard 10 by first placing the shin guard in the desired position over his shins. He or she then wraps the straps 20, 22 around their legs and secures them with the adjustment structures 24 provided on each strap. It should be appreciated that since the strap mounting means 18 are elastic and spaced from the substantially rigid shell, the strap 20 can completely wrap the wearer's legs therein, thereby improving comfort and fit, while still allowing the wearer to wear during use. Keep the shin guards in place.

The wearer removes the shin guard 10 by reversing the installation process.

In view of the wide variety of embodiments to which the principles of the invention may be applied, it will be apparent that the specific descriptions of the preferred embodiments are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. For example, the particular materials described and the scope of claims associated with those materials are intended to be illustrative only. Similarly, the disclosed strap adjustment structure 24 is for exemplary purposes only. Accordingly, the claimed invention includes all modifications that come within the scope of the claims and equivalents.

Claims (16)

1. A shin guard, characterized in that it comprises: Elastic shin wrap padding; an elongate substantially rigid shell secured to the elongate shin wrap; a portion of the resilient shank liner protrudes from the elongate substantially rigid shell forming a belt mounting arrangement; and A strap for securing the shin guard to the wearer's leg, the strap having a longitudinal centerline secured to the strap mounting means such that the longitudinal centerline is not in conflict with the elongate substantially rigid Shells intersect. 2. The shin guard of claim 1, further comprising an adjustment structure operably secured to the strap to allow infinite adjustment of the strap about the wearer's leg. 3. The shin guard of claim 2, wherein the adjustment structure comprises: the strap has a first end, an opposite second end, an outer surface and an inner surface, the first end being rigidly secured to the strap mounting device; a first portion of hook and loop fastener material secured to the outer surface of the strap towards the end; A second mating portion of hook and loop fastener material is secured to the inner surface of the strap toward the opposite second end. 4. The shin guard of claim 2, wherein the adjustment structure comprises: having an opening therein for receiving a strap therethrough; the strap has a first end, an opposite second end, an outer surface and an inner surface, the first end being rigidly secured to the strap mounting device; The strap has a fastener on the opposite second end such that the fastener secures the second end in place when folded about the opening. 5. The shin guard of claim 4, wherein the fastener is a hook and loop material. 6. The shin guard of claim 2, wherein: the strap has a first portion forming a first end and an opposite second end, and a second portion forming the first end and the second end; the first end is rigidly secured to the strap mounting device; The second end has a fastener operatively secured thereto such that the second ends overlap each other when the shin guard is placed on the wearer's leg such that the fastener secures the shin guard when worn. proper position on the leg 7. The shin guard of claim 6, wherein the fastener is a hook and loop material. 8. The shin guard of claim 1, wherein the strap is separate from the strap mounting means. 9. The shin guard of claim 1, wherein the strap is rigidly secured to the strap mounting means. 10. The shin guard of claim 1, further comprising a second portion of said elastic shin wrap extending from said elongated substantially rigid outer shell to form a second strap mounting device; and a second strap for securing said shin guard to the wearer's leg, said second strap having a longitudinal centerline secured to said second strap mounting means such that said longitudinal centerline is not aligned with said long The substantially rigid shell of the shape intersects. 11. The shin guard of claim 1 wherein said second strap mounting means is vertically spaced above said substantially rigid outer shell, said strap mounting means is vertically spaced below said substantially rigid outer shell . 12. A leg wrap attachment structure for a shin guard having an elongate substantially rigid outer shell secured to an elastic shin wrap liner, characterized in that said leg wrap attachment structure comprises: an elastic strap mount operably secured to said shin guard and projecting from an elongate substantially rigid outer shell, said elastic strap mount being less rigid than said substantially rigid outer shell; A strap is operably secured to the elastic strap mounting device such that the longitudinal centerline of the strap does not intersect the elongated substantially rigid outer shell. 13. The leg wrap attachment structure for a shin guard of claim 12, further comprising means for adjusting the strap around the wearer's leg. 14. The leg wrap attachment structure for a shin guard of claim 12, further comprising hook and loop material operatively secured to said strap to allow said strap to wrap around a wearer's leg infinitely adjustable. 15. The leg wrap attachment structure for a shin guard of claim 12, wherein said strap is detachably secured to said strap mounting means. 16. The leg wrap attachment structure for a shin guard of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the strap is rigidly secured to the strap mounting means.

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