EP0920887B1 - Leg-guard with ankle stabilisation - Google Patents

Abstract

The shin guard (10) has a shin pad (12) with a holder strap (14,16) to fasten it positively to the calf relative to the forces acting in longitudinal ankle direction. A traction element (24,28) fastened in/directly to the shin pad, limits movement of the foot relative to the calf, by traction and pressure force transmission between pad and shoe or foot. Limiting the foot movement limits and/or slows down at least one accident-causing movement, esp. inversion/ supination and/or eversion/pronation of the foot.

Description

The invention relates to a shin guards, in particular football shin guards, with ankle stabilization.

In many sports, including football, there is a risk of Injuries in the area of ankle, especially ankle and Ligament injuries of the upper ankle. To such injuries It can happen, for example, when a person (athlete) lapses and then to excessive movement of the foot relative to Lower leg comes, which is commonly referred to as "kinking".

Various shoes with ankle stabilization have been proposed some of this problem more and sometimes less to encounter. Reference is made, for example, to EP 0 416 437 B1, which WO95 / 22264 (corresponds to European Patent Application No. 95909 670.2) and the German utility model no. 296 01 890.2.

By using such shoes or boots with ankle stabilization The risk of injury is likely to be reversed most sports where shoes are worn, at least be very reducible, especially if the shoes or boots after the disclosed in WO95 / 22264 and in Utility Model no. 296 01 890.2 Principles are designed that provide a particularly high level of protection. This basically also applies to the sport of football, in the corresponding trained football boots can be used.

In the football game, players usually call "shin guards" (Tibia saver), wearing a tibial shield to the Covering at least a lower portion of the lower leg of the Shin guards bearing athlete (wearer) have forward. In general, the shin guard is placed on the tibia and by a normal stocking worn over it in his Position held. Shin guards are also known, on whose lower end of a stocking with open toe part is attached, the one To prevent slippage of the shield. Also known are also known Shin guards with an outside to be placed on the stocking Shield, which at its lower end a textile sleeve part having. The textile sleeve part is provided to the lower leg in the transition area to the foot to embrace. One on the shield attached band serves to encompass the lower leg and thereby keeping the shield on the lower leg. To get up to prevent the protective shield is a foot engaging Band provided.

The well-known shin guards in their different varieties can readily together with football boots, according to the previous mentioned documents equipped with ankle stabilization are to be used. At most with respect to "normal", low, below the ankle-ending soccer shoes, d. H. Soccer shoes without Ankle stabilization, much further along the lower leg raised, boot-like football boots with ankle stabilization could, on a case by case basis, make minor adjustments to the Shin guards may be required to allow the football boot and shin guards do not disturb each other.

From US 5,507,720 is a shin guards with ankle stabilization function according to the preamble of claim 1. The known Shin guards have an ankle support section (ankle supporting portion 7), which is designed to protect the ankle (and thus the ankle joint) to support against inversion and eversion and to protect against shocks. For this purpose, the ankle support portion has an inner side and an outer side (sides 8) on, which by means of fastening straps (securing straps 3) tight fitting to be secured at the respective ankle. It's a U-shaped, foot-engaging one Support (U-shaped support 4) provided closely under the foot too is buckles.

According to the abstract and the introduction to the description of US Pat. No. 5,507,720, serves the well-known Schienbeinschonerdazu, on the one hand shin and ankle to protect against impact and on the other hand to support the ankle to one Athletes with an ankle injury to allow participation in sports. A preventive wearing of the known shin guards to avoid Ankle injuries due to traumatic movements is therefore not provided.

From the AT-361 425 B is a leg protection in the form of a leg shape in essential corresponding, domed shell known to a shoe to attach. Next to the tibial area is the entire forefoot area including ankle against harmful effects, such as Punches, protected.

From EP-0 552 804 A1 is a shin guards with a pillow-like Shin protection shield known, in addition, a back cushion-like Protective element which serves to protect the Achilles tendon.

In contrast, it is an object of the present invention to provide a To provide shin guards according to the preamble of claim 1, the performs an injury avoiding ankle stabilization function or at least one of which interacts with shin guards Football players or other athletes or persons who Use of low shoes while ensuring a preventive To provide ankle stabilization. For this purpose, a invention Shin guards proposed with the features of claim 1, as well as a shin guards shoe combination with the features of claim 2.

In contrast to the known shin guards described above the foot under the band, the known schienbeinschoner necessary to prevent the shin guards from sliding up, is the shield in the tibia saver invention non-positively fixable on the lower leg. This can be about the at least one tensile element tensile forces and optionally compressive forces from Foot or shoe on the shield and from this to the next Transmitted lower leg and introduced into this. According to the invention the at least one tension element is designed in such a way and arranged that the tensile force transmission according to the invention and optionally Pressure transmission between protective shield (and thus lower leg) on the one hand and shoe and / or foot on the other hand the mobility of the foot relative to the lower leg so limited that the risk of Injuries due to at least one violent movement type is at least substantially reduced. Under limitation of mobility foot is, for example, limiting or / and at least for large movement amplitudes - the slowing / aggravating the at least one violent movement type, in particular an inversion / supination movement and / or an Eversions- / Pronationsbewegung of the foot, to understand.

Especially inversion / supination movements and Eversions- / Pronationsbewegungen of the foot are relatively severely injured. It These are the following movements of the foot relative to Lower leg: During pronation, there is an outward turn of the foot (Lifting the outer and lowering the inner foot edge) around a Fußlängsachse instead of. As a supination, an inward turn (lowering of the outer and lifting the inner foot edge) about the Fußlängsachse. Of the The term "inversion" refers to a composite movement of one Supination movement and a so-called adduction movement and a so-called plantarflexion movement. In an adduction movement the foot turns around a vertical, approximately with the lower leg coincident axis, with the toe medial in Direction to the body symmetry plane moves. The plantarflexion designates a pivotal movement of the foot about the approximately transverse Axis of the upper ankle, in which the back of the foot of the Lower leg front removed.

