U.S. patent application number 17/003815 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-24 for leg pad for a hockey goal tender.
The applicant listed for this patent is LES EQUIPEMENTS DE GARDIEN DE BUT MICHEL LEFEBVRE INC.. Invention is credited to Michel LEFEBVRE, Patrick LEFEBVRE, Sebastien MORIN.
Application Number | 20210187379 17/003815 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005065542 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210187379 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEFEBVRE; Michel ; et
al. |
June 24, 2021 |
LEG PAD FOR A HOCKEY GOAL TENDER
Abstract
A leg pad for a hockey goaltender comprising a pad body with an
inner side and a cuff member extending rearwardly from the inner
side. In use, the cuff member and a portion of the inner side
define a longitudinal channel in which the calf of the goaltender
is at least partially received, wherein upper and lower projections
of the cuff member at least partially surround respective upper and
lower parts of the calf and wherein the cuff member tightly
maintains the leg within the channel while allowing movement of the
leg between a standing position and a knelt position.
Inventors: |
LEFEBVRE; Michel;
(Terrebonne, CA) ; LEFEBVRE; Patrick; (Mascouche,
CA) ; MORIN; Sebastien; (Prevost, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LES EQUIPEMENTS DE GARDIEN DE BUT MICHEL LEFEBVRE INC. |
Terrebonne |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005065542 |
Appl. No.: |
17/003815 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/1258 20130101;
A63B 2071/125 20130101; A63B 2102/24 20151001; A63B 71/1225
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/12 20060101
A63B071/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 20, 2019 |
CA |
CA 3 065 971 |
Claims
1. A leg pad for a hockey goaltender having a leg with a knee, a
shin, a calf and a foot with an ankle and a forefoot, the leg pad
being wearable on the leg to protect the leg, the leg pad
comprising: a pad body adapted to be positioned adjacent to a front
part of the leg, the pad body comprising an outer side of the leg
pad, a medial portion adapted to be positioned adjacent to a medial
part of the leg, a lateral portion adapted to be positioned
adjacent to a lateral part of the leg, a bottom portion to be
positioned adjacent the forefoot and an inner side adapted to at
least partially face the shin; and a cuff member extending
rearwardly from the inner side, the cuff member comprising an upper
projection extending from the medial portion of the pad body toward
the lateral portion of the pad body and being adapted to be
positioned on an upper part of the calf slightly below the knee and
a lower projection extending from the medial portion of the pad
body toward the lateral portion of the pad body and being adapted
to be positioned on a lower part of the calf slightly above the
ankle; wherein, in use, the upper and lower projections and a
portion of the inner side define a longitudinal channel in which
the calf is at least partially received, wherein the upper and
lower projections at least partially surround the respective upper
and lower parts of the calf and wherein the cuff member tightly
maintains the leg within the channel while allowing movement of the
leg between a standing position and a knelt position.
2. The leg pad according to claim 1, wherein the cuff member
comprises a medial cuff member extending rearwardly from a medial
portion of the inner side and a lateral cuff member extending
rearwardly from a lateral portion of the inner side, and wherein
the medial cuff member comprises the upper and lower
protections.
3. The leg pad according to claim 2, comprising an upper attachment
member extending from the upper projection toward the lateral cuff
member and being adapted to connect the upper projection to the
lateral cuff member; and a lower attachment member extending from
the lower projection toward the lateral cuff member and being
adapted to connect the lower projection to the lateral cuff member,
wherein the medial cuff member comprises a medial side portion
extending rearwardly from the medial portion of the inner side,
wherein the upper and lower projections extend from the medial side
portion, and wherein the medial side portion extends along the
channel from a bottom edge to an upper edge along a longitudinal
distance such that the medial side portion of the medial cuff
member and the upper and lower projections at least partially cover
the calf.
4. The leg pad according to claim 3, wherein the longitudinal
distance is a first longitudinal distance and wherein the lateral
cuff member extends along the channel from a bottom edge to an
upper edge along a second longitudinal distance such that the
lateral cuff member at least partially covers the lateral side of
the calf.
5. The leg pad according to claim 4, wherein the medial side
portion and the upper and lower projections extend along a first
transversal distance such that the medial side portion of the
medial cuff member and the upper and lower projections at least
partially cover the calf, and wherein the lateral cuff member
extends along a second transversal distance such that the lateral
cuff member at least partially covers the lateral side of the
calf.
6. The leg pad according to claim 3, wherein the medial side
portion comprises a longitudinal pad extending from the bottom edge
to the upper edge and wherein the longitudinal pad comprises a
longitudinal flexing zone extending from the bottom edge to the
upper edge.
7. The leg pad according to claim 2, wherein the bottom portion
comprises a flat surface extending from the medial portion toward
the lateral portion, and wherein the flat surface of the bottom
portion extends up to a protuberance or projection adapted to
contact a lateral side of the foot and/or of a skate worn by the
goaltender.
8. The leg pad according to claim 1, comprising a medial protective
panel extending rearwardly from the inner side, the medial
protective panel extending along a medial side of the calf and
being adapted to at least partially cover the medial side of the
calf and a lateral protective panel extending rearwardly from the
inner side, the lateral protective panel extending along a lateral
side of the calf and being adapted to at least partially cover the
lateral side of the calf.
