GB2577701A

GB2577701A - A securement device

Info

Publication number: GB2577701A
Application number: GB1816086.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Louise Benjamin Cordelia
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-10-02
Filing date: 2018-10-02
Publication date: 2020-04-08

Abstract

A securement device for a user's leg, comprising an elongate body 100 having two faces 1, 2 and two discontinuous ends 40, wherein the body is a wide band and each end comprises plural end tabs 11, 12, 21, 22 extending from the body to form a closure mechanism. The body may be formed of an elastomeric material, and the tabs may be provided on inelastic panels. Preferably, there are two panels extending parallel to each other. The device preferably closes using hook-and-loop material, which more preferably alternates between tabs. The device may be reversible, with the faces having different material properties.

Description

A SECUREMENT DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a securement device, in particular a device for securement of items to a user; more particularly but not exclusively securement of clothing or protection items like socks or shin pads to a user.

Background

Increasing numbers of persons in many societies enjoy sport, particularly team sports.

Typically there are uniforms for sports, and often these include long socks. These are liable to fall down as elastic wears over time.

Often team sports can involve a degree of physical contact between players. This 20 can lead to painful encounters. In particular and for example users playing soccer may be liable to kicked in the shins.

Shin guards are therefore standard in many sports, but may displace as shins are exposed when socks fall down.

Prior Art

CA 2 627 231 (DIXON) discloses adjustable fabric ankle straps with Velcro attached to each end made to be secure baby socks and booties and prevent them from falling off or being pulled off. Each baby ankle strap is worn individually outside the baby sock or booty and firmly wrapped around each baby's ankle to fit comfortably. To secure the baby's sock or booty. The Velcro on the fabric straps press together to close after it is firmly wrapped around each baby's ankle and peels to open when removed from baby's ankle.

GB 2 381 732 (COLLINS et al) discloses an elasticated support band to hold up a sock or to secure medical or sporting items to the human body comprises an elasticated flat length of material being extendible along the length, a first fastener positioned at a first half of the length of material, and a second fastener positioned at 5 a second half of the length of material, the first and second fastener being secured to a first surface of the length of material, wherein the length of material and the second fastener are configured to engage with the first fastener to allow the band to form a loop around the body part. The elasticated band is constructed from woven polyamide and the fasteners are hook and loop type materials. The invention is also 10 suitable for use on animals, and can include a flap with a graphic thereon.

WO 9 532 640 (STECKLER) discloses a device for attaching a protective athletic pad to a limb of an athlete comprising: an elongate, flexible, elastic strap adapted to be wrapped about the limb and having inner and outer layers attached to each other, the inner layer defining an inner surface and the outer layer defining an outer surface, the inner surface being adapted to face inwardly toward the limb when the strap encircles the limb with the outer surface facing outwardly, the inner layer being formed from an elastic material and the outer layer being formed from one component of a two-component touch fastener system, the outer layer extending substantially fully along the length of the inner layer; and a second component of the two-component touch fastener system attached to an end of the strap and having a connector surface that extends beyond the end of the strap.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing 25 devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a securement device for a user's leg, comprising an elongate body having two faces and two discontinuous ends, wherein the body is a wide band and each end comprises plural end tabs extending from the body to form a closure mechanism.

In some embodiments the end tabs comprise hook and loop material such as VELCRO (RTM).

In some embodiments the number of tabs on each end is two.

These tabs may be arranged laterally, where the body is longitudinal. In this way the 5 tabs may extend longitudinally or axial to the body axis.

The tabs may be provided with corresponding hook and loop portions so that a top tab at a first end is envisaged for example with a loop portion to engage with a second top tab at the second end, this having a hook portion; and vice-versa.

The first and second top tabs may therefore comprise corresponding hook or loop portions.

The first and second bottom tabs may therefore comprise corresponding hook or loop 15 portions.

The top and bottom tabs on each end may comprise alternating hook or loop portions, or may comprise analogous hook or loop portions.

It may be envisaged that alternating hook or loop portions may provide greater strength.

In some embodiments both faces of the device may comprise hook or loop portions, or more particularly the tabs may comprise hook or loop portions on either face.

In this way the device may also be reversed. For example wherein the device comprises a first face with two extending tabs at a first end having a hook portion on the top tab on a first face, and a bottom tab having a loop portion on the reverse second face, and two extending tabs at the second end having two extending tabs, having a loop portion on the top tab on the reverse second face, and a bottom tab having a hook portion on the first face. The device may be reversed such that the portions on the tabs still correspond and connect.

