US20060185063A1 - Roller hockey pants - Google Patents

Abstract

Roller hockey pants include a pair of pant legs. Each pant leg has a knee portion and a distal end. A shin portion extends between the knee portion and the distal end. A length of the shin portion is configured so that, when the knee portion is arranged generally adjacent a wearer's knee, the distal end is arranged at or adjacent a wearer's ankle. A strap is operatively connected to each pant leg at a location in the shin portion closer to the knee than to the distal end. The strap is configured to selectively tighten the pants about a wearer's leg. Embodiments of such a strap can be suitably employed in various types of sporting leggings.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• This invention relates to sporting clothing and more particularly relates to sporting leggings for hockey players.
• 2. Description of the Related Art
• Hockey is a fast moving, competitive game that is typically played on ice or on a hard skating surface. Ice hockey is played on ice, and roller hockey is typically played on a pavement.
• Hockey players typically wear protective gear to protect themselves against injuries including abrasions, bruising, or other injuries sustained from contacting a hockey puck, hockey stick, other players, the wall of a hockey rink, etc. Many times, this protective gear is incorporated into the clothing of the hockey player. For example, hockey players generally wear shin guards to protect their lower legs. Shin guards can protect the player's bones (e.g., the tibia) and muscles (e.g., the tibialis anterior), or other body parts. Ice hockey players typically wear ice hockey leggings over their shin guards in order to help hold the shin guards and other pads in place and to insulate the player's legs. Ice hockey pants typically are short-type pants and are worn and positioned so that the legs of the shorts terminate above the top of the shin guards.
• Roller hockey players typically wear protective gear and clothing that is generally similar to ice hockey equipment, but includes some differences to accommodate for differences between ice hockey and roller hockey. There is a need for hockey protective gear, especially roller hockey gear, that improves the fit of leggings, especially around the wearer's lower leg and, in some cases, about the shin guards.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In accordance with one embodiment, the present invention provides roller hockey pants comprising a pair of pant legs. Each pant leg comprises a knee portion and a distal end, and a shin portion extends between the knee and the distal end. A length of the shin portion is configured so that, when the knee portion is arranged generally adjacent a wearer's knee, the distal end is arranged at or adjacent a wearer's ankle. A strap is operatively connected to each pant leg at a location in the shin portion closer to the knee than to the distal end. The strap is configured to selectively tighten the pants about a wearer's leg.
• In accordance with another embodiment, sporting leggings comprise a pair of leggings. Each legging is configured to encircle a wearer's leg and comprises an upper leg portion, a lower leg portion, and a knee portion connecting the upper and lower leg portions. The sporting leggings also comprise a pair of straps. Each pair of straps comprises an elongated body connected to a selectively refastenable closure. The straps are connected to a corresponding lower leg portion of the leggings so that when a wearer wears the leggings, the closures secure the lower leg portion against the person's body and the strap is at a location which closer to the wearer's knee than to the wearer's foot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roller hockey player wearing a preferred embodiment of roller hockey pants having features of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a side view of the roller hockey pants ofFIG. 1 having a strap assembly.
• FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the roller hockey pants and strap assembly ofFIG. 2 taken along3-3.
• FIG. 4 is a front view of the roller hockey pants ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 5 is a back view of the roller hockey pants ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 5ais a cross-sectional view taken along line5-5 ofFIG. 5.
• FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the hockey pants ofFIG. 1 having a passage configured to receive a portion of a strap assembly.
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a strap assembly having features of the present invention, the strap assembly is in a closed position.
• FIG. 8 is a front view of the strap assembly ofFIG. 7, wherein the strap assembly is generally flat and in an open position.
• FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of roller hockey pants having a strap assembly being worn by a hockey player.
• FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the roller hockey pants and strap assembly ofFIG. 9 along10-10.