9. A leg pad for a hockey goaltender having a leg with a knee, a
shin, a calf and a foot with an ankle and a forefoot, the leg pad
being wearable on the leg to protect the leg, the leg pad
comprising: a pad body adapted to be positioned adjacent to a front
part of the leg, the pad body comprising an outer side of the leg
pad, a medial portion adapted to be positioned adjacent to a medial
part of the leg, a lateral portion adapted to be positioned
adjacent to a lateral part of the leg, a bottom portion to be
positioned adjacent the forefoot and an inner side adapted to at
least partially face the shin; a cuff member comprising: a medial
cuff member extending rearwardly from a medial portion of the inner
side and a lateral cuff member extending rearwardly from a lateral
portion of the inner side, the medial cuff member comprising an
upper projection extending toward the lateral cuff member and being
adapted to be positioned on an upper part of the calf slightly
below the knee and a lower projection extending toward the lateral
cuff member and being adapted to be positioned on a lower part of
the calf slightly above the ankle; an upper attachment member
extending from the upper projection toward the lateral cuff member
and being adapted to connect the upper projection to the lateral
cuff member; and a lower attachment member extending from the lower
projection toward the lateral cuff member and being adapted to
connect the lower projection to the lateral cuff member; wherein,
in use, the medial and lateral cuff members and a bottom portion of
the inner side define a longitudinal channel in which the calf is
at least partially received, wherein the upper and lower
projections at least partially surround the respective upper and
lower parts of the calf and wherein the medial and lateral cuff
members tightly maintain the leg within the channel while allowing
movement of the leg between a standing position and a knelt
position.
10. The leg pad according to claim 9, wherein the medial cuff
member comprises a medial side portion extending rearwardly from
the medial portion of the inner side, wherein the upper and lower
projections extend from the medial side portion, wherein the medial
side portion extends along the channel from a bottom edge to an
upper edge along a longitudinal distance such that the medial side
portion and the upper and lower projections at least partially
cover the calf, and wherein the lower projection comprises the
bottom edge and the upper projection comprises the upper edge.
11. The leg pad according to claim 10, wherein the longitudinal
distance is a first longitudinal distance and wherein the lateral
cuff member extends along the channel from a bottom edge to an
upper edge along a second longitudinal distance such that lateral
cuff member at least partially covers the lateral side of the
calf.
12. The leg pad according to claim 10, wherein the medial side
portion and the upper and lower projections extend along a
transversal distance such that the medial side portion and the
upper and lower projections at least partially cover the calf.
13. The leg pad according to claim 12, wherein the transversal
distance is a first transversal distance and wherein the lateral
cuff member extends along a second transversal distance such that
the lateral cuff member at least partially covers the lateral side
of the calf.
14. The leg pad according to claim 10, wherein the medial side
portion comprises a longitudinal pad extending from the bottom edge
to the upper edge and wherein the longitudinal pad comprises a
longitudinal flexing zone extending from the bottom edge to the
upper edge.
15. The leg pad according to claim 9, comprising a medial
protective panel extending rearwardly from the inner side, the
medial protective panel extending along a medial side of the calf
and being adapted to at least partially cover the medial side of
the calf and a lateral protective panel extending rearwardly from
the inner side, the lateral protective panel extending along a
lateral side of the calf and being adapted to at least partially
cover the lateral side of the calf.
16. The leg pad according to claim 9, wherein the bottom portion
comprises a flat surface extending from the medial portion toward
the lateral portion and wherein the flat surface of the bottom
portion extends up to a protuberance or projection adapted to
contact a lateral side of the foot and/or of a skate worn by the
goaltender.
17. A leg pad for a hockey goaltender having a leg with a knee, a
shin, a calf and a foot with an ankle and a forefoot, the leg pad
being wearable on the leg to protect the leg, the leg pad
comprising: a pad body adapted to be positioned adjacent to a front
part of the leg, the pad body comprising an outer side of the leg
pad, a medial portion adapted to be positioned adjacent to a medial
part of the leg, a lateral portion adapted to be positioned
adjacent to a lateral part of the leg, a bottom portion to be
positioned adjacent the forefoot and an inner side adapted to at
least partially face the shin; a cuff member comprising: a medial
cuff member extending rearwardly from a medial portion of the inner
side and a lateral cuff member extending rearwardly from a lateral
portion of the inner side, the medial cuff member comprising an
upper projection extending toward the lateral cuff member and being
adapted to be positioned on an upper part of the calf slightly
below the knee and a lower projection extending toward the lateral
cuff member and being adapted to be positioned on a lower part of
the calf slightly above the ankle; wherein, in use, the medial and
lateral cuff members, the upper and lower projections and a bottom
portion of the inner side define a longitudinal channel in which
the calf is at least partially received, wherein the upper and
lower projections at least partially surround the respective upper
and lower parts of the calf and wherein the medial and lateral cuff
members tightly maintain the leg within the channel while allowing
movement of the leg between a standing position and a knelt
position, and wherein the bottom portion comprises a flat surface
extending from the medial portion to the lateral portion.
18. The leg pad according to claim 17, wherein the flat surface
extends up to a protuberance or projection adapted to contact a
lateral side of the foot and/or of a skate worn by the
goaltender.
19. The leg pad according to claim 17, wherein the medial cuff
member comprises a medial side portion extending rearwardly from
the medial portion of the inner side, wherein the upper and lower
projections extend from the medial side portion, and wherein the
medial side portion extends along the channel from a bottom edge to
an upper edge along a longitudinal distance such that the medial
side portion of the medial cuff member and the upper and lower
projections at least partially cover the calf and wherein the lower
projection comprises the bottom edge and the upper projection
comprises the upper edge.
20. The leg pad according to claim 19, wherein the longitudinal
distance is a first longitudinal distance and wherein the lateral
cuff member extends along the channel from a bottom edge to an
upper edge along a second longitudinal distance such that lateral
cuff member at least partially covers the lateral side of the calf
and wherein the medial side portion and the upper and lower
projections extend along a transversal distance such that the
medial side portion of the medial cuff member and the upper and
lower projections at least partially cover the calf.