The Eversionsbewegung is also a composite movement, the from the mentioned pronation movement as well as a so-called Abduction movement and a so-called Dorsalflexionsbewegung composed. In an abduction movement, the foot rotates turn around the already mentioned vertical axis, but now with one Movement of the toe away from the plane of symmetry in the lateral direction. In a Dorsalflexionsbewegung the foot pivots about the said approximately transverse axis in the opposite direction Plantarflexion, so that the back of the lower leg front surface approaches.

For anatomical background is still to be stated that the relative movement between foot and lower leg essentially by two axes can be described. A first axis is the axis of the upper one Ankle joints that are approximately transversal through the inner and the outer ankle of the foot runs, so according to the light Offset of the two ankle in Fußlängsrichtung (the foot inside Ankle is opposite the foot outside-ankle in the foot longitudinal direction shifted forward) slightly obliquely from lateral (foot outside) behind to medial (foot inside) front. The second, the mobility of the foot relative to the lower leg substantially characterizing axis is the so-called "Henkesche axis", obliquely from lateral (foot outside) behind bottom to medial (Fußinnenseitig) front top runs and with the called axis of the upper ankle a kind of heterokinetic Cardan joint forms. The muscles grouped around the two axes can now essentially two movements cause: The already mentioned 'Inversion', which plantarflektiert the foot and the sole of the foot medially oriented and inevitably with a supination and an adduction movement combined, as well as the already mentioned "Eversion", which is the foot Posteriorly reflected and the sole of the foot can look laterally and inevitably associated with an abduction and a pronation movement. These Movements may also be due to external, to the foot or lower leg acting forces are evoked. In case of excessive external forces, for example, in an accidental buckling of the Foot, there is a high risk of ankle and ligament injuries, especially the upper ankle.

According to the shin protector is now designed to be alone or in interaction with a shoe at least one injury Type of movement of the foot relative to the lower leg, in particular the called inversion and / or supination and / or pronation and / or Eversion, in the sense cited and, for example, excessive external forces, such as due to accidental kinking of the Foot, at least as far as intercept and past the upper ankle joint into the lower leg that the risk of injury, at least is significantly reduced.

In this context, it is important to mention that the muscular apparatus Muscle strength is generally strong enough, even strong to absorb external traumatic forces. The muscular apparatus But needs a certain amount of time, for example about 50 ms, to appropriate Build up opposing forces. External forces then become special dangerous if this happens within a shorter period of time, for example 30 ms, so that the muscles can not react fast enough. In such external forces, which in terms of their strength by the Musculature can be intercepted, but rise too fast when that the musculature could follow this increase and that is why It is enough to cause injury to the injured To slow movements to such an extent that the musculature increases can follow the external forces. Provides the tibia saver invention alone or together with other components, in particular a Shoe, for a corresponding slowing of excessive relative movements Between the foot and lower leg, natural reflexes can help Accidents would often come too late, now be timely and one Prevent injury. A violent movement type needs so not in its amplitude of motion absolutely (in the sense of a stop) but it is sufficient if these - at least for large Movement amplitudes - slowed down, for example, by providing corresponding counterforces to aggravate the movement. Regarding particularly large external forces affecting the muscular retention and the ligament apparatus, but it may be useful, even one absolute limitation of the movement amplitude in the sense of a stop provided.

To a frictional coupling between foot and lower leg in Meaning of the restriction of the mobility of the foot according to the invention To achieve this, or can the tension elements with one in one or the shoe can be taken up between the sole of the foot and the shoe sole, the foot under cross-bottom element of the tibia saver be connected to at least tensile forces between lower gripping element and Protective shield to transfer. The lower gripping element can on the shoe, in particular at the shoe sole, be fixable, for example by means of Velcro sections. Such a determination of the lower gripping element but the shoe is not absolutely necessary, especially if the lower gripping element foot inside and fußaußenseitig over at least a tension element is connected to the protective shield. The one for the desired Stabilization effect required adhesion between foot base and Undergrating element is namely, if necessary (at the time of the Occurrence) ensures that the foot at the time of occurrence due to the sudden deceleration of foot and body with momentary high force presses on the lower gripping element and so a momentary Frictional friction produces. Lower grip element and a foot inside and a Fußaußenseit Zugelement can therefore (probably the simplest Training) of a tensile band or a band defined Zugelastizität be formed, the foot engages on both sides with the foot Shield is connected directly or indirectly.

But it is also possible, the shoe associated with the shin guard to include in the power transmission chain, the shoe optionally can perform a function corresponding to the sub-gripping element. For this purpose, the tension element or the tension elements with the shoe, in particular a shoe side portion of the shoe, connected or be connectable.

It could basically already only by a tension element on one foot side (or by several, if necessary in Fußlängsrichtung mutually offset tension elements on a foot side) a Limitation of the mobility of the foot relative to Lower leg can be achieved in the illustrated sense. For example could at least with a corresponding arrangement and training a foot outside tension member in a Supinationsbewegung, especially inversion movement, the foot's forces increasingly on the foot outside tension element from the sole of the foot to the protective shield and be transferred to the lower leg with appropriate Slowing down and limiting the further supination or inversion movement of the foot. In a similar way could by at least a suitably arranged and trained foot inside joint in a pronation movement, in particular Eversionsbewegung, forces increasingly on the foot inside tension element of the sole of the foot on the Shield and thus transferred to the lower leg, causing a corresponding deceleration and restriction of the other pronation or Eversionsbewegung the foot can be achieved. According to the invention, as in claim 1 or claim 2 but is opposite to each one at least a tension element on the inside of the foot and on the outside of the foot intended.

At least in the wearing state of the shin guards defined in claim 1 and according to the shin-shoe combination defined in claim 2 let the Tension elements between the assigned, also worn by the wearer shoe and / or the lower gripping element on the one hand and the shield on the other hand-optionally in cooperation with the shoe - only such a pivoting movement, by a foot inside and a foot outside Joint is defined. At the respective joint it can are a spatially exactly localized joint.

By providing a foot inside and a foot outside, spatially exactly localized joints are those for a given spatial localization resulting limitations of the Flexibility of the foot relative to the lower leg comparatively easy determinable so that the design of the shin guards is simplified. An inventive restriction of the mobility of the foot relative to the lower leg but can also be without exact localization of the reach foot-inside or foot-outside joints, for example, if the Gekenkfunktion of a deformability of as Tensile elements serving band sections between shield and under gripping element is provided.

