U.S. patent application number 12/915915 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-14 for work leg protector.
This patent application is currently assigned to L+L Lieferservice Und Logistik Gmbh. Invention is credited to Dieter Bristrup.
Application Number | 20110083243 12/915915 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40934897 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110083243 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bristrup; Dieter |
April 14, 2011 |
WORK LEG PROTECTOR
Abstract
The invention relates to a work leg protector, having at least
one first protector region, and at least one second protector
region, and at least one retaining means for fastening the work
protector to a leg. The first protector region is configured at
least for the arrangement in the region of a knee, and the second
protector region is configured at least for the arrangement in the
region of the shin. At least the first protector region and the
second protector region are configured in one piece and form a
substantially rigid shield, wherein the retaining means is disposed
only on the second protector region.
Inventors: |
Bristrup; Dieter;
(Wachtberg, DE) |
Assignee: |
L+L Lieferservice Und Logistik
Gmbh
Vettelschoss
DE
|
Family ID: |
40934897 |
Appl. No.: |
12/915915 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/EP2009/003105 |
Apr 29, 2009 |
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12915915 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/22 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/0543 20130101;
A41D 13/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/22 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/05 20060101
A41D013/05 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 30, 2008 |
DE |
10 2008 021 755.7 |
Claims
1. An occupational leg guard comprising: at least one first guard
region, at least one second guard region and at least one retaining
member to affix the leg guard to a leg, whereby the first guard
region is designed at least for arrangement in the region of a knee
and the second guard region is designed at least for arrangement in
the region of a shin, whereby at least the first guard region and
the second guard region are made in one piece and form an
essentially solid shield and whereby the retaining member is
arranged only on the second guard region.
2. The leg guard as in claim 1, wherein the first and second guard
regions are offset from each other.
3. The leg guard as in claim 1, wherein the first and second guard
regions are arranged at an angle to each other.
4. The leg guard as in claim 1, wherein a step is arranged between
the first and the second guard regions.
5. The leg guard as in claim 1, wherein the leg guard features a
material from the group that at least consists of ethylene vinyl
acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), polyamides and/or aramids.
6. The leg guard as in claim 1, wherein the leg guard features at
least one guide channel, in which the retaining member is
arranged.
7. The leg guard as in claim 1, wherein the retaining member is a
strip with at least one closure device.
8. The leg guard as in claim 1, wherein the retaining member is
arranged at an angle to a transverse axis of the leg guard.
9. The leg guard as in claim 4, wherein the retaining member is
arranged at an angle of about 5.degree. to about 10.degree. to the
transverse axis of the leg guard.
10. The leg guard as in claim 1, wherein a first retaining member
is arranged on the leg guard so that the first retaining member is
arranged on an upper region of a calf.
11. The leg guard as in claim 1, wherein a second retaining member
is arranged on the leg guard so that the second retaining member is
arranged on a lower region of a calf.
12. The leg guard as in claim 1, wherein a first retaining member
and a second retaining member are arranged at different angles to a
transverse axis.
13. The leg guard as in claim 1, wherein the leg guard has at least
one cushioning element.
14. The leg guard as in claim 13, wherein the cushioning element
has different cushioning constants over an area.
15. The leg guard as in claim 13, wherein the cushioning element
has at least one notch.
16. The leg guard as in claim 15, wherein the width and/or depth of
the notch varies over its course.
17. The leg guard as in claim 1, wherein the leg guard includes at
least one attachment member which catches or clings to a step or
edge.
18. The leg guard as in claim 1, wherein the leg guard includes at
least one wear layer that is detachable from the leg guard or is
not detachable.
19. A method for protecting a leg, whereby a leg guard is affixed
to the leg so that it protects the leg in a shield-like manner,
wherein the leg guard is affixed exclusively below the knee by at
least one retaining member.
20. The method as in claim 19, wherein the at least one retaining
member is arranged at an angle to a transverse axis of the leg
guard.
21. A method for making a leg guard, whereby the leg guard includes
a first guard region and a second guard region, which form an
essentially solid shield, whereby the first guard region and the
second guard region are connected in a materially integral
fashion.
22. The method as in claim 21, wherein the first guard region and
the second guard region are made of the same material.
23. The method as in claim 21, wherein the leg guard includes a
layer formed of a puncture resistant material.
24. The method as in claim 21, wherein the first guard region and
the second guard region are made in one piece.
25. The method as in claim 21, wherein a cushioning element is
arranged on the first guard region.
26. The method as in claim 25, wherein the cushioning element is
arranged on the first guard region and/or the second guard region
after making the first and/or second guard region.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of international patent
application PCT/EP2009/003105 filed Apr. 29, 2009, which claims
priority of German Patent Application 10 2008 021 755.7 filed Apr.
30, 2008, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention concerns a "work leg protector" [hereinafter,
"occupational leg guard" or "leg guard"], in particular for
protecting the knee and shin of the leg.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Knee guards for working in a kneeling position are generally
known. There are knee guards currently on the market that are held
onto the leg by means of rubber straps above and below the knee or
the hollow of the knee. As the knee guard is subjected to stresses
and strains during use, the rubber straps regularly slip, which
results in the knee guard being poorly positioned and causing
discomfort. In particular, there are knee guards on the market that
lie firmly against the knee, leading to perspiration in the area of
the knee, which can result in chafing of the skin. This impedes
wearing the knee guard over a longer period of time or makes
wearing it over a longer period of time nearly impossible. One
consequence is the need for continuous correction of the position
of the knee guard.
[0004] The task of the invention is to make available an improved
occupational leg guard.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] This task is solved in accordance with the invention by
means of a leg guard, the use of a leg guard, a method for
protecting a leg, and a method for producing a leg guard.
[0006] Proposed is a leg guard with at least one first guard region
and at least one second guard region and at least one retaining
means for affixing the leg guard to the leg. The first guard region
is designed at least for arrangement in the region of the knee and
the second guard region is designed at least for arrangement in the
area of the shin. At least the first guard region and the second
guard region are made in one piece and essentially form a solid
shield, and the retaining means is arranged only on the second
guard region.
[0007] In what follows the term leg guard or occupational leg guard
is used for leg guards that are used mainly for activities of
craftsmen. In particular, the leg guard is an occupational
apparatus for tile setters, screed layers, parquet and laminate
floor layers, roofers or masons, for example. The term occupational
leg guard can also include guards that protect at least parts of
the foot and/or the thigh.
[0008] "One piece" is understood to mean that the first guard
region and the second guard region are made as material composites
and especially are made in one piece.
[0009] The proposed invention has the advantage that, besides the
knee, the shin is also protected by means of the leg guard. In
particular, protection of the shin is advantageous when working,
for example, on stairs or in situations in which kneeling on an
edge is unavoidable. In addition, it is advantageous that wetting
of the pant leg can be avoided when working on a wet or damp floor.
The largely solid composition of the individual guard regions has
the advantage that it is easy to correct the position of the entire
leg guard, for example by pulling or pushing on one part of the leg
guard in order to bring the complete leg guard into the correct
position.
[0010] In another variation, the first guard region and the second
guard region are designed to be offset from each other. In one
embodiment the first and the second leg guards are arranged at an
angle to each other. In one embodiment the angle is about 5.degree.
to 30.degree., in particular 10.degree. to 20.degree., preferably
10.degree. to 15.degree., especially preferably 13.degree. to
14.degree.. In particular, the angle, or the offset, is arranged
above the uppermost retaining means, preferably about 0.5 cm to
about 10 cm, additionally preferably about 2 cm to about 5 cm. In
addition, the angle is preferably arranged largely centrally with
respect to the lengthwise axis of the leg guard. Especially
preferably, the first guard region, when the leg guard is affixed
to the leg, bends somewhat away from the leg. Additionally
preferably, the first guard region in at least one segment curves
toward the leg, so that in a lengthwise section it describes a
curve around the leg. In addition, envisioned in one embodiment is
that the first guard region, in a lengthwise section, runs straight
in at least one section, in particular parallel to a section of the
second guard region. In particular, in one embodiment an offset is
a step or a curved transition between the first and second leg
guard. The inside of the first guard region in a lengthwise section
at the upper edge has a spacing from a straight line, on which at
least one segment of the inner side of the second guard region is
arranged, of about 10 mm to about 50 mm, preferably of about 20 mm
to 35 mm, additionally preferably about 25 mm to about 30 mm. The
spacing of the first guard region from the leg brings about
improved wearing comfort, since, especially when standing, air can
flow behind the leg guard. In addition, the spacing of the second
guard region prevents rubbing of the leg guard against the knee
when standing and walking. The leg guard is preferably designed so
that, for a knee circumference of, for example, about 42 cm to
about 45 cm and projection of the knee cap beyond the head of the
tibia of about 0.5 cm to about 2 cm when standing, i.e., with the
knee pushed through, it does not bump into the knee. In particular,
it is provided that even during walking, in particular when the
shin is at an angle up to 100.degree., contact with the leg guard
does not occur.
[0011] The leg guard preferably features a material from a group
comprising at least ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane,
polyamides and/or aramids. In particular, the leg guard has a
foamed polyurethane or thermoformed ethylene vinyl acetate. Other
materials that have a similar Shore hardness can also be used. The
leg guard has, at least in one region, a Shore hardness from 15 A
to 35 A, preferably about 20 A to 25 A, additionally preferably
about 23 A. In particular, a Shore hardness between 15 A and 35 A
in the region of the transition between the first guard region and
the second guard region is provided.
[0012] The flexible material of the leg guard is especially
comfortable, especially with regard to the embodiment with an
offset between the first guard region and the second guard region.
If a user kneels on the leg guard, the leg guard deforms so that
the first guard region fits closely to the knee of the user and
protects it.
[0013] In one embodiment it is also provided that the leg guard
includes one layer of a puncture-resistant material. Preferably,
the puncture-resistant material consists of at least 80-100%
polyamides and 0-20% polyurethane adhesive, more preferably at
least approximately 95% polyamides and approximately 5%
polyurethane adhesive. In particular, puncture protection
comprising a puncture-resistant material is provided. In one
embodiment the puncture protection is a thermoplastic material, in
particular a polyolefin, for example a weakly branched polyethylene
(HDPE) or polypropylene (HDPP). It is also provided in one
embodiment that the puncture-resistant material is an aramid,
preferably aramid fibers or glass fibers. The puncture-resistant
material has a puncture resistance of type 1 or type 2 in
accordance with EN 863. Preferably, the leg guard is a protector in
accordance with DIN 14404. Additionally preferably, the leg guard,
at least in the region of the layer of puncture-resistant material,
has a puncture resistance of at least 95 Newtons, preferably at
least 105 Newtons, additionally preferably at least 240 Newtons,
especially preferably at least 260 Newtons, further especially
preferably at least 445 Newtons, in accordance with EN 863.
[0014] In one embodiment the puncture resistant material, or the
puncture protection, is produced by foaming or foaming in place.
Additionally preferably, the puncture-resistant material is glued
on. In another embodiment the puncture-resistant material is
arranged between two layers of EVA or PU.
[0015] The leg guard has at least one retaining means for affixing
the leg guard to the leg. It is provided in one embodiment that
there is more than one retaining means or member, for example two,
three, or more retaining means or members. The retaining means is
designed in particular as a strap, which in an especially preferred
embodiment has a closure device. The closure device comprises, for
example, a Velcro strip, a clamping closure, a button closure or a
lace closure. It is especially provided that the retaining means
consists of a stretch material. In particular, the holding of the
retaining means is at least supported by the stretch material. It
is provided in one embodiment that the retaining means consists of
a nonstretch material. In another embodiment it is provided that
the retaining means comprises a tubular element into which the leg
can be inserted. In particular, a retaining means can also be
combined with pants, for example by making the retention means in
at least two parts and assigning at least part of the retaining
means to the pants. For example, a Velcro closure is provided,
where one closure part of the Velcro closure is arranged on the
pants. It is also provided that the leg guard can be inserted into
a pant leg, in particular into a holding device provided on the
pant leg for this purpose, or can be incorporated into the pant
leg. Especially preferably, the retaining means comprises at least
one strap, preferably with a width of 4 cm to 15 cm, especially
preferably 6 cm to 10 cm. The retaining means can be arranged on
the leg guard separably or permanently. For example, the retaining
means can be drawn through openings in the leg guard. In addition,
in one embodiment it is provided that the retaining means is foamed
in place, glued on, and/or clamped in place.
[0016] The retaining means is assigned to the second guard region.
This has the advantage that the retaining means is affixed only to
the calf of the leg. In particular, when the leg guard is
positioned on the leg, the retaining means has a distance down from
the hollow of the knee such that the retaining means cannot slip
into the hollow of the knee. In particular, it is provided that at
least two retaining means below the knee fasten the leg guard to
the leg. The retaining means are arranged so that at least one
retaining means can be arranged on an upper region of the calf and
at least one second retaining means can be arranged on a lower
region of the calf. The advantage of this embodiment is that knee
movement is possible without affecting the position of the leg
guard. Moreover, the first guard region stands off from the knee
when it is bent, which contributes to improved wearing comfort.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment the leg guard has guide channels
in which the retaining means can be arranged. In particular, the
guide channels are arranged as depressions on the surface of the
leg guard. Additionally preferably, the guide channels have
increasing depth toward the edge of the leg guard. Preferably, the
guide channels have a depth of about 0 mm to about 3 mm, preferably
2 mm, at the point the retaining means emerges from the surface of
the leg guard. Additionally preferably, the guide channels have a
depth of about 3 mm to about 7 mm, preferably 5 mm, at the edge of
the leg guard.
[0018] In another embodiment the retaining means is arranged at an
angle to the transverse axis of the leg guard. In particular, it is
provided that the retaining means is arranged at an angle of about
5.degree. to about 10.degree. to the transverse axis of the leg
guard. In particular, an angle of about 8.degree. to about
9.degree. is provided. In another embodiment at an angle of about
8.4.degree. and/or about 9.degree. is provided. A tolerance of up
to about 10% should be specified for these data. Preferably, the
retaining means is guided at an angle through the transverse axis
by means of the guide channels. In one variation it is provided
that a first retaining means is arranged on the leg guard so that
the first retaining means can be arranged on an upper region of the
calf. In addition, a second retaining means can be arranged on a
lower region of the calf. In one embodiment, in particular with at
least two retaining means, it is additionally provided that one
retaining means, which can be arranged on an upper region of the
calf, is angled in the direction of the first guard region. In
addition, it is especially provided that at least one retaining
means, which can be arranged on a lower region of the calf, is
angled away from the first guard region. In particular, at least
two retaining means have different angles, in particular, different
values of the angle to the transverse axis. The fact that the
retaining means lies against the calf so that upward slippage is
prevented is an advantage of an arrangement of a retaining means in
the lower half, preferably the lower third, of the second guard
region. Preferably, a retaining means is arranged in the upper
third of the second guard region and a retaining means is arranged
in the lower third of the second guard region. In this way slipping
of the leg guard downward is prevented by the upper retaining means
and upward by the lower retaining means. The distance of the upper
retaining means to the hollow of the knee thus remains more or less
the same even when the leg moves.
[0019] In another embodiment of the leg guard, it has at least one
cushioning element. The cushioning element can be bonded to the leg
guard as one part or two parts. In particular, the cushioning
element is made of the same material as the leg guard. It is also
provided in one embodiment that the cushioning element consists of
at least one material that is different from the material of the
leg guard. An embodiment is also provided where the cushioning
element can be removed from the leg guard and replaced without
damage. In particular, by making it exchangeable, the cushioning
element can be matched to the weight of the user. The cushioning
element is preferably arranged on the first and/or the second guard
region.
[0020] Another embodiment calls for the cushioning element to have
different cushioning constants over its surface. In particular, a
continuous transition of the cushioning constants from a first side
to a second side is provided. Also, it is possible to provide an
iterative transition, i.e., a transition over a plurality of
discrete zones, each with its own cushioning constant. In
particular, in one embodiment the cushioning element consists of
different materials in order to ensure different cushionings. It is
also provided that the cushioning element has different cushionings
over its surface due to a shaping. Thus, in one embodiment it is
provided that the cushioning element has at least one notch or one
groove. In a further embodiment the notch has a varying width over
its course. A preferred embodiment calls for the notch to extend in
particular in the direction of the second guard region. In
particular, the notch is wider toward the second guard region.
Also, the notch can have a varying depth over its course. In a
further embodiment the notch is made wedge-shaped. In particular,
the notch is arranged in the lengthwise direction of the leg guard.
However, an embodiment is also provided, in which at least one
notch extends at an angle to the lengthwise axis. In particular, an
angle of 30.degree., 45.degree. or 90.degree. is provided. Also, a
plurality of notches can be provided, which are arranged, for
example, at varying distances from and/or varying angles to the
lengthwise axis. In particular, the notches are arranged so that
they enable different cushioning properties over the area of the
cushioning element. In particular, it is provided that firmer
cushioning is provided on an upper region of the cushioning element
in order to be able to better cushion the greater weight of larger
users of the leg guard. Also, when the user bends forward there is
a greater surface load on the upper part of the cushioning element,
so that a firmer cushioning is provided there in order to offer the
greatest possible comfort.
[0021] In another embodiment the leg guard has at least one means
or attachment member for hooking or catching onto a step or an
edge. In particular, the means can comprise at least a hook, a claw
or a lip. The lip or hook can consist of a material that consists
of at least a thermoplastic plastic or a metal. Also, the means for
catching can be a material that is also in the first or second
guard region. It is advantageous that when working on stairs, for
example, slipping from a step can be prevented with the means for
hooking or catching.
[0022] In another embodiment the leg guard includes a wear layer
which can be made detachable or nondetachable from the leg guard.
For example, it can be affixed to the leg guard by hooks, snaps,
glue or foam. Also, one embodiment calls for it to be affixed, for
example, by means of a Velcro closure. In a preferred embodiment
the wear layer comprises a puncture proofing. The wear layer can,
in one embodiment, be applied to the first and/or second guard
region, in particular to the cushioning element.
[0023] Another idea of the invention calls for a leg guard to be
used to protect the knee in a kneeling activity. Preferably, the
leg guard is used for work such as floor tiling, screed laying,
parquet laying, roofing work, masonry work, and/or other manual
work. Even though the leg guard is intended for skilled manual
labor, in a further development it can be provided that the above
described leg guard will be used for sports activities. In
particular, the leg guard can also be used to avoid injuries that
can be caused by impacts or cuts, such as can occur, for example,
in skilled manual labor or also in contact sports.
[0024] Another idea of the invention envisions a method for
protecting the leg, whereby a leg protector is affixed to the leg,
so that it protects the leg like a shield and whereby the leg guard
is affixed exclusively below the knee by means of at least one
retaining means. In a further development the leg guard is affixed
to the leg by means of at least two retaining means, where in
particular a first retention means is affixed on an upper region of
the calf and a second retaining means is affixed in the lower
region of the calf. In addition, in one embodiment it is provided
that at least retaining means is arranged at an angle to a
transverse axis of the leg guard.
[0025] Another idea of the invention calls for a method for
producing a leg guard, where the leg guard includes a first guard
region and a second guard region, where the first guard region and
the second guard region are integrally bonded together. In
particular, in a first embodiment it is provided that the first and
the second guard regions are produced in a single operation, in
particular by injection molding. Another embodiment calls for the
first guard region and the second guard region to consist of the
same material. In particular, the two guard regions are made of one
material. In another development it is provided that the leg guard
and at least one cushioning element is made of one material.
However, in a further embodiment it is also provided that the leg
guard is made of more than one material. In particular, the
individual guard regions can be made of different materials. In one
embodiment it is provided that the first guard region and the
second guard region are made in one piece. In particular, the leg
guard is made with the guard regions and the cushioning element in
one piece. It is further provided that the leg guard is made of a
flexible material. The leg guard can also be made of an inflexible
material. For example, it is provided that the leg guard consists
of a rubber, polymer foam, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyamides,
olefins and/or aramids.
[0026] In one embodiment the leg guard is made by thermoforming,
whereby in particular the leg guard is made of an outer shell and
an inner shell. Preferably a puncture-resistant material is
incorporated between the outer shell and inner shell.
[0027] In another variation the leg guard is made by foaming, in
particular a PU foam is injected into a mold. It is provided in a
further development that a puncture-resistant material is made by
foaming or is foamed in place. In particular, the puncture
resistant material is introduced into the mold before the PU foam
is injected.
[0028] In another embodiment at least one retaining means is bonded
to the leg guard in the manufacturing process, in particular bonded
so that it cannot be removed without damage. In particular, the
retaining means is clamped on or glued. If PU foam is used, the
retaining means can be incorporated by foaming. It is also provided
in one embodiment that the retaining means is pressed between the
outer shell and the inner shell.
[0029] In another variation it is provided that a cushioning
element is arranged, in particular integrally, on the first guard
region. One embodiment calls for the cushioning element to be
arranged on the second guard region after making the first and/or
second guard region. The cushioning element can be glued,
vulcanized, welded, bolted, riveted, pinned and/or clamped. In
particular, the cushioning element in one embodiment can be
arranged on the leg guard in a detachable way. In another
embodiment the cushioning element is made of at least one material
other than that of the first and/or second guard region. In
addition, in one embodiment it is provided that a wear layer is
arranged on the leg guard, in particular on the first guard region,
additionally preferably on the cushioning element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] Other advantageous embodiments follow from the following
drawings. The further developments shown there are, however, not to
be interpreted as limiting; rather the elements described there can
be combined with each other and with the elements described above
to make further embodiments. In addition, it should be noted that
the reference numbers given in the description of the figures do
not limit the range of protection of the present invention, but
only refer to the embodiment examples shown in the figures. Like
parts or parts with like function have the same reference numbers
in what follows. Here:
[0031] FIG. 1 shows an occupational leg guard in a front view;
[0032] FIG. 2 shows an occupational leg guard in a view from
below;
[0033] FIG. 3 shows an occupational leg guard in a perspective
view;
[0034] FIG. 4 shows a leg guard being worn;
[0035] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a leg guard;
[0036] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a leg guard;
[0037] FIG. 7 shows sectional view VII-VII of FIG. 6;
[0038] FIG. 8 shows sectional view VIII-VIII of FIG. 6;
[0039] FIG. 9 shows a leg guard with a wear protection means;
[0040] FIG. 10 shows a mold;
[0041] FIG. 11 shows sectional view XI-XI of FIG. 10;
[0042] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a leg guard; and
[0043] FIG. 13 shows sectional view XIII-XIII of FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] FIG. 1 shows a leg guard 1 in a front view. The leg guard 1
has a first guard region 2 and a second guard region 3, which are
largely solid and joined together in one piece. The first guard
region 2 includes a cushioning element 4, which has a notch 5. The
notch 5 is made conical, so that the cushioning element 4 is firmer
in the upper region 6 than in the lower region 7. The leg guard has
a length 8 of about 200 cm and a width 9 of about 70 cm. The
cushioning element 4 in one embodiment has an anti-slip surface,
for example a structured surface, which reduces sliding on a smooth
and/or wet substrate.
[0045] Further, the leg guard includes guides 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
and 15 in the second guard region 3, in which retaining means can
be inserted. The guides 10, 12, 13 and 15 are arranged at an angle
to a transverse axis 16 or 17. Guides 10 and 12 have, for instance,
an angle .alpha. of 5.degree. to 10.degree., preferably about
8.38.degree., and guides 13 and 15 have, for instance, an angle
.beta. of 5.degree. to 10.degree., preferably about
8.95.degree..
[0046] FIG. 2 shows the leg guard in a view from below. One can see
that it has a curvature 18, which can lie against the leg. In
particular, this curvature, in one embodiment, is provided with a
cushion, not shown here. The cushioning element 4 is made by
foaming, for example, so that it has bulges 19 and 20 toward the
sides, which are arranged on each side of notch 5.
[0047] FIG. 3 shows leg guard 1 in a perspective view. One can see
that the retaining members or means 21 and 22 are pulled into the
guides. In particular, it is provided that the retaining means are
made as straps, which have a Velcro closure, not shown here. If the
leg guard 1 is affixed to the leg by means of retaining means 21
and 22, the guides 10, 12, 13, 15, which are at an angle to
transverse axes 16 and 17, favor ergonomic positioning of retaining
means 21 and 22 on the leg.
[0048] FIG. 4 shows a leg guard 1 being worn on a leg 23. The leg
guard is affixed to the calf 24 of the leg 23 by means of retaining
means 21 and 22. Retaining means 21 and 22 are directed so that
they lie approximately on the curvature of the calf 24. This is
achieved by the angles .alpha. and .beta. that the retaining means
21 and 22 have to transverse axes 16 and 17. Thus, it is also
ensured that the leg guard remains in its preferred position when
the user moves. One can also see that there is no retaining means
affixed above the hollow of the knee 25. Thus, the leg guard 1 sits
in shield-like fashion in front of the knee. The leg guard 1
remains in position when the knee bends, and thus does not restrict
the user. Also, reduced blood flow in the knee is avoided, since
constriction in the region of the hollow of the knee 25 by a
retaining means does not occur.
[0049] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a leg guard 1. The leg
guard 1 has guide channels 26, which run from an exit point 27 for
the retaining means, not shown here, toward the edge 28 of the leg
guard 1. The guide channels 26 become deeper toward edge 28, so
that the channel has a depth 29 of about 2 mm at exit point 27 and
a depth 30 of about 5 mm at edge 28.
[0050] In addition, stiffening elements 31 can be seen, which
prevent creasing of leg guard 1 in the region of the transition
between the first guard region 2 and the second guard region 3, for
example when kneeling on the leg guard, that is, they increase the
bending moment.
[0051] In addition, the leg guard 1 in FIG. 5 has an anti-slip
surface 32, which is preferably embossed about 1 mm to 2 mm. In
particular, the anti-slip surface 32 has a structure. In addition,
it is provided in one embodiment that the anti-slip surface 32 has
an anti-slip material. Also, the anti-slip surface 32 can serve as
an additional cushioning element or stiffening element. In one
embodiment the anti-slip surface 32 has a thermoplastic
plastic.
[0052] FIG. 6 shows the leg guard 1 from FIG. 5 with retaining
means 21 and 22 indicated. The retaining means 21 and 22 are
nondetachable, or are connected to leg guard 1 in a manner that is
not detachable without damage. In addition, the retaining means 21
and 22 each have only two exits 27 on an outer side of the leg
guard 1--indicated in FIG. 6 [sic]. In particular, the exits 27
have a spacing of less than 10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm, from
each other.
[0053] FIG. 7 shows section VII-VII in FIG. 6. The retaining means
21 can be foamed in place or, if the leg guard base material is
thermoformed, especially if it is thermoformed of ethylene vinyl
acetate, can be pressed in. Also, the retaining means 21 can be
threaded through the leg guard 1 in a detachable way.
[0054] FIG. 8 shows a sectional view through VIII-VIII in FIG. 6.
One can see that the first guard region 2 is bent away from the
second guard region 3. In particular it is provided that the first
guard region 2 is bent by an angle 33 of about 14.degree.. One can
also see that the first guard region 2 in the sectional view
VIII-VIII describes at least in part a curved course. The distance
34 of the upper edge 35 from a straight line 37 on the inner side
36 of the second guard region 3 in this sectional view is about 10
mm to about 40 mm, additionally preferably about 25 mm to about 30
mm.
[0055] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a leg guard 1 with a foamed-on
or glued-on wear part 44 in an exploded view. The wear part 44 is
mounted on the cushioning element 4. The wear part 44 in
particular, is detachably mounted on the cushioning element 4 in
order to enable replacement of the wear element 44. Preferably, the
wear element 44 is made of a puncture-resistant material. In
addition, the wear part 44 is preferably puncture protection.
[0056] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a puncture protection 38,
which is inserted into a mold 39. The mold is closed in a
subsequent step, not shown here, and filled with PU foam. Spacers
40 hold the puncture protection 38 largely in the middle, so that
it becomes nearly completely surrounded by foam. Foaming around it
does not occur in the region of spacer 40. In this way the puncture
protection 38 can be seen in the end product, so that a pleasant
appearance of the leg guard 1 is achieved. It is also provided in
one embodiment that the part of the puncture protection around
which there is no foam is faced.
[0057] FIG. 11 shows section XI-XI of a leg guard 1 that was made
in the mold from FIG. 10. One can see that the puncture protection
38 is surrounded by PU foam 41. In another embodiment it is
provided that the second guard region 3 also has a puncture
protection 38.
[0058] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a leg guard 1. The leg
guard 1 has claws 42 in the second guard region, which for example
can prevent slipping when a user kneels on an edge or a step.
[0059] FIG. 13 shows a sectional view of section XIII-XIII in FIG.
12. One can see that the first guard region 2 is offset from the
second guard region 3. In addition, a step 45 is provided, which
represents a transition from the first guard region 2 to the second
guard region 3. The first guard region 2 is offset by a distance 43
of about 20 mm to about 1 cm, preferably about 20 mm to about 40
mm, especially preferably about 30 mm.
[0060] In addition, the claws 42 can be seen in FIG. 13, which in
this embodiment are joined in one piece to the second guard
region.
* * * * *