GUARD

Abstract

The present invention relates to a guard (1) having a guard element (2) on the basis of rigid plastic or metal, which guard element has a concave rear face (2b) that is curved transversely to a longitudinal axis (L1) of the guard (1) and partially encloses an inner space for accommodating the limb of a user, and a convex front face (2a). The guard composes at least one closing device (34) for removably fastening the guard element to a limb of the user while allowing to adjust the size of the guard element.

Claims

1. A guard for protecting a limb of a user, having a guard element which is formed on the basis of a hard plastic or metal and which comprises a concave rear side, which is formed in a curved manner transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the guard and partially encloses an interior space for accommodating a limb of the user, and a convex front side, wherein the guard comprises at least one closing apparatus for fastening the guard element to the limb of the user in a releasable and size-adjustable manner, wherein the closing apparatus is configured for the selective continuous or stepwise setting of a wearing width of the guard element on the limb of the user, and wherein the closing apparatus comprises a latching closure, a ratchet closure or a clamping closure.

2. The guard as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one tongue is fastened with a first end in the region of a first side edge of the guard element, wherein at least one clasp is fastened in the region of a second side edge of the guard element which lies opposite the first side edge, or vice versa, and wherein the tongue can be fastened to the clasp in a releasable manner at different positions along a longitudinal axis of the tongue.

3. The guard as claimed in claim 2, wherein the clasp comprises a through-opening for accommodating the tongue.

4. The guard as claimed in claim 3, wherein the clasp comprises a lever which can be tilted about an axis of rotation which is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guard, said lever being suitable for fastening the tongue to the clasp in a releasable manner.

5. The guard as claimed in claim 4, wherein the lever comprises a rolling region which is suitable for fixedly clamping the tongue to the clasp when the lever is tilted.

6. The guard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closing apparatus is of self-latching configuration.

7. The guard as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tongue comprises teeth, which are directed in a first direction, for the purposes of engaging in a corresponding portion on the clasp, wherein the corresponding portion comprises teeth which are directed in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

8. The guard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closing apparatus comprises a means for securing the closing apparatus against unintentional opening.

9. The guard as claimed in claim 8, wherein the means for securing the closing apparatus against unintentional opening comprises two lateral tabs which are arranged on the clasp, which stand opposite one another and which, during simultaneous actuation thereof, unlock the closing apparatus, in particular by releasing the tongue.

10. The guard as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tongue is fastened to the guard element by way of a first fastening tab, and/or wherein the clasp is fastened to the guard element by way of a second fastening tab.

11. The guard as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first fastening tab for the fastening of the tongue is fastened to the guard by way of at least a first fastening means and/or wherein the second fastening tab for the fastening of the clasp is fastened to the guard element by way of at least a second fastening means.

12. The guard as claimed in claim, wherein the closing apparatus makes stepwise setting of the wearing width possible.

13. The guard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closing apparatus makes continuous setting of the wearing width possible.

14. The guard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guard comprises at least two closing apparatuses which are spaced apart from one another in relation to the longitudinal axis of the guard.

15. The guard as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the guard element and the closing apparatus is provided at least in certain regions with an anti-slip material, and wherein the anti-slip material is an anti-slip lining, an anti-slip coating or anti-slip fibers or threads which are embedded into a woven fabric of the guard element or of the closing apparatus.

16. The guard as claimed in claim 1, wherein it is a shin guard or forearm guard.

17. The guard as claimed in claim 3, wherein the clasp comprises a lever which can be tilted about an axis of rotation, said lever being suitable for fastening the tongue to the clasp a releasable manner.

18. The guard as claimed in claim 4, wherein the lever comprises a rolling region, in the form of an eccentric clamping portion, which is suitable for fixedly clamping the tongue to the clasp when the lever is tilted.

19. The guard as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tongue comprises teeth, which are directed in a first direction, for the purposes of engaging in a corresponding portion on the clasp, wherein the corresponding portion comprises teeth which are directed in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein the tongue is a latching tongue, which comprises a toothing at its upper side.

20. The guard as claimed in claim 8, wherein the means for securing the closing apparatus against unintentional opening comprises two lateral tabs which are arranged on the clasp, which stand opposite one another and which, during simultaneous actuation thereof, unlock the closing apparatus, by releasing the tongue.

21. The guard as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tongue is fastened to the guard element by way of a first fastening tab, and/or wherein the clasp is fastened to the guard element by way of a second fastening tab and additionally by way of a clasp band which is fixed to the second fastening tab.

