Protective sports article with adjustable strap

Abstract

The protective article for protecting a portion of a body of a user includes a main body portion and a strap. A peripheral edge of the main body portion defines part of a perimeter of the main body portion. The main body portion includes a first coupling base and a second coupling base. A first coupler is disposed at a first end of the strap and is releasably attachable to the first coupling base at a plurality of first attachment points, and a second coupler is disposed at the second end of the strap and is releasably attachable to the second coupling base at one of a plurality of second attachment points. A length of a wrappable segment of the strap is adjustable by releasably attaching the first coupler to the first coupling base at another one of the plurality of first attachment points.

Description

and the second second PROTECTIVE SPORTS ARTICLE WITH ADJUSTABLE STRAP TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application relates generally to protective body wear and, more particularly, to protective equipment such as protective articles (e.g. pads, guards, etc.) worn by participants of sporting events. BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0002] Personal protective equipment is commonly worn by participants or users (e.g. players) during sporting events, such as ice hockey (simply "hockey" herein), American football (or simply "football"), lacrosse, and soccer for example, to maintain the safety of the players. For sports such as soccer and hockey, a protective article, such as a protective leg guard, is commonly worn. Such leg guards include, for example, shin guards and shin pads that cover at least a portion of the lower leg, between the ankle and the knee, of the wearer. The leg guard may also cover and protect the wearer's knee. In the case of the equipment worn by hockey goaltenders, such leg guards may be much bigger and may cover a larger portion (or all) of the wearer's leg. Such leg guards are typically designed to protect the wearer's body from injury by reducing exposure of the covered body part, in this case the lower leg and shin, to impacts such as from a puck, a hockey stick, or a skate of another player. Other protective articles such as shoulder pads, elbow pads, etc. may also be worn by hockey, football and lacrosse players to protect their upper bodies. The wearer typically secures the protective article to his or her body with fasteners such as straps, harnesses, belts or tape. However, adequately adjusting the protective article to the user's body size can be challenging. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There is accordingly provided a protective article for protecting a portion of a body of a user, the protective article comprising a main body portion having an interior surface adapted to abut the body of the user, and an opposed exterior surface, the main body portion having a peripheral edge delimiting at least part of a perimeter of the . . . . . . protective article, the main body portion defining a first lateral portion and an opposed second lateral portion, the first and second lateral portions adapted to cooperate together to attach the protective article to the body of the user, a first coupling base disposed on one of the interior and exterior surfaces of the first lateral portion, a second coupling base disposed on one of the interior and exterior surfaces of the second lateral portion; and a strap having opposed first and second ends and extending, in use, between the first and second lateral portions, a first coupler disposed at the first end of the strap and being releasably attachable to the first coupling base at one of a plurality of first attachment points, and a second coupler disposed at the second end of the strap and being releasably attachable to the second coupling base at one of a plurality of second attachment points, the strap defining an anchored segment and a wrappable segment when the first and second couplers are attached to the first and second coupling bases, respectively, the anchored segment defined between one of the plurality of first attachment points and the peripheral edge of the main body portion, and the wrappable segment defined between the peripheral edge and one of the plurality of second attachment points, a length of the wrappable segment being adjustable by releasably attaching the first coupler to the first coupling base at another one of the plurality of first attachment points.

[0004] There is further provided a method for mounting a protective article to a body of a user, the method comprising placing a main body portion of the protective article on the body of the user; selecting one of a plurality of first attachment points on a first portion of the protective article; releasably attaching a first end of a strap to the selected one of the plurality of first attachment points to select a length of a wrappable segment of the strap, the length of the wrappable segment defined between a peripheral edge of the protective article and a second end of the strap opposite to the first end; and wrapping the wrappable segment of the strap around at least a portion of the body of the user and releasably attaching the second end of the strap to one of a plurality of second attachment points on a second portion of the protective article.