Description
PRIOR APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority from Canadian patent
application CA 3 065 971, filed on Dec. 20, 2019, and entitled "LEG
PAD FOR A HOCKEY GOALTENDER", the disclosure of which being hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a protective hockey
equipment, and more particularly to a leg pad for a hockey
goaltender.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Leg pads or goalie pads are worn by hockey goalkeepers or
hockey goaltenders to protect their legs against impacts from
pucks, balls, hockey sticks or other objects and/or to protect
their legs when kneeling (e.g., dropping) onto a playing surface
such as an ice playing surface. Improvements in such goalie leg
pads are continuously sought, particularly in order to improve
their comfort and the mobility of the goaltender. In particular,
existing leg pads might not be fully satisfactory since they may
not allow firm or tight engagement with the goaltender's leg while
allowing easy, full and/or quick movement of the leg between a
standing position and a knelt position (also known as a butterfly
position).
[0004] In view of the above, there is a need for an improved leg
pad for a hockey goaltender which would alleviate at least in part
the deficiencies of existing leg pads for hockey goaltenders and
seek to solve problems and drawbacks of the prior art. More
particularly, there is a need for a leg pad that allows, in use,
tight engagement of the leg pad against the goaltender's leg while
allowing quick movement of the goaltender's leg between a standing
position to a knelt position.
SUMMARY
[0005] As embodied and broadly described herein, according to a
broad aspect, there is provided a leg pad for a hockey goaltender
having a leg with a knee, a shin, a calf and a foot with an ankle
and a forefoot, the leg pad being wearable on the leg to protect
the leg. The leg pad comprises a pad body adapted to be positioned
adjacent to a front part of the leg, the pad body comprising an
outer side of the leg pad, a medial portion adapted to be
positioned adjacent to a medial part of the leg, a lateral portion
adapted to be positioned adjacent to a lateral part of the leg, a
bottom portion to be positioned adjacent the forefoot and an inner
side adapted to at least partially face the shin; and a cuff member
extending rearwardly from the inner side, the cuff member
comprising an upper projection extending from the medial portion of
the pad body toward the lateral portion of the pad body and being
adapted to be positioned on an upper part of the calf slightly
below the knee and a lower projection extending from the medial
portion of the pad body toward the lateral portion of the pad body
and being adapted to be positioned on a lower part of the calf
slightly above the ankle. In use, the upper and lower projections
and a portion of the inner side define a longitudinal channel in
which the calf is at least partially received, wherein the upper
and lower projections at least partially surround the respective
upper and lower parts of the calf and wherein the cuff member
tightly maintains the leg within the channel while allowing
movement of the leg between a standing position and a knelt
position.
[0006] As embodied and broadly described herein, according to
another broad aspect, there is provided a leg pad for a hockey
goaltender having a leg with a knee, a shin, a calf and a foot with
an ankle and a forefoot, the leg pad being wearable on the leg to
protect the leg. The leg pad comprises a pad body adapted to be
positioned adjacent to a front part of the leg, the pad body
comprising an outer side of the leg pad, a medial portion adapted
to be positioned adjacent to a medial part of the leg, a lateral
portion adapted to be positioned adjacent to a lateral part of the
leg, a bottom portion to be positioned adjacent the forefoot and an
inner side adapted to at least partially face the shin; a cuff
member comprising: a medial cuff member extending rearwardly from a
medial portion of the inner side and a lateral cuff member
extending rearwardly from a lateral portion of the inner side, the
medial cuff member comprising an upper projection extending toward
the lateral cuff member and being adapted to be positioned on an
upper part of the calf slightly below the knee and a lower
projection extending toward the lateral cuff member and being
adapted to be positioned on a lower part of the calf slightly above
the ankle; an upper attachment member extending from the upper
projection toward the lateral cuff member and being adapted to
connect the upper projection to the lateral cuff member; and a
lower attachment member extending from the lower projection toward
the lateral cuff member and being adapted to connect the lower
projection to the lateral cuff member. In use, the medial and
lateral cuff members and a bottom portion of the inner side define
a longitudinal channel in which the calf is at least partially
received, wherein the upper and lower projections at least
partially surround the respective upper and lower parts of the calf
and wherein the medial and lateral cuff members tightly maintain
the leg within the channel while allowing movement of the leg
between a standing position and a knelt position.
[0007] As embodied and broadly described herein, according to
another broad aspect, there is provided a leg pad for a hockey
goaltender having a leg with a knee, a shin, a calf and a foot with
an ankle and a forefoot, the leg pad being wearable on the leg to
protect the leg. The leg pad comprises a pad body adapted to be
positioned adjacent to a front part of the leg, the pad body
comprising an outer side of the leg pad, a medial portion adapted
to be positioned adjacent to a medial part of the leg, a lateral
portion adapted to be positioned adjacent to a lateral part of the
leg, a bottom portion to be positioned adjacent the forefoot and an
inner side adapted to at least partially face the shin; a cuff
member comprising: a medial cuff member extending rearwardly from a
medial portion of the inner side and a lateral cuff member
extending rearwardly from a lateral portion of the inner side, the
medial cuff member comprising an upper projection extending toward
the lateral cuff member and being adapted to be positioned on an
upper part of the calf slightly below the knee and a lower
projection extending toward the lateral cuff member and being
adapted to be positioned on a lower part of the calf slightly above
the ankle. In use, the medial and lateral cuff members, the upper
and lower projections and a bottom portion of the inner side define
a longitudinal channel in which the calf is at least partially
received, wherein the upper and lower projections at least
partially surround the respective upper and lower parts of the calf
and wherein the medial and lateral cuff members tightly maintain
the leg within the channel while allowing movement of the leg
between a standing position and a knelt position, and wherein the
bottom portion comprises a flat surface extending from the medial
portion to the lateral portion.