In some embodiments at least one of the faces may be arranged for reduction of 35 friction. For example it may be envisaged that an inner face may be envisaged to be in contact with a user, and so it may be less liable to slippage in use.

For example in some embodiments one or more faces may be provided with raised and lowered portions, for example dimples. In other embodiments one or more faces may be coated or for example a small silicone-dot grip panel may be located on the 5 back internal face of the elastic.

The body and ends may comprise different properties and/or materials. For example the body may be attached to the ends so as to make the device composed of three main parts with the ends permanently bonded or secured to the body's ends.

In some embodiments the body may be elastic at least in part. For example the tabs may be inelastic and/or parts of the body may be subdivided.

In some embodiments the body may be inelastic. In such embodiments the tabs may 15 be elastic or elastomeric. For example in some embodiments the hook or loop portions may be located on the distal ends of the tabs.

In this way the device of the present invention may provide an elasticated strip stitched with shaped, flexible finger end tabs.

Corresponding tabs enable the product to be tumed inside-out (reversed) so that it can be used both ways.

The present invention thereby provides a versatile grip strap that allows for socks 25 and shin pads to be held in the correct position, minimising adjustments whilst playing sport. The device fastens in opposing directions to provide all-round grip and security.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example 30 only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figures 1, 2, and 4 to 6 show sketches subject to later formalisation or removal as appropriate.

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention, with the closure mechanism closed; Figure 2 shows a second isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3a shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figure 3b shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 3a; Figure 4 shows a plan view of a third embodiment of the device according to the present invention, open for use; Figure 5 shows a detail isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 4; And Figure 6 shows a detail isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 4.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the embodiment shown in the Figures there are generally shown embodiments of the device comprising a securement device 99 for a user's leg, comprising an elongate body 100 having two faces 1,2 and two discontinuous ends 40, wherein the body is a wide band and each end comprises plural end tabs 11,12,21,22 extending from the body 100,101 to form a closure mechanism 3.

In the first embodiment the body is made of a ribbed elasticated band to allow for adjustability and a secure fit.

The closure mechanism 3 comprises hook and loop fastening (Velcro) portions 31 arranged on four tabs 11,12,21,22. These consist of two corresponding tabs 11,12 and 21,22 at either end 40 of the body 100.

The body is a flat elasticated fabric band, for the purposes of comfort and stretch.

The tabs extend from a two-ply sandwich of inelastic material 105, and comprise two parallel finger tabs 11,12 and 21,22. The tabs have a shared base and rounded distal ends 20.

With reference to Figure 3b the device comprises nine parts, stitched together and comprising hook portions 42, and loop portions 41, end panels 40 and an elastomeric band body 100.

The hook and loop portions 31 are stitched at stitching 13 to the tab material, wherein in the pictured embodiment extending from a first side of the body 10 a top tab 11 has an inner surface providing a portion corresponding to an outer surface on the top tab 21 extending from the second side 20 of the body 100.

The hook and loop portions 31 are stitched at stitching 13 to the tab material, wherein in the pictured embodiment extending from a second side of the body 20 a bottom tab 22 has an inner surface providing a portion corresponding to an outer surface on the bottom tab 12 extending from the first side 10 of the body 100.

The device and body are reversible, comprising of a first face 1 and a second face 2, which second face is shown as the inner face in the pictures.

With reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 4 the body 101 comprises a single piece with the ends providing the tabs 40.

With reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 4 the inner or second face 2 comprises a terry towelling surface, for increased adhesion, friction and sweat absorption. The outer face 1 comprises a breathable cotton webbing. In this way the faces may be reversed according to user preference or conditions of usage.

The tabs have rounded ends to avoid sharp edges, and comprise elongate fingers, arranged vertically stacked in use and extending longitudinally from the body's ends, laterally in use.

The invention has been described by way 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 as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1. A securement device for a user's leg, comprising an elongate body having two faces and two discontinuous ends, wherein the body is a wide band and each end comprises plural end tabs extending from the body to form a closure mechanism.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the securement mechanism comprises hook and loop portions such as Velcro (RTM).
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the body is formed of an elastomeric material.
4. A device according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the tabs are provided on inelastic material panels.
5. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the end comprises two parallel longitudinally extending tabs.
6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the tabs have alternating hook and loop portions.
7. A reversible device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the faces have different material properties.