• FIG. 11 is a side view of another embodiment of roller hockey pants on the leg of a hockey player.
• FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a roller hockey player wearing a preferred embodiment of roller hockey pants having features of the present invention.
• FIG. 13 is a side view of another embodiment of roller hockey pants on the leg of a hockey player.
• FIG. 14 is a side view of another embodiment of roller hockey pants on the leg of a hockey player.
• FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a portion of a strap assembly ofFIG. 14 along15-15.
• FIG. 16 is a side view of another embodiment of roller hockey pants on the leg of a hockey player.
• FIG. 17 is a top view of the roller hockey pants ofFIG. 16 along line17-17, wherein the leg of the hockey player is not illustrated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
• Roller hockey has become increasingly popular in recent years because the game can be played on hard, generally smooth surfaces, such as pavement or cement. Roller hockey skates, typically in-line roller skates, can be skated on in a similar manner as ice skates and can be used to achieve similar skating speeds. While playing roller hockey, a player can be injured in a similar manner as an ice hockey player. For example, hockey pucks, hockey sticks, or other objects can contact a roller hockey player and cause an injury.
• Roller hockey players typically wear protective gear and clothing that is similar but somewhat different than ice hockey players to accommodate and account for the different skating conditions. For example, pavement generally has a higher coefficient of friction than ice, resulting in a higher possibility that a roller hockey player will sustain an abrasion injury from a fall. To reduce the frequency and magnitude of injuries when a roller hockey player falls on pavement, roller hockey players typically wear long-legged roller hockey pants that extend from their waist all the way to their in-line skates. These roller hockey pants can reduce the frictional interaction between the hockey player and the rough pavement. Thus the clothing can prevent severe abrasions and/or bruising attributable to the sudden deceleration when the player contacts the pavement. As discussed above, ice hockey players typically employ somewhat different equipment. For example, ice hockey players typically wear close-fitting leggings that fit over their legs. Roller hockey players do not typically wear ice hockey-type leggings over their shin guards. One reason is that the ice hockey leggings could cause the roller hockey player to become uncomfortably hot. Roller hockey is typically played at substantially higher temperatures (e.g., normal room temperature) than ice hockey, thus making ice hockey-type leggings less preferable for roller hockey apparel. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for hockey clothing that is comfortable to wear and suitable for roller hockey. In this specification, the term leggings is a broad term used in its ordinary sense as a full or partial covering for the legs, and including, without limitation, socks, hosiery, pants, and the like.
• With reference first toFIG. 1, ahockey player30 is depicted wearingsporting clothing32 and skates60 and is holding ahockey stick36. Theclothing32 comprises ashirt38 androller hockey pants40, as well as protective gear such as gloves, helmet and padding. Padding41 (shown in phantom) preferably includes shoulder and chest pads, elbow pads, knee pads, shin guards, and a girdle comprising padding for protecting a player's hips, pelvis, and/or thighs. Additional padding can also be employed. Preferably, the shirt and pants are sized to fit over and/or accommodate much of the padding. The roller hockey pants40 have a pair ofpant legs42,44, each having astrap assembly46. The roller hockey pants40 preferably cover a substantial portion of the legs of theplayer30.
• With reference next toFIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated roller hockey pants40 have awaist48 that is connected tothigh portions50 which, in turn, formupper portions51,53 of thepant legs42 and44. Thethigh portions50 preferably extend between thewaist48 and aknee portion52 of eachleg42,44. Each of thelegs42,44 also comprises ashin portion54 that extends between theknee portion52 and adistal end56. Thepant leg44 preferably is generally similar to thepant leg42 and, therefore, will not be described separately.
• The roller hockey pants40 are configured such that when theplayer30 wears the pants, theknee portion52 and theshin portion54 generally correspond to the player's knee and shin, respectively. Thus, theknee portion52 is arranged generally adjacent the wearer's knee and thedistal end56 is disposed near the player's ankle. Theshin portion54 is disposed generally adjacent to the wearer's shin and, if the wearer is wearing a shin guard, a shin guard.
