Patent Application
20230310968
The present invention relates to shin guards and, more particularly, to a securement device and method for holding shin guards in place.
Shin guards often move or slide on a user's shin while in use. Presently, devices such as soccer socks or athletic tape are utilized to prevent sliding. Such devices often restrict blood flow, are uncomfortable, and even restrict muscle movement.
In addition, athletic tape and other bindings are not flexible enough. They often break while in use or enable the shin guard to slide or fall out of place. This may lead to injury. Sometimes shin guard sleeves are used. However, these sleeves are opened ended and allow the shin guard to slide out of the bottom.
As can be seen, there is a need for a device and method for holding a shin guard in place.
In one aspect of the present invention, a device for holding a shin guard comprises: a band configured in a loop, a first end of a first strap attached to the band, a first end of a second strap attached to the band spaced apart from the first strap, a second end of the first strap and a second end of the second strap converging to an intersection thereof, a first surface of a patch attached to the intersection of the first strap and the second strap, and an adhesive attached to a second surface of the patch; wherein the adhesive is operative to attach the patch to a shin guard.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method of securing a shin guard comprises: providing a shin guard securement device comprising: a band, a first end of a first strap and a first end of a second strap attached to the band, a second end of the first strap and a second end of the second strap joined at an intersection, a patch attached to the first strap and the second strap at the intersection, and an adhesive attached to the patch on a surface opposite the first strap and the second strap; positioning the band below a user's knee and above a user's calf muscle, positioning a shin guard on a user's shin, affixing a shin guard to the adhesive; and donning a sock to a height covering the shin guard and the band.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims with reference to the drawings.
A general overview of the various features of the invention will be provided, with a detailed description following. Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a shin guard securement device and a method for preventing a shin guard from moving or sliding on a shin while in use. The shin guard may attach to a band or loop by a strap. The band may be configured in a loop. The band may be elastic and may fit around a calf of the user.
The band advantageously does not limit or restrict blood flow. The present invention may not limit muscle movement.
The band may be sewn into a loop and made available in varying sizes. Silicone may line an inside or an inner circumference of the band.
A first end of a first strap may attach to a left side of the band. A first end of a second strap may attach to a right side of the band. The first strap and the second strap extend diagonally from the band such that a second end of the first strap and a second end of the second strap may be joined at an intersection. A patch or substantially rectangular, planar piece of material, may be attached to the intersection. The patch may be fabric. An adhesive may be attached to the patch. The adhesive may be secured to a shin guard. The band and straps secure the shin guard in place on a user's shin. The first strap and the second strap may be a single article in a shape of a V.
The band may provide compression to a user above a calf muscle, preventing the band from sliding down. A slip-resistant, non-adhesive lined on an inside of the band helps prevent sliding. The slip-resistant, non-adhesive material may also line an interior surface of the straps. The slip-resistant, non-adhesive material on the band or straps may be silicone any slip-resistant, non-adhesive material for the purpose of providing friction between the user and the band or strap.
A sock over the device may help secure the shin guard on the user. The straps prevent horizontal movement of the shin guard. The patch acts as an attachment point for the shin guard.
To determine band size, a user may measure a circumference below the user's knee and above the user's calf muscle. The band may fit that circumference.
The band may be placed on a user's leg above the calf muscle and below the knee. The shin guard may be positioned on the shin in a predetermined location. The adhesive may be placed on the shin guard, affixing the device to the shin guard. The adhesive may have a paper covering protecting the adhesive before use. That paper may be peeled or removed before application to the shin guard, exposing the adhesive. A sock may be worn over the shin guard and the device.
Referring now to the Figures,
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