A particularly effective protective effect of the shin guards against the aforementioned injury risks, in particular of the upper ankle According to the invention is achieved in that the fußaußenseitige joint is offset forward of the outer ankle, preferably so far, that the fußaußenseitige joint against a Middle position between the inner and outer ankle forward is offset. This can be achieved in that one or the leg portion of the foot outer side tension member relative to the outer Ankle is offset forward, preferably so far that the leg portion opposite the middle position between the inner and outer Ankle is offset to the front.

This ensures that during a Supinationsbewegung, in particular Inversion movement, of the foot forces increasingly over the foot outside Tension element from the sole of the foot on the shield and thus on the lower leg are transmitted with appropriate deceleration and Restriction of the further supination or inversion movement of the Foot. Supination damage, especially torn ligaments (fibular ligaments, especially ligamentum talofibulare anterius), and even more so bone injuries (bony injuries, especially ankle fractures) be effectively avoided.

In a corresponding manner, the present invention additionally provided reshuffling of the foot inside Joint behind the inner ankle, preferably opposite the center position to the rear, the risk of Pronation damage or damage to the skin, in particular fractures of the Lateral malleolus. In an Eversionsbewegung of the foot, in particular a pronation movement, namely forces are increasingly on the foot inside tension element from the sole of the foot to the protective shield and Accordingly transferred to the lower leg, with a corresponding Deceleration and a corresponding restriction of the other Eversion or pronation movement of the foot. To achieve this, will proposed that one or the leg portion of the foot inside Tension element opposite the inner ankle, preferably opposite to the Middle position, offset to the rear.

With regard to a good protective function of the shin guards against the mentioned injury risks suggested that the foot outside hinge opposite the foot inside joint in foot longitudinal direction is offset to the front. This can be done, for example be achieved, that a leg portion of the foot outside tension member against a leg portion of the foot inside Tension element is offset in the foot longitudinal direction to the front.

It should be noted for a better understanding of the operation of the invention that for the deceleration and limitation of the supination / Eversionsbewegung a tension element on the foot outside is sufficient whereas, to restrict the pronation / inversion movement Tensile element on the inside of the foot is sufficient. Are the tension elements like this trained that they also compressive forces between foot and shield and thus transmitted to the lower leg, can be a foot inside tension element also essential for restricting the pronation or Eversionsbewegung Contribute and can also be a foot outside tension element for restriction the supination or inversion movement of the foot essential contribute. By pulling element on both sides of the foot, as in the invention provided, the mentioned Bewegugen can be particularly effective limit.

The deceleration and restriction of the supination / inversion or Pronations / Eversionsbewegungen of the foot follow from the specified Position of the joints or leg sections of the tension elements and the resulting orientation of a relative mobility between lower leg or protective shield on the one hand and foot or shoe on the other hand, characterized by the shin guards or the Combination of shin guards and associated shoe Pivot or movement axis, which in the following to distinguish from the above anatomical movement axes of the foot as "outer" movement axis is called. The outer pan or Movement axis runs more or less depending on the size of the offset transverse to the movement of the tarsal root below the upper ankle joint characterizing Henkeschen axis. At least for larger inversion or Eversionsbewegungen the foot also rotates about the Henkesche axis, but by the (otherwise, possibly oriented transversely to the Henkian axis) outer swivel or movement axis increasingly braked, possibly is blocked. Due to the basic elasticity of the shin guards and / or the associated shoe is initially in spite of the different Movement axes of foot on the one hand and shin guards or shoe On the other hand, an inversion or Eversionsbewegung the foot possible. Increasingly, however, this movement is due to the shin guards, optionally in conjunction with the shoe, inhibited. The full Agility of the foot is according to the described development of Invention thus not intended to damage the foot, in particular the ankle and ligaments, to the extent possible exclude.

To achieve a particularly effective protective function, is called particularly preferably proposed that on the one hand by a Joint or / and one or the leg portion of a tension element and, on the other hand, either through a center of a link between the outer and inner knuckles or through the other Joint and / or one or the leg portion of a Tension element on the other foot side going straight line and a Foot transverse axis in projection on one to the foot transverse axis and to the foot longitudinal axis parallel horizontal plane an angle α of at least 10 °, preferably at least 15 °, more preferably at least 20 °, most preferably at least 30 °. The specified Link is generally associated with the relative mobility between shield or lower leg on the one hand and foot or shoe on the other hand characterizing "outer" pivot or movement axis coincide, so that the above statements can be referenced. With increasing angle α between link and foot transverse axis also approaching in projection the horizontal plane seen angle between Henkescher axis on the one hand and link or outer pivot or movement axis the 90 ° angle. The inhibition of inversion or conversion movements (supination or pronation movements) sets accordingly with increasing Angle α already for smaller movement amplitudes. In general, the Angle α does not exceed an angle of 80 °; as is preferred for the angle α proposed an upper limit of about 45 °.

The described arrangement of the foot inside and fußaußenseitigen Joint or the leg portion of fußaußenseitigen Tension element and the leg portion of the foot inside Tension element ensures that physiologically correct movements still possible, but in case of excessive movements slows down become. The natural reflexes to prevent inversion / supination damage or / and Eversions- / pronation damage, in the case of Accidents often come too late to avoid injury now in time. So there is a positive effect on the dynamic muscular stability (proprioception), which enhances the natural reflexes be supported in case of excessive movements of the specified type violations.

At least one of the tension members may have a lower and an upper one Zugelementabschnitt, in particular a lower and an upper Leg section, which are connected via a hinge. At least one joint can with in the be formed substantially vertical joint play.

With regard to the formation of the joint or the joints are diverse Variants conceivable. As examples, the training of the joint as Hinge pin-Ausnehmungskombination, as hinge joint, as material attenuation (In particular film hinge), as Zugelementabschnitt with opposite the other tension element other material (in particular softer and / or more elastic material) or as a bellows section called.

At least one of the tension elements can at least partially elastic, in particular be designed as zugelastisches band. By the elastic training of the tension element can be achieved in particular that a deceleration of a limited Fußbewegung not suddenly, as when using a joint with hinge pins in one Slot and at the same time inelastic tension element, uses, but that the movement limiting opposing forces with increasing movement amplitude gradually increase. This will be a particularly high Comfort as well as appropriate for the respective sport Mobility achieved, in particular due to easier mobility with some adaptation of the outer movement axis to the respective Wear the shin guards and especially because of the avoidance jerky decelerations.