• In the illustrated embodiment, thedistal end56 forms an opening of thepants40 that receives and surrounds at least a portion of theskate60, preferably an in-line skate. Thedistal end56 of thepants40 is disposed about the upper ends62 (shown in phantom) of the in-line skates60. Although not illustrated, thedistal end56 of the roller hockey pants40 can be tucked into theupper end62 of theskate60. Of course, in another embodiment, thepants40 can be sized so thatdistal end56 does not engage theskates60.
• The roller hockey pants40 can be made out of fabric, such as nylon fabric or polyester fabric, that has suitable abrasion resistance, tear strength, and air permeability. In some embodiments, the roller hockey pants40 can comprise several materials. For example, the roller hockey pants40 can comprise elastic material (e.g., SPANDEX™) that provides elasticity so that thepants40 can be stretched for increased comfort. However, it is understood that other types and combinations of materials may be used to construct thepants40. For example, thepants40 can be formed from natural fibers (e.g., cotton), synthetic fibers, polymers, or combinations thereof. A skilled artisan can select desired materials to form thepants40 to achieve the desired abrasion resistance, tear strength, air permeability, durability, comfort, and/or other desired properties.
• With continued referenced toFIGS. 1 and 2, the roller hockey pants40 comprise a pair ofstrap assemblies46. Each of thestrap assemblies46 are operatively connected to and configured to hold theircorresponding pant legs42,44. Specifically, each strap assembly selectively tightens the corresponding pant leg about the wearer's leg. At least one of thestrap assemblies46 is preferably at a location at or below theknee portion52. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, thestrap assemblies46 of eachpant leg42,44 are connected to a portion of thepants40 at a location closer to theknee portion52 than to the player's foot, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. Preferably, thestrap assembly46 is positioned at some point between theknee portion52 and a mid-point between theknee portion52 and thedistal end56. Thus, thestrap assembly46 can be located at a position that is closer to the player's knee than to the player's foot.
• With reference next toFIG. 3, thestrap assembly46 selectively tightens the roller hockey pants40 about the wearer's leg64 (shown in phantom). Thestrap assembly46 comprises aclosure70 connected to an elongated body orstrap72, which is disposed within thepants40. Thestrap assembly46 preferably tightly holds thepants40 to the leg of thehockey player30.
• With continued reference toFIG. 3, thestrap72 is disposed through anaperture74 defined through thepants40 toward a front side of the pants. Thestrap72 extends around the wearer's legs within thepants40 so that a portion of thestrap72 is not exposed outside of thepants40. As shown inFIG. 4, thepants40 havestrap assemblies46 that are generally hidden from direct view from the front. Advantageously, because thestrap72 is internally disposed within the roller hockey pants40, thestrap72 may not get caught on other player's equipment, such as a hockey stick blade, skates, etc. Thestrap72 preferably extends about theanterior portion78 of the pants.
• With continued reference toFIG. 3, thestrap assembly46 includes theclosure70 that preferably extends about the backside of the wearer's leg and tightly holds the back orposterior portion80 of thepants40 against the back of the wearer's leg. Thus, thepants40 are disposed between theclosure70 and the wearer's leg. As shown inFIG. 5, which is a back view of thepants40, theclosures70 are exposed and positioned outside thepants40. Eachclosure70 is conveniently accessible for opening or closing in order to put on, remove, or adjust the fit of thepants40.
• With reference toFIG. 5a, thestrap assembly46 preferably extends at least about 25° (i.e., α≧25°) around theposterior portion80 of thepants40. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, thestrap assembly46 subtends an angle α in the range of about 40° to about 210° when thepants40 are worn by theplayer30. When a person wears thepants40, theposterior portion80 may be wrinkled and collapsed so that theapertures74 are brought close together about the wearer's leg. The angle α can therefore be increased or decreased to regulate the length of thestrap assembly46 to accommodate a person's leg. It is to be understood that, when worn, ananterior portion78 of the pants may also be wrinkled and gathered by the straps.
• With reference toFIGS. 3, 5, and5a, thepant leg42 is configured to receive at least a portion of thestrap assembly46. Thepant leg42 has the pair ofapertures74 configured to receive the strap76 of thestrap assembly46. Thestrap assembly46 can therefore pass and extend through each of theapertures74 and into thepants40. At least a portion of thestrap72 is preferably enclosed within a channel orpassage82 defined by thepants40.