[0005] There is also provided a leg guard for protecting at least a shin of a wearer, the leg guard comprising: a shin guard body having an interior surface adapted to protect the shin of the wearer, and an opposite exterior surface, a peripheral edge of the shin 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4 guard body defining at least part of a perimeter of the shin guard body, the shin guard body including a first coupling base disposed on one of the interior and exterior surfaces of a first lateral side of the shin guard body, and a second coupling base disposed on one of the interior and exterior surfaces of a second lateral side of the shin guard body opposite the first lateral side; and a strap having opposed first and second ends and extending, in use, between the first and second lateral sides of the shin guard body, a first coupler disposed at the first end of the strap and being releasably attachable to the first coupling base at one of a plurality of first attachment points and a second coupler disposed at the second end of the strap and being releasably attachable to the second coupling base at one of a plurality of second attachment points, the strap defining an anchored segment and a wrappable segment upon the first and second couplers being attached to the first and second coupling bases, respectively, the anchored segment being defined between one of the plurality of second attachment points and the peripheral edge of the shin guard body, and the wrappable segment being defined between the peripheral edge and one of the plurality of first attachment points, a length of the wrappable segment being adjustable by releasably attaching the second coupler to the second coupling base at another one of the plurality of second attachment points.

[0006] There is further provided a shoulder pad assembly for protecting at least a portion of an upper body of a wearer, said at least a portion of the upper body including shoulders of the wearer, the shoulder pad assembly comprising: a shoulder pad body having an interior surface adapted to fit on and protect the shoulders of the wearer, and an opposite exterior surface, a peripheral edge of the shoulder pad body defining at least part of a perimeter of the shoulder pad body, the shoulder pad body including a first coupling base disposed on one of the interior and exterior surfaces of a first lateral side of the shoulder pad body, and a second coupling base disposed on one of the interior and exterior surfaces of a second lateral side of the shoulder pad body opposite the first lateral side; and a strap having opposed first and second ends and extending, in use, between the first and second lateral sides of the shoulder pad body, a first coupler disposed at the first end of the strap and being releasably attachable to the first coupling base at one of a plurality of first attachment points and a second coupler disposed at the second end of the strap and being releasably attachable to the second 4 ..................................... coupling base at one of a plurality of second attachment points, the strap defining an anchored segment and a wrappable segment upon the first and second couplers being attached to the first and second coupling bases, respectively, the anchored segment being defined between one of the plurality of second attachment points and the peripheral edge of the shoulder pad body, and the wrappable segment being defined between the peripheral edge and one of the plurality of first attachment points, a length of the wrappable segment being adjustable by releasably attaching the second coupler to the second coupling base at another one of the plurality of second attachment points.

[0007] In another aspect, there is also provided a method for mounting a leg guard to a leg of a wearer, the method comprising: placing a guard body of the leg guard on the leg; selecting one of a plurality of first attachment points on a first portion of the leg guard; releasably attaching a first end of a strap to the selected one of the plurality of first attachment points to select a length of a wrappable segment of the strap, the length of the wrappable segment being defined between a peripheral edge of the leg guard and a second end of the strap opposite to the first end; and wrapping the wrappable segment of the strap around the portion of the body and releasably attaching the second end of the strap to one of a plurality of second attachment points on a second portion of the leg guard. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Reference is now made to the accompanying figures in which:

[0009] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a protective article mounted to a body of a user, in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0010] Fig. 2A is a front view of the protective article of Fig. 1;

[0011] Fig. 2B is a rear view of the protective article of Fig. 1;

[0012] Fig. 2C is perspective rear view of the protective article of Fig. 2B, without shoulder cap protectors;

[0013] Fig. 2D is an enlarged rear view of a strap attached to a coupling base of the protective article of Fig. 2C;

[0014] Fig. 2E is an enlarged rear view of the strap shown unattached from a main body portion of the protective article of Fig. 2D;

[0015] Fig. 2F is an enlarged top view of an anchored segment of the strap attached to the main body portion of the protective article of Fig. 2E;

[0016] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the strap shown unattached from the main body portion of the protective article in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0017] Figs. 4A-4B are front and rear views, respectively, of the protective article in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0018] Figs. 5A-5B are front and rear views, respectively, of the protective article in accordance to certain embodiments; and