In addition to a design of the respective at least one tension element, in particular of the elastic band such that the tensile force exerted on stretching (Drag) increases linearly with the strain, also comes an education such that the tensile force increases progressively with the elongation. In other words, the at least one tension element or the Toughened band a progressively decreasing tensile elasticity when stretched exhibit. This can be achieved, for example, that the other Pronation movement (Eversionsbewegung) or supination movement (Inversion movement) decelerating and restricting opposing forces in may be relatively low in an initial region and then in the course of further movement, for example, increase exponentially, so on the one hand through the initial area with the low counter forces a particularly undisturbed mobility with certain customization options outer axis of movement to the respective tibial protector given by the progressively increasing opposing forces a violent movement beyond the starting area reliably avoided without a sudden deceleration of the Movement occurs. This makes a high wearing comfort at extremely effective protection against injury, the latter in particular then, if that at least one tension element or the zugelastische band has a defined maximum ductility. In the case of a forgiving Bands can vary the tensile elasticity in the belt longitudinal direction, in particular to provide a spatially well-defined zone, which the Joint function takes over and therefore as joint in the sense to claim the invention.

The material for the elastic band is rubber or / and silicone rubber into consideration.

With regard to defined preferred for safety reasons defined maximum extensibility is suggested that at one for a average adult size normal Shin guards the extensibility of zugelastischen tension element in Vertical direction at most about 2.5 cm, preferably at most about 2.0 cm, most preferably at most about 1.5 cm.

The tension elements and - in the case of the shin guards according to claim 1 - optionally the lower gripping element can be integral with the protective shield, in particular one-piece, be trained. By a one-piece training is the shin guards especially inexpensive to produce. The shin guards can have at least one - known "knuckle protection shield", preferably from a foot inside or fußaußenseitigen Traction element is held and optionally integral with these, in particular one-piece, is formed.

The holding means for non-positive fixing of the protective shield on Lower legs can offset two in height direction, zugelastische and preferably adjustable straps comprise, the optionally a closure, in particular Velcro fastener having. For non-positive fixing of the shield can also be attached to the Shape of the lower leg adapted inner surface and / or the Properties (adhesive properties, coefficient of friction) of the lower leg contribute to the adjacent material of the protective shield; the inner surface or the material applied to the lower leg can insofar the attributed holding means.

It is suggested that the shin guards a the lower leg especially in the transition region to the foot embracing textiles Cuff part or a textile stocking part includes. Through the cuff part or the sock can the tension elements in a predetermined, with regard to the restriction of the violent Movement type held correct position relative to the foot become. The Tension element and - in the case of the shin guard according to claim 1 - if necessary, the lower gripping element can with the stocking or Cuff part may be formed integrally or in one piece.

Referring to the tibia-shoe combination according to claim 2 alternatively to the training of the shin guards with a lower gripping element according to the invention proposal according to claim 1 the at least one tension element has a lower free one Have end portion, as the attachment portion, in particular Velcro section, designed for tension-resistant attachment to the shoe. In this Expression of the invention takes over the assigned shoe the function of the lower gripping element, namely on tension element and shield the foot and the To couple the lower leg with a force fit. A respective one of Joints can be at the Be provided connecting point between shoe and tension element, For example, such that the attachment portion together with a associated attachment point of the shoe forms the joint. For this purpose can the attachment portion formed for example as a hook portion be in a serving as attachment point mounting opening of the Shoe pivotally engaged.

The shoe, especially sports shoe, the Shin-shoe combination points Connecting points, in particular velcro sections or joint formation points, for at least tensile forces transmitting connection with the tension elements on.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Schienbeinschoners zum Tragen am linken Unterschenkel, wobei der Schienbeinschoner in einer Lage dargestellt ist, die im wesentlichen einem Tragezustand am Unterschenkel entspricht;

Fig. 2

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Schienbeinschoners, der bis auf ein zusätzliches Strumpfteil dem Schienbeinschoner der Fig. 1 entspricht;

Fig. 3

eine erfindungsgemäße Schienbeinschoner-Schuh-Kombination; und

Fig. 4

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Schienbeinschoners.

The invention is explained below with reference to several embodiments shown in the drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a tibial protector according to the invention for wearing on the left lower leg, wherein the tibial protector is shown in a position which substantially corresponds to a wearing state on the lower leg;

Fig. 2

a further embodiment of a tibia saver according to the invention, which corresponds to the shin guards of Figure 1 except for an additional stocking part.

Fig. 3

a shin guards shoe combination according to the invention; and

Fig. 4

Another embodiment of a tibia saver invention.

The illustrated in Fig. 1 shin guards 10 includes a Shin-shield 12, whose on a left lower leg fitting inside with a not separately shown in the figure shock-absorbing material is lined. The shield will go through lower tether 14 and an upper tether 16, the lower leg embrace, held, in such a way that the shield frictionally is fixable on the lower leg, so that in lower leg longitudinal direction the shield transmitted forces transmitted to the lower leg can be. At the non-positive fixing of the shield on Lower leg can also be the inner leg of the lower leg Protective shield participate. For this purpose, the surface to the shape of the Be adapted to the lower leg and can adhere to the inner surface be formed or have a high friction parameters.

To adjust the straps 14, 16 to a respective lower leg can, these are adjustable and have a closure 18 and 20 with feed tab and associated Velcro tape section on.

To stabilize the ankle, the tibia protector 10 has a foot below the two hocks embracing bracket member 22, the foot inside a subsequent to the shield 12 down Foot inside tension element 24, a to the foot inside tension element 24 subsequent, the foot engages under gripping element 26 and a fußaußenseitiges, on the one hand foot outside on the shield 12 and on the other hand to the lower gripping element 26 subsequent fußaußenseitiges Traction element 28 includes. The foot inside tension member 24 and the Foot outside tension members 28 each include a lower leg portion 30 and 32 and a lower leg portion 34 and 36, respectively. The foot inside upper leg portion 30 and the foot inside lower leg portion 34 are about a Fußinnenseitiges joint 38th connected and the foot outer side upper leg portion 32 and the Fußaußenseitige lower leg portion 36 are on a fußaußenseitiges Joint 40 connected together.