• As shown inFIGS. 3 and 6, thestrap passage82 can have a height that is generally equal to or greater than the height of thestrap72 of thestrap assembly46. A portion of thestrap72 is therefore captured within the material forming thepants40 to ensure that theanterior portion78 of thepants40 is held tightly against the player's shin, or shin guard. Thepassage82 is formed by anouter layer84 and aninner layer86. In the illustrated embodiment, theinner layer86 is a strip of material that is sewn to theouter layer84. Theupper end90 andlower end92 of theinner layer86 can be sewn to theouter layer84. In this manner, theinner layer86 is attached to theouter layer84 so that thepassage82 is defined between thelayers84,86. Thepassage82 extends between theapertures74. Thepassage82 preferably has a length of at least about 1 inch. In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, thepassage82 has a length in the range of about 3 inches to about 17 inches. In yet another embodiment, thepassage82 has a length in the range of about 6 to 15 inches. The length of thepassage82 may vary depending on the size of thepants40. Thus, thepassage82 extends about a portion of a corresponding pant leg. Alternatively, thepassage82 can extend about at least ⅓ of the periphery of thecorresponding pant leg42. In another embodiment, thepassage82 can extend about at least ½ of the periphery of thepant leg42. Also, thepassage82 andstrap72 do not interfere with the leg when putting on and/or taking off of thepants40. In still another embodiment, thepassage82 is discontinuous, and resembles belt loops formed on the inside, or outside, of the pant legs.
• As shown inFIG. 3, theinner layer86 can be held snuggly against the wearer's shin and theouter layer84 is free to move relative to thestrap assembly46. Alternatively, if the person is wearing shin guards, theinner layer86 can be held snuggly against the shin guards. Thestrap72 can slide along thepassage82 to position thestrap assembly46. In other embodiments, thestrap assembly46 is rigidly connected to the pants. For example, at least a portion of thestrap assembly46 can be sewn to thepassage82. In some embodiments, thestrap72 is sewn to the material forming thepassage82.
• The ends104,106 of thestrap assembly46 are sized generally greater than theaperture74 so that the ends104,106 are captured outside of thepants40. That is, theends104,106 are adapted to not pass through theapertures74. As shown inFIG. 3, theends106,104 have heights H₁₀₆, H₁₀₄that are generally greater than both the height H_sof thestrap72 and the height of theaperture74 so that the ends104,106 cannot pass easily through theaperture74.
• The height H_sof thestrap72 can be generally uniform along length of thestrap72. However, in other embodiments, thestrap72 has a height H_sthat varies along its length. The ends104,106 can have height H₁₀₄, H₁₀₆that are generally greater than the height H_sof thestrap72.
• With reference toFIGS. 3, 7, and8, when thestrap assembly46 is disposed within thepants40, theclosure70 is preferably located at the back side of its respective pant leg. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, theclosure70 is configured so that it can be opened and closed repeatedly. For example,closure70 preferably comprises a generally permanently refastenable fastener, such as a hook and loop-type fastener (e.g., VELCRO™). Theenlarged end104 hasloop portion100 and theenlarged end106 has ahook portion102 that are configured to fasten with each other when theclosure70 surrounds the wearer's leg. Theloop portion100 is disposed on one side of thestrap assembly46 and thehook portion102 is disposed on the other side of thestrap assembly46, such that theportions100,102 face each other when the ends104 and106 are brought around toward each other.
• Other fastening means can be used to couple theends104,106 to each other. For example, theends104,106 can have snaps, ties, buttons, or any other suitable structures for repeatedly opening and closing theclosure70. Advantageously, thestrap assembly46 is integral with thepants40 because the ends104,106 are captured by thepants40. Previously, adhesive tape has been used to tighten pants about a person's leg. Unfortunately, the adhesive tape is not permanently refastenable because the adhesive of the tape typically is ineffective for securing the person's pants after the tape has been adhered to a surface. Also, adhesive tape has to be removed before the hockey pants are washed/cleaned. Then new adhesive tape has to be reapplied when the pants are again worn by the player. Advantageously, thestrap assembly46 is reusable, and in one embodiment remains connected to thepants40 during a hockey game and during and after a washing/cleaning process.
• The length of thestrap assembly46 can be selected so that the strap assembly can completely surround the wearer's leg. Thus, the length of thestrap assembly46 can be increased or decreased depending upon the distance around (e.g., the circumference) the wearer's leg.
• With continued reference toFIGS. 7 and 8, thestrap72 can be formed of an elastic material so that thestrap72 can hold thepants40 to the wearer's legs while applying a constant pressure. In the illustrated embodiment, thestrap assembly46 comprises substantially an elastic material. For example, thestrap72 and/or theends104,106 can comprise an elastic material. In other embodiments, thestrap assembly46 can be made of non-elastic materials. For example, thestrap assembly46 can have astrap72 and ends104,106 that are made of a synthetic material (e.g., nylon), natural material (e.g., cotton), or combinations thereof. Optionally, thestrap assembly46 can comprise generally non-elastic and elastic materials.
• In operation, thestrap assembly46 can be spaced so that a player's legs can be inserted into the roller hockey pants40. When thestrap assembly46 is in the open position, theplayer30 can put on thepants40 in a conventional manner without interference from thestrap assembly46. After thehockey player30 is wearing thepants40, theends104,106 of thestrap assembly46 can be gripped to wrap thestrap assembly46 around the player's legs. When the desired tension has been applied to thestrap assembly46, theends104,106 can be drawn towards each other and fastened together.
• In some embodiments, thestrap assembly46 surrounds both the wearer's leg and a conventional shin guard. Thestrap assembly46 can therefore advantageously hold both one of thelegs42,44 of thepants40 and the shin guard tightly against the wearer's leg. Alternatively, thestrap assembly46 can be wrapped around only the wearer's leg. For example, thehockey player30 may not wear protective shin guards. In other embodiments, thestrap assembly46 can be interposed between the top of the shin guard and the wearer's knee.
• Optionally, thestrap assemblies46 can be used to regulate the length of thepant legs42,44. For example, thestrap assembly46 secured to an upper portion of the wearer's leg can reduce the relative length of the pant leg to the length of the player's leg. Advantageously, thestrap assembly46 therefore can cause theknee portion52 to bunch up for a comfortable, non-constraining fit of the upper part of thepants40. In some embodiments, a wearer can use thestrap assembly46 to reduce the effective length of the pant leg. For example, the wearer can position thestrap assembly46 such that thedistal end56 of the pant leg rests on, or is positioned above theskate60. Thestrap assembly46 can tighten about a higher or lower position along the wearer's leg to reduce or increase, respectively, the effective length of the pant leg. A skilled artisan can select the position that thestrap assembly46 is secured to the player's leg to achieve the desired fit.
• Because thehockey player30 can be very active during a hockey game, one or both of thestrap assemblies46 of thepants40 may shift or move relative to the player's body. Thestrap assemblies46 may advantageously be opened by separating theends104,106 for readjustment. While thestrap assembly46 is in the open position, theplayer30 can conveniently position thestrap assembly46 in a desired position. After thestrap assembly46 is in the desired position, theclosure70 can be closed to secure thestrap assembly46 and corresponding pant leg to theplayer30. This readjustment process can be repeated many times throughout a hockey game. In some embodiments, thestrap assembly46 can be adjusted within less than about 15 seconds.
• Thestrap assemblies46 may also inhibit or prevent thepant legs42,44 from being caught on another player's equipment. Theanterior portion78 of thepants40 preferably forms a generally smooth surface over thestrap assembly46, thereby reducing the likelihood that theassembly46 will become caught on equipment. Typically, another hockey player's equipment does not engage the back side of the legs of theplayer30. The ends104,106 preferably are exposed on the wearer's back side for convenient access for opening and closing thestrap assemblies46.
• Another embodiment of roller hockey pants is described below. This embodiment is generally similar to the roller hockey pants40, except as further disclosed below. Where possible, similar elements are identified with identical reference numerals in the depiction of the embodiments described above.
• FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of another embodiment of roller hockey pants140. The roller hockey pants140 comprise astrap assembly146 that secures at least a portion of the protective gear and/or clothing to thehockey player30.
• Thestrap assembly146 holds the back side orposterior portion148 of the pants against the wearer'sleg150. Thestrap assembly146 surrounds a portion of theprotective gear152. In the illustrated embodiment, theprotective gear152 is in the form of a shin guard. However, the protective gear can be pads, shield, or any other type of protective gear. Also, in another embodiment, the shin guard is attached to a knee pad. Further, a calf guard preferably oriented to protect a player's calf, may be employed.