[0008] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] A detailed description of the embodiments of the present
invention is provided herein below, by way of example only, with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view of a hockey goaltender wearing left
and right leg pads in accordance with an embodiment, the hockey
goaltender being in a knelt or butterfly position;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a left leg pad in
accordance with an embodiment, the leg pad comprising medial and
lateral protective panels in an assembled configuration and a cuff
member in a closed configuration;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the leg pad of FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary rear perspective view
showing the medial and lateral protective panels and the cuff
member of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary rear perspective view
showing the cuff member of FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary rear perspective view
showing an inner face of a medial cuff member of the cuff member of
FIG. 2, the cuff member being in an open configuration;
[0016] FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary rear view showing an outer
face of the medial cuff member of FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary rear perspective view
showing an outer face of a lateral cuff member of the cuff member
of FIG. 2, the cuff member being in the open configuration;
[0018] FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary rear view showing the
outer face of the lateral cuff member of FIG. 2; and
[0019] FIGS. 10 and 11 show front and side views of a goaltender's
left leg.
[0020] In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are
illustrated by way of examples. It is to be expressly understood
that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of
illustration and are an aid for understanding. They are not
intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Before any variants, examples or preferred embodiments of
the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that
the invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the
following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention
is capable of other variants or embodiments and of being practiced
or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for
the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations
thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter
and equivalents thereof as well as additional suitable items. If
the specification or claims refer to "an additional" element, that
does not preclude there being more than one of the additional
element. It is to be understood that where the claims or
specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference is not
be construed that there is only one of that element. It is to be
understood that where the specification states that a component,
feature, structure, or characteristic "may", "might", "can" or
"could" be included, that particular component, feature, structure,
or characteristic is not required to be included.
[0022] Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted,"
"connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations thereof are
used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings,
connections, supports, and couplings and are thus intended to
include direct connections between two members without any other
members interposed therebetween and indirect connections between
members in which one or more other members are interposed
therebetween. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted
to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Additionally,
the words "lower", "upper", "upward", "down" and "downward"
designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made.
Similarly, the words "left", "right", "front" and "rear" designate
locations or positions in the drawings to which reference is made.
The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above,
derivatives thereof, and words or similar import.
[0023] To provide a more concise description, some of the
quantitative expressions given herein may be qualified with the
term "about". It is understood that whether the term "about" is
used explicitly or not, every quantity given herein is meant to
refer to an actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to
the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be
inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, including
approximations due to the experimental and/or measurement
conditions for such given value.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a leg pad 100 for
a hockey goaltender having a leg 10, the leg pad 100 being wearable
on the leg 10 of the hockey goaltender to protect the leg 10.
[0025] The leg pads 100 are worn on the hockey goaltender's legs 10
while playing hockey to protect the legs 10 against an impact from
a puck, ball, hockey stick or other object and/or to protect the
legs 10 when the goaltender kneels toward and against a playing
surface. A type of hockey played may be ice hockey such that the
leg pads 100 are ice hockey goaltender leg pads, the hockey
goaltender is an ice hockey goaltender, and the playing surface 10
is an ice playing surface. The leg pad 100 is also known as a
"goalie pad", a "goalkeeper's pad" or a "goaltender's pad" such as
those worn by an ice hockey goaltender.
[0026] The hockey goaltender leg pad 100 (also hereinafter referred
to as "leg pad 100") can have different sizes and shapes and is
adapted to at least partially cover the leg 10.
[0027] The leg pads 100 protect various regions of the legs 10.
Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, which each shows a left leg of the
goaltender, the leg 10 comprises an upper leg 12 (or thigh 12), a
knee 14, a lower leg 16, and a foot 13 with an ankle 15 and a
forefoot 18. The upper leg 12 is above the knee 14, while the lower
leg 16 is below the knee 14 and above the foot 13. The lower leg 16
comprises a shin 17 and a calf 19. The leg 10 has a front 20, a
back 22, a medial side 24 (sometimes referred to as an "inner
side"), and a lateral side 26 (sometimes referred to as an "outer
side").
[0028] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the leg pad 100 is
adapted to be worn on the left leg 10. A corresponding leg pad can
be worn on the right goaltender's leg. Although the leg pad 100 is
shown and described herein as a hockey goaltender's pad, it is
understood that other embodiments of the leg pad 100 may be used
for ice hockey, field hockey and other sports.
[0029] The leg pad 100 extends along a substantially longitudinal
axis L (or longitudinal direction L) between two opposite ends 102,
104 (or upper and lower ends 102, 104). When the leg pad 100 is
worn by the goaltender in a standing position, it is understood
that the leg pad 100 extends along the longitudinal axis L (i.e.
vertical longitudinal axis) between the thigh 12 (upper leg 12) and
the foot 13 of the goaltender such that the leg pad 100 at least
partially covers the leg 10.
[0030] The leg pad 100 comprises a pad body 200 adapted to be
positioned adjacent to the front part 20 of the leg, the pad body
comprising an outer side 202 of the leg pad 100, a medial portion
210 adapted to be positioned adjacent to the medial part 24 of the
leg 10, a lateral portion 220 adapted to be positioned adjacent to
the lateral part 26 of the leg 10, a bottom portion 201 to be
positioned adjacent the forefoot 18 and an inner side 230 adapted
to at least partially face the shin 17. In the following
description, it is understood that the upper end 102, the lower end
104, the medial portion 210, the lateral portion 220, the bottom
portion 201, the inner side 230, and the outer side 202 are part of
the pad body 200 and/or of the leg pad 100. It is understood that
the inner side 230 may be entirely or partially covered by an inner
liner that is suitable for contacting the leg and that the outer
side may be entirely or partially covered by a material that is
suitable for contacting the ice surface.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the leg pad 100 also comprises a
cuff member 300 extending rearwardly from the inner side 230, the
cuff member 300 comprising an upper projection extending from the
medial portion of the pad body 200 toward the lateral portion 220
of the pad body 200 and being adapted to be positioned on an upper
part of the calf 19 slightly below the knee 14, and a lower
projection extending from the medial portion 210 of the pad body
200 toward the lateral portion 220 of the pad body 200 and being
adapted to be positioned on a lower part of the calf 19 slightly
above the ankle 15.
