GB2498358A - A shin pad with integral ankle support brace - Google Patents

Abstract

A sports body protector (e.g. leg guard) comprises a first relatively rigid layer 1, a second softer layer 2 and a fluid (such as gas or air) filled sack 3 sandwiched between the first and second layers. The protector may be a shin pad incorporated into a support 4 for the protection and support of a users lower leg and/or foot. The support may include an ankle brace 5 to provide strength to the ankle using a tensioning or tightening strap, belt or adjustor. The brace may rise above the ankle in use. At lease one strap may pass from the userâ s outer flank to inner flank to prevent ankle inversion. The brace may further incorporate a splint or other strengthening elements such as fibres, metallic strips, wiring and elastomeric foam at strategic strengthening points.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION

OF

STUART PALMER

FOR

A PROTECTOR

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a protector, more particularly a protector for delicate zones on a user, typically shins, but more generally shoulders hips, spine, elbow, knees or other body part susceptible to impacts in sport or leisure activity.

Background

Increasing numbers of users wish to participate in sport and physical leisure activities however with increasing levels of fitness and improved standards of equipment available to many, participation can cause injuries.

At the same time it is increasingly important to these users to ensure their own safety from injuries and disfigurements.

For example the user's tibia is largely exposed along its anterior, medial surface. It lies directly under the skin and lacks the cushioning afforded to other bones by surrounding muscles. Due to this lack of protection, injuries to the shin are more likely in vigorous participation, and such injuries are extremely painful because the user periosteum, a thin membrane on the surface of all bones, is a tissue abundant in pain receptors.

In soccer or football therefore it is now standard practice to use shin guards, which guards generally cover the length of the users' lower leg, from just above the ankle to just below the knee, The goal is maximum protection while not hindering performance of the athlete or user.

In addition or the alternative many sports place huge stresses on the ankle and foot of up to four times body weight, and two thirds of injuries to the foot and ankle involve the ankle.

Inversion injuries to the ankle, caused by the user leg turning out against the ankle are the commonest sporting injury. The user anterior talo-fibular ligament is the most commonly injured ligament and persistent instability can lead to recurrent sprains and persistent symptoms.

The ankle derives stability in a neutral position from its' bony architecture, the joint siructure producing 100% of the restraint to inversion. As the ankle starts to plantar flex, the restraint to inversion is provided by ligaments.

Unlike the user knee, where rotational instability following injury cannot be compensated for by muscle recruitment, the ankle can generally be retrained to cope with loss of ligamentous stability but this requires treatment and regime, which may not suit all users.

Additionally a majority of users tend to prefer freedom of movement and consequently prefer lighter weight less protective solutions to protection, enhancing likelihood of injury.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem, including the following: United States patent application US 2009 235 421 (SASH) discloses a protective device for limbs comprising: a substantially conformable and impact absorbing first layer; at least a second layer of impact absorbing material, wherein the first and the at least a second layer being operably attached and having opposite ends; a recloseable means for the opposite ends of the impact absorbing material, wherein one end is complementary to the opposite end; thereby providing a formed device that conforms to the shape ol the limb and provides protection against impact-type injury during sporting activities.

Granted United States patent US 7 937 766 (BEHREND et al) discloses a protective leg covering comprising: a plate made of a rigid material positioned between a first flexible layer and a second flexible layer; a first portion of the plate being attached to only one of the flexible layers; and a second portion of the plate configured to move with respect to both the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer.

International patent application WO 2008 057 510 (DE BLASIS) discloses a shin guard comprising: a resilient shin conforming pad; an elongate substantially rigid shell secured to said elongate shin conforming pad; a portion of said resilient shin conforming pad extending away from said elongate substantially rigid shell defining a strap mount; and, a strap for securing said shin guard to a wearer's leg, said strap having a longitudinal centerline secured to said strap mount such that said longitudinal centerline does not intersect said elongate substantially rigid shell.

Granted United States patent US 6 298 484 (BECKMAN) discloses a protective guard comprising an ankle sock, a shin guard, a calf guard, and a stirrup strap, said ankle sock having a top end and a bottom end, wherein the shin guard and the calf guard are bonded to opposite sides of the top end of the ankle sock.