• Thestrap assembly146 can be different or similar to thestrap assembly46 described above. In the illustrated embodiment, thestrap assembly146 comprises aclosure156 connected to astrap158, which passes through a pair ofapertures160 formed on either side of the pant legs (e.g., theleg150 shown in phantom) of thepants140. Theapertures160 are located on either side of the wearer's leg at any suitable position. Thestrap158 extends from theapertures160 and surrounds theshin guard152 to tightly hold the shin guard against the wearer'sleg150.
• With reference toFIG. 10, thestrap158 of thestrap assembly146 is coupled to theshin guard152. Acoupler162 is fastened to theshin guard152 to reduce or prevent movement between thestrap158 and theshin guard152. Thecoupler162 is preferably interposed between thestrap158 and theouter surface164 of theshin guard152. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, thecoupler162 is a hook and loop type fastener. One of thestrap158 and theshin guard152 can have a hook portion and the other of thestrap158 and theshin guard152 can have a loop portion. Thestrap158 and theshin guard152 can be positioned so that the hook and loop portions interact to couple thestrap assembly146 to theshin guard152. Thecoupler162 can therefore inhibit or prevent relative movement between thestrap158 and theshin guard152 to hold theshin guard152 in place. In other embodiments not illustrated, thecoupler162 can comprise snaps, adhesives, one or more loops or slots configured to receive thestrap158, or other suitable structures for coupling thestrap assembly146 to theshin guard152.
• In other embodiments, thestrap assembly146 is generally permanently coupled to theshin guard152. For example, thecoupler162 can comprise stitching that connects thestrap158 to theshin guard152. Alternatively, thecoupler162 can comprise permanent adhesive, staples, or any other type of coupler for permanently attaching thestrap assembly146 to theshin guard152. After the person puts on theshin guard152 and the attachedstrap assembly146, the ends of thestrap assembly146 can be inserted through theapertures160 and drawn around the back of the person's leg. The ends of thestrap assembly146 are then fastened together.
• With reference toFIG. 11, another embodiment comprises a pair ofpants240 having astrap assembly246 that is disposed below theknee portion252 at some point along theshin portion254. Thepants240 and thestrap assembly246 are generally similar to the pants and strap assemblies described above, except as further detailed below.
• Apant leg244 of thepants240 comprises one ormore strap loops248 that are configured to capture thestrap assembly246. In the illustrated embodiment, thepants leg244 comprises a plurality ofstrap loops248 spaced about the periphery of thepant leg244. Thestrap loops248 are sewn to the fabric forming theleg244. Thestrap assembly246 preferably has aclosure260 to open and close thestrap assembly246. When theclosure260 is in the open position, theclosure260 can be threaded through thestrap loops248 so that thestrap assembly246 can be conveniently removed from thepant leg244. In the illustrated embodiment, loops are on the outside of the pant leg. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the strip can be arranged so that a closure is in back, front, sides, or any desired position on the pant leg. Although not illustrated, the loops can be located on the inside of the pant leg.
• With reference toFIG. 12, another embodiment of a pair of roller hockey pants40 has a plurality ofstrap assemblies46. Eachleg42,44 of thepants40 have a plurality ofstrap assemblies46. Thestrap assemblies46 can be positioned at any point along theircorresponding leg42,44. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, afirst strap assembly46 of eachleg42,44 is positioned along theshin portion54 near to theknee portion52. Asecond strap assembly46 of eachleg assembly42,44 is positioned near thedistal end56 of the roller hockey pants40. A skilled artisan can position thestrap assemblies46 at any desired location along thepants40. Although not illustrated, any of the roller hockey pants described herein can have pant legs with a plurality of strap assemblies.
• Eachleg42,44 of thepants40 can have a plurality of pairs of apertures. As shown inFIG. 12, thepants40 have agroup261 of apertures vertically spaced along each of thepant legs42,44. Preferably, thegroup261 comprises a plurality of vertically spaced pairs of horizontally spacedapertures74U,74, and74L. Thestrap72 of thestrap assembly46 can be positioned through a corresponding pair of the apertures for convenient adjustability. Thestrap72 of thestrap assembly46 can be positioned through any one of the pairs of apertures to achieve a desired fit. For example, thestrap assembly46 can be positioned through different pairs of apertures to accommodate changes as the wearer's body grows and/or to accommodate different padding configurations. Additionally, thepants40 can fit player having a wide range of heights. For example, a tall player may wear a strap assembly through thelower apertures74L of thegroup261 while a short player wears a strap assembly through the upper apertures74U of thegroups261. A passage similar to thepassage82 can extend between corresponding pairs ofapertures74. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, thegroup261 is positioned at the upper end of theshin portion54. A skilled artisan can select the number and position of the apertures for the desired adjustability. Although not illustrated, more than onestrap assembly46 can be worn in thegroup261 to, e.g., selectively hold theshin portion54 about the leg of the wearer. For example, afirst strap assembly46 can be disposed through the upper pair of apertures74U, and asecond strap assembly46 can be disposed through the lower pair ofapertures74L of thegroup261.
• With reference toFIG. 13, in yet another embodiment thestrap assembly46 is rigidly connected to thepants40. Thestrap assembly46 is attached to the outer surface of the pants by acoupler264, such as stitching. Thestrap assembly46 has aclosure266 that can be used to size the loop formed by thestrap assembly46. Thestrap assembly46 can be attached to the exterior or the interior of thepants40.
• In the above embodiments, thestrap72 can be an elongated member, including but not limited to, one or more flat strips, cords, string, ropes, and the like. It is to be understood that in other embodiments, thestrap72 can take various forms, shapes, and sizes, as well as various material properties.
• With reference toFIG. 14, another embodiment of astrap assembly46 comprises astrap72 that is disposed within apassage82 and is held by aclosure300. Thestraps72 can comprise one or more cords for selectively tightening thepants40 about the wearer's leg. In the illustrated embodiment, thestrap assembly46 comprises asingle cord72 that is sized to fit through theaperture74 and through thepassage82. Thepassage82 can have a somewhat circular, elliptical, curved, polygonal, elongated, or other cross section suitable for receiving thestrap72. In another embodiment, thepants40 have a single aperture that thecord72 enters and exits through. Thepassage82 can extend from the single aperture and about the leg of thepants40.
• Thecoupler300 can draw the ends of thecord72 towards each other to selectively control the length of the loop formed by thecord72. As shown inFIG. 15, thecoupler300 can be a tightener or actuatable adjustment mechanism that can have anactuator306, which can be selectively moved to tighten and loosen thecoupler300 about thestrap72. The skilled artisan can select the design of thecoupler300 based on the configuration of thecord72, the desired ease of re-adjustment, and stresses experienced by thecord72.
• FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of thepants40. Thepants40 comprise one or more tabs configured to receive thestrap assembly46. Thetabs310 can be in similar or different positions as theapertures74 described above. Thestrap assembly46 can be disposed about a portion of the periphery of thepants40 and extends through preferably a plurality oftabs310. As shown inFIGS. 16 and 17, thestrap assembly46 can draw a pair oftabs310 towards each other to selectively tighten thepants40 about the wearer's leg within the pant leg. Each of thetabs310 preferably has an opening oraperture312 configured to receive thestrap72 of thestrap assembly46. Thestrap assembly46 can have a closure similar to the closures described above for coupling the ends of thestrap72 together. Of course, thematerial316 of thepants40 can be bunched together as thestrap assembly46 pulls thetabs310 towards each other.
• With reference toFIGS. 16 and 17, thetabs310 are preferably disposed and extend outwardly from thepants40. Theinner portion314 of thetab310 can be sewn or attached to the material forming thepant leg40. Thetabs310 can be formed out of plastic, metal, fabric (natural and/or synthetic), and combinations thereof. A skilled artisan can select the design and location of thetabs310 to achieve the desired fit about the wearer's leg. In another embodiment, straps can be connected directly to the pants without employing separate tabs.
• The embodiments discussed herein have employed roller hockey pants to illustrate aspects of the invention. Such pants are considered to be included within the term leggings. It is to be understood that other sporting clothing having one or more strap assemblies may benefit from aspects disclosed herein. More particularly sporting clothing comprising leggings may include one or more strap assemblies disposed below the knee and configured to selectively tighten the leggings above the wearer's knee. In some embodiments, such strap assemblies also help hold an article of padding on the wearer's leg. For example, field hockey, ice hockey, soccer pants (indoor soccer pants), and football pants may use aspects discussed herein.
• Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