[0032] It is understood that the cuff member 300 may comprise a
first (medial) cuff member 310 extending rearwardly from a medial
portion 232 of the inner side 230 and the cuff member 300 may
comprise a second (lateral) cuff member 320 extending rearwardly
from a lateral portion 234 of the inner side 230.
[0033] As best shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the medial cuff member 310
comprises an upper projection 312 extending toward the lateral cuff
member 320 and being adapted to be positioned on an upper part of
the calf 19 slightly below the knee 14, and a lower projection 314
extending toward the lateral cuff member 320 and being adapted to
be positioned on a lower part of the calf 19 slightly above the
ankle 15.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 9, the cuff member 300 also
comprises an upper attachment member 330 extending from the upper
projection 312 toward the lateral cuff member 320 and being adapted
to connect the upper projection 312 to the lateral cuff member 320;
and a lower attachment member 340 extending from the lower
projection 314 toward the lateral cuff member 320 and being adapted
to connect the lower projection 314 to the lateral cuff member
320.
[0035] In use, i.e. when the leg pad 100 is worn by the goaltender,
when the leg pad 100 is at least partially attached to, or
connected to, or engaged with the leg 10, and when the medial and
lateral cuff members 310, 320 are in a closed configuration, as
best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the medial and lateral cuff members
310, 320 and a portion of the inner side 230 define together a
longitudinal channel 400, a longitudinal leg-receiving channel 400
or a longitudinal calf-surrounding channel 400 extending
substantially along the longitudinal axis L of the leg pad 100 and
being adapted to at least partially receive the calf 19, wherein
the upper and lower projections 312, 314 at least partially
surround the respective upper and lower parts of the calf 19 and
wherein the medial and lateral cuff members 310, 320 tightly
maintain the leg 10 within the channel 400 while allowing movement
of the leg 10 between a standing position and a knelt position.
[0036] It is understood that the knelt position or the butterfly
position is a position of the goaltender wherein the outer side 202
of the pad body 200 (or pad outer shell 200) at least partially
contacts a ground or ice surface and wherein the leg pad 100
extends along a substantially horizontal direction (see for
instance FIG. 1).
[0037] It is thus understood that the leg pad 100 is particularly
adapted to allow the goaltender to use the butterfly technique,
which usually refers to a technique of goaltending distinguished by
the goaltender guarding the lower part of the net by dropping to
the knees to block shoots toward the net. In other words, the leg
pad is configured to easily allow the goaltender to go from the
standing position in which the leg pad 100 extends along a
substantially vertical direction to the knelt position in which the
leg pad 100 extends along a substantially horizontal direction
wherein the leg pad 100 at least partially contacts the ice
surface.
[0038] The cuff member 300 is adapted to be in an open
configuration, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, wherein the medial cuff
member 310 and the lateral cuff member 320 are spaced apart from
each other for the leg pad 100 to be engaged with the leg 10 of the
goaltender.
[0039] It is understood that the medial and lateral cuff members
310, 320 of the cuff member 300 are shaped and dimensioned, when
the cuff member 300 is in the closed configuration, to tightly
maintain the leg 100 within the channel 400 (or leg-receiving
channel 400), while allowing pivotable movement of the leg 10
within the channel 400. In other words, the cuff member 300 is
shaped and dimensioned to tightly fit to the leg 100 of the
goaltender while allowing certain amount of freedom and/or rotation
of the leg 100--in particular movement and/or rotation of the ankle
of the leg--within the leg-receiving channel 400 at least partially
delimited by the cuff member 300 and the pad body 200. In other
words, the leg pad 100 is shaped and dimensioned to snugly fit to
the leg 10 of the goaltender (and more particularly to the lower
leg 16 thereof) while allowing freedom of (pivotable) movement of
the leg 10 between the standing position and the knelt
position.
[0040] As best shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the medial cuff member 310
has an inner face 350, considered with respect to the leg-receiving
channel 400 at least partially defined thereby when the cuff member
300 is configured into the closed configuration. The medial cuff
member 310 also has an opposed outer face 352.
[0041] The medial cuff member 310 comprises a medial side portion
354 extending rearwardly from the medial portion 232 of the inner
side 230. The upper and lower projections 312, 314 extend from the
medial side portion 354. In other words, in the embodiment shown,
the medial cuff member 310 has a substantially C-shape but other
shapes could also be conceived.
[0042] The medial side portion 354 comprises a bottom edge 355 and
an upper edge 357 forming respectively medial bottom and upper
edges of the leg-receiving channel 400. The medial side portion 354
extends along the leg-receiving channel 400 between the bottom and
upper edges 355, 357 along a medial longitudinal distance L1. The
medial side portion 354 and the upper and lower projections 312,
314 are shaped and dimensioned to at least partially cover the calf
19.
[0043] The lower projection 314 comprises the bottom edge 355 and
the upper projection 312 comprises the upper edge 357 (i.e. bottom
edges of the lower projection and of the medial side portion
substantially form together a continuity and so do upper edges of
the upper projection and of the medial side portion) but it could
also be conceived a medial cuff member comprising an upper
projection and/or a lower projection that would comprise
respectively a upper edge and a bottom edge that would form a
discontinuity with the upper edge and the bottom edge of the medial
side portion.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 7, the medial longitudinal distance L1 of
the cuff member 300 is comprised between about 10 cm and about 40
cm. In another embodiment, the medial longitudinal distance L1 is
comprised between about 15 cm and about 35 cm. In another
embodiment, the medial longitudinal distance L1 is comprised
between about 22 cm and about 27 cm.