Through the leg sections and joints is both foot inside as also outside of the foot a tensile forces transmitting connection between on Lower leg fixed or definable protective shield 12 and the Bottom gripping element 26 produced.

The tibial protective shield 12, if appropriate, not separate Shock absorbing inner lining, is in the illustrated embodiment formed integrally with the bracket member 22. The two joints 38 and 40 are each as material attenuation between upper Leg portion 30 and 32 and lower leg portion 34 and 36th trained, for example in the manner of a film hinge. To make the unit from tibia shield 12 and bracket 22 may be plastic be used, taking for different sections of the unit Shield 12 and bracket member 22 plastic materials different Composition and properties can be used For example, softer and / or more elastic material for the tension elements 24 and 28 than for the shield 12. Also the tension elements even need not be formed of a single material.

The position of the tension elements 24 and 28 and the joints 38 and 40 relative to the foot or lower ankle joint Fig. 1 taken so far be as dashed an insole 42 of an otherwise not further shown shoe, in particular soccer shoe, is located, the is worn over the bracket member 22. The lower gripping element 26 is Accordingly, between the sole of the foot and shoe inner sole 42 is arranged.

Further, the inner ankle 44 and the outer ankle 46 are upper Ankle joints shown as dashed circles. The location of approximately through both ankles going transverse axis of the upper ankle joint is connected by one the two ankles Connecting line H specified.

Furthermore, a connection line G connecting the two joints is G drawn by a point M 'about halfway between the two joints are going through vertical projection of a center M of the connecting line H halfway between the both ankles 44 and 46 results. The points M and M 'are thus on a vertically extending vertical axis V. A zur Vertical axis V and to a longitudinal axis L (foot longitudinal axis L or SchuhLängsachse L) orthogonal and passing through the point M 'transverse axis (Foot transverse axis B or shoe transverse axis B) is also shown; the Axes L, V and B form a kind of orthogonal coordinate system for the shin guard 10 or for a combination of Shin guards 10 and associated shoe, at least when wearing of the shin guards or the combination.

Optimal injury protection is in the illustrated embodiment achieved in that the two joints 38 and 40 is not in the direction of Transverse axis B (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A and in a horizontal Level E) are aligned or centered on the inner 44 or outer 46 ankles are provided (both would be basically possible and would also provide some stabilization of the ankle including some protection against injury), but are offset in the longitudinal direction A such that the fußaußenseitige Joint 40 relative to the foot inside joint 38 relative to the Longitudinal A is offset to the front. More precisely: The foot outside (= lateral) joint 40 is opposite to the center position M and M 'forward offset and the foot inside (= medial) joint 38 is opposite to Middle position M or M 'offset to the rear.

The extent of the displacement can be described by an angle α which are of a projection P of the connecting line G between both joints 38 and 40 on the transverse axis B containing horizontal plane E and the transverse axis B is included. The angle α is corresponding the intended limitation of the mobility of the foot relative to the lower leg to choose. The angle is preferably α at least 10 °, but preferably at least 20 °. Good results were in particular also at an angle of about 20 ° to 25 ° reached. For some purposes, the angle α should be at least 30 °.

Joints 38 and 40 are opposite the ankles (circles 44 and 46) each offset downwards, about halfway up. The foot inside Joint 38 is deeper than the foot outside joint 40th Der Inclination angle of the connecting line G to the horizontal plane E is shown in FIG. 1 denoted by β. It is 5 ° to 15 °, preferably about 10 °.

Due to the spatial orientation of the joints 38 and 40 results effective protection of the wearer of the tibial protector from damage to the pronation / pronation and inversion / supination damage of the ankle. At the same time an evasive mobility is guaranteed.

The forward and backward displacement of the joints 38 and 40 according to the Angle α leads to an increasing tensile load of the foot outside Tension element 28 with increasing supination or inversion movement. This is because in the course of the supination movement or Inversion movement of the foot increasingly around the Henkesche axis pivoted. This axis is opposite to the connecting line G between two joints 38 and 40 oriented, ie from behind laterally front medial. Accordingly, the joint 40 becomes increasingly tensile loaded and, provided the foot inside tension member as shown Embodiment is designed pressure-resistant, the foot inside Joint 38 increasingly loaded on pressure. The over the tension elements between fixed on the lower leg shield 12 and the Under gripping element 26 inhibit transmitted tensile and compressive forces increasingly the further supination movement or inversion movement.

The particularly endangered ligament talofibolare anterius runs in front of the outer ankle (circle 46) as well as the foot outside Tension element 28, so that this hinge directly by the invention Tensile element protected against excessive tensile stress is.

On the other hand, during pronation movements or conversion movements the foot inside tension member 24 increasingly loaded on train and the pressure-resistant trained foot outside tension member 28, however, on pressure with appropriate tensile or compressive load of the inside foot joint 38 or foot outside joint 40. The further pronation movement or Eversionsbewegung is accordingly increasingly inhibited with appropriate restriction of ankle load.

It should be noted that a protection against injury reaches then already is when the tension elements alone for the transmission of tensile forces between Foot sole and lower leg via lower gripping element 26, foot inside or foot outside tension element 24 or 28 and shin protection shield 12 are formed. By additional transmission of compressive forces is but achieved a further improvement of the injury protection, being the tibia shield 12 for supporting pressure forces accordingly can be reinforced.

In the following, further variants of a shin guards invention with reference to Figs. 2 to 4 explained. In Figs. 2 to 4 are the same reference numerals for analog components or elements used, each increased by the number 100. It is only the Difference to the previously described embodiments explained and in this respect expressly to the preceding descriptions Referenced.

Fig. 2 shows a tibial protector 110 according to the invention, which differs from Shinguards 10 of FIG. 1 only differs in that in the lower Area of the tibial protector 110, a textile garter 150 is provided is that on the inside of the shield 112 at this is fixed and is encompassed by the bracket member 122 on the outside. The entire bracket member 122, or at least the foot inside Tension element 124 and / or the foot outside tension element 128 can on Stocking 150 can be attached to relative positioning for proper positioning to provide the ankles 144 and 146.

