A protective base layer legging

Abstract

The present invention relates to pair of sport leggings comprising: a waist band (1); and a pair of legs (3). The legs are formed from a flexible material and each leg has a shin pad (25) and an ankle (5, 6) protection means from which an underfoot strap (7) extends.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective base layer legging that is a pair of sport trousers for playing contact sports; more particularly but not exclusively suitable for football or soccer.Background

[0002] Many people in many countries across the world enjoy playing sports that may involve contact or impact to the legs, such as football or hockey.

[0003] It is common in colder or more variable climates to wear undergarments on their legs such as a pair of leggings, to regulate and / or protect body heat.

[0004] In addition people typically wear socks that must be layered below or above a legging and will be required to wear shin protection and / or ankle protection to protect from injury during tackling and the like.

[0005] It is common that one or more of the items may be forgotten, lost, not cleaned and / or therefore part of the protection may not be available during sport. It can also be difficult to don the multiple layers and for the different items to remain in place and be comfortable.

[0006] The present invention provides a way to overcome these problems.Prior Art

[0007] CA 3 109 837 (FERRIGON) discloses a protective ankle sleeve for the ankle and back of the lower leg of a user.

[0008] US 2014 0 215 679 (HABIP) discloses a pair of padded pants comprising a hip covering region and legs depending below the hip covering region.

[0009] CN 102 626 261 (WANG et al) discloses a type of protective football training long trousers, comprises a trousers body and trousers legs.

[0010] AU2019210708 (LORKIN) discloses a personal protective equipment garment for cricket.Summary of the Invention

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a protective base layer legging comprising: a waist band; and a pair of legs each having an underfoot strap, and each leg includes at least one shin pad and an ankle protection means that surrounds the ankle region and from which the underfoot straps extend.

[0012] In this way the base layer leggings provide a single layer of clothing for the lower body to provide coverage and located protection at the shin and ankle region. The base layer legging is intended as a first layer against a wearer's skin and is formed from flexible, comfortable material. The legging may also have insulating properties to act as a thermal layer and / or compression properties to act as a compression layer to improve circulation.

[0013] The integration of the shin pads and ankle protection means that the base layer legging is an all in one garment, removing the requirement for separate leggings, shin pads and ankle protection. Advantagesouly this reduces the time to dress to play sport as there is no need to don the separate items in layers. Furthermore, as shin pads and ankle protection means are integrated, movement during sport is minimised. For example, the inclusion of the underfoot straps extending from the ankle protection means prevents the legs riding up when football socks are pulled up.

[0014] The invention is particularly beneficial for children who may require more assistance to don the various separate items.

[0015] The ankle protection means is shaped and dimensioned to cover the ankle region of the wearer. Ideally this region includes covering the lateral and medial malleolus to the wearers foot that is enclosed by a shoe. By covering the lateral and medial malleolus these bony regions are protected by a padded layer to minimise pain or injury from impact.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment the distal end of the legs is shaped to correspond to the upper surface of the foot and Achilles heel region having an arcuate finish that tapers towards the underfoot straps, leaving the heel region of the foot that is within a shoe uncovered. In these ways the ankle region is covered for protection, to maintain warmth and therefore optimal joint flexibility and to minimise movement of the legs of the leggings when the leggings are worn as the ankle protection means is shaped to correspond to the shape of an ankle and formed from a material with restricted stretch and therefore the ankle protection means does not excessively slide up or down the leg, which can be a problem when protective garments or overlayers are pulled on separately.

[0017] In some embodiments of the device the ankle protection means includes one or more shield, which are positioned over parts of or around the perimeter of the ankle, for example to form a protective carapace around some or all of the ankle.

[0018] The shield or shields may be envisaged to form a plurality of padded parts. For example the shield may be a flexible foam piece at a region of the ankle, or around part of the ankle, such a length of foam around the ankle.

[0019] In some embodiments the shields may include rigid parts, or a substantially rigid element arranged within padding to provide a reinforced region to protect against impact. For example the shield may include separate sections of inflexible material such as carbon fibre pieces encased in a resilient deformable material that wraps around the ankle

[0020] Preferably the shield is arranged between two layers of the ankle protection means.

[0021] In some embodiments each shield may be sewn and / or bonded in position.

[0022] In some embodiments of the device the shield is displaceable, for example the shield may be removed from a pouch for replacement or cleaning purposes.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment the ankle protection means has an upper region that is a protective band and a lower region extending from the upper region that has a distal end that corresponds to the shape of up upper face of a wearer's foot (dorsal side of the foot) and the Achilles heel.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment the protective band around the ankle includes a shield to protect and cover at least part of the lateral and medial malleolus and Achilles region.

[0025] The upper region of the ankle protection means is preferably formed from at least two layers so that it is a thickened band around the ankle. In a preferred embodiment the at least two layers include a distal end of the legs that is attached by stitching to the upper region of the ankle protection means. This provides some padding as a band around the ankle.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment the ankle protection means is provided as a separate piece that is connected to the distal end of the legs during manufacture. Preferably an upper portion of the ankle protection means is received within the opening defined by the distal end of the legs. The distal end of each leg and the upper portion of the ankle protection means thereby overlap and are stitched together to provide the two layers.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment the ankle protection means is formed from two layers of the second material joined at upper and lower edges. In this way the ankle protection means is thicker than the legs and there is a space between the two layers. In this embodiment when the distal end of the leg overlaps the upper region of the ankle protection means this thereby creates a three layer region. This padded band therefore surrounds part of the ankle region providing additional all round protection in a simple to manufacture way. The lower region of the ankle protection means is thereby formed from two layers (because the leg is not extended over this part) with a space therebetween.

[0028] In some embodiments a shield is arranged between the two layers of second material that form the lower region of the ankle protection means. Preferably this may be a convex disc shaped foam pad that cups the malleolus on each side of the ankle to help protect this delicate region on the wearer. One or more stitched region, or a region of adhesive may be arranged between the two layers of the lower ankle protection regions to minimise movement of the layers, to locate the shields and protect them from moving during use.

[0029] The lower protective region extends from the upper region towards the wearers foot. In a preferred embodiment the ankle protection means is formed from a different material (a second material) to the legs (made of a first material). The second material is preferably thicker and has a lower stretch percentage so that this lower region cannot easily ride up over the ankle and thereby helps to keep the protection in the correct positions. For example the stretch percentage of material for the lower region may be less than for material on the legs which may have a higher stretch percentage to allow the legging to fit closely but to stretch around the wearer's legs when donned and during sport.

[0030] The underfoot straps extend from the lower region of the ankle protection means to further locate the legging during use to prevent the legs rising up and thereby ensuring the protection on the shins and ankle regions remains in the correct place.

[0031] The underfoot straps are flexible to fit under a sock and within a shoe with no discomfort. In a preferred embodiment the underfoot straps may be formed in an elastomeric material, to stretch to fit a wearer without having any baggy or creased parts that may lead to discomfort.

[0032] The shin pads are arranged along the shin region of each leg. The shin pads may be displaceable from the legs or may be integrated with the leg.

[0033] In some embodiments the shin pad is arranged in at least one pocket on a front region of the leg with an opening for receipt of one or more displaceable shin pad. In this way an independently available shin pad can be inserted to the dedicated pocket(s).

[0034] In preferred embodiments the pocket may have a cover flap to close the opening to the pocket through which the shin pad is received. In some embodiments this is a side-seamed cover flap to allow a shin pad to be inserted through a side of the pocket. In another embodiment there may be a top or bottom seamed cover flap so that the shin pad is inserted from the top or bottom of a pocket. Typically the flap is lifted the shin pad inserted and the cover flap is returned to cover the opening and the shin pad.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment the pocket has a top opening with a top cover flap that is folded or pulled back to reveal the opening.

[0036] In some embodiments there may be more than pocket on each shin region. For example each pocket may receive an individual shin pad so that a plurality of shin pads can be arranged in an array around a front region of the leggings.

[0037] In these ways the user has more flexibility or choice in relation to the style, weight, and depth of shin pads they wish to use, and when. For example the shin pad may be tailor made or may be standard independently provided shin pads, so as to allow for customisation of protection and / or allow for cleaning and maintenance and replacement of damaged protection as required.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment the pocket is formed by adding a layer of material to an outer face of a front region of the legs. In this way a pocket is created between the leg and the layer of material.

[0039] In some embodiments a complete pocket formed from two layers of material is attached to an outer face of a front region of each leg. In this way an inner layer is arranged on an outer face of the leg, and towards a rear face of the shin pad. This inner layer provides a further layer of separate between the wearer and the shin pad for enhanced comfort, to assist with locating the shin pad, and may act to reduce strain on the material of the legs of the legging.

[0040] In preferred embodiments an outer face of the pocket is reinforced to minimise damage from impact, such as when tackling when playing football. For example the outer face of the pocket may be formed from a more durable material or may include a coating. In this embodiment with reinforced material the leg may be formed from a first material and an outer face of the pocket may be formed from a second material. The materials have different properties so that the second material is harder wearing that the first material.

[0041] In some other embodiments the shin pad is integrated with the legs. For example a shin pad may be stitched into place on the leg or may be adhered to the leg so that it cannot be removed and is a permanent part of the leggings. In this way the legging is always ready for immediate use and the shin pads are fixed in position. For example, the integrated shin pads may still be arranged in a pocket but that the pocket is closed such as being stitched around all sides and does not have an opening.

[0042] In some embodiments the shin pad is adapted to enable it to be stitched into place for example the shin pad may be suitable for being stitched through or may be arranged in a fabric pouch that can be sewn onto the legging so that the shin pad is physically attached to the legs of the leggings.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment the leggings are formed from elastomeric material at least in part to elastically fit a wearer. The use of elastomeric material allows the legging to fit as a second skin to ensure effective heat management, as well as maintaining location of the shin pads and ankle protection means.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment the same material is used for the legs of the leggings, including the pockets. In some embodiments, more than one type of material may be used for the legs of the leggings, for example to have a protective material over the shin pads as described above.

[0045] In some embodiments the elastomeric material may be used to provide compression to aid circulation.

[0046] In preferred embodiments base layer legging has an elastomeric waist band.

[0047] In some embodiments of the device the legs are separated into panels, to aid with manufacture and to enable the option of different panels to have materials with different properties. For example to have different percentage stretch and / or different levels of insulation.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment the leggings are made from a material formed from Polyamide and Elastane. In a preferred embodiment the material is 91% Polyamide and 9% Elastane.

[0049] Polyamide is a polymer with repeating units linked by strong amide bonds, found in both nature (like silk and wool) and synthetically (like nylon). Synthetic polyamides are strong, durable, and abrasion resistant. Polyamides are known for their high tensile strength, toughness, and wear resistance making them suitable for sportswear. Polyamides also have good high-temperature resistance and can be suitable for moisture absorption or water resistance. For example for sweat wicking or protection from the weather.

[0050] Elastane is a synthetic fibre known for its exceptional elasticity, allowing it to stretch up to seven times its original size. It is a man-made material, typically blended with other fabrics.

[0051] In preferred embodiments the shin pads are formed from more than one material, having an outer layer that receives the impact and an inner layer that is arranged against the wearer.

[0052] The outer layer may be formed from polypropylene that is a semi-rigid, tough, and versatile thermoplastic polymer made from the monomer propylene. Polypropylene (PP) is lightweight, impact resistant and has low water absorption.

[0053] The inner layer may be formed from Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) a synthetic copolymer that combines the properties of both ethylene and vinyl acetate, creating a flexible, soft, and durable material similar to rubber. These properties provide shock absorption and cushioning against the wearers leg during wear and in particular during impact. The material is soft, lightweight and is a closed cell structure so that it is water resistant and provides insulation against temperatures (hot or cold).

[0054] The two layers together provide an effective shin pad.

[0055] The ankle protection means is preferably formed from a fabric formed from cotton, Nylon (RTM) and Spandex (RTM). In a preferred embodiment the ankle protection means material is formed from cotton filament 60%, Nylon Fibre 10% and Spandex Filament 30%.

[0056] At least part of the ankle protection means includes padding. The padding may be formed from Polyethylene (PE) foam that is a durable, resilient, and lightweight closed-cell foam that provides cushioning, shock-absorption, and insulation. The foam is resiliently deformable so that it absorbs impact and returns to its original shape.

[0057] In preferred embodiments the whole ankle protection means (upper and lower regions) include foam to provide a soft protective layer over the ankle.

[0058] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:Brief Description of Figures

[0059] Figure 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the protective base layer legging; Figure 2 shows a rear view of the protective base layer legging shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of the protective base layer legging shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a front view of the protective base layer legging with a top cover flap on the pocket displaced to reveal the shin pad; Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic front view of the shin pad and ankle protection regions of the legging; Figure 6 shows a diagrammatic front view of the shin pad and ankle protection regions of the legging; and Figure 7 shows a detailed side view of the shin pad and ankle protection regions of the legging. Detailed Description of Figures

[0060] The Figures show a preferred example of the protective base layer legging 99.

[0061] The protective base layer legging 99 has a waist band 1 and a pair of legs 3 wherein the legs include shin pads 25 and ankle protection means 5, 6.

[0062] There is a single shin pad 25 arranged in a pocket 24 in each leg 3.

[0063] The waist band 1 is an elastomeric band so it is elasticated and has a stitched seam 22 at a bottom edge.

[0064] Each leg 3 has a pocket 24 for receiving a displaceable shin pad 25. Each pocket 24 is rectangular. The pocket 24 is formed by a front panel of material attached to a shin region of each leg 3. In Figures 5 and 6 the outline of the shin pad 25 is represented by a dashed line.

[0065] Each rectangular pocket 24 has seamed sides 24B, 24C and a lower edge 26 with an open top 24A.

[0066] The open top is closed by a cover flap 4. The cover flap is displaced to insert the shin pad 25 (see Figure 4). The cover flap 4 is joined to the leg 3 along a top edge 4A and side edges 4B, 4C. The lower edge 4D of the cover flap is displaced to place shin pad 25 into the pocket 24, so that the cover flap 4 acts to hold the shin pad 25 in place and cover over the opening to the pocket 24.

[0067] The lower edge seam 26 for the pocket 24 is arranged above the top seam edge 27 of the ankle protection means 5, 6.

[0068] The ankle protection means 5, 6 has two regions. There is a band of protection 5 that is arranged over and / or above the lateral and medial malleolus when the legging 99 is donned.

[0069] The protective band 5 acts to protect the malleoli that project and have a thin skin covering and are therefore liable to bruising from impact. The protective band 5 (upper region of the ankle protection means) is formed from three layers to provide a thickened band around the ankle. The three layers include a layer of the leg material (first material) and two layers of the ankle protection means material (second material). This ensures that a soft layer is presented to the wearer's leg for optimal comfort whilst also providing a layer of protection from impact.

[0070] The distal end of the legs are attached by stitching to the double layered upper region of the ankle protection means. There are two areas of stitching connection that define the upper region 5, stitching 26, 27 at an upper edge and stitching 28 at a lower edge. The ankle protection means 5, 6 is therefore a continuous extension from the legs 3. The Figures show a slightly stepped region where the upper region 5 joins the lower region 6 at stitching line 28, but this is a diagrammatic representation and the finished product appears continuous with a seam between the regions.

[0071] The ankle protection means is provided as separate piece that is connected to the distal end of the legs during manufacture. The upper portion 5 of the ankle protection means is received within the opening defined by the distal end of the legs 3. The distal end of each leg 3 and the upper portion 5 of the ankle protection means thereby overlap and are stitched together to provide the three layers.

[0072] The flatlock stitch 27 that is shown in the Figures joins the upper edge of the upper region of the ankle protection means to the legs 3. The flatlock stitch is only visible on the inner face, but for diagrammatic purpose is shown as reference 27.

[0073] The lower region 6 of the ankle protection means extends from the upper region 5 and is thereby formed from two layers of the second material with a space therebetween.

[0074] Two shields (not visible in the drawings) are arranged within the two layers of second material. The shields are convex shaped discs formed from foam that cup the malleolus on each side of the ankle to help protect this delicate region on the wearer.

[0075] A stitched region 8 (see Figure 2) is provided between the two layers of the lower ankle protection regions 6 to limit movement of the layers relative to each other and to locate the shields and prevent them from moving out of position during use. The stitched region 8 is a line of stitches on a rear part of the lower region 6 which also helps to prevent bunching of material that may lead to rubbing at the heel.

[0076] The lower portion 6 of the ankle protection means is a shaped region with arcuate lower edges to cup over an upper face of the foot (dorsum) and around the Achilles tendon region of the wearer. This shaping ensures that lower protection 6 extends to the footwear worn by the wearer so that there are minimal gaps in protection. Therefore if a wearer is tackled or trampled the ankle region is protected.

[0077] The lower portion 6 is formed from two substantially triangular sections with apexes connecting to the underfoot straps 7.

[0078] The material from which the lower portion 6 is formed is flexible but may be inelastic so that this portion cannot rise up the leg during use and remains in place to protect the ankle region. It is appreciated that the material may have some elastic properties to accommodate different size wearers, but the range of stretch (percentage stretch) is typically less than other parts of the legging. For example the legs may have a percentage stretch of 70% and the lower ankle region may have a lower percentage stretch than this.

[0079] For example the lower portion may be formed from a cellular material comprised from Polyethylene with an outer covering layer formed from Cotton Filament 60%, Nylon Fibre 10%, and Spandex Filament 30%.

[0080] The lower portion 6 of the ankle protection means is permanently affixed by stitching to the elastic underfoot straps 7 which extend below the user's insteps in use to hold the legs down during sport and when donning any extra layers, such as socks or over trousers. The underfoot straps 7 are a length of elastic material connected to an outer face of the lower region 6.

[0081] The legs 3 are provided by a plurality of panels, namely a front 3A and a rear panel 3B for each leg 3, with a central crotch seam 2, wherein the front and rear panels 3A, 3B are joined at side seams 21.

[0082] A flatlock sports stitch 2, 21, 22, 27 is used on parts of the legging 99 to give extra support and enhance stretch on sports and activewear garments, for example along side seams 21 of the legs 3.

[0083] Seams 2 and 21 have flatlock stitching that is visible on the external face.

[0084] Seam 22 on the waistband 1 has flatlock stitch that is visible on an inner face of the legging.

[0085] Seam 27 on the ankle protection means 5 is shown in the Figures, however, in the finished product, the stitching is on an inner face of the legging and is not visible. The stitching is shown in the Figures to represent the location of the flatlock stitching but is not visible at this location when donned.

[0086] 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 protection as defined by the claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

of Figures

[0060]The Figures show a preferred example of the protective base layer legging 99.

[0061]The protective base layer legging 99 has a waist band 1 and a pair of legs 3 wherein the legs include shin pads 25 and ankle protection means 5, 6.

[0062]There is a single shin pad 25 arranged in a pocket 24 in each leg 3.

[0063]The waist band 1 is an elastomeric band so it is elasticated and has a stitched seam 22 at a bottom edge.

[0064]Each leg 3 has a pocket 24 for receiving a displaceable shin pad 25. Each pocket 24 is rectangular. The pocket 24 is formed by a front panel of material attached to a shin region of each leg 3. In Figures 5 and 6 the outline of the shin pad 25 is represented by a dashed line.

[0065]Each rectangular pocket 24 has seamed sides 24B, 24C and a lower edge 26 with an open top 24A.

[0066]The open top is closed by a cover flap 4. The cover flap is displaced to insert the shin pad 25 (see Figure 4). The cover flap 4 is joined to the leg 3 along a top edge 4A and si...

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective base layer legging that is a pair of sport trousers for playing contact sports; more particularly but not exclusively suitable for football or soccer.Background

[0002] Many people in many countries across the world enjoy playing sports that may involve contact or impact to the legs, such as football or hockey.

[0003] It is common in colder or more variable climates to wear undergarments on their legs such as a pair of leggings, to regulate and / or protect body heat.

[0004] In addition people typically wear socks that must be layered below or above a legging and will be required to wear shin protection and / or ankle protection to protect from injury during tackling and the like.

[0005] It is common that one or more of the items may be forgotten, lost, not cleaned and / or therefore part of the protection may not be available during sport. It can also be difficult to don the multiple layers and for the different items to remain in place and be comfortable.

[0006] The present invention provides a way to overcome these problems.Prior Art

[0007] CA 3 109 837 (FERRIGON) discloses a protective ankle sleeve for the ankle and back of the lower leg of a user.

[0008] US 2014 0 215 679 (HABIP) discloses a pair of padded pants comprising a hip covering region and legs depending below the hip covering region.

[0009] CN 102 626 261 (WANG et al) discloses a type of protective football training long trousers, comprises a trousers body and trousers legs.

[0010] AU2019210708 (LORKIN) discloses a personal protective equipment garment for cricket.Summary of the Invention

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a protective base layer legging comprising: a waist band; and a pair of legs each having an underfoot strap, and each leg includes at least one shin pad and an ankle protection means that surrounds the ankle region and from which the underfoot straps extend.

[0012] In this way the base layer leggings provide a single layer of clothing for the lower body to provide coverage and located protection at the shin and ankle region. The base layer legging is intended as a first layer against a wearer's skin and is formed from flexible, comfortable material. The legging may also have insulating properties to act as a thermal layer and / or compression properties to act as a compression layer to improve circulation.

[0013] The integration of the shin pads and ankle protection means that the base layer legging is an all in one garment, removing the requirement for separate leggings, shin pads and ankle protection. Advantagesouly this reduces the time to dress to play sport as there is no need to don the separate items in layers. Furthermore, as shin pads and ankle protection means are integrated, movement during sport is minimised. For example, the inclusion of the underfoot straps extending from the ankle protection means prevents the legs riding up when football socks are pulled up.

[0014] The invention is particularly beneficial for children who may require more assistance to don the various separate items.

[0015] The ankle protection means is shaped and dimensioned to cover the ankle region of the wearer. Ideally this region includes covering the lateral and medial malleolus to the wearers foot that is enclosed by a shoe. By covering the lateral and medial malleolus these bony regions are protected by a padded layer to minimise pain or injury from impact.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment the distal end of the legs is shaped to correspond to the upper surface of the foot and Achilles heel region having an arcuate finish that tapers towards the underfoot straps, leaving the heel region of the foot that is within a shoe uncovered. In these ways the ankle region is covered for protection, to maintain warmth and therefore optimal joint flexibility and to minimise movement of the legs of the leggings when the leggings are worn as the ankle protection means is shaped to correspond to the shape of an ankle and formed from a material with restricted stretch and therefore the ankle protection means does not excessively slide up or down the leg, which can be a problem when protective garments or overlayers are pulled on separately.

[0017] In some embodiments of the device the ankle protection means includes one or more shield, which are positioned over parts of or around the perimeter of the ankle, for example to form a protective carapace around some or all of the ankle.

[0018] The shield or shields may be envisaged to form a plurality of padded parts. For example the shield may be a flexible foam piece at a region of the ankle, or around part of the ankle, such a length of foam around the ankle.

[0019] In some embodiments the shields may include rigid parts, or a substantially rigid element arranged within padding to provide a reinforced region to protect against impact. For example the shield may include separate sections of inflexible material such as carbon fibre pieces encased in a resilient deformable material that wraps around the ankle

[0020] Preferably the shield is arranged between two layers of the ankle protection means.

[0021] In some embodiments each shield may be sewn and / or bonded in position.

[0022] In some embodiments of the device the shield is displaceable, for example the shield may be removed from a pouch for replacement or cleaning purposes.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment the ankle protection means has an upper region that is a protective band and a lower region extending from the upper region that has a distal end that corresponds to the shape of up upper face of a wearer's foot (dorsal side of the foot) and the Achilles heel.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment the protective band around the ankle includes a shield to protect and cover at least part of the lateral and medial malleolus and Achilles region.

[0025] The upper region of the ankle protection means is preferably formed from at least two layers so that it is a thickened band around the ankle. In a preferred embodiment the at least two layers include a distal end of the legs that is attached by stitching to the upper region of the ankle protection means. This provides some padding as a band around the ankle.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment the ankle protection means is provided as a separate piece that is connected to the distal end of the legs during manufacture. Preferably an upper portion of the ankle protection means is received within the opening defined by the distal end of the legs. The distal end of each leg and the upper portion of the ankle protection means thereby overlap and are stitched together to provide the two layers.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment the ankle protection means is formed from two layers of the second material joined at upper and lower edges. In this way the ankle protection means is thicker than the legs and there is a space between the two layers. In this embodiment when the distal end of the leg overlaps the upper region of the ankle protection means this thereby creates a three layer region. This padded band therefore surrounds part of the ankle region providing additional all round protection in a simple to manufacture way. The lower region of the ankle protection means is thereby formed from two layers (because the leg is not extended over this part) with a space therebetween.

[0028] In some embodiments a shield is arranged between the two layers of second material that form the lower region of the ankle protection means. Preferably this may be a convex disc shaped foam pad that cups the malleolus on each side of the ankle to help protect this delicate region on the wearer. One or more stitched region, or a region of adhesive may be arranged between the two layers of the lower ankle protection regions to minimise movement of the layers, to locate the shields and protect them from moving during use.

[0029] The lower protective region extends from the upper region towards the wearers foot. In a preferred embodiment the ankle protection means is formed from a different material (a second material) to the legs (made of a first material). The second material is preferably thicker and has a lower stretch percentage so that this lower region cannot easily ride up over the ankle and thereby helps to keep the protection in the correct positions. For example the stretch percentage of material for the lower region may be less than for material on the legs which may have a higher stretch percentage to allow the legging to fit closely but to stretch around the wearer's legs when donned and during sport.

[0030] The underfoot straps extend from the lower region of the ankle protection means to further locate the legging during use to prevent the legs rising up and thereby ensuring the protection on the shins and ankle regions remains in the correct place.

[0031] The underfoot straps are flexible to fit under a sock and within a shoe with no discomfort. In a preferred embodiment the underfoot straps may be formed in an elastomeric material, to stretch to fit a wearer without having any baggy or creased parts that may lead to discomfort.

[0032] The shin pads are arranged along the shin region of each leg. The shin pads may be displaceable from the legs or may be integrated with the leg.

[0033] In some embodiments the shin pad is arranged in at least one pocket on a front region of the leg with an opening for receipt of one or more displaceable shin pad. In this way an independently available shin pad can be inserted to the dedicated pocket(s).

[0034] In preferred embodiments the pocket may have a cover flap to close the opening to the pocket through which the shin pad is received. In some embodiments this is a side-seamed cover flap to allow a shin pad to be inserted through a side of the pocket. In another embodiment there may be a top or bottom seamed cover flap so that the shin pad is inserted from the top or bottom of a pocket. Typically the flap is lifted the shin pad inserted and the cover flap is returned to cover the opening and the shin pad.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment the pocket has a top opening with a top cover flap that is folded or pulled back to reveal the opening.

[0036] In some embodiments there may be more than pocket on each shin region. For example each pocket may receive an individual shin pad so that a plurality of shin pads can be arranged in an array around a front region of the leggings.

[0037] In these ways the user has more flexibility or choice in relation to the style, weight, and depth of shin pads they wish to use, and when. For example the shin pad may be tailor made or may be standard independently provided shin pads, so as to allow for customisation of protection and / or allow for cleaning and maintenance and replacement of damaged protection as required.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment the pocket is formed by adding a layer of material to an outer face of a front region of the legs. In this way a pocket is created between the leg and the layer of material.

[0039] In some embodiments a complete pocket formed from two layers of material is attached to an outer face of a front region of each leg. In this way an inner layer is arranged on an outer face of the leg, and towards a rear face of the shin pad. This inner layer provides a further layer of separate between the wearer and the shin pad for enhanced comfort, to assist with locating the shin pad, and may act to reduce strain on the material of the legs of the legging.

[0040] In preferred embodiments an outer face of the pocket is reinforced to minimise damage from impact, such as when tackling when playing football. For example the outer face of the pocket may be formed from a more durable material or may include a coating. In this embodiment with reinforced material the leg may be formed from a first material and an outer face of the pocket may be formed from a second material. The materials have different properties so that the second material is harder wearing that the first material.

[0041] In some other embodiments the shin pad is integrated with the legs. For example a shin pad may be stitched into place on the leg or may be adhered to the leg so that it cannot be removed and is a permanent part of the leggings. In this way the legging is always ready for immediate use and the shin pads are fixed in position. For example, the integrated shin pads may still be arranged in a pocket but that the pocket is closed such as being stitched around all sides and does not have an opening.

[0042] In some embodiments the shin pad is adapted to enable it to be stitched into place for example the shin pad may be suitable for being stitched through or may be arranged in a fabric pouch that can be sewn onto the legging so that the shin pad is physically attached to the legs of the leggings.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment the leggings are formed from elastomeric material at least in part to elastically fit a wearer. The use of elastomeric material allows the legging to fit as a second skin to ensure effective heat management, as well as maintaining location of the shin pads and ankle protection means.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment the same material is used for the legs of the leggings, including the pockets. In some embodiments, more than one type of material may be used for the legs of the leggings, for example to have a protective material over the shin pads as described above.

[0045] In some embodiments the elastomeric material may be used to provide compression to aid circulation.

[0046] In preferred embodiments base layer legging has an elastomeric waist band.

[0047] In some embodiments of the device the legs are separated into panels, to aid with manufacture and to enable the option of different panels to have materials with different properties. For example to have different percentage stretch and / or different levels of insulation.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment the leggings are made from a material formed from Polyamide and Elastane. In a preferred embodiment the material is 91% Polyamide and 9% Elastane.

[0049] Polyamide is a polymer with repeating units linked by strong amide bonds, found in both nature (like silk and wool) and synthetically (like nylon). Synthetic polyamides are strong, durable, and abrasion resistant. Polyamides are known for their high tensile strength, toughness, and wear resistance making them suitable for sportswear. Polyamides also have good high-temperature resistance and can be suitable for moisture absorption or water resistance. For example for sweat wicking or protection from the weather.

[0050] Elastane is a synthetic fibre known for its exceptional elasticity, allowing it to stretch up to seven times its original size. It is a man-made material, typically blended with other fabrics.

[0051] In preferred embodiments the shin pads are formed from more than one material, having an outer layer that receives the impact and an inner layer that is arranged against the wearer.

[0052] The outer layer may be formed from polypropylene that is a semi-rigid, tough, and versatile thermoplastic polymer made from the monomer propylene. Polypropylene (PP) is lightweight, impact resistant and has low water absorption.

[0053] The inner layer may be formed from Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) a synthetic copolymer that combines the properties of both ethylene and vinyl acetate, creating a flexible, soft, and durable material similar to rubber. These properties provide shock absorption and cushioning against the wearers leg during wear and in particular during impact. The material is soft, lightweight and is a closed cell structure so that it is water resistant and provides insulation against temperatures (hot or cold).

[0054] The two layers together provide an effective shin pad.

[0055] The ankle protection means is preferably formed from a fabric formed from cotton, Nylon (RTM) and Spandex (RTM). In a preferred embodiment the ankle protection means material is formed from cotton filament 60%, Nylon Fibre 10% and Spandex Filament 30%.

[0056] At least part of the ankle protection means includes padding. The padding may be formed from Polyethylene (PE) foam that is a durable, resilient, and lightweight closed-cell foam that provides cushioning, shock-absorption, and insulation. The foam is resiliently deformable so that it absorbs impact and returns to its original shape.

[0057] In preferred embodiments the whole ankle protection means (upper and lower regions) include foam to provide a soft protective layer over the ankle.

[0058] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:Brief Description of Figures

[0059] Figure 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the protective base layer legging; Figure 2 shows a rear view of the protective base layer legging shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of the protective base layer legging shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a front view of the protective base layer legging with a top cover flap on the pocket displaced to reveal the shin pad; Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic front view of the shin pad and ankle protection regions of the legging; Figure 6 shows a diagrammatic front view of the shin pad and ankle protection regions of the legging; and Figure 7 shows a detailed side view of the shin pad and ankle protection regions of the legging. Detailed Description of Figures

[0060] The Figures show a preferred example of the protective base layer legging 99.

[0061] The protective base layer legging 99 has a waist band 1 and a pair of legs 3 wherein the legs include shin pads 25 and ankle protection means 5, 6.

[0062] There is a single shin pad 25 arranged in a pocket 24 in each leg 3.

[0063] The waist band 1 is an elastomeric band so it is elasticated and has a stitched seam 22 at a bottom edge.

[0064] Each leg 3 has a pocket 24 for receiving a displaceable shin pad 25. Each pocket 24 is rectangular. The pocket 24 is formed by a front panel of material attached to a shin region of each leg 3. In Figures 5 and 6 the outline of the shin pad 25 is represented by a dashed line.

[0065] Each rectangular pocket 24 has seamed sides 24B, 24C and a lower edge 26 with an open top 24A.

[0066] The open top is closed by a cover flap 4. The cover flap is displaced to insert the shin pad 25 (see Figure 4). The cover flap 4 is joined to the leg 3 along a top edge 4A and side edges 4B, 4C. The lower edge 4D of the cover flap is displaced to place shin pad 25 into the pocket 24, so that the cover flap 4 acts to hold the shin pad 25 in place and cover over the opening to the pocket 24.

[0067] The lower edge seam 26 for the pocket 24 is arranged above the top seam edge 27 of the ankle protection means 5, 6.

[0068] The ankle protection means 5, 6 has two regions. There is a band of protection 5 that is arranged over and / or above the lateral and medial malleolus when the legging 99 is donned.

[0069] The protective band 5 acts to protect the malleoli that project and have a thin skin covering and are therefore liable to bruising from impact. The protective band 5 (upper region of the ankle protection means) is formed from three layers to provide a thickened band around the ankle. The three layers include a layer of the leg material (first material) and two layers of the ankle protection means material (second material). This ensures that a soft layer is presented to the wearer's leg for optimal comfort whilst also providing a layer of protection from impact.

[0070] The distal end of the legs are attached by stitching to the double layered upper region of the ankle protection means. There are two areas of stitching connection that define the upper region 5, stitching 26, 27 at an upper edge and stitching 28 at a lower edge. The ankle protection means 5, 6 is therefore a continuous extension from the legs 3. The Figures show a slightly stepped region where the upper region 5 joins the lower region 6 at stitching line 28, but this is a diagrammatic representation and the finished product appears continuous with a seam between the regions.

[0071] The ankle protection means is provided as separate piece that is connected to the distal end of the legs during manufacture. The upper portion 5 of the ankle protection means is received within the opening defined by the distal end of the legs 3. The distal end of each leg 3 and the upper portion 5 of the ankle protection means thereby overlap and are stitched together to provide the three layers.

[0072] The flatlock stitch 27 that is shown in the Figures joins the upper edge of the upper region of the ankle protection means to the legs 3. The flatlock stitch is only visible on the inner face, but for diagrammatic purpose is shown as reference 27.

[0073] The lower region 6 of the ankle protection means extends from the upper region 5 and is thereby formed from two layers of the second material with a space therebetween.

[0074] Two shields (not visible in the drawings) are arranged within the two layers of second material. The shields are convex shaped discs formed from foam that cup the malleolus on each side of the ankle to help protect this delicate region on the wearer.

[0075] A stitched region 8 (see Figure 2) is provided between the two layers of the lower ankle protection regions 6 to limit movement of the layers relative to each other and to locate the shields and prevent them from moving out of position during use. The stitched region 8 is a line of stitches on a rear part of the lower region 6 which also helps to prevent bunching of material that may lead to rubbing at the heel.

[0076] The lower portion 6 of the ankle protection means is a shaped region with arcuate lower edges to cup over an upper face of the foot (dorsum) and around the Achilles tendon region of the wearer. This shaping ensures that lower protection 6 extends to the footwear worn by the wearer so that there are minimal gaps in protection. Therefore if a wearer is tackled or trampled the ankle region is protected.

[0077] The lower portion 6 is formed from two substantially triangular sections with apexes connecting to the underfoot straps 7.

[0078] The material from which the lower portion 6 is formed is flexible but may be inelastic so that this portion cannot rise up the leg during use and remains in place to protect the ankle region. It is appreciated that the material may have some elastic properties to accommodate different size wearers, but the range of stretch (percentage stretch) is typically less than other parts of the legging. For example the legs may have a percentage stretch of 70% and the lower ankle region may have a lower percentage stretch than this.

[0079] For example the lower portion may be formed from a cellular material comprised from Polyethylene with an outer covering layer formed from Cotton Filament 60%, Nylon Fibre 10%, and Spandex Filament 30%.

[0080] The lower portion 6 of the ankle protection means is permanently affixed by stitching to the elastic underfoot straps 7 which extend below the user's insteps in use to hold the legs down during sport and when donning any extra layers, such as socks or over trousers. The underfoot straps 7 are a length of elastic material connected to an outer face of the lower region 6.

[0081] The legs 3 are provided by a plurality of panels, namely a front 3A and a rear panel 3B for each leg 3, with a central crotch seam 2, wherein the front and rear panels 3A, 3B are joined at side seams 21.

[0082] A flatlock sports stitch 2, 21, 22, 27 is used on parts of the legging 99 to give extra support and enhance stretch on sports and activewear garments, for example along side seams 21 of the legs 3.

[0083] Seams 2 and 21 have flatlock stitching that is visible on the external face.

[0084] Seam 22 on the waistband 1 has flatlock stitch that is visible on an inner face of the legging.

[0085] Seam 27 on the ankle protection means 5 is shown in the Figures, however, in the finished product, the stitching is on an inner face of the legging and is not visible. The stitching is shown in the Figures to represent the location of the flatlock stitching but is not visible at this location when donned.

[0086] 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 protection as defined by the claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

of Figures

[0060]The Figures show a preferred example of the protective base layer legging 99.

[0061]The protective base layer legging 99 has a waist band 1 and a pair of legs 3 wherein the legs include shin pads 25 and ankle protection means 5, 6.

[0062]There is a single shin pad 25 arranged in a pocket 24 in each leg 3.

[0063]The waist band 1 is an elastomeric band so it is elasticated and has a stitched seam 22 at a bottom edge.

[0064]Each leg 3 has a pocket 24 for receiving a displaceable shin pad 25. Each pocket 24 is rectangular. The pocket 24 is formed by a front panel of material attached to a shin region of each leg 3. In Figures 5 and 6 the outline of the shin pad 25 is represented by a dashed line.

[0065]Each rectangular pocket 24 has seamed sides 24B, 24C and a lower edge 26 with an open top 24A.

[0066]The open top is closed by a cover flap 4. The cover flap is displaced to insert the shin pad 25 (see Figure 4). The cover flap 4 is joined to the leg 3 along a top edge 4A and si...

Claims

1. A protective base layer legging (99) comprising: a waist band (1); and a pair of legs (3) each having an underfoot strap (7), the pair of legs (3) are formed from flexible material characterised in that each leg (3) includes at least one shin pad (25) and an ankle protection means (5, 6) which surrounds the ankle region and from which the underfoot strap (7) extends.

2. A protective base layer legging (99) according to claim 1 wherein the ankle protection means (5, 6) is shaped and dimensioned to cover the lateral and medial malleolus.

3. A protective base layer legging (99) according to 2 wherein the ankle protection means has an upper region (5) that is a protective band and a lower region (6) extending from the upper region (5) that has a distal end that corresponds to the shape of up upper face of a wearer's foot (dorsum) and the Achilles heel region.

4. A protective base layer legging (99) according to claim 3 wherein the upper region (5) is formed from three layers comprising a layer of leg material, and two layers of the ankle protection means.

5. A protective base layer legging (99) according to any preceding claim wherein at least one shin pad (25) on each leg (3) is arranged in at least one pocket (24).

6. A protective base layer legging (99) according to any preceding claim wherein the legs (3) are formed from a first material and an outer face of each pocket (24) is formed from a second material.

7. A protective base layer legging (99) according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein at least one pocket (24) has a side-seamed cover flap to cover an opening to a pocket (24).

8. A protective base layer legging (99) according to any of claims 5 to 7 including a top or bottom cover flap (4) to cover an opening (24A) to a pocket (24).

9. A protective base layer legging (99) according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein at least one shin pad (25) is integrated with each leg (3).

10. A protective base layer legging (99) according to claim 9 wherein the at least one shin pad (25) is stitched to the material of each leg (3).

11. A protective base layer legging (99) according to any preceding claim wherein the ankle protection means (5, 6) is formed from a material with a lower stretch percentage material than the material of the legs (3).

12. A protective base layer legging (99) according to any preceding claim wherein the ankle protection means (5, 6) includes one or more shield.

13. A protective base layer legging (99) according to claim 12 wherein two shields are arranged on either side of the lower region of the ankle protection means (6) each shield arranged between two layers of material and located to cover a lateral and medial malleolus.

14. A protective base layer legging (99) according to claim 12 wherein the shield is displaceable from a pouch.

15. A protective base layer legging according to claim 12, 13 or 14 wherein the shield comprises a resiliently deformable foam padding.

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