Shin guard strap

Aspects of the present invention relate to a shin guard construction having a shin guard and a strap. The strap may provide a number of adjustments, such as adjusting a vertical position of strap attachment to the shin guard, a length of the strap, and/or a position of a portion of the strap in both a horizontal and/or a vertical location on a wearer's leg. Further, the strap may have an upwardly inclined orientation relative to a horizontal plane extending through the shin guard. The orientation of the strap in an upward direction may be a result of a location and/or orientation of one or more fasteners. Additionally, the orientation of the strap may be a result of the size and/or shape of the strap.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, a shin guard is used by an athlete to protect the shin region of the athlete from an impact. Shin guards, in an as-worn position, generally extend from below the knee to a location superior of the ankle. However, the general size and shape of the protective portion of the shin guard may vary. A wearer of the shin guard may place the shin guard against the shin and under a sock to secure the shin guard into a position. Additionally, a shin guard may have a strap that extends perpendicular to the shin guard to help secure the shin guard when worn. However, both of these methods of securing the shin guard may allow the shin guard to shift or otherwise move out of position relative to a wearer's leg.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present invention relate to a shin guard construction having a shin guard and a strap. The strap may provide a number of adjustments, such as adjusting a vertical position of strap attachment to the shin guard, a length of the strap, and/or a position of a portion of the strap in both a horizontal and/or a vertical location on a wearer's leg. Further, the strap may have an upwardly inclined orientation relative to a horizontal plane extending through the shin guard. The orientation of the strap in an upward direction may be a result of a location and/or orientation of one or more fasteners. Additionally, the orientation of the strap may be a result of the size and/or shape of the strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention relate to a shin guard construction having a shin guard and a strap. The strap and shin guard may provide a number of adjustments, such as adjusting a vertical position of strap attachment to the shin guard, a length of the strap, and/or a position of a portion of the strap in both a horizontal and/or a vertical location on a wearer's leg. Further, the strap may have an upwardly inclined orientation relative to a horizontal plane extending through the shin guard. The orientation of the strap in an upward direction may be a result of a location and/or orientation of one or more fasteners. Further, the orientation of the strap may be a result of the size and/or shape of the strap.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a shin guard construction. The shin guard construction has a shin guard with a bottom end and an opposite top end. The shin guard also has opposite right and left sides extending between the bottom end and the top end. Additionally, the shin guard has a front surface and a back surface. The shin guard construction also has a strap of flexible material that has a top edge and an opposite bottom edge. The strap also has opposite left and right ends extending between the top edge and the bottom edge. One of the right end or the left end of the strap has a first fastener that is fastenable to the strap itself. The other of the right end or the left end has a second fastener that is fastenable to the shin guard. The strap, when affixed to the shin guard by both the first fastener and the second fastener, extends in an upward orientation from at least one of the first fastener or the second fastener. The upward orientation is measured from a horizontal plane passing perpendicularly through the front surface and the rear surface of the shin guard.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a shin guard construction. The shin guard has a front surface and a back surface. The shin guard also has a bottom end and an opposite top end. Further, the shin guard has opposite medial and lateral sides extending between the bottom end and the top end. The lateral side is longer than the medial side. The shin guard construction additionally has a strap extending, from a first strap location on the shin guard, in a direction from the front surface to the back surface proximate the lateral side of the shin guard. The strap extends to the medial side of the shin guard at a second fastening location. The strap is adjustably affixable to the shin guard at the first location and the second fastening location. Further, the strap extends at an upward orientation relative to a horizontal plane extending perpendicularly through the front surface and the back surface.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a shin guard construction. The shin guard construction has a shin guard with a bottom end and an opposite top end. The shin guard also has opposite medial and lateral sides extending between the bottom end and the top end. The lateral side has a length between the bottom end and the top end that is longer than a length of the medial side between the bottom end and the top end. The shin guard construction also has a strap of flexible material. The strap has a top edge and an opposite bottom edge as well as opposite medial and lateral ends extending between the top edge and the bottom edge. The medial end of the strap has a width between the top edge and the bottom edge of the strap that is wider than a width of the lateral end between the top edge and the bottom edge of the strap. Further, the strap has a first fastener proximate the lateral end, wherein the strap is affixable to the shin guard near the lateral side of the shin guard utilizing the first fastener. Additionally, the strap has a second fastener proximate the medial end. The strap is affixable to the shin guard near the medial side of the shin guard utilizing the second fastener. The top edge of the strap extends higher than the top end of the shin guard in a direction defined as extending from the bottom end toward the top end of the shin guard when the strap is affixed to the shin guard utilizing both the first fastener and the second fastener.