In deviation from the representation in FIG. 2, the sock part can also open be provided outside the bracket member.

In Fig. 3 is a shin guards shoe combination according to the invention 254 of a shin protector 210 according to the invention and a shoe 252 according to the invention, in particular sports shoe 252 shown. Of the Sports shoe 252 is shown only schematically, with a sole 256 and a shaft 258. The insole 242 corresponds to the insoles 42 and 142 of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2.

The tibia protector 210 differs from the tibia protector 10 1 solely in that no lower gripping element is provided, but the lower leg portion 234 of the foot inside tension member 24 and the lower leg portion 236 of the foot outside Tension element 238 are shortened downwards and downwards respectively end in a free end. In the lower end area are the two lower ones Leg portions 234 and 236 each as a fastening portion with a Velcro portion 260 and 262 formed on an associated Gegenklettabschnitt on the outside of a foot inside shoe sidewall 264 or on the outside of a shoe outer side shoe sidewall 266 is attached.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 takes over the shoe, or (More specifically) takes over a shoe section comprising a portion of foot inside shoe sidewall, a portion of the sole 256 and a portion of the foot outside shoe sidewall 266 between Fußinnenseitigem lower leg portion 234 and fußaußenseitigem lower leg portion 236, the function of the in the embodiments 1 and 2 provided under gripping element 26 and 126, respectively. The said shoe portion can be used together with the foot inside Tension element 224 and the foot outside tension element 228 as a bracket element in the sense of the bracket member 22 and 122 of the embodiments be interpreted as shown in FIG. 1 and 2.

Another embodiment of a tibia saver according to the invention is shown in Fig. 4. The only major difference between the shin protector 310 of FIG. 4 opposite the shin guards 10 of FIG. 1 is another embodiment of the bracket member 322. When Shinguard 310 is the stirrup element 322 of a too-elastic Band 370 is formed, which embraces the foot below the ankle and foot inside and foot outside to the shin protection shield 312 pulled up and connected to this. The elastic band 370 may be integrally formed with the shield 312 or as a separate Element attached to this.

The various sections of the ductile tape 370, namely a Foot inside section 372, one between the sole of the foot and the shoe insole 32 arranged central portion 374 and a fußaußenseitiger Section 376 of the band 370 can be used as a foot-inside tension element 324, bottom gripping element 326 and foot outside tension element 328 identify. Reference numerals 324, 326 and 328 are in parentheses in addition to the reference numerals 372, 374 and 376 in Fig. 4 registered.

The arrangement of the foot inside portion 272 and the foot outside Section 376 relative to the foot or relative to the ankles 344th and 346 corresponds to the arrangement of the foot inside tension member 24th and the foot outside tension member 28 according to that shown in FIG Embodiment. The foot inside section 372 is therefore (like the foot inside tension members 24, 124, 224) relative to the longitudinal direction A behind the foot inside ankle 344 arranged and the fußaußenseitige Section 376 is (like the foot outside tension members 28, 128, 228) relative to the longitudinal direction A in front of the foot outside ankle 346 arranged.

Depending on the design of the band, especially the foot inside Band section 372 and the foot outer side band section 376, the Relative movement of the foot relative to the lower leg by a deformation of the foot inside or foot outside band section over its entire length between middle section 379 and protective shield 312 be enabled. In this case, it makes little sense of joints or a well-defined one as well-defined "joint" in the sense of the invention definition to be identified Articulation zone to speak. In this Case but can easily the entire foot inside or fußaußenseitige Band section 372 and 374 as the joint function supplying and thus as a "joint" in the sense of Definition of the invention to be identified effective joint zone are formed.

The foot inside band portion 372 and the foot outside band portion But 374 can also as in the embodiment shown 4 be formed such that a well-defined foot inside effective joint zone 338 and a well-defined foot outer-side effective hinge zone 340 are formed as "joints" 338,340 in the sense of the definition of the invention to identify and a Pivoting movement of the foot or shoe relative to the tibia shield 12 characterized by the shin guard 310 is approved without significant counter-forces. The two effective ones Joint zones are shown in dashed lines in Fig. 4 and the connecting line G goes through the center of each effective joint zone.

To locate the joints as shown in FIG. 4, has the foot inside band section 372 and the foot outside Band section 374 each one of the effective joint zones 338 and 340, respectively corresponding section of another, softer and more elastic Material as the adjacent, upper and lower leg sections corresponding band sections 330, 334 and 332, 336, respectively.

But it should be emphasized that for the protective function of the invention a Training well-localized effective joint zones or joints as in the embodiment Fig. 4 is not required because the restriction of the invention the movement of the foot relative to the lower leg alone Traction transmission between sole and lower leg by means of a foot inside or foot outside tension element can be achieved a particularly good protective function is achieved when the two tension elements not related to the longitudinal direction A on the same Height are arranged, but as in the described embodiments are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction A. To achieve the injury protection according to the invention the foot inside Tension element or the foot inside band section 372 behind the foot inside ankle 344 arranged and is the foot outside Tension element or the foot outer side band section 376 before the foot outside-ankle 246 arranged.

With regard to the formation of the elastic band 370 (optionally also several, in particular in the longitudinal direction staggered Bands inside foot and / or foot outside) are other variants possible, which lead to further advantages. For example, that can Toughened band a progressively decreasing tensile elasticity when stretched and / or have a defined maximum extensibility.

The formation of the tension elements in each case as zugelastisches band or as Band sections of an elastomeric band generally has the advantage that the supination movement (inversion movement) or pronation movement (Eversionsbewegung) limiting opposing forces not suddenly but that these forces gradually increase with increasing Build up the supination or pronation movement until one of the others Preventing supination or pronation movement or at least sufficiently slowing drag has been achieved. That's because of Extensibility of the traction elements inherently present joint play in the vertical direction and the gradual insertion of the Movement of the foot restricting counter-forces ensures a facilitated mobility of the foot and thus a particularly high Comfort.

With reference to FIG. 4 is a variant of the shin guards 310th be explained. According to the variant is at the foot inside band section 372 and on the foot outer-side band section 376 each have an ankle cover protection shield 378 or 380 provided that the inner ankle 344 and the outer ankle 346 and from external action, For example, kicks when playing football, protects or such external At least damped effects. The ankle guards 378 and 380 can be made in one piece with the elastic band 370.