[0045] The medial side portion 354 and the upper and lower
projections 312, 314 extend along a medial transversal distance T1
such that the medial side portion 354 and the upper and lower
projections 312, 314 at least partially cover the calf.
[0046] The medial transversal distance T1 is defined between a free
end of at least one of the upper and lower projections 312, 314 and
a securing end 359 of the medial side portion 354 (i.e. a junction
between the medial side portion 354 and the inner side 230, i.e.
the end of the medial side portion 354 secured--for instance
sewn--to the inner side 230). In the embodiment shown, the upper
and lower projections 312, 314 have substantially identical
dimensions considered in a direction substantially transversal to
the longitudinal axis L of the leg pad 100, but it could also be
conceived a medial cuff member with upper and lower projections
having different dimensions and/or shapes.
[0047] The medial transversal distance T1 is comprised between
about 5 cm and about 25 cm. In another embodiment, the medial
transversal distance T1 is comprised between about 10 cm and about
22 cm. In another embodiment, the medial transversal distance T1 is
comprised between about 15 cm and about 20 cm. In another
embodiment, the medial transversal distance T1 is comprised between
about 17 cm and about 20 cm.
[0048] The medial side portion 354 comprises a longitudinal pad 361
extending from the bottom edge 355 to the upper edge 357.
[0049] The longitudinal pad 361 comprises a plurality of protection
blocks 363 (three, in the embodiment shown, for instance at least
partially made in a material having rigidity properties and/or in a
yieldable and force-absorbing material), extending from the bottom
edge 355 to the upper edge 357 and slightly pivotable with respect
to each other. In other words, in the embodiment shown, the
longitudinal pad 361 comprises longitudinal flexing zone 365 (two,
in the embodiment shown) extending from the bottom edge 355 to the
upper edge 357, for instance between adjacent protection blocks
363. The longitudinal pad 361 is thus shaped and dimensioned to
better fit the calf 19 of the goaltender when the cuff member 300
is in the closed configuration (i.e. for the leg-receiving channel
400 to have a substantially tubular shape).
[0050] The medial side portion 354 comprises upper and lower strips
370, 372 of VELCRO.TM. female loops extending transversely, for
instance along substantially an entirety of a width of the medial
side portion 354.
[0051] The upper attachment member 330 comprises an upper inner
strap 332 (considered with respect to the leg-receiving channel 400
when the cuff member 300 is in the closed configuration). The upper
inner strap 332 extends from the upper projection 312 and comprises
an upper strip of VELCRO.TM. male loops 334. Similarly, the lower
attachment member 340 comprises a lower inner strap 342 extending
from the lower projection 314. The lower inner strap 342 comprises
a lower strip of VELCRO.TM. male loops 344. It is understood that
the VELCRO.TM. female loops and male loops could be arranged in a
reversed order (i.e. male loops on the medial side portion and
female loops on the upper and lower attachment members).
[0052] As best shown in FIGS. 4, 8 and 9, the lateral cuff member
320 comprises upper and lower rings 322, 324, for instance secured
(for instance sewn) to an outer face 380 of the lateral cuff member
320, or at a junction between the lateral cuff member 320 and the
inner side 230. The upper and lower rings 322, 324 are shaped and
dimensioned so that the upper and lower inner straps 332, 342 of
the upper and lower attachment members 330, 340 pass in the
respective upper and lower rings 322, 324 and for the upper and
lower strips of VELCRO.TM. male loops 344, 344 to engage the upper
and lower strips of VELCRO.TM. female loops 370, 372 for affixing
the cuff member 300 to the leg 10, when the cuff member 300 is
configured into the closed configuration (see FIG. 5).
[0053] The upper and lower attachment members 330, 340 may be at
least partially made of an elastic and/or resilient material for
the upper and lower attachment members 330, 340 to be stretchable
in a direction parallel to their longitudinal axis (i.e. in a
direction substantially transversal to the longitudinal direction L
of the leg pad 100) so as to increase a length of the upper and
lower attachment members 330, 340 and to strongly affix the cuff
member 300 to the leg 10.
[0054] It is understood that the shape, the configuration, and the
location of the medial cuff member can vary from the embodiment
shown, as well as the shape and the configuration of the upper and
lower projections, the upper and lower attachment members and the
medial side portion. For instance, any other fastening means could
be conceived to affix the cuff member to the leg, when the cuff
member is configured into the closed configuration.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 4, 8 and 9, the lateral cuff member 320
comprises an inner face 382, the opposed outer face 380, and bottom
and upper edges 384, 386 forming respectively lateral bottom and
upper edges of the leg-receiving channel 400. The lateral cuff
member 320 is shaped and dimensioned to at least partially cover
the calf 19.
[0056] As best shown in FIG. 9, the lateral cuff member 320 extends
along the leg-receiving channel 400 between the bottom and upper
edges 384, 386 along a lateral longitudinal distance L2. The
lateral longitudinal distance L2 of the cuff member 300 is
comprised between about 10 cm and about 30 cm. In some other
embodiments, the lateral longitudinal distance L2 is comprised
between about 15 cm and about 25 cm. in some other embodiments, the
lateral longitudinal distance L2 is comprised between about 20 cm
and about 24 cm.
[0057] The lateral cuff member 320 extends along a lateral
transversal distance T2 such that the lateral cuff member 320 at
least partially covers the calf 19. In the embodiment shown, the
lateral transversal distance T2 is defined between a free end of
the lateral cuff member 320 and a securing end 321 of the lateral
cuff member 320 (i.e. the junction between the lateral cuff member
320 and the inner side 230, i.e. the end of the lateral cuff member
320 secured, for instance by being sewn, to the inner side
230).
[0058] The lateral transversal distance T2 is comprised between
about 3 cm and about 15 cm. In some other embodiment, the lateral
transversal distance T2 is comprised between about 5 cm and about
10 cm. In some other embodiment, the lateral transversal distance
T2 is comprised between about 6 cm and about 8 cm.