[0019] Figs. 6A-7B are enlarged views of the protective article of Figs. 4A-4B, showing different lengths of a wrappable segment of the strap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Fig. 1 illustrates a protective article mounted to, and worn, by a user 11. The protective article 10 is adapted to protect a body of the user 11, or at least a portion thereof. The protective article may be adapted to be worn during a sporting event, such as hockey (including ice, roller, field, floor, or deck hockey), soccer, football, baseball, lacrosse, cricket, or the like, in order to protect the wearer. The protective article 10 may be shaped and configured to protect different body parts of the user 11. For example, the protective article 10 may be adapted to protect a chest, back, shoulder, elbows, abdominal, legs, arms, and the like, of the user 11. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1- 2F, the protective article 10 is a shoulder pad assembly that is adapted to protect at least a portion of an upper body of the user, and more particularly at least a portion of the chest, abdominal, back, shoulders, and / or upper arms of the user 11. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3-7B, the protective article 100 is a leg pad that is adapted to protect a shin and lower leg of the user 11. It is understood that the protective articles 10, 100 may have different shapes to protect different body parts of the user 11, and that the protective article as described herein may include any number of types of body protection, and may be formed, shaped, configured and / or designed to cover any one or more body parts of the users of the protective equipment.

[0021] Referring to Figs. 2A-2F, the protective article 10 may also be referred to as "shoulder pads" in the embodiment depicted in these figures. The protective article 10 is shaped and sized to fit over at least a portion of the upper body of the user, in order to protect the body from impacts and / or exposure to other hazards. In use, the protective article 10 is mountable on the shoulders of the user and attachable from its sides to secure the protective article 10 on the user. For example, the protective article 10 may be shaped and sized to fit over at least the shoulders, chest, and back of the user.

[0022] The protective article 10 includes a main body portion 12 defining a cavity to receive the body of the user. The protective article 10 has a median plane 10A and two opposite lateral sides 16. In use, the median plane 10A may correspond to the median plane of the user. Each lateral side 16 has a front lateral portion 16A (Fig. 2A) and a rear lateral portion 16B (Fig. 2B). The front and rear lateral portions 16A, 16B are adapted to cooperate together to attach and adjust the protective article 10 to the body of the user.

[0023] The main body portion 12 has an interior surface 18 adapted to contact or abut the body of the user and an opposite exterior surface 20 adapted to shield the body from the hazards. The interior surface 18 may be made from a soft material to provide added comfort to the user and the exterior surface 20 may be made from a relatively rigid material to provide added protection to the body. For example, the rigid material may be selected to withstand an impact from a puck when the puck is shot towards the main body portion 12.

[0024] The perimeter of the main body portion 12 is delimited by a peripheral edge 22. The interior and exterior surfaces 18, 20 are joined at the peripheral edge 22 (Fig. 2F). In the embodiment shown, the peripheral edge 22 delimits the shape of the main body portion 12, which is selected to enhance the coverage and protection of at least the shoulders, chest, and back of the user. In some embodiments, the peripheral edge 22 is adapted to a different shape which may correspond to the shape of the portion of the body to be protected. For example, if it is desired to protect the forearm of the user, the A STATE OF THE STATE OF peripheral edge 22 will delimit the shape of the main body portion 12 to better cover the forearm.

[0025] The protective article 10 includes a strap 24 for attaching and adjusting the main body portion 12 to the body of the user. The strap 24 has an elongated body 26 extending between two opposite ends 28, 30 (Fig. 2E). The strap 24 has an outer side 32 and an opposite inner side 34. The strap 24 may be made from a resilient material. The resilient material may permit the strap 24 to stretch in an adjustment direction 36 (Figs. 1 and 2D) relative to the main body portion 12, when a sufficient tension is applied to the strap 24 in the adjustment direction 36. The adjustment direction 36 may include the direction along which the strap 24 expands under tension, and the direction opposite to this along which the strap 24 contracts when released from tension. For example, the adjustment direction 36 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strap 24. The strap 24 can also include elastic webbing woven into the material between the two ends 28, 30.