To zugelastischen band 370 is still nachzutragen that this off Rubber or (preferably) consists of silicone rubber and a - related on a normal version of the shin guards 310 for an average big adult - a maximum elasticity of 3 cm based on the entire band and - based on the foot inside Band section 372 and the foot outside band section 376 - maximum 1.5 cm each.

To realtiv for the correct positioning of the tape to the foot or to the Ankles can be provided at the bottom of the middle band section 379 a Velcro portion 382 may be provided, with a corresponding Contrast Velcro section can be looped to the shoe insole. Also other ways of attaching the elastic band 370 to the shoe are conceivable. Accordingly, in the embodiments of FIG. 1 and 2, the lower gripping element and / or one or both tension elements (with the respective lower leg portion) on the shoe (in particular Insole or shoe sidewall) are attached.

Claims (25)

1. Shin guard (10; 110; 210; 310), in particular a football shin guard, with an ankle stabilisation function, for wearing in addition to shoes, in order to cover at least a lower part of the lower leg at the front comprising:

   a shin pad (12; 112; 212; 312) for covering at least one lower part of the lower leg of the wearer of the shin guard at the front, whereby the shin pad (12; 112; 212; 312) comprises holding means by means of which the shin pad can be positioned on the lower leg;

   an undergrip element (26; 126; 326) gripping underneath the foot of the wearer;

   at least one inner foot side (24; 124; 224; 324) and at least one outer foot side (28; 128; 228; 328) traction element, which is connected on one side to the shin pad directly or indirectly and on the other side to the undergrip element (26; 126; 326),

   whereby the traction elements and the undergrip element are suitable for transferring at least traction forces between the foot of the wearer and the shin pad, and the traction elements (24, 28; 124, 128; 224, 228; 324, 328) are suitable for permitting a pivotal movement of the foot relative to the lower leg of the wearer;
   whereby the traction elements (24, 28; 124, 128; 224, 228; 324, 328) and the undergrip element (26; 126; 326) are designed and arranged to restrict, by means of traction force transfer and pressure force transfer between the shin pad (12; 112; 212; 312) securable by force to the lower leg on the one hand and the foot on the other hand, the mobility of the foot relative to the lower leg with the purpose of limiting and/or - at least for high movement amplitudes - slowing/making more difficult at least one injury-causing type of movement, in particular the inversion/supination and/or eversion/pronation of the foot, characterised in that to achieve this injury protection the traction elements (24, 28; 124, 128; 224, 228; 324, 328), at least in the wearing position of the shin guard between the undergrip element (26; 126; 326) on one side and the shin pad (12; 112; 212; 312) on the other, only permit the kind of pivotal movement, which is defined by an inner foot side articulation (38; 138; 238; 338) displaced to the rear relative to the inner ankle (44; 144; 244; 344) and an outer foot side articulation (40; 140; 240; 340) displaced to the front relative to the outer ankle (46; 146; 246; 346), so that a pivot axis characterising the permissible pivotal mobility according to the position of the articulations deviates from the anatomical movement axes characterising the relative mobility between the foot and lower leg.
2. Shin guard - shoe combination with an ankle stabilisation function, with a shin guard (10; 110; 210; 310), in particular a football shin guard, which is provided to cover at least one lower part of the lower leg at the front, and an allocated shoe (252) connected to the shin guard or able to be connected thereto and ending under the ankle of the wearer, whereby the shin guard comprises:

   a shin pad (12; 112; 212; 312) for covering at least one lower part of the lower leg of the wearer of the shin guard at the front, whereby the shin pad (12; 112; 212; 312) comprises holding elements which are used to position the shin pad on the lower leg;

   at least one inner foot side (24; 124; 224; 324) and at least one outer foot side (28; 128; 228; 328) traction element, which is connected or is able to be connected directly or indirectly on one side to the shin pad and on the other side to the shoe at an allocated connection point, whereby the traction elements and the shoe are suitable for transferring at least traction forces between the foot of the wearer and the shin pad, and the traction elements (24; 28; 124, 128; 224, 228; 324, 328) are suitable for permitting a pivotal movement of the foot relative to the lower leg of the wearer;