Claims (21)

1. Roller hockey pants, comprising:

a pair of pant legs, each pant leg comprising a knee portion and a distal end, a shin portion extending between the knee and the distal end, a length of the shin portion configured so that, when the knee portion is arranged generally adjacent a wearer's knee, the distal end is arranged at or adjacent a wearer's ankle; and

a strap operatively connected to each pant leg at a location in the shin portion closer to the knee than to the distal end, the strap configured to selectively tighten the pants about a wearer's leg.

2. The roller hockey pants ofclaim 1, wherein a portion of the strap is rigidly connected to the pants.

3. The roller hockey pants ofclaim 1, wherein each pant leg comprises a strap channel, and a portion of the strap is held within the strap channel.

4. The roller hockey pants ofclaim 3, wherein each strap is sewn to the respective pant leg.

5. The roller hockey pants ofclaim 1, wherein the strap comprises an elastic material.

6. The roller hockey pants ofclaim 1, wherein each strap comprises a closure, and the closure is disposed generally on a back side of the respective pant leg.

7. The roller hockey pants ofclaim 1, wherein each strap is generally hidden from direct view from a front of the respective pant leg.

8. The roller hockey pants ofclaim 1, wherein the pant legs are configured so that the straps are positioned between a top of shin guards worn by the wearer and the knee portion.

9. The roller hockey pants ofclaim 1, wherein the pant legs are adapted such that the straps each surround a shin guard and a wearer's leg.

10. Sporting leggings, comprising:

a pair of leggings, each legging configured to encircle a wearer's leg and comprising an upper leg portion, a lower leg portion, and a knee portion connecting the upper and lower leg portions; and a pair of straps, each strap comprising an elongated body connected to a selectively refastenable closure;

wherein the straps are connected to a corresponding lower leg portion of the leggings so that when a wearer wears the leggings, the closures secure the lower leg portion against the wearer's leg and the strap is at a location closer to the wearer's knee than to the wearer's foot.

11. The sporting leggings ofclaim 10, wherein the closure is permanently refastenable.

12. The sporting leggings ofclaim 11, wherein the permanently refastenable closure comprises a hook and loop fastener and the elongated body comprises elastic material.

13. The sporting leggings ofclaim 11, wherein the permanently refastenable closure comprises one or more snaps.

14. The sporting leggings ofclaim 10, further comprising a pair of apertures in each legging, the elongated body of each strap extending through a corresponding pair of apertures and held within the sporting leggings.

15. The sporting leggings ofclaim 13, each legging further comprises a passage extending between each of the pairs of apertures, the elongated body of each strap positioned in the corresponding passage.

16. The sporting leggings ofclaim 14, wherein the passage has a length of at least 1 inch.

17. The sporting leggings ofclaim 14, wherein the passage extends about a portion of the legging.

18. The sporting leggings ofclaim 10, wherein each legging comprises a pair of channels, the elongated body configured to pass through the channels and the closure is adapted to not pass through the channels.

19. The sporting leggings ofclaim 10, wherein the leggings are configured so that each of the straps is position between a shin guard worn by the wearer and the knee portion.

20. The sporting leggings ofclaim 10, wherein the leggings are adapted such that the straps each secure a shin guard to a wearer's leg.

21. The sporting leggings ofclaim 10, wherein each legging comprises a plurality of pairs of apertures formed in the lower leg portion, the apertures configured to receive a strap.

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