22. The guard as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first fastening tab for the fastening of the tongue is fastened to the guard by way of at least a first fastening means, and said first fastening tab can be fastened, by way of the first fastening means, selectively at different alternative positions, along the longitudinal axis of the guard, and/or wherein the second fastening tab for the fastening of the clasp is fastened to the guard element by way of at least a second fastening means, and said second fastening tab can be fastened, by way of the second fastening means, to the guard element selectively at different alternative positions, along the longitudinal axis of the guard.

23. The guard as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closing apparatus makes stepwise setting of the wearing width possible, in the form of stepwise tightening.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which serve merely for elucidation and are not to be interpreted as limiting. In the drawings:

[0041] FIG. 1a shows a schematic lateral illustration of a right limb guard, configured in the form of a shin guard, according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in a view as seen from the inside, or from the left by the user, with two open clamping closures;

[0042] FIG. 1b shows a schematic lateral illustration of the shin guard from FIG. 1, with two closed clamping closures;

[0043] FIG. 2a shows a schematic lateral illustration of the shin guard from FIG. 1a, in a view as seen from the outside, or from the right by the user;

[0044] FIG. 2b shows a schematic lateral illustration of the shin guard from FIG. 1b, in a view as seen from the outside, or from the right by the user;

[0045] FIG. 3a shows a schematic illustration of the shin guard from FIG. 1b, in a view as seen from behind by the user, or looking at the rear side of the shin guard;

[0046] FIG. 3b shows a schematic illustration of the shin guard from FIG. 1b, in a view as seen from behind by the user, or looking at the rear side of the shin guard;

[0047] FIG. 4a shows a schematic illustration of the shin guard from FIG. 1a, in a view from below;

[0048] FIG. 4b shows a schematic illustration of the shin guard from FIG. 1b, in a view from below;

[0049] FIG. 5a shows a schematic perspective illustration of the shin guard from FIG. 1a, in a view looking at the rear side of the shin guard as seen from the inside, or obliquely from the bottom left;

[0050] FIG. 5b shows a schematic perspective illustration of the shin guard from FIG. 1b, in a view looking at the rear side of the shin guard as seen from the inside, or obliquely from the bottom left;

[0051] FIG. 6a shows a schematic lateral illustration of a right limb guard, configured in the form of a shin guard, according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in a view as seen from the inside or from the left by the user, with two open latching closures;

[0052] FIG. 6b shows a schematic lateral illustration of the shin guard from FIG. 6a, with two closed latching closures;

[0053] FIG. 7a shows a schematic lateral illustration of the shin guard from FIG. 6a, in a view as seen from the outside, or from the right by the user;

[0054] FIG. 7b shows a schematic lateral illustration of the shin guard from FIG. 6b, in a view as seen from the outside, or from the right by the user;

[0055] FIG. 8a shows a schematic illustration of the shin guard from FIG. 6a, in a view as seen from behind by the user, or looking at the rear side of the shin guard;

[0056] FIG. 8b shows a schematic illustration of the shin guard from FIG. 6b, in a view as seen from behind by the user, or looking at the rear side of the shin guard;

[0057] FIG. 9a shows a schematic illustration of the shin guard from FIG. 6a, in a view from below;

[0058] FIG. 9b shows a schematic illustration of the shin guard from FIG. 6b, in a view from below;

[0059] FIG. 10a shows a schematic perspective illustration of the shin guard from FIG. 6a, in a view looking at the rear side of the shin guard as seen from the outside, or obliquely from the bottom right; and

[0060] FIG. 10b shows a schematic perspective illustration of the shin guard from FIG. 6b, in a view looking at the rear side of the shin guard as seen from the outside, or obliquely from the bottom right.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0061] FIG. 1 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a guard 1 according to the invention, which is configured here in the form of a shin guard. A guard for the protection of another limb, for example a forearm, can be configured analogously, wherein the guard element 2 can be adapted in terms of its basic form depending on the limb to be protected. The guard 1 comprises a guard element 2, which comprises a convex front side 2a and a concave rear side 2b, as seen in relation to the direction of movement of the user. The concave rear side 2b at least partially encloses an interior space, which is suitable for accommodating a limb of a user, for accommodating a leg in the present exemplary embodiment, in particular a shin. The guard element 2 is of ergonomic design and extends substantially along a longitudinal axis L1 of the guard 1 from an upper edge 3, which is typically rounded, to the likewise typically rounded lower edge 4.