   whereby the traction elements (24, 28; 124, 128; 224, 228; 324, 328) are designed and arranged to restrict, by means of traction force transfer and, if necessary, also by pressure force transfer, between the shin pad (12; 112; 212; 312), which can be secured by force to the lower leg on the one hand and the shoe (252) on the other hand, the mobility of the foot relative to the lower leg with the purpose of limiting and/or - at least for high movement amplitudes - slowing/making more difficult at least one injury-causing type of movement, in particular the inversion/supination and/or eversion/pronation of the foot, whereby to achieve this injury protection the traction elements (24, 28; 124, 128; 224, 228; 324, 328), at least in the wearing position of the shin guard between the shoe (252) on the one side and the shin pad (12; 112; 212; 312) on the other side, only permit the kind of a pivotal movement, which is defined by an inner foot side articulation (38; 138; 238; 338) displaced to the rear relative to the inner ankle (44; 144; 244; 344) and an outer foot side articulation (40; 140;240;340) displaced to the front relative to the outer ankle (46; 146; 246; 346) so that a pivot axis characterising the permissible pivotal mobility according to the position of the articulations deviates from the anatomical movement axes characterising the relative mobility between the foot and lower leg.
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a leg section (28; 128; 228; 328) of the outer foot side traction element (28; 128; 228; 328) is displaced to the front relative to the outer ankle (46; 146; 246; 346), and in that a leg section (24; 124; 224; 324) of the inner foot traction element (24; 124; 224; 324) is displaced to the rear relative to the inner ankle (44; 144; 244; 344).
4. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the outer foot side articulation (40; 140; 240; 340) is displaced to the front relative to the inner foot side articulation (38; 138; 238; 338) in the longitudinal direction of the foot.
5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a or the leg section (28; 128; 228; 328) of the outer foot side traction element (28; 128; 228; 328) is displaced to the front relative to a or the leg section (24; 124; 224; 324) of the inner foot side traction element (24; 124; 224; 324) in the longitudinal direction of the foot.
6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outer foot side articulation (40; 140; 240; 340) is displaced to the front relative to a middle position (M or M') between the inner (44; 144; 244; 344) and outer (40; 140; 240; 340) ankle and/or, in that the inner foot side (38; 138; 238; 338) articulation is displaced to the rear relative to the middle position (M or M').
7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a or the leg section (28; 128; 228; 328) of the outer foot side traction element (28; 128; 228; 328) is displaced to the front relative to a or the middle position (M or M') between the inner (44; 144; 244; 344) and outer (46; 146; 246; 346) ankle, and/or in that a or the leg section (24; 124; 224; 324) of the inner foot side traction element (24; 124; 224; 324) is displaced to the rear relative to the middle position (M or M').
8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a connecting straight line (G), passing on the one hand through an articulation (38; 138; 238; 338) and on the other hand either through a middle point (M) of a connecting path (H) between the outer (46; 146; 246; 346) and inner (44; 144; 244; 344) ankle or through the other articulation (40; 140; 240; 340), and a foot transverse axis (B), in projection on a horizontal plane (E) parallel to the foot transverse axis (B) and the foot longitudinal axis (A), enclose an angle α of at least 10°, preferably at least 15 °, even more preferably at least 20°, most preferably at least 30°.
9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a connecting straight line (G), passing on the one hand through an articulation (38; 138; 238; 338) and on the other hand either through a middle point (M) of a connecting path (H) between the outer (46; 146; 246; 346) and inner (44; 144; 244; 344) ankle or through the other articulation (40; 140; 240; 340), and a foot transverse axis (B), in projection on a horizontal plane (E) parallel to the foot transverse axis (B) and the foot longitudinal axis (A), enclose an angle α of 10° to 80°, preferably of 20° to 45°
10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a connecting straight line (G), passing on the one hand through a or the leg section (24; 124; 224; 324) of a traction element (24; 124; 224; 324) and on the other hand either through a middle point (M) of a connecting path (H) between the outer (46; 146; 246; 346) and inner (44; 144; 244; 344) ankle or through a or the leg section (28; 128; 228; 328) of a traction element (28; 128; 228; 328) on the other foot side, and a foot transverse axis (B) in projection on a horizontal plane (E) parallel to the foot transverse axis (B) and the foot longitudinal axis (A), enclose an angle α of at least 10°, preferably at least 15 °, even more preferably at least 20°, most preferably at least 30°.
11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a connecting straight line (G), passing on the one hand though a or the leg section (24; 124; 224; 324) of a traction element (24; 124; 224; 324) and on the other hand either through a middle point (M) of a connecting path (H) between the outer (46; 146; 246; 346) and inner (44; 144; 244; 344) ankle or through a or the leg section (28; 128; 228; 328) of a traction element (28; 128; 228; 328) on the other foot side, and a foot transverse axis (B) in projection on a horizontal plane (E) parallel to the foot transverse axis (B) and the foot longitudinal axis (A), enclose an angle α of 10° to 80°, preferably of 20 ° to 45 °.
12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one traction element (24; 28; 124, 128; 224, 228; 324, 328) comprises a lower (34, 36; 134, 136; 234, 236; 334, 336) and an upper (30, 32; 130, 132; 230, 232; 330, 332) traction element section, in particular a lower (34, 36; 134, 136; 234, 236; 334, 336) and an upper (30, 32; 130, 132; 230, 232; 330, 332) leg section, which are connected together by the inner foot side (38; 138; 238; 338) or the outer foot side (40; 140; 240; 340) articulation (38, 40; 138, 140; 238, 240, 338, 340).
13. Device according to claim 12, characterised in that at least one articulation (338, 340) is designed with essentially vertical articulation clearance.
14. Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that at least one articulation is designed as a hinge bolt - recess combination, as a material weakening (38, 40; 138, 140; 238, 240), in particular a film hinge, as a traction element section (338, 340) made of a material that is different from the other traction element, in particular softer and/or more elastic or is a pleated section.
15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised that at least one of the traction elements (324, 328) is designed to be elastic at least in part, in particular in the form of a tensile elastic band (370), if necessary with tensile elasticity varying in longitudinal direction of the band and/or with tensile elasticity that reduces progressively upon stretching and/or with a defined maximum stretchability.
16. Device according to claim 15, characterised in that the tensile elastic band (370) is made of rubber or silicone rubber.
17. Device according to claim 15 or 16, characterised in that the stretchability of the tensile elastic traction element (324, 328) in vertical direction is a maximum of about 2.5 cm, preferably a maximum of 2.0 cm, most preferably a maximum of about 1.5 cm.
18. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the traction elements (24, 28; 124, 128; 224, 228; 324, 328) and if necessary the undergrip element (26; 126; 326) are designed as an integral part, in particular in one piece with the shin pad (12; 112; 212; 312).
19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one ankle protection pad (344, 346), which is preferably held by an inner foot side (324) or outer foot side (328) traction element, and if necessary is designed to be integral with in particular in one piece with the latter.
20. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the holding means comprise at least one holding band (14, 16; 114, 116, 214, 216; 314, 316) for gripping round the lower leg.
21. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the holding means comprises two tensile elastic and width-adjustable holding bands (14, 16; 114, 116; 214, 216; 314, 316) that are arranged at different heights to one another, which preferably each have a fastening (18, 20; 118, 120, 218, 220; 318, 320), possibly a Velcro fastening.
22. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a textile sleeve element or a textile sock element (150) is provided which grips round the lower leg, especially in the transition area to the foot, whereby the sleeve part or the sock part (150) preferably holds the at least one traction element (124,128) in a predetermined position relative to the foot.
23. Device according to claim 22, characterised in that at least one traction element and if necessary the undergrip element is designed to be integral with the sock or sleeve element or in one piece therewith.
24. Shin guard- shoe combination according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 23, characterised in that the respective traction element (224, 228) comprises a lower free end section (224, 236), which is designed as a fastening section, in particular as a Velcro section (260, 262), for fastening under traction to the shoe (252).
25. Shin guard - shoe combination according to claim 24, characterised in that the fastening section together with an allocated fastening point of the shoe forms an articulation.

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