Shin guard and garment comprising same

Abstract

The invention relates to a shin guard (1) comprising a sleeve (2) made of extensible fabric holding a cushioning part (3) which is fixed to the sleeve (2) and configured to be placed in front of all or part of the tibia of a user when the shin guard (1) is in use, the cushioning part (3) comprising a one-piece shell (6) formed of a layer of a cushioning material, the layer of cushioning material being constituted by a paving of individual hexagonal cells (7), characterized in that each hexagonal cell (7) of the shell (6) is connected to its neighbours.

Description

Description Title of the invention: SHIN GUARDS AND CLOTHING COMPRISING THEM

[0001] The invention relates to the field of protective sports equipment, and more particularly to a shin guard designed to offer enhanced protection, better comfort and high impact resistance for team sports players, especially professional and amateur football players.

[0002] Traditional shin guards often suffer from problems such as slippage, discomfort, poor ventilation, and low impact resistance. These drawbacks can reduce player performance and increase the risk of injury. There is a need for innovative shin guards that effectively combine protection, comfort, stability, and durability.

[0003] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by means of a one-piece damping piece forming a shell fixed to a sleeve and formed of a layer of a damping material consisting of a tiling of individual hexagonal cells, each hexagonal cell being connected to its neighbors.

[0004] This structure stabilizes the hexagonal cells through interconnection, preventing their movement or dispersion in their environment, particularly under the influence of heat, especially during maintenance or washing. The absence of cell movement improves the robustness, durability, and performance of the damping material in environments subject to temperature variations.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore a shin guard, comprising a sleeve made of stretch fabric carrying a cushioning piece attached to the sleeve and configured, in use of the shin guard, to be placed in front of all or part of the tibia of a user, the cushioning piece comprising a one-piece shell formed of a layer of a cushioning material, the layer of cushioning material being made up of a tiling of individual hexagonal cells, each hexagonal cell of the shell being connected to its neighbors.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the hexagonal cells are connected to each other by one or more rods of the same material as the hexagonal cells.

[0007] The rods can extend in the plane of the cushioning material layer. One or more rods can connect two adjacent cells. When several rods connect two adjacent cells, the rods can lie in the same plane parallel to the plane tangent to the damping material layer at the level of the cells in question. and / or in the same plane perpendicular to the plane tangent to the layer of damping material at the level of the cells considered.

[0008] The linking of the hexagonal cells allows for a more robust structure, thus preventing the elements from moving or deforming during use.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the shell is obtained by molding a damping material.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the shell is heat-bonded to the sleeve.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the shell is heat-bonded into a pocket sewn or oversewn onto the sleeve.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the damping material is an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam.

[0013] EVA foam is used because of its excellent shock-absorbing properties, providing a protective effect against collisions. EVA foam is a polymer material composed of ethylene and vinyl acetate copolymers. Bonding the EVA foam cells to form interconnected cells preserves the overall structural integrity while maintaining the cushioning and thermal insulation properties characteristic of EVA foam. When subjected to an impact, the interconnected EVA foam temporarily deforms, absorbing and dissipating the impact energy. This process significantly reduces the force transmitted to the user's shin. The high density of the EVA foam used in the shin guard enhances this absorption capacity by offering increased compression resistance.The foam structure is composed of closed cells, which act like cushions, evenly dispersing impact energy across the entire surface of the shin guard. This ability to absorb and disperse energy significantly reduces the risk of injury, offering superior protection against the violent impacts encountered during sports activities.

[0014] According to the present invention, EVA foam may, by way of non-limiting example, have an average density of between 60 and 100 kg / m³ 3 .

[0015] The characteristics of EVA foam are as follows:

[0016] - lightness: EVA foam is very light, making it an ideal material for products requiring low weight;

[0017] - shock absorption: excellent impact absorption, frequently used in insoles, sports equipment or orthotics;

[0018] - Water resistance: non-porous, it resists water and humidity, ideal for products in contact with humid environments;

[0019] - Flexibility and elasticity: EVA foam deforms under pressure but returns to its original shape, offering a perfect combination of rigidity and flexibility;

[0020] - durability: good resistance to wear, UV and chemicals, which prolongs its lifespan;

[0021] - Customizable: can be easily cut, molded or colored, making it suitable for custom designs.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the layer of cushioning material has a thickness of 1 cm.

[0023] According to one embodiment, stretch fabric is a fabric composed of elastane and one of polyamide and polyester.

[0024] Elastane, used in the construction of shin guards, is a highly elastic and durable synthetic fiber, ideal for form-fitting garments. It offers excellent elasticity, enhanced comfort, and quick drying. Used in sportswear and close-fitting clothing, it retains its shape after stretching and requires minimal maintenance.

[0025] Non-exhaustive examples of sleeve composition include:

[0026] - 80% polyamide / 20% elastane: very stretchy and elastic, resistant to wear and deformation, good moisture management (breathable);

[0027] - 85% polyester / 15% elastane: slightly thicker, increased chlorine resistance (suitable for humid environments), good durability;

[0028] - 78% recycled nylon / 22% elastane: an ecological solution, with recycled materials, comfortable and soft to the touch, ideal for products that are both high-performing and responsible;

[0029] - 92% polyester / 8% elastane: more economical fabric, good stretch but less durable over time, more suitable for products with moderate use.

[0030] The shin guard is designed to be easily machine washable at 30 degrees Celsius, while maintaining its integrity even in the event of an accidental or exceptional wash at temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius. This feature allows users to effortlessly keep their equipment clean and hygienic. The choice of materials such as EVA foam, elastane, and polyamide, which resist degradation during washing cycles, ensures that the shin guard retains its protective properties and structural integrity after each wash. The ability to easily wash the shin guard not only contributes to the product's longevity but also to the user's health by eliminating bacteria and dirt that could accumulate over time.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the sleeve includes a fabric area having a different elasticity from the elasticity of the fabric constituting the rest of the sleeve, the fabric area being positioned opposite the cushioning piece, in the upper part of the sleeve in use, and being configured to apply in use to the user's calf.

[0032] The entire sleeve fabric is breathable.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the fabric area is a perforated fabric composed of elastane and polyamide.

[0034] This perforated fabric incorporates ventilation channels designed to optimize airflow around the leg. These channels allow air to circulate freely, wicking away moisture generated by perspiration. Good ventilation is essential for keeping skin dry, which helps reduce irritation and skin infections. Furthermore, by wicking away moisture, ventilation helps regulate leg muscle temperature, thus reducing muscle fatigue due to overheating. This feature is particularly important during intense sports activities, where overheating can not only decrease performance but also increase the risk of muscle injuries.

[0035] According to one embodiment, at least one of the upper and lower edges of the sleeve carries an anti-slip element fixed to the inner part of the sleeve configured to keep the sleeve in use on the user's shin, the anti-slip element preferably being a strip extending over the entire periphery of the edge, the anti-slip element preferably being made of silicone.

[0036] The strip can be straight on the edge or form zigzags on the edge in order to increase the anti-slip effect by increasing the contact area of ​​the strip with the user's skin.

[0037] The band may be present on the upper and / or lower edge of the sleeve.

[0038] The anti-slip element plays a crucial role in keeping the equipment in place during use. Silicone is a synthetic polymer known for its adhesive and flexible properties. This grip prevents the shin guard from slipping vertically or laterally, even during rapid movements or repetitive impacts. The anti-slip element ensures the shin guard remains correctly positioned, providing consistent protection and allowing the player to focus on their game without constantly adjusting their equipment. This stability helps prevent injuries caused by poorly fitting equipment.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the shin guard further comprises a heel and a foot fixed to the sleeve, to form a sock whose upper is constituted by the sleeve.

[0040] The invention also relates to trousers, characterized by the fact that for each leg of the trousers, the part below the knee is made up of a shin guard as described above.

[0041] To better illustrate the object of the present invention, particular embodiments will now be described, by way of example and not limitation, in connection with the attached drawings.

[0042] Regarding the drawings:

[0043] [Fig-1] is a schematic view of the part of the shin guard that goes in front of all or part of a user's shin.

[0044] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of the shin guard according to a variant of the invention, representing the different areas of the sleeve.

[0045] [Fig.3] is a schematic lateral view of the shin guard according to the variant of the [Fig.2],

[0046] [Fig.4] is a schematic side view of a shin guard according to another embodiment of the invention, further comprising a heel and a foot fixed to the sleeve, to form a sock.

[0047] In the figures, the terms front, back, upper, lower or equivalent are understood in relation to the position of use of the shin guard on a user's leg.

[0048] Fig. 1 represents a front view of the shin guard 1 according to the invention configured, in use, to be placed in front of all or part of a user's shin.

[0049] The shin guard 1 comprises a sleeve 2 made of stretch fabric carrying a cushioning piece 3 attached to the sleeve 2 and comprising a one-piece shell 6 formed of a layer of EVA foam cushioning material, the cushioning material layer being made up of a paving of individual hexagonal cells 7, each hexagonal cell 7 of the shell 6 being connected to its neighbors by one or more rods 8 of the same material as the hexagonal cells 7. The interconnected EVA foam has, without limitation, a thickness of 1 cm and constitutes the main protective layer, ensuring excellent shock absorption and dissipation.