[0059] For instance, the lateral transversal distance T2 is smaller
than the medial transversal distance T1. In some embodiments, the
lateral transversal distance T2 is smaller than about 90% of the
medial transversal distance T1. In some other embodiments, the
lateral transversal distance T2 is smaller than about 70% of the
medial transversal distance T1. In some other embodiments, the
lateral transversal distance T2 is smaller than about 50% of the
medial transversal distance T1. In yet some other embodiments, the
lateral transversal distance T2 is smaller than about 40% of the
medial transversal distance T1.
[0060] For instance, the lateral longitudinal distance L2 is
smaller than the medial longitudinal distance L1. In some
embodiments, the lateral longitudinal distance L2 is smaller than
about 95% of the medial longitudinal distance L1. In some
embodiments, the lateral longitudinal distance L2 is smaller than
about 90% of the medial longitudinal distance L1. In yet some
embodiments, the lateral longitudinal distance L2 is smaller than
about 85% of the medial longitudinal distance L1.
[0061] In best shown in FIG. 5, the upper and lower rings 322, 324
are secured to the junction between the lateral cuff member 320 and
the inner side 230 via upper and lower ring-securing portions 323,
325 extending along at least a portion of a width of the lateral
cuff member 320 and facing the outer surface 380 of the lateral
cuff member 320.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the lateral cuff member 320
comprises a longitudinal flexing zone 327 extending from the bottom
edge 384 to the upper edge 386. The lateral cuff member 320 is thus
shaped and dimensioned to better fit the calf 19 of the goaltender
when the cuff member 300 is in the closed configuration (i.e. for
the leg-receiving channel 400 to have a substantially tubular
shape).
[0063] It is appreciated that the shape, the configuration, and the
location of the lateral cuff member can vary from the embodiment
shown, as well as the shape, the configuration and the location of
the upper and lower rings.
[0064] As best shown in FIG. 3, the bottom portion 321 of the inner
side 320 at least partially delimiting the longitudinal channel 400
comprises a flat surface 331 extending from the medial portion 210
toward the lateral portion 220. In the embodiment shown, the flat
surface 331 extends proximate the medial cuff member 310, and more
particularly proximate the medial side portion 354 thereof. The
flat surface 331 is shaped and dimensioned not to prevent the
rotation of the calf within the longitudinal channel 400 when the
goaltender the goaltender goes from the standing position to the
knelt position. In other words, there is no protuberance or
projection on the medial portion of the bottom portion 201 for
allowing and/or facilitating movement and/or rotation of the leg
(for instance the movement and/or the rotation of the foot 13, for
instance of the ankle 15 thereof) when the goalie moves to
butterfly position. In other words, there is not protuberance or
projection on the bottom portion 201 that would abut the medial
side of the leg (for instance the foot, for instance the ankle
thereof) when the goalie moves to butterfly position. In the
embodiment shown, the flat surface 331 extends up to a protuberance
333 (or projection 333, or convexity 333) (i.e. a curved surface
333 toward the longitudinal channel 400) adapted to contact the
lateral side of the foot and/or of a skate worn by the goaltender.
In the embodiment shown, the protuberance 333 is proximate the
lateral cuff member 320.
[0065] It is understood that the pad body 200 (or pad outer shell
200, or protection body 200) is adapted to protect the anterior
(front) side 20 of the leg 10.
[0066] For instance, the pad body 200 has a substantially
rectangular shape extending between the two ends 102, 104 along the
longitudinal direction L. When the pad body 200 is mounted onto the
leg 10, in particular via the cuff member 300, the pad body 200
generally extends between the foot 13 and a portion of the thigh 12
(or upper leg 12) of the player. In an alternate embodiment, the
pad body 200 might have another length. The outer side 202 of the
pad body 200 is configured to shield the leg 10 from the hazards
and the inner surface 230 (or inner side 230) is shaped to receive
at least a portion of the leg 10. Protective padding fills the
space between the inner side 230 and the outer side 202. The
lateral portion 220 of the pad body 200 corresponds substantially
to the lateral side 26 of the leg 10, while the medial portion 210
thereof corresponds substantially to the medial side 24 of the leg
10.
[0067] It is understood that the shape, the configuration and the
dimensions of the pad body 200 can vary from the embodiment
shown.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the leg pad 100 comprises a
medial protective panel 500 extending rearwardly from the inner
side 230 of the pad body 200. The medial protective panel 500
extends along a medial side of the calf 19 and is adapted to at
least partially cover the medial side of the calf 19. The medial
protective panel 500 comprises inner and outer lateral panel
members 501, 503 extending along the medial side of the calf 19 and
rearwardly from the inner side 230.
[0069] The leg pad 100 further comprises a lateral protective panel
510 extending rearwardly from the inner side 230, the lateral
protective panel 510 extending along a lateral side of the calf 19
and is adapted to at least partially cover the lateral side of the
calf 19. In other words, the medial and lateral protective panels
500, 510 are shaped and dimensioned to protect at least partially
the lateral and medial sides 24, 26 of the leg 10 as well as a
portion of the back 22 of the leg 10.
[0070] The medial and lateral protective panels 500, 510 are
configurable into an assembled configuration, in which they are at
least partially assembled to each other, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 3
and define together an outer channel 520 containing at least
partially the leg-receiving channel 400 defined at least partially
by the cuff member 300. In other words, and as best shown in FIG.
3, considered in a direction substantially transversal to the
longitudinal axis L of the leg pad 100, the medial and lateral cuff
members 310, 320 extend between the medial and lateral protective
panels 500, 510 (i.e. extends at least partially within the outer
channel 520).