Granted United States patent US 6 237 149 (MACDONALD) discloses a lower leg protection means comprising: at least one thin, laterally curved rigid member adapted to fit about and protect a portion of a person's lower leg and further having a front side and a back side; padding means enclosed about said at least one thin, laterally curved rigid member; means for fastening said at least one thin, laterally curved rigid member to a person's lower leg; said at least one thin, laterally curved rigid member is essentially made of carbon fiber graphite; said at least one thin, laterally curved rigid member is essentially curved upon its back side; said padding means is a foam material; said fastening means includes a first strip of hook and loop fasteners securely attached to said foam material upon said front side of said at least one thin, laterally curved rigid member, and further includes an elongated elastic member having a first end securely attached to said strip, and also includes a second strip of hook and loop fasteners securely attached along a second end of said elongate elastic member; said at least one thin, laterally curved rigid member includes a laterally curved member adapted to substantially fit over the Achilles tendon of a person's lower leg; wherein said laterally curved member has an upper portion and a lower portion, and further includes a left edge and a right edge; and wherein said upper portion of said laterally curved member includes a pair of tab-like projecting portions one extending from said left edge and the other extending from said right edge. said tab-like projecting portions being adapted to fit to either side of a person's ankle for securing said laterally curved member about the person's Achilles tendon.

Granted Australian patent AU 660 756 (HENSONI) discloses a shin pad with an Achilles tendon protection, said shin pad comprising a first flexible elongated pad having a longitudinal extent sufficient to cover the shin of a wearer, a second flexible elongate pad having a longitudinal extent less than that of said first pad, and releasable fastener means interconnecting said first and second pads in opposed relationship when unreleased.

In contrast the present invention provides a flexible, easily worn, minimal interference and comprehensive solution to preventing injury.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a protector including in use a first relatively rigid layer, a second relatively softer layer and a fluid filled sack sandwiched between the first and second layers.

In this way the protector may be worn when playing impact sports in combination with as a shin, shoulder, knee or other protective pad.

This combination of layers with the sack means that impact is accepted at the first layer, absorbed and dispersed within and by the sack, and spread across the second layer, said layer ideally being in contact with a user or part thereof.

Typically the first layer is consequently a rigid plastics material. In some embodiments the first layer may comprise a plurality of sections, panels or segments.

This may allow a plurality of three dimensional surfaces or body parts to be covered.

Typically therefore in preferred embodiments the first layer provides a high-density shell reinforcement and protection focussed on the tibia. This may be constructed in ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). In some embodiments vents may be included to raise profile of the pad off user shin, allowing air to flow underneath.

In preferred embodiments the second layer is formed by a foam, or cellular structured material, wherein the foam may be deformed resiliently by pressure and which may form a comfortable contact with a user and/or a plurality of user body parts. This foam or rubber foam may comprise ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

The sack is preferably formed in an elastic or flexible plastic, rubber or elastomer material. The fluid contained therein is ideally compressible or pressurisable, being preferably air or other gas. Under impact or pressure therefore it may be envisaged that the gas will compress, absorb and resist the impact; thereby dispersing resultant forces across the sack.

Consequently the sack is preferably arranged between the layers in a manner that a user body part will be accommodated and maximum dispersion of force across the body part will be achieved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention in preferred embodiments the protector pad is incorporated into a support; wherein the pad is for protection of a user's shin and the support is for protection and support of a user's lower leg and/or foot.

Said support is ideally elasticated for secure fit and may be material such as neoprene for retention of body heat. Silicone may be included to minimise slippage against skin.

Therefore the support includes a brace for the user's ankle. This brace is attached to the pad and/or the protector to the user leg in use by provision of a base such as tubular netting or webbing, or in other embodiments by inclusion of strapping to be secure around the user's leg in use.

In further embodiments there may be provided other ways to fasten the protector to itself or the user, including press studs, zippers, laces or buttons.

Said strapping may function with hook and loop portions such as VELCRO (Trade Mark). The brace is then attached either to the netting, strapping or pad to form a longer, more inclusive protector.

In summary the brace is affixed to the pad or protector and any accompanying base or strapping combine to ensure a fixation system that provides for a consistent fit to the user leg and prevents movement with regards to the user ankle. In this manner the user is able to easily wear the pad and/ar brace and be sure of protection.

allowing him or her to concentrate on their sport.

In some embodiments the brace may comprise a sock or hoop that surrounds the user ankle, heel or foot. Said sock is ideally elasticated for secure fit and may include padding areas.

According to a third aspect of the present invention the brace provides support or strength for an ankle in use by means of a tensioning or tightening strap, belt or adjustor.

This strap in preferred embodiments passes over a user's arch and fastens. Said fastening is typically achieved by use of hook and loop portions such as VELCRO (Trade Mark).

Ideally the portions extend over or across a plurality of potential areas of the user arch in use, wherein the strap may be held tight across the arch in a position that maxim ises the user experience.

In some embodiments a plurality of straps may be envisaged that may be adjusted as appropriate to existing weakness or strengthening desires, said straps potentially overlapping or crossing.

By tautening, tightening or tensioning the strap a tension is created within the brace material. Said material is ideally neoprene or other tensionable, pliably resistant material, such as to ensure comfort and repeated effective deformation.

According to this aspect of the present invention the strap passes in use from the user's outer flank to inner, ensuring that the user likelihood of turning their ankle is minimised as such inversion movement will act against tension created in the brace by the strap.

