Shin Guards
4. Combination of several protective functions
Figure 8: Early combined shin and calf pad for insertion into the sock (DE 1 723 452 U1)
Time and again inventions relating to shin guards included designs for a combined protection of the shin and other areas of the lower leg. DE 1 723 452 U and DE 76 05 625 U describe two early, different concepts for combined shin and calf pads (Figure 8). Today, shin and calf shells of relevant models can be custom fitted to the player's legs (cf. section 1, DE 35 42 983 A1 or FR 2 600 900 B1).
Recent patents often include additional components for protecting the ankle (Figure 9), the Achilles tendon, the instep and for stabilising the ankle joint. These components should preferably be flexibly attached.
Figure 9: Recent gaiter-style combined shin and ankle pad (DE 299 17 959 U1)
Stabilising the ankle joint is of particular importance for rehabilitating players recovering from an ankle joint injury.
Newer further developments are e.g. the protection for the shinbone, inner and outer ankle and Achilles heel (US 2014/0 259 260 A1) or the movable leg protector which flexibly surrounds the lower leg (DE 10 2014 012 012 A1).
| Publication number | Year | Title | Brief description |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE 299 17 959 U1 | 1999 | Kombinierter Schienbein- und Knöchelschützer | Gaiter-shaped shin guard whose padding covers the ankles |
| EP 0 920 887 A1 | 1997 | Schienbeinschoner mit Sprunggelenkstabilisierung | Leg guard with traction elements for stabilising the ankle joint |
| DE 196 31 121 A1 | 1996 | Schutzpolsterung für Fuß und Schienbein einer Person, insbesondere eines Sportlers | Combined shin and mid-foot protector comprising a shin guard, a foot protecting element and tongue-like extension(s) provided on one or both pads |
| US 5,507,720 | 1996 | vgl.Shin and Ankle Protector | Combined shin and ankle protector whose protection elements are fastened by adjustable straps. Specifically suitable for players with ankle joint injuries. |
| DE 94 07 629 U1 | 1994 | Verletzungsschutz für Sportler, insbesondere für Unterschenkel | Gaiter-type shin guard with hook and loop fastener in the Achilles tendon area, providing protection to this area |
| EP 0 552 804 A1 | 1993 | vgl.A shin pad with achilles tendon protection | Gaiter-shaped shin guard with structured shell, fastened to the lower leg by a calf strap (see section 3); a second strap attaches an Achilles tendon protection element |
| FR 2 600 900 B1 | 1991 | Dispositif de protection et/ou de maintien d'une partie d'un corps humain ou animal, notamment les jambes d'un joueur de football, et procede de realisation d'un tel dispositif | Method for custom fitting shin guards with resin shells by direct curing at the player's leg |
| DE 35 42 983 A1 | 1985 | Beinschoner für Fußball- und Hockeyspieler zur Verhinderungen von Verletzungen aufgrund von Tritten und Schlägen | Overall protection of the lower leg, custom made from a plaster cast of the player's leg |
| DE 76 05 625 U | 1976 | Unterschenkelschützer | Lower leg protector with shin and calf pads interconnected by hook and loop fasteners (see section 2) and thus fastened jointly to the lower leg |
| DE 26 58 050 A1 | 1976 | Schalenförmiger Schienbeinschützer, insbesondere für Sportler | Shin protector shell with articulated side extensions covering the ankle |
| DE-GM 1 723 452 | 1956 | Schienbein-Schützer für Fussballspieler | Shin guard with two side extension pads to protect the calf. The protector is inserted in the sock, the side pads being placed around the lower calf area. |