[0062] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a shin guard 1 for the right leg of a user, and the corresponding shin guard 1 for the right leg of the user is designed to be mirror-symmetrical thereto. Each guard element 2 comprises a first side edge 5 and a second side edge 6. In this case, in the exemplary embodiment from FIGS. 1-5, the first side edge 5 is arranged on the inner side of the guard 1 and thus forms the inner edge, which faces toward the left leg of the user, and the second side edge 6 is arranged on the outer side of the guard 1 and thus forms the outer edge. The transition region between the respective side edge 5, 6 and the lower edge 4 is of rounded design, as is the transition region between the respective side edge 5, 6 and the upper edge 3. The transition region between the upper edge 3 and the first side edge 5 is of arcuate configuration here, as is the transition region between the upper edge 3 and the second side edge 6, wherein the last transition region in FIG. 1a approximately describes a right angle.

[0063] The guard 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment from FIGS. 1-5 comprises two closing apparatuses 34 which are arranged in a pair, which are configured in the form of clamping closures and which are spaced apart from one another in relation to the longitudinal axis L1 of the guard 1.

[0064] For this purpose, in the present exemplary embodiment from FIGS. 1-5, two clamping clasps 9a, 9b are fastened to the guard element 2 in the region of the first side edge 5 or the inner edge. The clasps 9a, 9b are fastened by way of a respective inner fastening tab 7a, 7b, wherein the first, upper inner fastening tab 7a is assembled on the guard element 2 at a spacing from the second, lower inner fastening tab 7b in relation to the longitudinal axis L1. Here, the inner fastening tab 7a, 7b is fastened to the guard element 2 in each case by way of two fastening means 21a, 21b. In embodiments with height-adjustable closing apparatuses 34, the fastening tabs can also be shifted to alternative adjustment positions 23a, 23b along the longitudinal axis L1. As is evident in FIGS. 5a, 5b, it is also possible for the inner fastening tab 7a, 7b to be fastened at different positions 30a, 30b in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L1 along the plane of extent of the inner fastening tab 7a, 7b. In the illustrated variant, the adjustment positions 30a, 30b are realized as partially or completely introduced, for example pre-drilled, cutouts in the guard element.

[0065] In the present exemplary embodiment from FIGS. 1-5, a respective clasp band 8a, 8b is fastened with a first end to the respective inner fastening tab 7a, 7b, wherein the respective clamping clasp 9a, 9b is fastened to the second end of said clasp band. In the present exemplary embodiment, the clasp band 8a, 8b is formed with its second end in the form of a loop, which, for the purposes of connection to the clamping clasp 9a, 9b, is laid around, and fastened to, a bracket or pin of the clamping clasp 9a, 9b, said bracket or pin being arranged substantially along the longitudinal axis L1 of the guard 1. Both the first, upper clamping clasp 9a and the second, lower clamping clasp 9b comprise a respective clamping lever 12a, 12b, which comprises a rolling region 25a, 25b configured in the form of an eccentric region in the illustrated exemplary embodiment. Below the rolling region 25a, 25b, a through-opening is arranged in the clamping clasp 9a, 9b, which extends substantially between a base plate and the clamping lever 12a, 12b of the respective clamping clasp 9a, 9b.

[0066] In the region of the second side edge 6 or the outer edge of the guard element 2, two clamping tongues 11a, 11b are fastened to the guard element 2 likewise with the aid of a respective outer fastening tab 10a, 10b. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment from FIGS. 1-5, a respective clamping tongue 11a, 11b is fastened with a first end to the respective outer fastening tab 10a, 10b, wherein the second, free end 13a, 13b of said tongue is introduced into the respectively opposite clamping clasp 9a, 9b and, for the purposes of fastening the guard 1 to the leg of the user, is fixed, for example clamped in, there in a releasable and length-adjustable manner by means of the clamping lever 12a, 12b. The outer fastening tab 10a, 10b is fastened to the guard element 2 in each case by way of two fastening means 22a, 22b. In embodiments with height-adjustable closing apparatuses 34, the outer fastening tabs 10a, 10b can also be shifted to alternative adjustment positions 24a, 24b along the longitudinal axis L1. As is evident in FIGS. 5a, 5b, it is also possible for the outer fastening tabs 10a, 10b to be fastened at different positions 32a, 32b in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L1 along the plane of extent of the outer fastening tab 10a, 10b, parallel to the longitudinal axis L11 thereof or substantially in the circumferential direction U. Here, the adjustment positions 32a, 32b are also realized as partially or completely pre-drilled cutouts in the respective outer fastening tab 10a, 10b for the respective clamping tongue 11a, 11b.