Ideally therefore the brace rises in use above the ankle. Furthermore, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention splinting may be included in the brace, wherein the splinting or splint may be incorporated at strategic points on the brace in use; for example alongside the ankle and/or rising above the ankle on the inner flank.

Such a splint is ideally resiliently deformable and relatively more rigid in relation to the material of the brace.

Said splints may be sewn, stitched, glued or otherwise affixed into or onto the brace or may be detachable according to manufacture and/or user preference.

In some embodiments said splint or splints may be combined into the brace or brace material, for example consisting of strengthening fibres, metallic strips, wiring or grid.

Still further embodiments may have splinting that passes from the pad to the brace or otherwise surrounds, covers, passes or otherwise traverses the ankle and mitigates against inversion.

In preferred embodiments in particular the materials used in formation of the pad and brace or more particularly any materials used to maintain the pad and/or brace in position in use, are breathable and preferably antibacterial or anti-microbial, especially in areas that are in contact with the foot, such as the brace, or are otherwise typically within a shoe in use.

The invention has been described byway of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an exploded isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the protector; Figure 2 shows a side view of the embodiment; Figure 3 shows a reverse side view of the embodiment; Figures 4 show views from in front and behind of the embodiment; And Figures 5 show a view from above and below of the embodiment.

Detailed Description of Figures

The pictured and preferred embodiment of the protector provides a new form of shin guard combined with a lightweight ankle support, including the following: First outer layer (1) Second inner layer (2) Fluid filled sack(s) (3) Support (4) Brace (5) Splinting (6)

B

Strap (7) The pad contains air pockets or in some embodiments a single sack between a plastic front first face or layer and foam or second backing or layer.

These pockets or sack compresses upon impact, absorbing pressure or force and spreading it evenly across the user shin.

The pictured and preferred embodiment features an ankle brace at the protector's bottom using elastic material and a fastening strap to fit securely around the ankle.

This stabilises the ankle whilst permitting a high level of movement, ensuring sporting ability is not impeded.

In the pictured embodiment polymer elastomeric foam material such as 030 (Trade Mark) is inserted as splinting down sides of the brace to protect the ankle from impact and provide further inversion support.

Material such as 030 (Trade Mark) in its raw state flows freely when moved slowly, but on shock, locks together to absorb and disperse energy, before instantly returning to its flexible state. With a meshed material stitched over the top this feature also aids in the stability of the user ankle.

The ankle brace as pictured is made from neoprene which compresses tightly around the ankle and foot when securely fastened to the user.

This allows for a high level of movement and a raised circular profile gives more cushioning around the ankle Elastic fabric straps located at the back of each shin pad wrap around the back of the user lower leg, securing the protector in place.

In the preferred embodiments the foam second layer has recesses for the air pockets, sacks or sack to sit in wherein gaps between pockets create space between the user shin and the second layer, thereby allowing the shin to breathe.

In use therefore: The user inserts his or her leg into the ankle brace; The strap is then pulled across and around the other side of the ankle; The further the strap is pulled the tighter it becomes, in turn increasing the stability of the ankle; The user then wraps both straps located at the rear of the product around his or her leg; Hook and loop tabs on each end secure the protector into place; The protector is now ready to use and in the pictured embodiment all impact forces are absorbed by the air pockets and D30 material, wherein the ankle strap creates tension in the brace preventing the user from ankle inversion.

The air pockets absorb any force as the rubbery material allows for them to change shape in accordance with the impact and the foam mimics action of the air pockets and gives a comfortable surface to rest against the shin. The ankle brace and strap give stability to the ankle and also provides impact protection.

Some embodiments may include a two way valve to utilise compression of air as a shock absorber, wherein compressed air pushes down causing air to be released through the valve and foam sections encourage part to be pushed back up, making the valve suck air back into the compartment, pocket(s) or sack.

Further embodiments may include sprung loaded mechanisms encouraging part to be pushed back up making the valve suck air back into the pocket(s) or sack.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>Claims 1. A protector including in use a first relatively rigid layer, a second relatively softer layer and a fluid filled sack sandwiched between the first and second layers.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A protector according to claim 1 wherein the pad is incorporated into a support; wherein the pad is for protection of a user's shin and the support is for protection and support of a user's lower leg andlor foot.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A protector according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the support combines to a brace providing strength for an ankle in use by means of a tensioning or tightening strap, belt or adjustor.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A protector according to claim 3 wherein the brace rises in use above the ankle.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A protector according to claim 3 or 4 wherein at least one strap passes in use from the user's outer flank to inner.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A protector according to claims 3, 4 or 5 wherein splinting is incorporated at strategic strengthening points on the brace in use.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A method of forming a shin guard according to any preceding claim.</claim-text>