[0026] The protective article 10 includes one or more couplings 38 for releasably connecting the strap 24 to the main body portion 12. Each coupling 38 includes a coupling base 40 and a coupler 42 (Fig. 2E) which are releasably attachable to each other. The coupling base 40 may be fixedly mounted on one of the interior and exterior surfaces 18, 20 of the main body portion 12. In some embodiments, there may not be relative displacement between the coupling base 40 and the corresponding one of the interior and exterior surfaces 18, 20. The coupling base 40 may be stitched on the main body portion 12. The coupler 42 may be fixedly mounted to the strap 24 on one of the opposite ends 28, 30 thereof. The coupler 42 may be stitched on the strap 24. Referring more particularly to Figs. 2A-2B, a front coupling base 40A is disposed at the front lateral portion 16A and a corresponding rear coupling base 40B is disposed at the rear lateral portion 16B.

[0027] Each coupler 42 is releasably attachable to a corresponding coupling base 40 and vice versa. The coupling 38 may have a hook and loop fastener 39 (Fig. 2F). The coupling 38 may have any other suitable fastener to releasably attach the coupling base 40 and coupler 42 together, such as clamps, straps, hooks, clips, snaps, buttons, and the like. The coupling base 40 and corresponding coupler 42 are adapted to attach can_dms: \112135228\1 together at any one of attachment points defined along the adjustment direction 36 to adjust a usable length of the strap 24 that connects the front and rear lateral portions 16A, 16B as described in more detail below.

[0028] Relative terms such as, "front", "rear", "side", "median plane", "lateral", and the like, are used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the figures. It is understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the elements in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0029] Referring to Fig. 3, the strap 24 is shown disconnected and unattached from the protective article 10. The strap 24 may be provided or sold separately from the main body portion 12.

[0030] Referring to Figs. 4A-4B, a protective article 100 in accordance with another embodiment is shown. The protective article 100 is general similar in functionality and operation to the protective article 10 described above, with the exception of the fact that the protective article 100 is adapted and configured to protect a portion of the lower body of the user, and like numerals are therefore used to indicate like parts. In the embodiment shown, the protective article 100 is adapted to protect a shin and / or lower leg of the user and may thus be referred to as a "leg guard" or a "shin pad". The protective article 100 is shaped and sized to fit over at least a shin of a lower leg of the user in order to protect the shin from impacts and / or exposure to other hazards. It is to be understood, however, that the protective article 100 forming the leg guard may also extend to cover other parts of the legs and / or lower body of the user, including the knee for example.

[0031] The protective article 100 includes generally a guard body or a main body portion 112 and the adjustable strap 124, as will be described below. The guard body 112 is configured to cover and protect at least a portion of the shin of a user, but may also be larger such as to cover a greater portion of the user's leg that is to be protected. In the embodiment shown, the guard body 112 has a middle portion 114 and two lateral sides or side portions 116. The side portions 116 may curve relative to the middle portion 114 to wrap around the portion of the body (e.g. the shin). The guard body 112 has an interior surface 118 adapted to contact the shin of the user and an opposite exterior surface 120 adapted to shield the shin from the hazards. In the depicted embodiment, the interior surface 118 is made from a soft material to provide added comfort to the wearer and the exterior surface 120 is made from a relatively rigid material to provide added protection to the portion of the body. The rigid material is selected to withstand an impact from a puck when the puck is shot towards the guard body 112.

[0032] The perimeter of the guard body 112 is delimited by a peripheral edge 122. The interior and exterior surfaces 118, 120 are joined at the peripheral edge 122. In the embodiment shown, the peripheral edge 122 delimits the shape of the guard body 112, which is selected to enhance the coverage and protection of the shin of the wearer. In some embodiments, the peripheral edge 122 is adapted to a different shape which corresponds to the shape of the portion of the body to be protected.

[0033] The protective article 100 may also include the strap 124 for mounting the shin guard body 112 to the portion of the body of the user. The strap 124 has an elongated body 126 extending between two opposite ends 128, 130. The strap 124 has an outer side 132 and an opposite inner side 134. In the depicted embodiment, the strap 124 is made from a resilient material. The resilient material permits the strap 124 to stretch in the adjustment direction 36 relative to the shin guard body 112, when a sufficient tension is applied in the adjustment direction 36. The adjustment direction 36 includes the direction along which the strap 124 expands under tension, and the direction opposite to this along which the strap 124 contracts when released from tension. The adjustment direction 36 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strap 124. The strap 124 can also include elastic webbing woven into the material between the two ends 128, 130.