[0067] To fasten the guard 1 to the leg of the user, the guard element 2 is placed with its concave rear side 2b on the shin of the user. The first, upper clamping tongue 11a is then laid, from the outside, around the calf of the user's leg. Subsequently, the first, upper clamping tongue 11a is guided through with its free, second end 11a into a through-opening of the first, upper clamping clasp 9a. As a result of insertion of the clamping tongue 11a, the wearing width of the guard on the leg is continuously reduced and then set at the desired wearing width in that the first, upper clamping lever 12a fixedly clamps the first, upper clamping tongue 11a by being folded down about an axis of rotation D12 which is oriented substantially along the longitudinal axis L1 of the guard 1. In the present exemplary embodiment, the clamping lever 12a is folded down along the rolling region 25a of the clamping lever 12a. To release the fastening of the guard 1 to the leg, the clamping lever 12a is folded up again and thus the first, upper clamping tongue 11a is freed from the first clamping clasp 9a again.

[0068] The second or lower closing apparatus 34 functions analogously to the first or upper closing apparatus 34 just described.

[0069] If the user's leg is of above-average width, as mentioned above, it is thus possible for the inner fastening tab 7a, 7b for the clamping clasp 9a, 9b or the outer fastening tab 10a, 10b for the clamping tongue 11a, 11b to be fastened to the guard element 2 in an adjustment position 30a, 30b, or 32a, 32b, respectively, which is further along the circumferential direction U, in order to enlarge the maximum fit or the circumference of the guard 1.

[0070] In the second illustrated exemplary embodiment from FIGS. 6-10, a shin guard 1 for the right leg of a user is illustrated, and the corresponding shin guard 1 for the left leg of the user is designed to be mirror-symmetrical thereto.

[0071] As in the first exemplary embodiment described at the start, said shin guard 1 comprises a guard element 2, which comprises a convex front side 2a and a concave rear side 2b, as seen in relation to the direction of movement of the user. The concave rear side 2b likewise at least partially encloses an interior space which is suitable for accommodating a leg of a user, in particular a shin of the user. The guard element 2 is of ergonomic design and extends substantially along a longitudinal axis L1 of the guard 1 from an upper edge 3, which is typically rounded, to the likewise typically rounded lower edge 4.

[0072] Here, too, each guard element 2 comprises a first side edge 5 and a second side edge 6. In this case, the first side edge 5 is arranged in each case on the inner side of the guard 1, said inner side facing toward the left leg of the user, and thus forms the inner edge. The transition between the respective side edge 5, 6 and the lower edge 4 is also of rounded design here, as is the respective transition between the respective side edge 5, 6 and the lower edge 3. The shin guard 1 according to the present second exemplary embodiment from FIGS. 6-10 comprises two closing apparatuses 34 which are configured in the form of latching or ratchet closures and which are spaced apart from one another in relation to the longitudinal axis L1 of the guard 1. At the second side edge 6 or at the outer edge, an upper, outer fastening tab 14a and a lower, outer fastening tab 14b are fastened, in each case by way of at least one fastening means 26a, 26b. Here, too, depending on the type of the selected fastening means 26a, 26b, the outer fastening tabs 14a, 14b can be fastened to the guard element 2 selectively at different adjustment positions 28a, 28b along the longitudinal axis L1. As is evident in FIG. 8a, it is also possible for the outer fastening tab 14a, 14b to be fastened at different positions 33a, 33b in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L1 along the plane of extent of the outer fastening tab 14a, 14b or along the circumferential direction U.

[0073] Unlike in the first exemplary embodiment from FIGS. 1-5 with the clamping closures, here, a respective latching clasp 15a, 15b is fastened to the respective external or outer fastening tab 14a, 14b. The first, upper latching clasp 15a and the second, lower latching clasp 15b each comprise a latching lever 19a, 19b, and also each comprise a first unlocking button 18a.sub.1, 18b.sub.1 and a second unlocking button 18a.sub.2 and 18b.sub.2, respectively. Unlike in the first exemplary embodiment, in the second exemplary embodiment from FIGS. 6-10, the latching clasp 15a, 15b is fastened without a clasp band to the respective fastening tab 14a, 14b or is connected thereto in one piece.

[0074] In the second exemplary embodiment, in the region of the first side edge 5 or the inner edge, a first, upper inner fastening tab 16a and a second, lower inner fastening tab 16b which is axially spaced apart therefrom along the longitudinal axis L1 are fastened to the guard element 2. Depending on the choice of fastening means, the inner fastening tabs 16a, 16b can also be fastened, possibly releasably, at a plurality of different alternative adjustment positions 29a, 29b along the longitudinal axis L1. As is evident in FIGS. 6a, 6b, it is also possible for the fastening tab 16a, 16b to be fastened at different positions 31a, 31b in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L1 along the plane of extent of the fastening tab 16a, 16b or along the circumferential direction U.

[0075] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the respective inner fastening tab 16a, 16b is formed in one piece with the respective latching tongue 17a, 17b, that is to say the first, upper fastening tab 16a transitions seamlessly into a ribbed first, upper latching tongue 17a, and the second, lower fastening tab 16b transitions seamlessly into a ribbed second, upper latching tongue 17b. In this case, in the depicted second exemplary embodiment, the non-ribbed portion which forms the fastening tab 16a, 16b has a greater width than the portion which forms the latching tongue 17a, 17b. The upper side of the latching tongue 17a, 17b is formed with a regular sequence of grooves and ridges, or the upper side of said tongue is ribbed in the illustrated exemplary embodiment from FIGS. 6-10.

[0076] The wearing width is set by introducing the latching tongue 17a, 17b into the through-opening of the latching clasp 15a, 15b. A tilting element/latching element (not illustrated) engages on the underside or below the latching lever 15a, 15b into the grooves which are arranged at regular spacings on the ribbed latching tongue 17a, 17b, in order to permit a sliding movement of the latching tongue 17a, 17b in only one direction. To release the closing apparatus 34, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the two unlocking buttons 18a.sub.1 and 18a.sub.2, and 18b.sub.1 and 18b.sub.2, respectively, which lie opposite one another on the latching clasp 15a, 15b are pressed simultaneously, which causes the engagement of the tilting element/latching element in the groove to be released and the latching tongue 17a, 17b can be removed from the through-opening of the latching clasp 15a, 15b. The closing apparatus 34 is then ready for resetting.

[0077] If the calf of the user is of above-average width, as mentioned above, it is thus possible for the outer fastening tab 14a, 14b for the latching clasp 15a, 15b or the inner fastening tab 16a, 16b for the latching tongue 17a, 17b to be fastened to the guard element 2 in an adjustment position 33a, 33b, or 31a, 31b, respectively, which is further along the circumferential direction U, in order to enlarge the maximum fit or the circumference of the guard 1. Conversely, in the case of a small calf, for example in the case of guards for children, it is possible for a tighter adjustment position to be selected. Said basic setting of the wearing width can be effected either during production, or else first by the user in the case of releasable fastening means for the fastening tabs.

LIST OF REFERENCE DESIGNATIONS

[0078]

TABLE-US-00001 1 Guard 2 Guard element 2a Front side of 2 2b Rear side of 2 3 Upper edge of 2 4 Lower edge of 2 5 First side edge of 2 6 Second side edge of 2 7a Fastening tab for 8a/9a 7b Fastening tab for 8b/9b 8a First, upper clasp band 8b Second, lower clasp band 9a First, upper clamping clasp 9b Second, lower clamping clasp 10a Fastening tab for 11a 10b Fastening tab for 11b 11a First, upper clamping tongue 11b Second, lower clamping tongue 12a Clamping lever of 9a 12b Clamping lever of 9b 13a Free end of 11a 13b Free end of 11b 14a Fastening tab for 15a 14b Fastening tab for 15b 15a First, upper latching clasp 15b Second, lower latching clasp 16a Fastening tab for 17a 16b Fastening tab for 17b 17a First, upper latching tongue 17b Second, lower latching tongue 18a.sub.1 First unlocking button of 15a 18a.sub.2 Second unlocking button of 15a 18b.sub.1 First unlocking button of 15b 18b.sub.2 Second unlocking button of 15b 19a Latching lever of 15a 19b Latching lever of 15b 20a Free end of 17a 20b Free end of 17b 21a Fastening means of 7a 21b Fastening means of 7b 22a Fastening means of 10a 22b Fastening means of 10b 23a Adjustment positions for 21a on 2 23b Adjustment positions for 21b on 2 24a Adjustment positions for 22a on 2 24b Adjustment positions for 22b on 2 25a Rolling region of 12a 25b Rolling region of 12b 26a Fastening means of 14a 26b Fastening means of 14b 27a Fastening means of 16a 27b Fastening means of 16b 28a Adjustment positions for 26a on 2 28b Adjustment positions for 26b on 2 29a Adjustment positions for 27a on 2 29b Adjustment positions for 27b on 2 30a Adjustment positions for 21a on 7a 30b Adjustment positions for 21b on 7b 31a Adjustment positions for 27a on 16a 31b Adjustment positions for 27b on 16b 32a Adjustment positions for 22a on 10a 32b Adjustment positions for 22b on 10b 33a Adjustment positions for 26a on 14a 33b Adjustment positions for 26b on 14b 34 Closing apparatus D12 Axis of rotation of 12 L1 Longitudinal axis of 1 L11 Longitudinal axis of 11a, 11b L17 Longitudinal axis of 17a, 17b U Circumferential direction of 1