Having briefly described an overview of embodiments of the present invention, a more detailed description follows

The construction of a shin guard100of the present invention has the basic construction of a soccer-type shin guard. However, the shin guard100is comprised of a strap202that extends away from the shin guard100at an upwardly orientation to encircle a wearer's calf at a point higher than if the strap extended perpendicularly outward from the shin guard. Additionally, the strap202may be adjustable in length and also adjustable in a vertical coupling location. The shin guard100provides a unique contouring connection mechanism that provides a secure and stable attachment to a wearer. The shape, size, and/or orientation of the strap202may allow, in some aspects, the strap202to rest on the calf above the widest portion of the calf. By positioning the strap202above the calf, the strap202may not have enough elasticity to expand around or over the wider portion of the calf that is below the strap202in an as-worn position.

In aspects of the present invention, the shin guard100is a soccer-style shin guard. However, it should be understood that the novel concept of the invention could be employed on other types of shin guards. Because much of the construction of the shin guard100is the same as that of a conventional shin guard, the conventional features of the constructions will be described only generally herein.

The shin guard100is constructed with an outer cover102. The outer cover102may be a rigid or semi-rigid material that acts as a distributor of impact force. For example, the outer cover102may be constructed from a polymer-based material that is formed to contour to a wearer's shin region. Therefore, if an impact is experienced by the outer cover102, the force of the impact is distributed over a larger surface area of the wearer's shin region as a result of the rigid properties of the outer cover102.

The body of the shin guard100is also constructed with an inner liner116. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner liner116is a cushioning material functional for absorbing force. For example, a foam material may be formed as the inner liner116. The inner liner may coincide with the dimensions of the outer cover102. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the body of the shin guard100is comprised of a lamination of the outer cover102and the inner liner116to form a cohesive shin guard body.

However, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, the inner liner116may have a larger dimension in one or more location relative to the outer cover102. For example, the inner liner116may extend below a bottom end110of the outer cover102, as best depicted inFIG. 1. The additional dimension may provide additional absorption characteristics to not only absorb impact energy experienced by the outer cover102, but also impacts experiences at a location of the excess inner liner116. Additionally, the excess dimensions of inner liner116may provide a more comfortable fit for a wearer as compared to the outer cover102extending to the edges of the shin guard100.

The shin guard100may be defined as having a top end108, the bottom end110, a medial side114, and a lateral side112. As used herein, the terms medial and lateral may be relative to a wearer of the shin guard100. For example, a shin guard100may be specifically dimensioned for either a wearer's right side or the wearer's left side. Consequently, an item described as either a left or a right may be on a medial side or a lateral side of the shin guard100depending on a side of the wearer in which the shin guard100could be positioned. Further to this point, herein specific reference may be made to medial and lateral when discussing portions, parts, features, and the like; but, it is understood that applying the opposite terminology (e.g., when medial is stated, lateral may also be applied) is contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. For example,FIG. 1depicts a shin guard adapted to be worn on a right leg of a wearer. A similar shin guard adapted to be worn on the left leg of the wearer could be a mirror image of the shin guard depicted inFIG. 1. A mirror image for an opposite leg of the wearer may allow the shin guard to achieve the desired secured fit and positioning for which the shin guard has been designed to achieve.

The shin guard100also has an outer surface104. The outer surface104is a surface that extends away from a wearer when in an as-worn position. Typically, the outer surface104is the surface facing an incoming object for which the shin guard100is intended to provide protection. Opposite of the outer surface104, the shin guard100has an inner surface106, as best seen inFIG. 3. The inner surface106is the surface that is typically facing a wearer's shin when the shin guard100is in an as-worn position. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner surface106is a surface defined by a surface of the inner liner116. However, it is understood that additional material or elements may be disposed between the inner liner116and a wearer in aspects of the present invention.

The shin guard100is also comprised of the strap202. The strap202, in an exemplary embodiment, is constructed from flexible material. For example, the flexible strap202may be constructed from any one or combination of webbing, cord, fabric, hook-and-loop material, binding, leather, synthetic leather, vinyl, nylon, other polymer-based materials, or the like. In an aspect, the strap202is constructed from a non-elastic material as the lack of ability to stretch may allow the strap to secure the shin guard100in a more secure manner than an elastic material. The lack of elasticity in the strap202, in an aspect, may prevent the strap202from expanding to pass over a wider portion of a wearer's calf that is posterior to the strap202in an as-worn position. Further, it is contemplated that a limited elasticity is provided in the strap202, such that the maximum stretch provided by the strap202is less than an amount necessary for the strap202to expand around the wider portion of the calf. Regardless, aspects contemplate the strap202resting on an upper portion of the calf of a wearer in an as-worn position to help secure the shin guard100.

A perimeter of the strap may be defined by a top edge208and a bottom edge210. The perimeter also is comprised of a medial side212and an opposite lateral side214. However, it is understood, that aspects of the present invention provide that the top edge208and the bottom edge210are not parallel to one another along the length of the strap202. For example, as best illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5, the overall shape of the strap202may be a trapezium where none of the sides are parallel to one another. In other words, the length of the top edge208may be less than the length of the bottom edge210, where the medial side212comprises an outer edge260that may form an acute angle10with the bottom edge210and an obtuse angle20with top edge208. Additional aspects of the present invention may have the strap202shaped as a trapezoid having two sides parallel to one another.

The strap202has a first surface204and an opposite second surface206. In an as-worn position, a majority of the first surface204is facing and may be in contact with a wearer's skin. Conversely, in an as-worn position, the second surface206of the strap202maybe facing away from a wearer's leg. In an exemplary embodiment, the material utilized to construct, at least a portion, of the first surface204may include materials that have a higher coefficient of friction relative to an a wearer's skin or other contacting surface. For example, to aid in maintaining the shin guard100as a whole, and the strap202in particular, in a desired position, the increased coefficient of friction may be desired. Examples of materials suitable for this purpose include, leather, synthetic leather, silicon based materials, or polymer based materials.

As best illustrated inFIG. 4, a first fastener242is attached to the first surface204. In an exemplary embodiment, the first fastener is a hook or a loop material; however, other fasteners are contemplated herein. For example, other fasteners may include snaps, buttons, tape, hooks, catches, compression closures, or the like. The first fastener242has a top edge244, an outer edge248, an inner edge250, and a bottom edge246. The width of the first fastener242is defined as extending from the inner edge250to the outer edge248. The length of the first fastener242is defined as extending from the bottom edge246to the top edge244.

In exemplary aspects, the outer edge248is proximate to the strap's medial side212, as illustrated best inFIG. 4. Similarly, the top edge244and/or the bottom edge246may be positioned proximate a respective edge of the strap202. The shape of the first fastener242, when constructed from a shapeable material such as a hook and/or loop material, may correspond to that of the underlying portion of the strap202. By corresponding in shape, the first fastener242may attach, even temporarily, to a respective connector (e.g., the other of a hook or loop material) on the shin guard100or even on another portion of the strap202without interference from the strap202itself.

The shin guard100has a fastener portion302, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, that is functional for receiving the first fastener242. The fastener portion302has an upper edge306and an opposite lower edge304. The fastener portion302also has a forward edge308and an opposite back edge310. The width of the fastener portion302is defined as extending from the forward edge308to the back edge310. The length of the fastener portion302is defined as extending from the lower edge304to the upper edge306. In an exemplary embodiment, the fastener portion302is a portion of a hook and loop fastener. For example, if the first fastener242is a hook material, the fastener portion302may be a loop material. However, as previously discussed any of the fasteners discussed herein, including the fastener portion302, may be any type of fastener for securing, either permanently or temporarily, a first portion to a second portion. For example, an exemplary fastener may be a button, snap, hook and loop material, zipper, stitching, sewing, adhesive, hook, eyelet, lacing, ratcheting mechanism, or the like.

The size and shape of the first fastener242and or the fastener portion302may vary depending on an amount of adjustability desired. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the width of the first fastener242may be similar to the width of the fastener portion302. However, in an additional exemplary embodiment, one width of the first fastener242or the fastener portion302may be larger than the other. In this example, a size of the strap202presented to a wearer's leg in an as-worn position may be altered by lengthening or reducing the amount of strap extending from the lateral side112to the medial side114of the shin guard100. Additionally, as will be discussed hereinafter, the position of the strap202or a position of a portion of the strap202may be adjusted in this example when additional adjustments may occur closer to the lateral side214of the strap202.

The fastener portion302may have a length that extends the length or a portion of the length of the shin guard100. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the fastener portion302is greater than the length of the first fastener242. In this example, the strap202may be adjusted vertically to compensate for differences in a wearer's anatomy. For example, to better contour a wearer's calf muscle structure, the wearer may desire to adjust the vertical placement of the strap202when affixed to the shin guard100by adjusting where the first fastener242affixes along the length of the fastener portion302.

Moving to the lateral side214on the second surface206of the strap202, as best seen inFIG. 5, the strap202has a second fastener232. The second fastener has a perimeter defined by a top edge234, an opposite bottom edge236, an inner edge240, and an opposite outer edge238. Similarly, on the second surface206of the strap202, a third fastener222is positioned. The third fastener222has a perimeter defined by a top edge230, an opposite bottom edge228, an inner edge226, and an opposite outer edge224.

The second fastener232and the third fastener222, in an exemplary embodiment, are a hook and/or loop material. For example, the second fastener232may be a hook material and the third fastener222may be a loop material or the like. Consequently, it is contemplated that the second fastener232and the third fastener222operate in conjunction with one another to provide a method of adjusting the strap202when in an as-worn position by a wearer.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the second fastener232may be sized to correspond with an underlying portion of the strap202. For example, the outer edge238may be aligned with the lateral side214of the strap202. Similarly the top edge234and the bottom edge236may align with the respective top edge208and the bottom edge210of the strap202. However, it is contemplated that one or more edges of the second fastener232do not align with the underlying portion of the strap202.

The third fastener222may be sized to correspond with an underlying portion of the strap202. For example, the top edge230and the bottom edge228may align or be spaced from the respective top edge208and the bottom edge210of the strap202. Additionally, it is contemplated that an edging or binding material may be utilized along a part or the whole of the perimeter of the strap202, which may obscure a portion of the second fastener232and/or the third fastener222.

As best seen inFIG. 7, the shin guard100has a first opening216and a second opening218. The first opening216and the second opening218are openings functional for receiving a portion of the strap202. For example, the first opening and the second opening218may be sized to allow the lateral side214of the strap202to extend through each of the openings. The first opening216may be parallel in orientation to the second opening218. Both the first opening216and the second opening218may be discrete openings, such as a slot shaped opening that provides an aperture through which the strap202may pass.

Consequently, the shin guard100is effective to receive the strap202such that the strap202is affixed to the shin guard100by way of the strap202extending through the first opening216and/or the second opening218. As illustrated atFIG. 7, the lateral side214may pass, from the inner surface106to the outer surface104, through the first opening216. Consequently, the lateral side214may then pass, from the outer surface104to the inner surface106, through the second opening218. This “threading” of the strap202through the first opening216and the second opening218creates a turnback portion220of the strap202. The turnback portion220is the portion of the strap202that is exposed proximate the outer surface104.

The threading of the strap202through the outer cover102and the inner liner116allows the strap202to be affixed to the shin guard100, in an exemplary embodiment. Additional exemplary aspects include permanently or removeably affixing the strap202directly or indirectly to the outer cover102, the inner liner116, or other portions of the shin guard100. For example, the strap202, as previously discussed, may be affixed to a portion of the shin guard utilizing other fastening methods. For example, the strap202may be secured directly to the shin guard100utilizing snaps, hook and loop, buttons, clips, stitching, and the like in place of or in combination to the apertures216and/or216.

Individually or in combination, the first fastener242, the second fastener232, the third fastener222, the fastener portion302, the first opening216, and/or the second opening218allow the strap to be adjusted in a plurality of ways. For example, the length of the strap that extends between the lateral side112to the medial side114may be adjusted utilizing one or more of the fasteners discussed above. Further, the height and even the angle (to be discussed hereinafter) may be adjusted utilizing one or more of the fasteners discussed above.

Turning now to the orientation of the strap202when affixed, either partially or fully, to the shin guard100. The strap202, in an exemplary embodiment, maintains an upwardly inclined orientation relative to a horizontal plane extending through the outer surface104and the inner surface106. For example, the strap202is upwardly oriented as depicted by line504(as seen inFIG. 2) relative to horizontal planes depicted by lines512,508and506. The upward angle may be measured as angle510.

The upward angle depicted by the line504represents a general angular trend of the strap202along the medial side114. It is understood that the strap202, as a flexible material, may be best described as having an upward orientation as the strap202may waver, flex, or otherwise distort along one or more portions. Consequently, when discussed herein, the upward angular orientation may be a trend of the strap202for a portion or as a whole. For example, as seen inFIG. 7, a line502depicts an upward angular trend of the strap202. However, it is contemplated that the upward angular orientation depicted by the line502may be different from the upward orientation depicted by the line504(as seen inFIG. 6). A discrepancy in the angle may result from the shape of the strap202. For example, if the top edge208and the bottom edge210deviate from parallel at different portion or across the whole of the strap202. The resulting angular orientation from the lateral side112to the medial side114may be different. Additionally, an orientation of the strap202proximate a point of coupling with the shin guard100may further change the angular orientation represented by lines502and504

An orientation of the strap202is, in an exemplary embodiment, influenced by the location and orientation of the first opening216and the second opening218. For example, it is contemplated that the first opening216is located lower, measured from the top end108to the bottom end110, than the second opening218. In this example, as the strap202extends away from the inner surface after passing through the second opening118, the strap inherently extends at an upward angle when the turnback portion220is taught. Similarly, an irregular shaping (e.g., trapezium, trapezoidal) of the strap202may facilitate the upward orientation of the strap202.

In an additional exemplary embodiment, the top edge208of the strap202is higher than the top end108of the shin guard100. As seen inFIG. 2, the height of the top edge208, as measured in a direction extending from the bottom end110through the top end108, is depicted by the line506. The height of the top end108, as also measured in a direction extending from the bottom end110through the top end108, is depicted by the line508. As depicted inFIG. 2, the top edge208is “higher” than the top end108when the strap202is affixed to the shin guard100.

As previously discussed, the strap202is functional to surround a leg402proximate an upper portion of a calf404of the wearer. The strap202, in an as-worn position, may contact the upper portion of the calf on a medial side proximate a point408(depicted inFIG. 6). Similarly, the strap202, in an as-worn position, may contact the upper portion of the calf on a lateral side proximate a point410(depicted inFIG. 7). In an exemplary embodiment, the orientation, shape, and/or size of the strap202is selected to allow the strap to rest, in an as-worn position, at a point on a wearer's calf that is superior to the widest portion of the calf muscle. For example, the calf region of a wearer may be defined by two prominent portions of the calf muscle that have different posterior heights at which they are the widest. Consequently, the point408may be higher (i.e., superior) or lower (i.e., inferior) to that of the point410. In an aspect, the strap202has a shape and orientation that allows the strap202to rest, in an as-worn position, above the calf region of the wearer at an approximately similar height taking into account the lack of symmetry between the two prominent portions of the calf.

Consequently, the upward orientation of the strap202may allow for the shin guard100to be positioned in a traditional location along the shin posterior of a wearer's knee while having the strap202extend, naturally, around an upper portion of the wearer calf on the backside of the leg. Additionally, an angle at which the strap202contacts the wearer's leg may be adjusted on the lateral side and the medial side utilizing the various fasteners discussed herein.

The following is an overview of the figures provided herewith.FIG. 1depicts a frontal view of the shin guard100having the strap202affixed to the lateral side112and the medial side114in accordance with aspects of the present invention.FIG. 2depicts a medial side view of the shin guard100, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.FIG. 2illustrates the “height” of the strap202relative to the top end108by the lines506and508respectively. Additionally,FIG. 2depicts the medial side upward orientation510of the strap202as shown by the line504, where the strap202when affixed to the fastener portion302, has exterior edge260in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the horizontal plane512.FIG. 3depicts a back perspective of the shin guard100having the strap202affixed to the shin guard100by passing through the first opening216and the second opening218. The strap202utilizes the second fastener232and the third fastener222to maintain the positioning of the strap202.

FIG. 4depicts the first surface204of the strap202in an un-affixed position, in accordance with emblements of the present invention.FIG. 5depicts the second surface206of the strap202in an un-affixed position, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.FIG. 6depicts a medial view, in an as-worn position, of the shin guard100, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.FIG. 6also depicts an upward orientation of the strap202from a medial side, as depicted by the line506, when the strap202is affixed to both a medial side and a lateral side of the shin guard100.FIG. 7depicts a lateral view, in an as-worn position, of the shin guard100, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.FIG. 7also depicts an upward orientation of the strap202on a lateral side, as depicted by the line502.FIG. 8depicts a rear view in an as-worn position of the shin guard100, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.FIG. 8also depicts a difference in height of the top edge208of the strap202relative to a top end of the shin guard100, as illustrated with lines506and508respectively.

FIG. 9depicts a frontal view of an additional exemplary shin guard900, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Among other features included with the shin guard900, the shin guard900includes a first vent902, a second vent904, a third vent906, and a fourth vent908. The vents902-908are all medially inclined vents. For example, as the vent extends from the lateral side112toward the medial side114, the vent inclines upwardly from the bottom edge110towards the top edge108. Medially inclined vents may allow for airflow to enter the shin guard900in a manner that facilitates greater cooling effectiveness proximate a shin region of a wearer. Similarly, the medially inclined vents may facilitate maintaining a relative position when in an in-worn state. For example, if a sleeve or sock is located on an exterior surface of the shin guard900, the medially inclined vents may provide a tightening effect caused by a medial to lateral rotation as they resist gravity. The medial to lateral rotation may be resisted by a strap (not shown) more effectively than a lateral to medial rotation. However, it is contemplated that a similar result may also be realized with a laterally inclined vent. The shin guard900may also include a plurality of laterally inclined vents, such as a fifth vent910and a sixth vent912. The shin guard900is also illustrated with the first opening216, which may be utilized for coupling a strap to the lateral side112. It is contemplated in this exemplary aspect, as previously discussed, that a single opening (e.g., the first opening216) may be sufficient without a second opening (e.g., the second opening218(not shown)).

Although the shin guard construction is described above by referring to particular aspects, it should be understood that modification and variations could be made to the shin guard construction described without departing from the intended scope of protection provided by the following claims.