[0034] The protective article 100 includes two couplings 138 for releasably connecting the strap 124 to the guard body 112. Each coupling 138 includes a coupling base 140 and a coupler 142 which are releasably attachable to each other. In the embodiment shown, an exterior coupling base 140A is disposed at one end of the guard body 112 on the exterior surface 120 thereof. An interior coupling base 140B is disposed at an opposite end of the guard body 112 on the interior surface 118. A corresponding exterior coupler 142A is disposed at one end 128 of the strap 124 on the inner side 134 thereof and a corresponding interior coupler 142B is disposed at the other end 130 on the outer side 132. In an alternate embodiment, the coupling bases 140 are both disposed on one of the interior and exterior surfaces 118, 120. In another alternate embodiment, the coupling bases 140 are both disposed on opposite surfaces 118, 120 of the guard body 112 to those described above. Similarly, the couplers 142 can be both disposed on one of the outer and inner sides 132, 134 of the strap 124, or on opposite sides 132, 134 to those described above.

[0035] Still referring to Figs. 4A and 4B, each coupler 142 is releasably attachable to a corresponding coupling base 140 and vice versa. In the embodiment shown, each of the couplings 138 has a hook and loop fastener 401. More particularly, the interior coupling base 140B and the exterior coupling base 140A have a plurality of hooks, and the corresponding interior and exterior couplers 142B, 142A have a plurality of loops which engage the hooks of the interior and exterior coupling bases 140B, 140A. The hook and loop fastener 401 can be made from VELCROTM. The position of the hooks and loops can be reversed. Other configurations for attaching the coupler 142 and the coupling base 140 are also possible, as described in greater detail below. In other embodiments, other types of fasteners can also be used, including but not limited to, clamps, straps, hooks, clips, snaps, or buttons.

[0036] The interior coupling 138B, which includes the interior coupling base 140B and the interior coupler 142B, is elongated along the adjustment direction 36 and includes multiple attachment points 146 in order to attach the interior coupler 142B to the interior coupling base 140B at any one of the attachment points 146. In the depicted embodiment, the interior coupling base 140B occupies a portion of the interior surface 118 of the shin guard body 112. The extent of the interior coupling base 140B is delimited by two extremities 148, 150 spaced apart from each other along the adjustment direction 36. In the depicted embodiment, the attachment points 146 are disposed on the interior coupling base 140B between the two extremities 148, 150. It will therefore be appreciated that each attachment point 146 is a unique position on one or both of the coupling base 140 and / or the coupler 142 that allows the coupling base 140 to removably attach to a corresponding coupler 142 at said unique position. As will A second of the second be explained in greater detail below, the removable attachment of a coupling base 140 to a corresponding coupler 142 at each attachment point 146 helps to define a usable length of the strap 124. The interior coupling base 140B may have a plurality of hooks which, when combined with the loops on the corresponding interior coupler 142B, form the hook and loop fastener 401 described above. In the depicted embodiment, each of the loops or a row of the loops of the interior coupling base 140B form an attachment point 146. In an alternate embodiment, the two spaced-apart extremities 148, 150 and the plurality of attachment points 146 are provided only on the couplers 142 of the strap 124. Thus, the coupler 142B can be attached to the coupling base 140B at more than one of the attachment points 146 of the coupling base 140B. It is understood that there may be more than one attachment point 146 between the coupling base 140B and the coupler 142B. For example, when the hook and loop fastener 401 is used, a plurality of hooks and loops are simultaneously engaged, and the position at which the hooks and loops engage corresponds to one of the attachment points 146. In this embodiment, when the coupler 142B is attached to the coupling base 140B at more than one attachment point 146, an attachment position 158 of the strap 124 to the shin guard body 112 is defined along the adjustment direction 36. Although two couplings 138 have been shown, it is understood that any single or combination of couplings 138 can alternately be used to connect the strap 124 to the shin guard body 112.

[0037] The guard body 112 includes a strap guide portion 160 attached to the interior surface 118 of the guard body 112. The strap guide portion 160 is shown as an arm extending between two ends 162 which are connected to the interior surface 118 adjacent to the interior coupling base 140B. A remainder of the arm of the strap guide portion 160 is spaced from the interior surface 118 so as to define an elongated opening 164 between the ends 162 of the strap guide portion 160. The opening 164 forms a channel 166 between the strap guide portion 160 and the interior surface 118. The strap 124 is received through the channel 166. The strap guide portion 160 delimits the displacement of the strap 124 by guiding it through the channel 166 in the adjustment direction 36. The strap 124 can be guided such as to align the interior coupler 142B and the interior coupling base 140B for attachment. In an alternate embodiment, the guard body 112 includes one or more elongated openings defined through the interior and exterior surfaces 118, 120 to receive the strap 124.

[0038] Referring to Figs. 5A-5B, the protective article 200 shown is similar in function and / or operability to the protective articles 10, 100 described above, and like numerals are intended to indicate like parts. The exterior coupling 238A has press studs 244 which are disposed on, and extend from, the exterior coupling base 140A in the illustrated embodiment. The press studs 244 extend in the adjustment direction 36 to provide three discrete attachment points 246A, 246B, 246C. Each press stud 244 has a male member 244A on the exterior coupling base 240A which mates with a corresponding female member 244B on the exterior coupler 242A of the strap 224. In an alternate embodiment, the pair of the coupling base 240 and coupler 242 include clamps, straps, hooks, clips, snaps, buttons or any other suitable mechanism for releasably attaching the coupler 242 and coupling base 240 together.

[0039] Referring to Figs. 6A to 7B, when the end 30 of the strap 24, 124 is removably attached to the main body portion 12 or the guard body 112, the strap 24, 124 is divided into two segments of adjustable length. More particularly, when attached to the main body portion 12, 112, the strap 24, 124 defines an anchored segment 68 and a wrappable segment 70. The anchored segment 68 is the portion of the strap 24, 124 which, in the depicted embodiment, extends from its attachment point 146 on the interior coupling base 140B, along the interior surface 18, 118 of the main body portion 12, 112, to the nearest portion of the peripheral edge 22, 122 of the main body portion 12, 112. The anchored segment 68 is defined between the end 30, 130 of the strap 24, 124 and the edge 22, 122 of the main body portion 12, 112. The wrappable segment 70 of the strap 24, 124 is the "usable" portion of the strap 24, 124. More particularly, the wrappable segment 70 is the portion of the strap 24, 124 used to wrap around the portion of the body against which the main body portion 12, 112 is mounted. The wrappable segment 70 is defined between the peripheral edge 22, 122 of the main body portion 12, 112 and the opposite end 28, 128 of the strap 24, 124. The wrappable segment 70 has an adjustable length 72. The adjustable length 72 is varied by releasably attaching the interior coupler 42B, 142B to a different attachment point 146 on the interior coupling base 140B. This is more clearly understood by comparing Figs. 6A and 6B. In Fig. 6A, the wrappable segment 70 has a first length 72A defined between the peripheral edge 22, 122 of the main body portion 12, 112 and the opposite end 28, 128 of the strap 24, 124. The first length 72A of the wrappable segment 70 is The state of the state of the state of obtained by releasably attaching the interior coupler 142B to a first attachment point 146A on the interior coupling base 140B. In Fig. 6B, the wrappable segment 70 has a second length 72B that is shorter than the length 72A shown in Fig. 6A. The second length 72B is obtained by attaching the interior coupler 142B to a second attachment point 146B which is further inward from the peripheral edge 22, 122 of the main body portion 12, 112. It will therefore be appreciated that by changing the point 146 at which the strap 24, 124 attaches to the main body portion 12, 112, the usable (i.e. wrappable) length of the strap 24, 124 can be adjusted. The strap 24, 124 disclosed herein can therefore be used to mount the main body portion 12, 112 to many different sizes of the portion of the body needing protection. It will be appreciated that adjusting the length 72 of the wrappable segment 70 also adjusts the length of the anchored segment 68. More particularly, the length 72 of the wrappable segment 70 is inversely proportional to the length of the anchored segment 68, such that when the length 72 of the wrappable segment 70 is increased, the length of the anchored segment 68 will decrease. Figs. 7A and 7B illustrate the wrappable segment 70 as seen from the other side of Figs. 6A and 6B.