[0071] The leg pad 100 comprises an outer strap 521, for instance
extending between the inner and outer lateral panel members 501,
503, for affixing the medial and lateral protective panels 500, 510
to the leg 10 (at least the inner lateral panel member 501 and the
lateral protective panel 510, in the embodiment shown), when the
medial and lateral protective panels 500, 510 are configured into
the assembled configuration.
[0072] For instance, the outer strap 521 comprises a strip 522 of
VELCRO.TM. female loops and a strip 524 of VELCRO.TM. male loops,
the outer strap 521 being engageable into a fastening ring 526
extending rearwardly from the lateral portion of the inner side 230
and the strips 522, 524 being engageable with each other for
affixing the medial and lateral protective panels 500, 510 in the
assembled configuration.
[0073] The medial and lateral protective panels 500, 510 are also
configurable into a spaced-apart configuration, as represented in
FIG. 5, wherein the medial and lateral protective panels 500, 510
are spaced-apart from each other in order to allow access to the
cuff member 300, to engage the leg 10 of the goaltender into the
leg-receiving channel 400 and/or to remove the leg 10
therefrom.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 2, the leg pad 100 further comprises a
knee-protecting panel 530 extending rearwardly from the inner side
230 to extend along a medial side of the knee 14. In the embodiment
shown, the knee-protecting panel 530 extends above the medial
protective panel 500. The leg pad 100 might further comprise a
knee-securing strap 540 to increase the safety of the affixing of
the leg pad 100 to the leg 10.
[0075] The medial protective panel 500, the lateral protective
panel 510 and the knee-protecting panel 530 can be made from any
suitable material to shield the portions of the leg 10 from the
hazards and also allow flexibility to accommodate movements of the
goaltender. For example, the medial protective panel 500, the
lateral protective panel 510 and the knee-protecting panel 530 can
be formed of a yieldable and force-absorbing material to allow the
player to move while also shielding the leg 10.
[0076] It is appreciated that the shape, the configuration, the
number and the location of the medial protective panel, the lateral
protective panel and the knee-protecting panel, in particular with
respect to the pad body, can vary from the embodiment shown.
Moreover, the shape, the configuration and the location of the
outer strap and the knee-securing strap can also vary from the
embodiment shown.
[0077] In use, the cuff member 300 is in the open configuration and
the leg 10 is positioned between the medial and lateral cuff
members 310, 320, the leg facing the inner side 230. The method
further comprises configuring the cuff member 300 into the closed
configuration, for the leg to be arranged within the leg-receiving
channel 400 at least partially delimited by the medial cuff member
310, the lateral cuff member 320 and the portion 231 of the inner
side 230. The method further comprises releasably attaching the
medial and lateral cuff members 310, 320 together with the upper
and lower inner straps 332, 342 passing in the respective upper and
lower rings 322, 324 and the upper and lower strips of VELCRO.TM.
male loops 334, 344 engaging the upper and lower strips of
VELCRO.TM. female loops 370, 372 for affixing the cuff member 300
to the leg 10. The upper and lower inner straps 332, 342 thus pass
in the respective upper and lower rings 322, 324 and the upper and
lower strips lower strips 334, 344 of VELCRO.TM. male loops are
affixed to the upper and lower strips 370, 372 of VELCRO.TM. female
loops for affixing the cuff member to the leg. It is understood
that the goaltender can achieve certain amount of tightness and
flexibility by adjusting the tension of the upper and lower inner
straps 332, 342 and/or the arrangement of the upper and lower
strips of VELCRO.TM. male loops 334, 344 engaging the upper and
lower strips of VELCRO.TM. female loops 370, 372.
[0078] It could also be conceived a leg pad 100 wherein the upper
and lower ring-securing portions 323, 325 would be releasably
securable to the lateral cuff member 320, for instance to the outer
surface 380 thereof. The upper and lower ring-securing portions
323, 325 could be securable thereto via one of VELCRO.TM. male and
female loops on an inner surface thereof cooperating with the other
one of VELCRO.TM. male and female loops on the outer surface 380 of
the lateral cuff member 320. A user could thus easily detach the
medial and lateral cuff members 310, 320 from each other without
having to disengage the upper and lower strips of VELCRO.TM. male
loops 334, 344 from the upper and lower strips of VELCRO.TM. female
loops 370, 372 and without having to remove the upper and lower
inner straps 332, 342 from the respective upper and lower rings
322, 324. Moreover, once the user has determined an adequate
engagement of the upper and lower strips of VELCRO.TM. male loops
334, 344 with the upper and lower strips of VELCRO.TM. female loops
370, 372 to provide him an adequate tightening of the cuff member
300, the releasable securing of the upper and lower ring-securing
portions 323, 325 to the lateral cuff member 320 makes it possible
not to modify the adequate tightening for further usages of the leg
pad 100.
[0079] The method further comprises configuring the medial and
lateral protective panels 500, 510 into the assembled configuration
and releasably attaching the medial and lateral protective panels
together with the outer strap 521 being engaged into the fastening
ring 526 and with the strips 522, 524 engaging with each other.
[0080] The above description of the variants, examples or
embodiments should not be interpreted in a limiting manner since
other variations, modifications and refinements are possible within
the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be
understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed
variants or embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one
another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention.
For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of
the described variants or embodiments may be replaced by
alternative elements that provide substantially similar
functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This
includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such
as those that might be currently known to a skilled person in the
art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future,
such as those that a skilled person in the art might, upon
development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed
variants or embodiments include a plurality of features that are
described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a
collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to
only those embodiments that include all of these features or that
provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise
expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim
elements in the singular, for example, using the articles "a",
"an", or "the", is not to be construed as limiting the element to
the singular. Any reference to claim elements as "at least one of
X, Y and Z" is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually,
and any combination of X, Y and Z, including, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z;
and Y, Z. The scope of the invention is defined in the appended
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *