CA2839893A1 - Leg pads for a hockey goalkeeper - Google Patents
Leg pads for a hockey goalkeeper Download PDFInfo
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- CA2839893A1 CA2839893A1 CA2839893A CA2839893A CA2839893A1 CA 2839893 A1 CA2839893 A1 CA 2839893A1 CA 2839893 A CA2839893 A CA 2839893A CA 2839893 A CA2839893 A CA 2839893A CA 2839893 A1 CA2839893 A1 CA 2839893A1
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Abstract
A leg pad for a hockey goalkeeper playing hockey (e.g., ice hockey) is provided. The leg pad comprises a front, a medial side, and a lateral side respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to a front, a medial side, and a lateral side of a goalkeeper's leg when the leg pad is worn on the leg. The leg pad comprises an outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad, an inner liner for facing the leg, and protective padding disposed between the molded outer shell and the inner liner. The outer shell may comprise molded foam.
Description
, , LEG PADS FOR A HOCKEY GOALKEEPER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to protective hockey equipment and, more particularly, to leg pads for hockey goalkeepers.
BACKGROUND
Leg pads are worn by hockey goalkeepers to protect their legs against impacts from pucks, balls, hockey sticks or other objects and/or to protect their legs when moving (e.g., dropping) them onto a playing surface.
A hockey goalkeeper's leg pad typically comprises protective padding for providing padded protection to the goalkeeper's leg and an outer covering disposed over the protective padding. The outer covering is typically made of one or more panels of synthetic pliable material such as synthetic leather (e.g., polyurethane (PU) leather) or fabric (e.g., nylon fabric, polyester fabric, CorduraTM fabric, etc.) that are cut into a desired configuration so as to cover the protective padding.
The synthetic leather or fabric used for a leg pad's outer covering may have some drawbacks. For example, in some cases, the synthetic leather or fabric may be limited in its ability to provide protection in and of itself and/or may require additional components to be added to the leg pad, such as fabric overlays for decoration and/or separate panels for attaching straps of the leg pad.
For these and other reasons, there is a need for improvements in a hockey goalkeeper's leg pads.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a leg pad for a hockey goalkeeper. The leg pad is wearable on a leg of the hockey goalkeeper to protect the leg. The leg pad comprises a front, a medial side, and a lateral side respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to a front, a medial side, and a lateral side of the leg when the leg pad is worn on the leg. The leg pad comprises a molded outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad, an inner liner for facing the leg, and protective padding disposed between the molded outer shell and the inner liner.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a leg pad for a hockey goalkeeper. The leg pad is wearable on a leg of the hockey goalkeeper to protect the leg. The leg pad comprises a front, a medial side, and a lateral side respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to a front, a medial side, and a lateral side of the leg when the leg pad is worn on the leg. The leg pad comprises an outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad. The outer shell comprises molded foam. The leg pad comprises an inner liner for facing the leg and protective padding disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a leg pad for a hockey goalkeeper. The leg pad is wearable on a leg of the hockey goalkeeper to protect the leg. The leg pad comprises a front, a medial side, and a lateral side respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to a front, a medial side, and a lateral side of the leg when the leg pad is worn on the leg. The leg pad comprises a molded outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad. The molded outer shell comprises an upper leg portion, a knee portion, and a lower leg portion. The molded outer shell has a molded bent configuration such that the molded outer shell is bent in a longitudinal direction of the leg pad. The leg pad
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to protective hockey equipment and, more particularly, to leg pads for hockey goalkeepers.
BACKGROUND
Leg pads are worn by hockey goalkeepers to protect their legs against impacts from pucks, balls, hockey sticks or other objects and/or to protect their legs when moving (e.g., dropping) them onto a playing surface.
A hockey goalkeeper's leg pad typically comprises protective padding for providing padded protection to the goalkeeper's leg and an outer covering disposed over the protective padding. The outer covering is typically made of one or more panels of synthetic pliable material such as synthetic leather (e.g., polyurethane (PU) leather) or fabric (e.g., nylon fabric, polyester fabric, CorduraTM fabric, etc.) that are cut into a desired configuration so as to cover the protective padding.
The synthetic leather or fabric used for a leg pad's outer covering may have some drawbacks. For example, in some cases, the synthetic leather or fabric may be limited in its ability to provide protection in and of itself and/or may require additional components to be added to the leg pad, such as fabric overlays for decoration and/or separate panels for attaching straps of the leg pad.
For these and other reasons, there is a need for improvements in a hockey goalkeeper's leg pads.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a leg pad for a hockey goalkeeper. The leg pad is wearable on a leg of the hockey goalkeeper to protect the leg. The leg pad comprises a front, a medial side, and a lateral side respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to a front, a medial side, and a lateral side of the leg when the leg pad is worn on the leg. The leg pad comprises a molded outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad, an inner liner for facing the leg, and protective padding disposed between the molded outer shell and the inner liner.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a leg pad for a hockey goalkeeper. The leg pad is wearable on a leg of the hockey goalkeeper to protect the leg. The leg pad comprises a front, a medial side, and a lateral side respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to a front, a medial side, and a lateral side of the leg when the leg pad is worn on the leg. The leg pad comprises an outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad. The outer shell comprises molded foam. The leg pad comprises an inner liner for facing the leg and protective padding disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a leg pad for a hockey goalkeeper. The leg pad is wearable on a leg of the hockey goalkeeper to protect the leg. The leg pad comprises a front, a medial side, and a lateral side respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to a front, a medial side, and a lateral side of the leg when the leg pad is worn on the leg. The leg pad comprises a molded outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad. The molded outer shell comprises an upper leg portion, a knee portion, and a lower leg portion. The molded outer shell has a molded bent configuration such that the molded outer shell is bent in a longitudinal direction of the leg pad. The leg pad
2 comprises an inner liner for facing the leg and protective padding disposed between the molded outer shell and the inner liner.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a leg pad for a hockey goalkeeper. The leg pad is wearable on a leg of the hockey goalkeeper to protect the leg. The leg pad comprises a front, a medial side, and a lateral side respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to a front, a medial side, and a lateral side of the leg when the leg pad is worn on the leg. The leg pad comprises: an outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad; an inner liner for facing the leg; and protective padding disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner. The protective padding comprises a plurality of padding materials that are different from one another. A first one of the padding materials is disposed in at least one limited area over a second one of the padding materials to control a rebound effect in the at least one limited area.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a leg pad for a hockey goalkeeper. The leg pad is wearable on a leg of the hockey goalkeeper to protect the leg. The leg pad comprises a front, a medial side, and a lateral side respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to a front, a medial side, and a lateral side of the leg when the leg pad is worn on the leg. The leg pad comprises: an outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad; an inner liner for facing the leg; and protective padding disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner. The protective padding comprises a plurality of padding materials that are different from one another. A first one of the padding materials is disposed in at least one limited area over a second one of the padding materials. Each of the at least one area occupies less than a length of the protective padding and less than a width of the protective padding.
These and other aspects of the invention will now become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a leg pad for a hockey goalkeeper. The leg pad is wearable on a leg of the hockey goalkeeper to protect the leg. The leg pad comprises a front, a medial side, and a lateral side respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to a front, a medial side, and a lateral side of the leg when the leg pad is worn on the leg. The leg pad comprises: an outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad; an inner liner for facing the leg; and protective padding disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner. The protective padding comprises a plurality of padding materials that are different from one another. A first one of the padding materials is disposed in at least one limited area over a second one of the padding materials to control a rebound effect in the at least one limited area.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a leg pad for a hockey goalkeeper. The leg pad is wearable on a leg of the hockey goalkeeper to protect the leg. The leg pad comprises a front, a medial side, and a lateral side respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to a front, a medial side, and a lateral side of the leg when the leg pad is worn on the leg. The leg pad comprises: an outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad; an inner liner for facing the leg; and protective padding disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner. The protective padding comprises a plurality of padding materials that are different from one another. A first one of the padding materials is disposed in at least one limited area over a second one of the padding materials. Each of the at least one area occupies less than a length of the protective padding and less than a width of the protective padding.
These and other aspects of the invention will now become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A detailed description of embodiments of the invention is provided below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a front view of an example of leg pads for protecting legs of a hockey goalkeeper in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 shows a front view of the right leg pad;
Figures 3 to 6 show front, side, and back views of the right leg pad with certain details omitted;
Figure 7 shows an exploded view of certain parts of the right leg pad;
Figure 8 shows a molded outer shell of the right leg pad;
Figures 9A to 9D show renderings of at least part of the molded outer shell;
Figure 10 shows molded ornaments of the molded outer shell;
Figure 11 shows protective padding of the right leg pad;
Figure 12 shows a variant of the molded outer shell in another embodiment; and Figure 13 and 14 show front and side views of the goalkeeper's right leg.
The description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments of the invention and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.
A detailed description of embodiments of the invention is provided below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a front view of an example of leg pads for protecting legs of a hockey goalkeeper in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 shows a front view of the right leg pad;
Figures 3 to 6 show front, side, and back views of the right leg pad with certain details omitted;
Figure 7 shows an exploded view of certain parts of the right leg pad;
Figure 8 shows a molded outer shell of the right leg pad;
Figures 9A to 9D show renderings of at least part of the molded outer shell;
Figure 10 shows molded ornaments of the molded outer shell;
Figure 11 shows protective padding of the right leg pad;
Figure 12 shows a variant of the molded outer shell in another embodiment; and Figure 13 and 14 show front and side views of the goalkeeper's right leg.
The description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments of the invention and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.
4 , DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Figures 1 to 6 show an example of leg pads 101, 102 wearable by a hockey goalkeeper in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The leg pads 101, 102 are worn on the hockey goalkeeper's legs 161, 162 while playing hockey to protect the legs 161, 162 against an impact from a puck, ball, hockey stick or other object and/or to protect the legs 161, 162 when moving (e.g., dropping) them onto a playing surface 12. In this embodiment, a type of hockey played is ice hockey such that the leg pads 101, 102 are ice hockey goalkeeper leg pads, the hockey goalkeeper is an ice hockey goalkeeper, and the playing surface 12 is an ice playing surface.
The leg pads 101, 102 protect various regions of the goalkeeper's legs 161, 162.
With additional reference to Figures 13 and 14, each leg 16x of the goalkeeper comprises an upper leg 18, a knee 19, a lower leg 20, and a foot 21. The upper leg 18 is above the knee 19, while the lower leg 20 is below the knee 19 and above the foot 21. The leg 16x of the goalkeeper has a front 22, a back 23, a medial side 24 (sometimes referred to as an "inner side"), and a lateral side (sometimes referred to as an "outer side").
In this embodiment, each leg pad 10x comprises an upper leg portion 30, a knee portion 31, a lower leg portion 32, and a foot portion 33 respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to the upper leg 18, the knee 19, the lower leg 20, and the foot 21 of the goalkeeper's leg 16x when the leg pad 10x is worn on the leg 16.
The upper leg portion 30 is above the knee portion 31, while the lower leg portion 32 is below the knee portion 31 and above the foot portion 33. Each of these portions of the leg pad 10x comprises a frontal part, a medial part, and a lateral part such that the leg pad 10x comprises a frontal portion 26, a medial portion 27, and a lateral portion 28 respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to the front 22, the medial side 24, and the lateral side 25 of the goalkeeper's leg 16x
Figures 1 to 6 show an example of leg pads 101, 102 wearable by a hockey goalkeeper in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The leg pads 101, 102 are worn on the hockey goalkeeper's legs 161, 162 while playing hockey to protect the legs 161, 162 against an impact from a puck, ball, hockey stick or other object and/or to protect the legs 161, 162 when moving (e.g., dropping) them onto a playing surface 12. In this embodiment, a type of hockey played is ice hockey such that the leg pads 101, 102 are ice hockey goalkeeper leg pads, the hockey goalkeeper is an ice hockey goalkeeper, and the playing surface 12 is an ice playing surface.
The leg pads 101, 102 protect various regions of the goalkeeper's legs 161, 162.
With additional reference to Figures 13 and 14, each leg 16x of the goalkeeper comprises an upper leg 18, a knee 19, a lower leg 20, and a foot 21. The upper leg 18 is above the knee 19, while the lower leg 20 is below the knee 19 and above the foot 21. The leg 16x of the goalkeeper has a front 22, a back 23, a medial side 24 (sometimes referred to as an "inner side"), and a lateral side (sometimes referred to as an "outer side").
In this embodiment, each leg pad 10x comprises an upper leg portion 30, a knee portion 31, a lower leg portion 32, and a foot portion 33 respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to the upper leg 18, the knee 19, the lower leg 20, and the foot 21 of the goalkeeper's leg 16x when the leg pad 10x is worn on the leg 16.
The upper leg portion 30 is above the knee portion 31, while the lower leg portion 32 is below the knee portion 31 and above the foot portion 33. Each of these portions of the leg pad 10x comprises a frontal part, a medial part, and a lateral part such that the leg pad 10x comprises a frontal portion 26, a medial portion 27, and a lateral portion 28 respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to the front 22, the medial side 24, and the lateral side 25 of the goalkeeper's leg 16x
5 , =
when the leg pad 10x is worn on the leg 16x. The frontal portion 26 comprises a front 34 of the leg pad 10x, the medial portion 27 comprises a medial side 35 of the leg pad 10,, and the lateral portion 28 comprises a lateral side 36 of the leg pad 10x. In this embodiment, the knee portion 31 comprises a knee wing 39 and the lower leg portion 32 comprises a calf wing 59.
The leg pad 10, can be secured to the goalkeeper's leg 16, in any suitable way.
For example, in this embodiment, the leg pad 10x comprises straps 501-50s to secure the leg pad 10x to the goalkeeper's leg 16,.
With additional reference to Figure 7, in this embodiment, the leg pad 10x comprises an outer shell 42, an inner liner 44, and protective padding 40 disposed between the outer shell 42 and the inner liner 44.
The outer shell 42 comprises an outer surface 51 of the leg pad 10, that faces away from the goalkeeper's leg 16x. With additional reference to Figures 8 and 9A to 9D, in this embodiment, the outer shell 42 comprises an upper leg portion 52, a knee portion 53, a lower leg portion 54, and a foot portion 55 which constitute respective parts of the upper leg portion 30, the knee portion 31, the lower leg portion 32, and the foot portion 33 of the leg pad 10x. Each of these portions of the outer shell 42 comprises a frontal part, a medial part, and a lateral part such that the outer shell 42 comprises a frontal portion 56, a medial portion 57, and a lateral portion 58 which constitute respective parts of the frontal portion 26, the medial portion 27, and the lateral portion 28 of the leg pad 10x.
In this embodiment, the outer shell 42 is a molded outer shell. That is, the outer shell 42 is formed by a molding process. A shape of the outer shell 42 is thus a molded shape imparted during the molding process. The outer shell 42 comprises molded material 70 that constitutes at least a majority (i.e., a majority or an entirety) of the outer shell 42 and has been formed during the molding process to impart the shape of the outer shell 42. More particularly, in this
when the leg pad 10x is worn on the leg 16x. The frontal portion 26 comprises a front 34 of the leg pad 10x, the medial portion 27 comprises a medial side 35 of the leg pad 10,, and the lateral portion 28 comprises a lateral side 36 of the leg pad 10x. In this embodiment, the knee portion 31 comprises a knee wing 39 and the lower leg portion 32 comprises a calf wing 59.
The leg pad 10, can be secured to the goalkeeper's leg 16, in any suitable way.
For example, in this embodiment, the leg pad 10x comprises straps 501-50s to secure the leg pad 10x to the goalkeeper's leg 16,.
With additional reference to Figure 7, in this embodiment, the leg pad 10x comprises an outer shell 42, an inner liner 44, and protective padding 40 disposed between the outer shell 42 and the inner liner 44.
The outer shell 42 comprises an outer surface 51 of the leg pad 10, that faces away from the goalkeeper's leg 16x. With additional reference to Figures 8 and 9A to 9D, in this embodiment, the outer shell 42 comprises an upper leg portion 52, a knee portion 53, a lower leg portion 54, and a foot portion 55 which constitute respective parts of the upper leg portion 30, the knee portion 31, the lower leg portion 32, and the foot portion 33 of the leg pad 10x. Each of these portions of the outer shell 42 comprises a frontal part, a medial part, and a lateral part such that the outer shell 42 comprises a frontal portion 56, a medial portion 57, and a lateral portion 58 which constitute respective parts of the frontal portion 26, the medial portion 27, and the lateral portion 28 of the leg pad 10x.
In this embodiment, the outer shell 42 is a molded outer shell. That is, the outer shell 42 is formed by a molding process. A shape of the outer shell 42 is thus a molded shape imparted during the molding process. The outer shell 42 comprises molded material 70 that constitutes at least a majority (i.e., a majority or an entirety) of the outer shell 42 and has been formed during the molding process to impart the shape of the outer shell 42. More particularly, in this
6 , embodiment, the upper leg portion 52, the knee portion 53, the lower leg portion 54, and the foot portion 55 of the outer shell 42 comprise respective parts of the molded material 70 which have been configured by the molding process. Also, in this example of implementation, the outer shell 42 includes molded features for functional and/or aesthetic purposes, as further discussed later.
The molded shape of the outer shell 42 may have any suitable configuration. In this embodiment, the outer shell 42 has a molded bent configuration such that it bends in a longitudinal direction of the leg pad 10x. More particularly, in this embodiment, the outer shell 42 includes a bend 60 in the longitudinal direction of the leg pad 10x between the upper leg portion 52 and the lower leg portion 54 adjacent to the knee portion 53, and a bend 61 in the longitudinal direction of the leg pad 10x between the lower leg portion 53 and the foot portion 55. In this example, the bend 60 is a curved part which defines a curvature of the outer shell 42, while the bend 61 is an angular part which defines an oblique angle.
Also, in this embodiment, the molded bent configuration of the outer shell 42 is such that the outer shell 42 bends in a widthwise direction of the leg pad 10,.
More particularly, in this embodiment, the outer shell 42 includes a bend 68 in the widthwise direction of the leg pad 10x between the frontal portion 56 and the medial portion 57 of the outer shell 42, and a bend 69 in the widthwise direction of the leg pad 10x between the frontal portion 56 and the lateral portion 58 of the outer shell 42. The molded bent configuration of the outer shell 42 may be arranged in any other suitable way in other embodiments (e.g., include any number of bends, curved or angular, disposed in any suitable manner).
In addition, in this embodiment, the outer shell 42 comprises a cavity 62 receiving and holding the protective padding 40. The cavity 62 lies opposite the outer surface 51 of the leg pad 10x such that it faces the goalkeeper's leg 16x.
More particularly, in this embodiment, the medial portion 57 and the lateral portion 58 of the outer shell 42 project rearwardly relative to the frontal portion 56 of the outer shell 42 to define the cavity 62. In this example, the outer shell 42 also
The molded shape of the outer shell 42 may have any suitable configuration. In this embodiment, the outer shell 42 has a molded bent configuration such that it bends in a longitudinal direction of the leg pad 10x. More particularly, in this embodiment, the outer shell 42 includes a bend 60 in the longitudinal direction of the leg pad 10x between the upper leg portion 52 and the lower leg portion 54 adjacent to the knee portion 53, and a bend 61 in the longitudinal direction of the leg pad 10x between the lower leg portion 53 and the foot portion 55. In this example, the bend 60 is a curved part which defines a curvature of the outer shell 42, while the bend 61 is an angular part which defines an oblique angle.
Also, in this embodiment, the molded bent configuration of the outer shell 42 is such that the outer shell 42 bends in a widthwise direction of the leg pad 10,.
More particularly, in this embodiment, the outer shell 42 includes a bend 68 in the widthwise direction of the leg pad 10x between the frontal portion 56 and the medial portion 57 of the outer shell 42, and a bend 69 in the widthwise direction of the leg pad 10x between the frontal portion 56 and the lateral portion 58 of the outer shell 42. The molded bent configuration of the outer shell 42 may be arranged in any other suitable way in other embodiments (e.g., include any number of bends, curved or angular, disposed in any suitable manner).
In addition, in this embodiment, the outer shell 42 comprises a cavity 62 receiving and holding the protective padding 40. The cavity 62 lies opposite the outer surface 51 of the leg pad 10x such that it faces the goalkeeper's leg 16x.
More particularly, in this embodiment, the medial portion 57 and the lateral portion 58 of the outer shell 42 project rearwardly relative to the frontal portion 56 of the outer shell 42 to define the cavity 62. In this example, the outer shell 42 also
7 . , =
comprises a top portion 63 and a bottom portion 64 which project rearwardly relative to the frontal portion 56 to define the cavity 62.
Once the protective padding 40 is placed in the cavity 62 of the outer shell 42, in this embodiment, the inner liner 44 is placed behind the protective padding 40 and secured into position. To that end, in this embodiment, the outer shell 42 comprises a fastening zone 65 to fasten the outer shell 42 to at least one of the inner liner 44 and the protective padding 40. In this example, the fastening zone 65 is provided to fasten the outer shell 42 to both the inner liner 44 and the padding 40. More particularly, in this embodiment, the fastening zone 65 comprises a fastening lip 66 in at least one, in this case each, of the medial portion 57, the lateral portion 58, the top portion 63, and the bottom portion 64 of the outer shell 42. A fastener 67 interacts with the fastening lip 66 of the outer shell 42 and the inner liner 44 to secure the inner liner 44, the protective padding 40, and the outer shell 42 together. In this example, the fastener 67 is a series of stitches that stitch together the inner liner 44, the protective padding 40, and the outer shell 42. The fastener 67 may be any other suitable fastener in other examples (e.g., an adhesive, a series of staples, etc.). The fastening zone 65 may be implemented in any other suitable way in other embodiments. In addition to being retained between the outer shell 42 and the inner liner 44, in this embodiment, the protective padding 40 is also laced to the inner liner 40 via laces 151-151..
In this embodiment, the outer shell 42 has molded functional features which provide certain functions to the leg pad 10x.
For example, in this embodiment, the outer shell 42 comprises a plurality of flexion facilitators 81, 801-80F located at predetermined locations which are spaced from one another to facilitate flexing of the outer shell 42 at these predetermined positions when the goalkeeper's leg 16x moves. The flexion facilitators 81, 801-80F are formed during the molding process of the outer shell
comprises a top portion 63 and a bottom portion 64 which project rearwardly relative to the frontal portion 56 to define the cavity 62.
Once the protective padding 40 is placed in the cavity 62 of the outer shell 42, in this embodiment, the inner liner 44 is placed behind the protective padding 40 and secured into position. To that end, in this embodiment, the outer shell 42 comprises a fastening zone 65 to fasten the outer shell 42 to at least one of the inner liner 44 and the protective padding 40. In this example, the fastening zone 65 is provided to fasten the outer shell 42 to both the inner liner 44 and the padding 40. More particularly, in this embodiment, the fastening zone 65 comprises a fastening lip 66 in at least one, in this case each, of the medial portion 57, the lateral portion 58, the top portion 63, and the bottom portion 64 of the outer shell 42. A fastener 67 interacts with the fastening lip 66 of the outer shell 42 and the inner liner 44 to secure the inner liner 44, the protective padding 40, and the outer shell 42 together. In this example, the fastener 67 is a series of stitches that stitch together the inner liner 44, the protective padding 40, and the outer shell 42. The fastener 67 may be any other suitable fastener in other examples (e.g., an adhesive, a series of staples, etc.). The fastening zone 65 may be implemented in any other suitable way in other embodiments. In addition to being retained between the outer shell 42 and the inner liner 44, in this embodiment, the protective padding 40 is also laced to the inner liner 40 via laces 151-151..
In this embodiment, the outer shell 42 has molded functional features which provide certain functions to the leg pad 10x.
For example, in this embodiment, the outer shell 42 comprises a plurality of flexion facilitators 81, 801-80F located at predetermined locations which are spaced from one another to facilitate flexing of the outer shell 42 at these predetermined positions when the goalkeeper's leg 16x moves. The flexion facilitators 81, 801-80F are formed during the molding process of the outer shell
8 42. More particularly, in this embodiment, the flexion facilitator 81 is located between the lower leg portion 53 and the foot portion 55 of the outer shell 42 to facilitate flexion of the foot portion 55 relative to the lower leg portion 53 when the goalkeeper's foot 21 moves relative to his/her lower leg 20. The flexion facilitator 81 thus provides a hinge between the lower leg portion 53 and the foot portion of the outer shell 42. The flexion facilitators 801-80F are located adjacent to the upper leg portion 52 and the knee portion 53 of the outer shell 42 to facilitate flexion of the upper leg portion 52 and the knee portion 53 relative to the lower leg portion 53 when the goalkeeper's knee 19 bends. In this embodiment, each of the flexion facilitators 80, 801-80F comprises a reduction in thickness of the outer shell 42 at its predetermined position. More particularly, in this embodiment, each of the flexion facilitators 80, 801-80F comprises a recess 82.
These localized thickness reductions tend to induce bending of the outer shell at the predetermined positions of the flexion facilitators 80, 801-80F rather than at other positions. The flexion facilitators 80, 801-80F may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments.
As another example, in this embodiment, the outer shell 42 comprises a strap attachment 71 for attaching the straps 501-50s to the leg pad 10x. The strap attachment 71 is formed during the molding process of the outer shell 42. More particularly, in this embodiment, the strap attachment 71 comprises a plurality of strap connectors 721-72c to connect respective ones of the straps 501-50s to the leg pad 10x. In this example, each strap connector 72; comprises a strap-receiving opening 73 for receiving a given one of the straps 501-50s. A first subset of the strap connectors 721-72c is disposed in the medial portion 57 of the outer shell 42, while a second subset of the strap connectors 721-72c is disposed in the lateral portion 58 of the outer shell 42, such that respective ones of the strap connectors 721-72c in the medial and lateral portions 57, 58 of the outer shell 42 are generally aligned with one another in the longitudinal direction of the leg pad 10x to receive corresponding ones of the straps 501-50s. The strap attachment 71 may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments.
These localized thickness reductions tend to induce bending of the outer shell at the predetermined positions of the flexion facilitators 80, 801-80F rather than at other positions. The flexion facilitators 80, 801-80F may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments.
As another example, in this embodiment, the outer shell 42 comprises a strap attachment 71 for attaching the straps 501-50s to the leg pad 10x. The strap attachment 71 is formed during the molding process of the outer shell 42. More particularly, in this embodiment, the strap attachment 71 comprises a plurality of strap connectors 721-72c to connect respective ones of the straps 501-50s to the leg pad 10x. In this example, each strap connector 72; comprises a strap-receiving opening 73 for receiving a given one of the straps 501-50s. A first subset of the strap connectors 721-72c is disposed in the medial portion 57 of the outer shell 42, while a second subset of the strap connectors 721-72c is disposed in the lateral portion 58 of the outer shell 42, such that respective ones of the strap connectors 721-72c in the medial and lateral portions 57, 58 of the outer shell 42 are generally aligned with one another in the longitudinal direction of the leg pad 10x to receive corresponding ones of the straps 501-50s. The strap attachment 71 may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments.
9 . 4 ' As yet another example, in this embodiment, the outer shell 42 comprises an edge projection 84 located in an edge region of the outer shell 42 adjacent to the lateral portion 58 of the outer shell 42. The edge projection 84 emulates a so-called "outer roll" of a conventional ice hockey goalkeeper leg pad and may help to prevent a puck from hitting the leg pad 10x and skipping over the leg pad lox into the net. The edge projection 84 is formed during the molding process of the outer shell 42. In this example, the edge projection 84 is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the leg pad 10x. More particularly, in this example, the lo edge projection 84 extends longitudinally from the upper leg portion 52 to the foot portion 55 of the outer shell 42. Also, in this example, the edge projection includes a break 85 facilitating movement of a first part 861 of the edge projection 84 in the upper and lower leg portions 52, 54 and the knee portion 53 of the outer shell 42 relative to a second part 862 of the edge projection 84 in the foot portion 55 of the outer shell 42. The edge projection 84 may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments.
As yet another example, in this embodiment, the outer shell 42 comprises a calf wing member 97 constituting at least part of the calf wing 59 of the leg pad 10x and a knee wing member 98 constituting at least part of the knee wing 39 of the leg pad 10x. The calf wing member 97 and the knee wing member 98 are formed during the molding process of the outer shell 42. Hinges 751, 752 are respectively located between the calf wing member 97 and the lower leg portion 54 of the outer shell 42 and between the knee wing member 98 and the knee portion 53 of the outer shell 42. In this example, the hinges 751, 752 are formed during the molding process of the outer shell 42. More particularly, in this example, each of the hinges 751, 752 is a reduction in thickness of the outer shell 42 at its location.
The calf wing member 97 and the knee wing member 98 may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments.
As yet another example, in this embodiment, the outer shell 42 comprises a calf wing member 97 constituting at least part of the calf wing 59 of the leg pad 10x and a knee wing member 98 constituting at least part of the knee wing 39 of the leg pad 10x. The calf wing member 97 and the knee wing member 98 are formed during the molding process of the outer shell 42. Hinges 751, 752 are respectively located between the calf wing member 97 and the lower leg portion 54 of the outer shell 42 and between the knee wing member 98 and the knee portion 53 of the outer shell 42. In this example, the hinges 751, 752 are formed during the molding process of the outer shell 42. More particularly, in this example, each of the hinges 751, 752 is a reduction in thickness of the outer shell 42 at its location.
The calf wing member 97 and the knee wing member 98 may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments.
10 In this embodiment, the outer shell 42 comprises a plurality of molded ornaments 901-900 to enhance an appearance of the leg pad 10x. The molded ornaments 901-900 are molded relief elements that define a molded relief of the outer shell 42 which is formed during the molding process of the outer shell 42. With additional reference to Figure 10, each of the molded ornaments 901-90o includes a recess or projection relative to a base area 92 of the outer shell 42.
For instance, in this example, the molded ornaments 90i, 90i, 90k are projections, while the molded ornament 90m is a recess. As they are formed during the molding process, the molded ornaments 901-900 allow the leg pad 10x to have an aesthetic design without requiring fabric overlays as is conventionally done in ice hockey goalkeeper leg pads.
More particularly, in this embodiment, various ones of the molded ornaments 900 define a molded decorative pattern 93 of the outer shell 42. In this example, some of those molded ornaments 901-900 defining the molded decorative pattern 93 are elongated projections (e.g., ribs) or recesses. In this case, some of those molded ornaments 901-900 defining the molded decorative pattern 93 are curved and intersect other ones of these molded ornaments. The molded decorative pattern 93 may have any other suitable design in other embodiments.
Also, in this embodiment, certain ones of the molded ornaments 901-90o graphically convey information to an observer of the leg pad 10x. For example, in this embodiment, each of the molded ornaments 904, 905 conveys a word (i.e., a combination of characters), in this case "BAUER", which is indicative of a brand of the leg pad 10x. The molded ornaments 901-900 may graphically convey any other suitable information (e.g., a model name, a logo, indicia, a serial number, etc.) in other embodiments.
In addition, in this embodiment, a plurality of decorative layers 951-95D may be received by given ones of the molded ornaments 901-900. Each of the decorative layers 951-950 may comprise a decal, a sticker, paint, or any other decorative
For instance, in this example, the molded ornaments 90i, 90i, 90k are projections, while the molded ornament 90m is a recess. As they are formed during the molding process, the molded ornaments 901-900 allow the leg pad 10x to have an aesthetic design without requiring fabric overlays as is conventionally done in ice hockey goalkeeper leg pads.
More particularly, in this embodiment, various ones of the molded ornaments 900 define a molded decorative pattern 93 of the outer shell 42. In this example, some of those molded ornaments 901-900 defining the molded decorative pattern 93 are elongated projections (e.g., ribs) or recesses. In this case, some of those molded ornaments 901-900 defining the molded decorative pattern 93 are curved and intersect other ones of these molded ornaments. The molded decorative pattern 93 may have any other suitable design in other embodiments.
Also, in this embodiment, certain ones of the molded ornaments 901-90o graphically convey information to an observer of the leg pad 10x. For example, in this embodiment, each of the molded ornaments 904, 905 conveys a word (i.e., a combination of characters), in this case "BAUER", which is indicative of a brand of the leg pad 10x. The molded ornaments 901-900 may graphically convey any other suitable information (e.g., a model name, a logo, indicia, a serial number, etc.) in other embodiments.
In addition, in this embodiment, a plurality of decorative layers 951-95D may be received by given ones of the molded ornaments 901-900. Each of the decorative layers 951-950 may comprise a decal, a sticker, paint, or any other decorative
11 , , .
element that can be applied to the molded material 70 of the outer shell 42.
For example, in this embodiment, the molded ornaments 904, 905 include recesses which receive the decorative layers 951, 952 constituting colored words. The decorative layers 951-953 may be implemented in any other suitable manner in other embodiments.
In this embodiment, the molded material 70 of the outer shell 42 comprises molded foam. This provides shock absorbability to the outer shell 42 which may help in protecting the goalkeeper's leg 16.. More particularly, in this embodiment, the molded foam 70 is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. Any other suitable foam may be used in other embodiments (e.g., polyethylene foam (e.g., low-density polyethylene foam), polyurethane foam, polypropylene foam, etc.). In some examples of implementation, the molded foam may include a single type of foam. In other examples of implementation, the molded foam may include two or more different types of foam, such as foams having different densities and/or different material compositions (e.g., an outer layer of foam that is denser than an inner layer of foam; a layer of EVA foam and another layer of polyurethane foam; etc.).
The molded material 70 may comprise any suitable material other than foam in other embodiments (e.g., polymeric material such as thermoplastic polyurethane or any other elastomeric material, a gel, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, as shown in Figure 12, the molded foam of the molded material 70 be a foam layer 83 and the molded material 70 may comprise a non-foam layer 88 over the foam layer 83. For instance, in some examples of implementation, the non-foam layer 88 may be thinner than the foam layer 83 and/or may have a greater resistance to wear and/or a greater resistance to rupture (i.e., to cutting or tearing) than the foam layer 83. For example, in some cases, the non-foam layer 88 may be a polyurethane layer or a layer of any other non-foam polymeric material.
element that can be applied to the molded material 70 of the outer shell 42.
For example, in this embodiment, the molded ornaments 904, 905 include recesses which receive the decorative layers 951, 952 constituting colored words. The decorative layers 951-953 may be implemented in any other suitable manner in other embodiments.
In this embodiment, the molded material 70 of the outer shell 42 comprises molded foam. This provides shock absorbability to the outer shell 42 which may help in protecting the goalkeeper's leg 16.. More particularly, in this embodiment, the molded foam 70 is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. Any other suitable foam may be used in other embodiments (e.g., polyethylene foam (e.g., low-density polyethylene foam), polyurethane foam, polypropylene foam, etc.). In some examples of implementation, the molded foam may include a single type of foam. In other examples of implementation, the molded foam may include two or more different types of foam, such as foams having different densities and/or different material compositions (e.g., an outer layer of foam that is denser than an inner layer of foam; a layer of EVA foam and another layer of polyurethane foam; etc.).
The molded material 70 may comprise any suitable material other than foam in other embodiments (e.g., polymeric material such as thermoplastic polyurethane or any other elastomeric material, a gel, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, as shown in Figure 12, the molded foam of the molded material 70 be a foam layer 83 and the molded material 70 may comprise a non-foam layer 88 over the foam layer 83. For instance, in some examples of implementation, the non-foam layer 88 may be thinner than the foam layer 83 and/or may have a greater resistance to wear and/or a greater resistance to rupture (i.e., to cutting or tearing) than the foam layer 83. For example, in some cases, the non-foam layer 88 may be a polyurethane layer or a layer of any other non-foam polymeric material.
12 , A thickness T of the molded material 70 of the outer shell 42 may have any suitable value. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness T of the molded material 70 may be at least 4 mm, in some cases at least 5 mm, in some cases at least 6 mm, in some cases at least 7 mm, in some cases at least 8 mm, and in some cases even more (e.g., 10 mm or more). The thickness T of the molded material 70 may have any other suitable value in other embodiments. In some examples, the thickness T of the molded material 70 may be substantially constant over the outer shell 42. In other examples, the thickness T of the molded material 70 may vary such that it has different values in different regions of the outer shell 42.
The molding process of the outer shell 42 may employ any suitable molding method. In this embodiment, the molding process is compression molding such that the outer shell 42 is a compression molded outer shell. An amount of material which is to become the molded material 70 of the outer shell 42 is introduced into a mold that is initially open and then shaped into the outer shell 42 by heat and by pressure created as the mold is closed and the material is forced into contact with all mold areas. A deflashing (i.e., flash removal) operation may be performed to remove any excess material from the molding operation. The outer shell 42 may be molded using any other suitable molding method in other embodiments (e.g., injection molding, thermoforming, etc.).
The outer shell 42 may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, the outer shell 42 may not comprise any molded strap attachments such as the strap attachment 71 for attaching the straps 501-50s to the leg pad 10x, but may rather be fastened (e.g., sewn) to a separate strap attachment (e.g., a fabric panel) to which the straps 501-50s are attached. As another example, in other embodiments, flexion facilitators such as the flexion facilitators 80, 801-80F may be formed after molding of the outer shell 42 (e.g., by being cut after molding). As yet another example, in some embodiments, such as in some examples mentioned above,
The molding process of the outer shell 42 may employ any suitable molding method. In this embodiment, the molding process is compression molding such that the outer shell 42 is a compression molded outer shell. An amount of material which is to become the molded material 70 of the outer shell 42 is introduced into a mold that is initially open and then shaped into the outer shell 42 by heat and by pressure created as the mold is closed and the material is forced into contact with all mold areas. A deflashing (i.e., flash removal) operation may be performed to remove any excess material from the molding operation. The outer shell 42 may be molded using any other suitable molding method in other embodiments (e.g., injection molding, thermoforming, etc.).
The outer shell 42 may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, the outer shell 42 may not comprise any molded strap attachments such as the strap attachment 71 for attaching the straps 501-50s to the leg pad 10x, but may rather be fastened (e.g., sewn) to a separate strap attachment (e.g., a fabric panel) to which the straps 501-50s are attached. As another example, in other embodiments, flexion facilitators such as the flexion facilitators 80, 801-80F may be formed after molding of the outer shell 42 (e.g., by being cut after molding). As yet another example, in some embodiments, such as in some examples mentioned above,
13 , õ
the molded material 70 of the outer shell 42 may include two or more different constituents (e.g., two or more layers of different foams, or a foam layer and a non-foam layer). As yet another example, in some embodiments, a layer of paint may be applied to at least part of the outer shell 42 for decoration.
The protective padding 40 provides padded protection to the goalkeeper's leg 16x. With additional reference to Figure 11, in this embodiment, the protective padding 40 comprises an upper leg padding portion 481, a knee padding portion 482, a lower leg padding portion 483 and a foot padding portion 484 constituting respective parts of the upper leg portion 30, the knee portion 31, the lower leg portion 32, and the foot portion 33 of the leg pad 10x. In this example, respective ones of the padding portions 481-48p are part of a common continuous pad that extends from the upper leg portion 30 to the foot portion 33 of the leg pad 10x.
In this embodiment, the protective padding 40 comprises a plurality of padding materials 891-893 that are different from one another. In this example, the padding materials 891-893 are different types foam, such as polyurethane foam, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, polypropylene (PP) foam, polyethylene (PE) foam), vinyl nitrile (VN) foam, or any other suitable foam. More particularly, in this example, the padding material 891 is a type of polyethylene foam (e.g., high-density polyethylene foam), the padding material 892 is a different type of polyethylene foam (e.g., low-density polyethylene foam), and the padding material 893 is a polyurethane foam (e.g., Poron XRDTm). In other embodiments, one or more of the padding materials 891-893 may be material other than foam, such as a gel or any other suitable shock-absorbing material.
More particularly, in this embodiment, the padding material 891 forms an outer layer 38 of the protective padding 40 and is stiffer (e.g., denser) than the padding material 892 which forms an inner layer 41 of the protective padding 40. This may impart rigidity to the protective padding 40 or enhance an impact resistance and/or a shock absorbance of the protective padding 40. Also, in this
the molded material 70 of the outer shell 42 may include two or more different constituents (e.g., two or more layers of different foams, or a foam layer and a non-foam layer). As yet another example, in some embodiments, a layer of paint may be applied to at least part of the outer shell 42 for decoration.
The protective padding 40 provides padded protection to the goalkeeper's leg 16x. With additional reference to Figure 11, in this embodiment, the protective padding 40 comprises an upper leg padding portion 481, a knee padding portion 482, a lower leg padding portion 483 and a foot padding portion 484 constituting respective parts of the upper leg portion 30, the knee portion 31, the lower leg portion 32, and the foot portion 33 of the leg pad 10x. In this example, respective ones of the padding portions 481-48p are part of a common continuous pad that extends from the upper leg portion 30 to the foot portion 33 of the leg pad 10x.
In this embodiment, the protective padding 40 comprises a plurality of padding materials 891-893 that are different from one another. In this example, the padding materials 891-893 are different types foam, such as polyurethane foam, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, polypropylene (PP) foam, polyethylene (PE) foam), vinyl nitrile (VN) foam, or any other suitable foam. More particularly, in this example, the padding material 891 is a type of polyethylene foam (e.g., high-density polyethylene foam), the padding material 892 is a different type of polyethylene foam (e.g., low-density polyethylene foam), and the padding material 893 is a polyurethane foam (e.g., Poron XRDTm). In other embodiments, one or more of the padding materials 891-893 may be material other than foam, such as a gel or any other suitable shock-absorbing material.
More particularly, in this embodiment, the padding material 891 forms an outer layer 38 of the protective padding 40 and is stiffer (e.g., denser) than the padding material 892 which forms an inner layer 41 of the protective padding 40. This may impart rigidity to the protective padding 40 or enhance an impact resistance and/or a shock absorbance of the protective padding 40. Also, in this
14 , embodiment, the padding material 893 is disposed in specific limited areas 37i-373 over the padding material 891 to control a rebound effect at these areas when a puck hits these areas. For example, the goalkeeper may prefer a long rebound or a short rebound when a puck hits in a particular area and the padding material 893 may be distributed to customize a puck rebound profile of the leg pad 10x according to the goalkeeper's preference. For a given puck impact speed, the rebound effect is thus different in the areas 371-373 of the padding material than outside these areas. In this example, the areas 371-373, which are spaced from one another, are respectively located in the upper leg padding portion 481, the lower leg padding portion 483 and the foot padding portion 484 of the protective padding 40. Each of the areas 371-373 is limited in that it occupies less than a width of the protective padding 40 and less than a length of the protective padding 40. In this case, each of the areas 371-373 occupies less than 90%, here less than 80%, of the width of the protective padding 40 and less than half, here less than one-third, of the length of the protective padding 40. Also, in this example, each of the areas 371-373 has a tapered configuration. More particularly, in this example, each of the areas 371-373 tapers in the widthwise direction of the leg pad 10x.
A shape of the protective padding 40 generally conforms to the outer shell 42.
In this embodiment, the protective padding 40 has a bent configuration such that it bends in a longitudinal direction of the leg pad 10x to generally conform to the molded bent configuration of the outer shell 42. More particularly, in this embodiment, the protective padding includes a bend 29 in the longitudinal direction of the leg pad 10õ between the upper leg padding portion 481 and the lower leg padding portion 483 and a bend 43 in the longitudinal direction of the leg pad 10x between the lower leg padding portion 483 and the foot padding portion 484. In this example, the bend 29 is a curved part which defines a curvature of the protective padding 40, while the bend 43 is an angular part which defines an oblique angle. The bent configuration of the protective padding may be arranged in any other suitable way in other embodiments (e.g., , include any number of bends, curved or angular, disposed in any suitable manner).
The protective padding 40 may be manufactured in any suitable way. In this embodiment, the outer layer 38 of the protective padding 40, which is made of the padding material 891, is molded or machined, while the inner layer 41 of the protective padding 40, which is made of the padding material 892, is machined.
Also, in this embodiment, the padding materials 891-893 are adhesively bonded.
Any suitable adhesive may be used (e.g., Contact CementTM, Spray Glue, etc.).
The padding materials 891-893 may be retained together in any other suitable way in other embodiments (e.g., by being overmolded). The protective padding 40 may be made using any other suitable manufacturing methods in other embodiments.
The protective padding 40 may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, the padding 40 may be made of a single shock-absorbing material (e.g., a single foam). As another example, in other embodiments, different ones of the padding portions 481-484 may be part of distinct pads separate from one another.
The inner liner 44 faces the goalkeeper's leg 16õ and may comprise any suitable material. For example, in this embodiment, the inner liner 44 comprises fabric 76.
For instance, in some examples of implementation, the fabric of the inner liner 44 may comprise a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, synthetic microfibers, a synthetic woven knit, a polyurethane laminate, a mesh, or any other suitable fabric. The inner liner 44 may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments.
The leg pads 101, 102 may be constructed in various other ways in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, the leg pads 101, 102 may have any other suitable shape and/or be made of any other suitable material.
Although in embodiments considered above the leg pads 101, 102 are designed for playing ice hockey, in other embodiments, leg pads constructed using principles described herein in respect of the leg pads 101, 102 can be hockey goalkeeper leg pads for playing roller hockey or another type of hockey (e.g., field or street hockey) on a dry playing surface (e.g., a polymeric, concrete, wooden, or turf playing surface or any other dry playing surface on which roller hockey or field or street hockey is played).
Any feature of any embodiment discussed herein may be combined with any feature of any other embodiment discussed herein in some examples of implementation.
To facilitate the description, any reference numeral designating an element in one figure has been used to designate the same element if used in any other figures. In describing the embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity but the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is understood that each specific term comprises all equivalents.
Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "up", "down" and the like, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally", "rightwardly", "upwardly", "radially", etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure.
Although various embodiments and examples have been presented, this was for the purpose of describing, but not limiting, the invention. Various modifications and enhancements will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and are within the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.
A shape of the protective padding 40 generally conforms to the outer shell 42.
In this embodiment, the protective padding 40 has a bent configuration such that it bends in a longitudinal direction of the leg pad 10x to generally conform to the molded bent configuration of the outer shell 42. More particularly, in this embodiment, the protective padding includes a bend 29 in the longitudinal direction of the leg pad 10õ between the upper leg padding portion 481 and the lower leg padding portion 483 and a bend 43 in the longitudinal direction of the leg pad 10x between the lower leg padding portion 483 and the foot padding portion 484. In this example, the bend 29 is a curved part which defines a curvature of the protective padding 40, while the bend 43 is an angular part which defines an oblique angle. The bent configuration of the protective padding may be arranged in any other suitable way in other embodiments (e.g., , include any number of bends, curved or angular, disposed in any suitable manner).
The protective padding 40 may be manufactured in any suitable way. In this embodiment, the outer layer 38 of the protective padding 40, which is made of the padding material 891, is molded or machined, while the inner layer 41 of the protective padding 40, which is made of the padding material 892, is machined.
Also, in this embodiment, the padding materials 891-893 are adhesively bonded.
Any suitable adhesive may be used (e.g., Contact CementTM, Spray Glue, etc.).
The padding materials 891-893 may be retained together in any other suitable way in other embodiments (e.g., by being overmolded). The protective padding 40 may be made using any other suitable manufacturing methods in other embodiments.
The protective padding 40 may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, the padding 40 may be made of a single shock-absorbing material (e.g., a single foam). As another example, in other embodiments, different ones of the padding portions 481-484 may be part of distinct pads separate from one another.
The inner liner 44 faces the goalkeeper's leg 16õ and may comprise any suitable material. For example, in this embodiment, the inner liner 44 comprises fabric 76.
For instance, in some examples of implementation, the fabric of the inner liner 44 may comprise a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, synthetic microfibers, a synthetic woven knit, a polyurethane laminate, a mesh, or any other suitable fabric. The inner liner 44 may be implemented in various other ways in other embodiments.
The leg pads 101, 102 may be constructed in various other ways in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, the leg pads 101, 102 may have any other suitable shape and/or be made of any other suitable material.
Although in embodiments considered above the leg pads 101, 102 are designed for playing ice hockey, in other embodiments, leg pads constructed using principles described herein in respect of the leg pads 101, 102 can be hockey goalkeeper leg pads for playing roller hockey or another type of hockey (e.g., field or street hockey) on a dry playing surface (e.g., a polymeric, concrete, wooden, or turf playing surface or any other dry playing surface on which roller hockey or field or street hockey is played).
Any feature of any embodiment discussed herein may be combined with any feature of any other embodiment discussed herein in some examples of implementation.
To facilitate the description, any reference numeral designating an element in one figure has been used to designate the same element if used in any other figures. In describing the embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity but the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is understood that each specific term comprises all equivalents.
Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "up", "down" and the like, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally", "rightwardly", "upwardly", "radially", etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure.
Although various embodiments and examples have been presented, this was for the purpose of describing, but not limiting, the invention. Various modifications and enhancements will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and are within the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.
Claims (44)
1. A leg pad for a hockey goalkeeper, the leg pad being wearable on a leg of the hockey goalkeeper to protect the leg, the leg pad comprising a front, a medial side, and a lateral side respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to a front, a medial side, and a lateral side of the leg when the leg pad is worn on the leg, the leg pad comprising:
a) a molded outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad;
b) an inner liner for facing the leg; and c) protective padding disposed between the molded outer shell and the inner liner.
a) a molded outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad;
b) an inner liner for facing the leg; and c) protective padding disposed between the molded outer shell and the inner liner.
2. The leg pad of claim 1, wherein the molded outer shell has a molded bent configuration such that the molded outer shell is bent in a longitudinal direction of the leg pad.
3. The leg pad of claim 2, wherein the molded outer shell comprises a bend in the longitudinal direction of the leg pad between an upper leg portion of the molded outer shell and a lower leg portion of the molded outer shell over a knee portion of the molded outer shell.
4. The leg pad of claim 3, wherein the bend is a curved part which defines a curvature of the molded outer shell.
5. The leg pad of claim 3, wherein the bend is a first bend and the molded outer shell comprises a second bend in the longitudinal direction of the leg pad between the lower leg portion of the molded outer shell and a foot portion of the molded outer shell.
6. The leg pad of claim 5, wherein the second bend is an angular part which defines an oblique angle.
7. The leg pad of claim 2, wherein the molded bent configuration is such that the molded outer shell is bent in a widthwise direction of the leg pad.
8. The leg pad of claim 7, wherein the molded outer shell comprises a bend in a widthwise direction of the leg pad between a frontal portion of the leg pad and a medial portion of the leg pad.
9. The leg pad of claim 8, wherein the bend is a first bend and the molded outer shell comprises a second bend in the widthwise direction of the leg pad between the frontal portion of the molded outer shell and a lateral portion of the molded outer shell.
10. The leg pad of claim 1, wherein the molded outer shell comprises a cavity receiving and holding the protective padding.
11. The leg pad of claim 1, wherein the molded outer shell comprises a fastening zone to fasten the molded outer shell to at least one of the inner liner and the protective padding.
12. The leg pad of claim 11, wherein the fastening zone is provided to fasten the molded outer shell to both the inner liner and the protective padding.
13. The leg pad of claim 11, wherein the fastening zone comprises a fastening lip.
14. The leg pad of claim 1, wherein the molded outer shell comprises a plurality of molded flexion facilitators spaced from one another to facilitate flexing of the outer shell when the goalkeeper's leg moves.
15. The leg pad of claim 14, wherein a given one of the molded flexion facilitators is located between a lower leg portion of the molded outer shell and a foot portion of the molded outer shell to facilitate flexion of the foot portion of the molded outer shell relative to the lower leg portion of the molded outer shell when a foot of the goalkeeper moves relative to a lower leg of the goalkeeper.
16. The leg pad of claim 14, wherein a given one of the molded flexion facilitators is located adjacent to an upper leg portion of the molded outer shell and a knee portion of the molded outer shell to facilitate flexion of the upper leg portion of the molded outer shell and the knee portion of the molded outer shell relative to a lower leg portion of the molded outer shell when a knee of the goalkeeper bends.
17. The leg pad of claim 14, wherein each of the molded flexion facilitators comprises a recess.
18. The leg pad of claim 1, wherein the molded outer shell comprises a molded strap attachment for attaching a strap to the leg pad.
19. The leg pad of claim 18, wherein the molded strap attachment comprises a strap-receiving opening for receiving the strap.
20. The leg pad of claim 1, wherein the molded outer shell comprises a molded edge projection located in an edge region of the molded outer shell adjacent to a lateral portion of the molded outer shell.
21. The leg pad of claim 1, wherein the molded outer shell comprises a molded calf wing member.
22. The leg pad of claim 1, wherein the molded outer shell comprises a molded knee wing member.
23. The leg pad of claim 1, wherein the molded outer shell comprises a plurality of molded ornaments that define a molded relief of the molded outer shell.
24. The leg pad of claim 23, wherein respective ones of the molded ornaments define a molded decorative pattern.
25. The leg pad of claim 23, wherein at least one of the molded ornaments graphically conveys information to an observer of the leg pad.
26. The leg pad of claim 25, wherein the information comprises at least one of a word, a model name, a logo, indicia, or a serial number.
27. The leg pad of claim 23, comprising a decorative layer received by a given one of the molded ornaments.
28. The leg pad of claim 27, wherein the decorative layer comprises a decal, a sticker, or paint.
29. The leg pad of claim 1, wherein the molded outer shell comprises molded foam.
30. The leg pad of claim 1, wherein the molded outer shell comprises molded material including a plurality of different constituents.
31. The leg pad of claim 30, wherein the different constituents include a first foam and a second foam that is different from the first foam.
32. The leg pad of claim 1, wherein the molded outer shell comprises a foam layer and a non-foam layer.
33. The leg pad of claim 1, wherein the molded outer shell is a compression molded outer shell.
34. The leg pad of claim 1, wherein the protective padding comprises a plurality of padding materials that are different from one another.
35. The leg pad of claim 34, wherein a first one of the padding materials is a first foam and a second one of the padding materials is a second foam different from the first foam.
36. The leg pad of claim 35, wherein the first foam is denser than the second foam.
37. The leg pad of claim 36, wherein the second foam is disposed between the first foam and the inner liner.
38. The leg pad of claim 35, wherein a first one of the padding materials that forms an outer layer of the protective padding is stiffer than a second one of the padding materials that forms an inner layer of the protective padding.
39. The leg pad of claim 34, wherein a first one of the padding materials is disposed in at least one limited area over a second one of the padding materials to control a rebound effect in the at least one limited area.
40. The leg pad of claim 39, wherein the at least one limited area is a plurality of limited areas spaced apart from one another.
41. A leg pad for a hockey goalkeeper, the leg pad being wearable on a leg of the hockey goalkeeper to protect the leg, the leg pad comprising a front, a medial side, and a lateral side respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to a front, a medial side, and a lateral side of the leg when the leg pad is worn on the leg, the leg pad comprising:
a) an outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad, the outer shell comprising molded foam;
b) an inner liner for facing the leg; and c) protective padding disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner.
a) an outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad, the outer shell comprising molded foam;
b) an inner liner for facing the leg; and c) protective padding disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner.
42. A leg pad for a hockey goalkeeper, the leg pad being wearable on a leg of the hockey goalkeeper to protect the leg, the leg pad comprising a front, a medial side, and a lateral side respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to a front, a medial side, and a lateral side of the leg when the leg pad is worn on the leg, the leg pad comprising:
a) a molded outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad, the molded outer shell comprising an upper leg portion, a knee portion, and a lower leg portion, the molded outer shell having a molded bent configuration such that the molded outer shell is bent in a longitudinal direction of the leg pad;
b) an inner liner for facing the leg; and c) protective padding disposed between the molded outer shell and the inner liner.
a) a molded outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad, the molded outer shell comprising an upper leg portion, a knee portion, and a lower leg portion, the molded outer shell having a molded bent configuration such that the molded outer shell is bent in a longitudinal direction of the leg pad;
b) an inner liner for facing the leg; and c) protective padding disposed between the molded outer shell and the inner liner.
43. A leg pad for a hockey goalkeeper, the leg pad being wearable on a leg of the hockey goalkeeper to protect the leg, the leg pad comprising a front, a medial side, and a lateral side respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to a front, a medial side, and a lateral side of the leg when the leg pad is worn on the leg, the leg pad comprising:
a) an outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad;
b) an inner liner for facing the leg; and c) protective padding disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner, the protective padding comprising a plurality of padding materials that are different from one another, wherein a first one of the padding materials is disposed in at least one limited area over a second one of the padding materials to control a rebound effect in the at least one limited area.
a) an outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad;
b) an inner liner for facing the leg; and c) protective padding disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner, the protective padding comprising a plurality of padding materials that are different from one another, wherein a first one of the padding materials is disposed in at least one limited area over a second one of the padding materials to control a rebound effect in the at least one limited area.
44. A leg pad for a hockey goalkeeper, the leg pad being wearable on a leg of the hockey goalkeeper to protect the leg, the leg pad comprising a front, a medial side, and a lateral side respectively configured to be positioned adjacent to a front, a medial side, and a lateral side of the leg when the leg pad is worn on the leg, the leg pad comprising:
a) an outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad;
b) an inner liner for facing the leg; and c) protective padding disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner, the protective padding comprising a plurality of padding materials that are different from one another, wherein: a first one of the padding materials is disposed in at least one limited area over a second one of the padding materials; and each of the at least one area occupies less than a length of the protective padding and less than a width of the protective padding.
a) an outer shell comprising an outer surface of the leg pad;
b) an inner liner for facing the leg; and c) protective padding disposed between the outer shell and the inner liner, the protective padding comprising a plurality of padding materials that are different from one another, wherein: a first one of the padding materials is disposed in at least one limited area over a second one of the padding materials; and each of the at least one area occupies less than a length of the protective padding and less than a width of the protective padding.
Priority Applications (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2847132A CA2847132C (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-03-14 | Leg pads for a hockey goalkeeper |
| US14/212,518 US20140259261A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-03-14 | Leg pads for a hockey goalkeeper |
| EP14160313.4A EP2777779B1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-03-17 | Leg pads for a hockey goalkeeper |
| US14/521,120 US20150033433A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-10-22 | Leg pads for a hockey goalkeeper |
| US16/531,438 US11484769B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2019-08-05 | Leg pads for a hockey goalkeeper |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201361794504P | 2013-03-15 | 2013-03-15 | |
| US61/794,504 | 2013-03-15 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2839893A1 true CA2839893A1 (en) | 2014-09-15 |
| CA2839893C CA2839893C (en) | 2019-05-14 |
Family
ID=51565132
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2839893A Active CA2839893C (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-01-15 | Leg pads for a hockey goalkeeper |
| CA2847132A Active CA2847132C (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-03-14 | Leg pads for a hockey goalkeeper |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2847132A Active CA2847132C (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-03-14 | Leg pads for a hockey goalkeeper |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (2) | CA2839893C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11484769B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2022-11-01 | Bauer Hockey, Llc | Leg pads for a hockey goalkeeper |
-
2014
- 2014-01-15 CA CA2839893A patent/CA2839893C/en active Active
- 2014-03-14 CA CA2847132A patent/CA2847132C/en active Active
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11484769B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2022-11-01 | Bauer Hockey, Llc | Leg pads for a hockey goalkeeper |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2839893C (en) | 2019-05-14 |
| CA2847132C (en) | 2019-08-20 |
| CA2847132A1 (en) | 2014-09-15 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20141001 |