[0040] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6B, the strap guide portion 160 helps to retain the anchored segment 68 on the interior surface 18, 118. More particularly, the guide portion 160 allows the wrappable segment 70 to wrap around the peripheral edge 22, 122 of the main body portion 12, 112 without separating or pulling apart at least a portion of the anchored segment 68 from the interior surface 18, 118 of the main body portion 12, 112. The strap guide portion 160 therefore helps to restrain the anchored segment 68 from completely separating away from the interior surface 18, 118, for example, when a pulling force is applied on the wrappable segment 70 in a direction out of the plane of the page of Fig. 6B.

[0041] Referring to Figs. 1 and 7B, there is also disclosed herein a method for mounting the protective article 10, 100, 200 about a portion of the body of the user 11. The method includes placing the protective article 10 on the portion of the body, releasably attaching the end 30, 130 of the strap 24, 124 to one of a plurality of attachment points 146, 246 on the interior coupling base 140B to select the length 72 of the wrappable segment 70 of the strap 24, 124, wrapping the wrappable segment 70 around the portion of the body and releasably attaching the end 28, 128 of the strap 24, 124 to the exterior coupling base 140A.

[0042] In use, the interior coupler 42B, 142B of the strap 24, 124 is attached to the interior coupling base 40B, 140B of the main body portion 12, 112 at one of the attachment points 146 to adjust and / or select the length 72 of the wrappable segment 70 of the strap 24, 124. The main body portion 12, 112 is then placed on the portion of the body to shield the portion of the body from hazards. Once the main body portion 12, 112 is placed on the portion of the body, the wrappable segment 70 is wrapped around the portion of the body and the exterior coupler 42A, 142A is attached to the exterior coupler base 40A, 140A. The length 72 of the wrappable portion 70 may be adjusted by selecting another attachment point 146.

[0043] Although the adjustable attachment of the interior coupler 42A, 142A to the interior coupling base 40A, 140A is described herein, it will be appreciated that the exterior coupler 42B, 142B is attachable to the exterior coupling base 40B, 140B in a similar manner. It will therefore be appreciated that by changing the attachment point 146 between the exterior coupler 42B, 142B and the exterior coupling base 40B, 140B, the usable (i.e. wrappable) length of the strap 24, 124 can be adjusted. Moreover, in a particular embodiment, the resilient strap 24, 124 can also be stretched to offer a better fit between the main body portion 12, 112 and the portion of the body.

[0044] The descriptors "first" and "second" are used herein to distinguish portions of the strap 24, 124 and of the main body portion 12, 112. It will be appreciated that the descriptors "first" and "second" can be inversed without affecting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] The above description is meant to be exemplary only, and one skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed. For example, although shoulder pads and shin pads are described above as two embodiments of the present invention, alternate embodiments of the protective articles as described and claimed herein are also possible. For example, the attachment elements and systems as described herein can equally be applicable to other protective articles, pads and / or garments, including The second of the second of the second of the second of the second of the second of the second of the second of the second of the second of the second of the second of the second of the second of the second of the second o but not limited to elbow pads and knee pads worn during sporting events such as hockey, baseball, lacrosse, etc. For example, a protective elbow pad adapted for use in ice hockey may also be provided having the adjustable attachment elements / systems as described herein. The protective articles described herein may thus be shaped and configured to protect a number of different body parts of the user, such as a chest, back, shoulders, elbows, abdominal, legs, knees, upper and / or lower arms, feet, and / or ankles, of the user. Additionally, elements with similar reference numerals such as "24" and "124" may be interchangeable, unless specified otherwise. Still other modifications which fall within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of a review of this disclosure, and such modifications are intended to fall within the appended claims.

Claims

<pat:ClaimStatement>CLAIMS:< / pat:ClaimStatement> <pat:Claims com:id="claims"> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00001"> <pat:ClaimNumber>1< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>1. A protective shin guard for a shin of a leg of a hockey player, comprising: a body having a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposed to the first lateral side, a wearer-facing surface extending between the first lateral side and the second lateral side, the wearer-facing surface shaped to conform to the shin of the hockey player, and an exterior surface opposite the wearer-facing surface; an exterior coupling base on the exterior surface proximate the first lateral side; an interior coupling base on the wearer-facing surface proximate the second lateral side; a strap guide portion connected to the wearer-facing surface of the body at the second lateral side, a first section of the strap guide portion overlapping the interior coupling base, and a channel defined between the wearer-facing surface and the strap guide portion; and a strap having an exterior coupler at a first end of the strap and an interior coupler at a second end of the strap, the exterior coupler releasably attachable to the exterior coupling base, the interior coupler releasably attachable to the interior coupling base, wherein the strap extends from the interior coupling base at the wearer-facing surface, through the channel thereby extending over a surface of the strap guide portion, the strap exiting the channel and wrapping around an edge of the strap guide portion and configured to wrap around the leg of the hockey player to reach the exterior coupling base. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00002"> <pat:ClaimNumber>2< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>2. The protective shin guard of claim 1, wherein at least a part of the interior coupling base is disposed between the strap guide portion and the wearer-facing surface. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00003"> <pat:ClaimNumber>3< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>3. The protective shin guard of claim 1, wherein the exterior coupling base is angled relative to a vertical center of the body. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00004"> <pat:ClaimNumber>4< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>4. The protective shin guard of claim 3, wherein the interior coupling base is angled relative to the vertical center of the body. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00005"> <pat:ClaimNumber>5< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>5. The protective shin guard of claim 4, wherein a portion of the exterior coupling base extends parallel to a corresponding portion of a peripheral edge of the body at the first lateral side. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00006"> <pat:ClaimNumber>6< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>6. The protective shin guard of claim 5, wherein a portion of the interior coupling base extends parallel to the corresponding portion of the peripheral edge of the body at the second lateral side. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00007"> <pat:ClaimNumber>7< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>7. The protective shin guard of claim 1, wherein a portion of the exterior coupling base extends parallel to a corresponding portion of a peripheral edge of the body at the first lateral side. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00008"> <pat:ClaimNumber>8< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>8. The protective shin guard of claim 1, wherein a portion of the interior coupling base extends parallel to a corresponding portion of a peripheral edge of the body at the second lateral side. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00009"> <pat:ClaimNumber>9< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>9. The protective shin guard of claim 1, wherein the exterior coupling base is sized relative to the exterior coupler to provide a plurality of exterior attachment points for the exterior coupler on the exterior coupling base, the exterior coupler being releasably attached to the exterior coupling base at a given exterior attachment point of the plurality of exterior attachment points. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00010"> <pat:ClaimNumber>10< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>10. The protective shin guard of claim 9, wherein the exterior coupling base includes one of a hook fastener and a loop fastener and the exterior coupler includes another one of the hook fastener and the loop fastener. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00011"> <pat:ClaimNumber>11< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>11. The protective shin guard of claim 1, wherein the interior coupling base is sized relative to the interior coupler to provide a plurality of interior attachment points for the interior coupler on the interior coupling base, the interior coupler being releasably attached to the interior coupling base at a given interior attachment point of the plurality of interior attachment points. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00012"> <pat:ClaimNumber>12< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>12. The protective shin guard of claim 11, wherein the interior coupling base includes one of a hook fastener and a loop fastener and the interior coupler includes another one of the hook fastener and the loop fastener. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00013"> <pat:ClaimNumber>13< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>13. The protective shin guard of claim 1, wherein the strap is composed of a resilient material. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00014"> <pat:ClaimNumber>14< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>14. The protective shin guard of claim 1, wherein the strap includes elastic webbing extending between the exterior coupler and the interior coupler. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00015"> <pat:ClaimNumber>15< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>15. The protective shin guard of claim 1, wherein the interior coupling base is positioned relative to the body and the strap guide portion such that when the protective shin guard is worn on the shin, the interior coupling base is disposed between the wearer-facing surface and the leg of the hockey player. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> <pat:Claim com:id="CLM-00016"> <pat:ClaimNumber>16< / pat:ClaimNumber> <pat:ClaimText>16. The protective shin guard of claim 1, wherein: the strap has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; the exterior coupler is on the first surface; and the interior coupler is on the second surface. < / pat:ClaimText> < / pat:Claim> < / pat:Claims>