[0050] Shell 6 is obtained by molding a damping material and is heat-bonded to sleeve 2.

[0051] Sleeve 2 includes an upper border 4 and a lower border 5.

[0052] The stretch fabric of the sleeve section 2, designed to fit in front of all or part of a user's shin, is made of elastane. The elastane provides elasticity and comfort to the shin guard 1.

[0053] By way of example and not limitation, the dimensions of a shin guard 1 according to the invention, for an adult, may be as follows: - Width of top border 4: 14 cm - Bottom border width 5: 10 cm - Total height of shin guard 1: 25 cm - Hull height 6: 14 cm - Width of the upper part of the shell 6: 8.5 cm - Width of the lower part of the hull 6: 6.5 cm - Shell thickness 6: 1 cm

[0054] The hexagonal interlocking of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam used to manufacture a shin guard offers several notable advantages. This hexagonal configuration is inspired by natural structures (such as honeycombs) and is often used to optimize the strength and flexibility of materials.

[0055] The advantages provided by this structure are as follows:

[0056] - Improved shock distribution: The hexagonal shape allows for a more even distribution of impacts. When the EVA foam absorbs an impact, the energy is distributed over the entire connected surface of the shell. This reduces the pressure exerted on a specific area, thus reducing the risk of shin injury;

[0057] - Increased flexibility: unlike rigid structures, an arrangement of interconnected hexagons makes the protection more flexible, adapting to the natural movements of the shin during exertion. This improves user comfort, as the shin guard can follow the curves and movements of the shin without hindering;

[0058] - lightness: EVA foam is already a light material (barely 10 grams), but the hexagonal structure allows the total weight of the shin guard 1 to be reduced even further;

[0059] - less material is used, while maintaining mechanical strength, which lightens the equipment and reduces muscle fatigue for the user;

[0060] - Ventilation and thermal comfort: the spaces between the hexagons facilitate air circulation, which reduces the accumulation of heat and moisture. A more ventilated shin guard improves comfort, especially during prolonged exertion, by limiting perspiration and irritation.

[0061] This design can be considered an innovation in the field of protective sports equipment. Traditional shin guards are often made of uniform foam blocks, making them more rigid and less breathable. The approach of interconnecting EVA foam hexagons introduces a more biomimetic, nature-inspired design that combines lightness, flexibility, and effective shock absorption. Its specific application to interconnected EVA foam shin guards remains a significant improvement.

[0062] This technique therefore provides added value in terms of comfort and protection, meeting the expectations of athletes seeking effective protection without compromising on comfort.

[0063] In this first embodiment, non-limiting examples of composition for sleeve 2 are:

[0064] - 80% polyamide / 20% elastane: very stretchy and elastic, resistant to wear and deformation, good moisture management (breathable);

[0065] - 85% polyester / 15% elastane: slightly thicker, increased chlorine resistance (suitable for humid environments), good durability;

[0066] - 78% recycled nylon / 22% elastane: an ecological solution, with recycled materials, comfortable and soft to the touch, ideal for products that are both high-performing and responsible;

[0067] - 92% polyester / 8% elastane: more economical fabric, good stretch but less durable over time, more suitable for products with moderate use.

[0068] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a shin guard 100 according to a variant of the invention, featuring a larger elastic area at the calf. Elements identical to those in Figure 1 bear the same reference numeral increased by 100 and will not be described in detail, being identical to those described with reference to Figure 1.

[0069] The shin guard 100 includes, as in the first embodiment, a sleeve 102 carrying a cushioning piece 103 consisting of a shell 106 formed of hexagonal cells 107 connected to their neighboring cells by rods 108. Upper 104 and lower 105 edges allow the sleeve 2 to be kept in place during use.

[0070] This variant also features a fabric area 109 having a different elasticity from the elasticity of the fabric constituting the rest of the sleeve 102, the fabric area 109 being positioned opposite the cushioning piece 103 comprising the shell 106. In use, the fabric area 109 has a funnel shape whose widest part 109a at the edge of the sleeve 102 narrows into a funnel 109b down to below the calf, ending with a line 109c down to the lower edge 105 of the sleeve 102.

[0071] The fabric area 109 is a stretch fabric made of elastane and polyamide, in particular the fabric area is a perforated fabric made of elastane and polyamide allowing better calf compression.

[0072] In particular, the characteristics of fabric area 109 in this variant are such that the elasticity is superior, either by composition or by perforations.

[0073] The upper edge 104 of the shin guard 100 has an anti-slip element 110 attached to the inner part of the sleeve 102 and configured to keep the sleeve 102 in place on the user's shin during use. The anti-slip element 110 is preferably a band extending around the entire periphery of the edge 104, preferably made of silicone. The band 110 is advantageously zigzag-shaped to increase the contact area with the user's skin.

[0074] The invention is not limited in this respect, however, and the band 110 can have any shape, continuous or discontinuous, allowing a contact surface with the skin sufficient to prevent movement of the shin guard 101 in use, whether vertically or laterally.

[0075] A band of the same type can be provided on the lower edge 105 of the sleeve 102, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 3 represents a side view of the shin guard according to the variant of Figure 2 of the invention.

[0077] Figure 3 shows that the cushioning piece 103 is arranged in a fabric pocket 111 sewn onto the sleeve 102. A chamfer 112 having an inclined angle of 45 degrees, on the periphery of the shell 106, is also visible, to give the shin guard 101 better aerodynamics.

[0078] Although described as not being inside a pocket in the embodiment of [Fig. 1], it is understood that in the first embodiment, as in its variant, the damping piece may or may not be placed in a pocket. If it is placed in a pocket, it will be heat-sealed on both sides. If it is not placed in a pocket, it will only be heat-sealed on the side in contact with the sleeve.

[0079] Figure 4 represents another embodiment of a shin guard 200 according to the invention forming a sock.

[0080] The elements identical to those in [Fig.2] bear the same reference number increased by 100 and will not be described in detail, being identical to what has been described with reference to [Fig.2].

[0081] The shin guard 200 includes, as in the first embodiment, a sleeve 202 carrying a cushioning piece 203 consisting of a shell 206 formed of hexagonal cells 207 connected to their neighboring cells by rods 208. Upper 204 and lower 205 edges allow the sleeve 202 to be kept in place during use.

[0082] A heel 213 and a foot 214 fixed to the sleeve 202 allow a sock to be formed.

[0083] The shin guard according to the invention can also be part of a garment, for example trousers or a suit, of which it forms the shin part of the leg.

Claims

Demands

1. - Shin guards (1; 100; 200), comprising a sleeve (2; 102; 202) made of stretch fabric carrying a cushioning piece (3; 103; 203) attached to the sleeve (2; 102; 202) and configured, in use of the shin guard (1; 100; 200), to be positioned in front of all or part of a user's tibia, the cushioning piece (3; 103; 203) comprising a one-piece shell (6; 106; 206) formed of a layer of a cushioning material, the layer of cushioning material being made up of a tiling of individual hexagonal cells (7; 107; 207), characterized in that each hexagonal cell (7; 107; 207) of the shell (6; 106; 206) is connected to its neighbors, the layer of cushioning material being an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam composed of closed cells, which act as cushions, uniformly dispersing the impact energy across the entire surface of the shin guard (1; 100; 200), the shell (6; 106; 206) being heat-bonded on both sides in a pocket (111) sewn onto the sleeve (102; 202).

2. - Shin guards (1; 100; 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hexagonal cells (7; 107; 207) are connected to each other by one or more rods (8; 108; 208) of the same material as the hexagonal cells (7; 107; 207).

3. - Shin guards (1; 100; 200) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the shell (6; 106; 206) is obtained by molding a shock-absorbing material.

4. - Shin guards (1; 100; 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the layer of cushioning material has a thickness of 1 cm.

5. - Shin guards (1; 100; 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the stretch fabric is a fabric composed of elastane and one of polyamide and polyester.

6. - Shin guards (100; 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sleeve (102; 202) comprises a fabric area (109; 209) having a different elasticity from the elasticity of the fabric constituting the rest of the sleeve (102; 202), the fabric area (109; 209) being positioned opposite the cushioning piece (103; 203), in the upper part of the sleeve (102; 202) in use, and being configured to be applied in use on the user's calf.

7. - Shin guards (100; 200) according to claim 6, characterized in that the fabric area (109; 209) is a perforated fabric composed of elastane and polyamide.

8. - Shin guards (100; 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the upper edge (104; 204) and the lower edge (105; 205) of the sleeve (102; 202) carries an anti-slip element (110; 210) fixed to the inner part of the sleeve (102; 202) configured to keep the sleeve (102; 202) in use on the user's shin, the anti-slip element (110; 210) preferably being a strip extending over the entire periphery of the edge, the anti-slip element (110; 210) preferably being made of silicone.

9. - Shin guards (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the shin guard further comprises a heel (213) and a foot (214) fixed to the sleeve (202), to form a sock whose upper is constituted by the sleeve (202).

10. - Trousers, characterized in that for each leg of the trousers, the part below the knee is constituted by a shin guard according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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