Knee support system
A jacket comprises an exterior layer. The jacket further comprises an inner liner layer that is substantially coextensive with the exterior layer. The inner liner layer has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The inner liner layer exterior surface is secured to the exterior layer along a seam. The jacket further comprises a plurality of flexible covers secured to the inner liner layer. The plurality of flexible covers forming a corresponding plurality of pockets. Each of the plurality of pockets includes a corresponding padding member positioned therein.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/690,105 (filed 13 Jun. 2005), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to equipment and apparel used during sporting activities, and more particularly to sporting equipment and apparel having beneficial protection and support characteristics.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONParticipants in many sporting activities are often subject to jarring impacts resulting form falls, collisions with objects, or even collisions with other participants. Sporting activities that involve participants moving at high speeds, such as skiing, snowboarding and ice skating, have the potential to be particularly dangerous in this respect. To mitigate the adverse effects of such impacts, a wide variety of protective equipment has been developed. Such protective equipment includes both rigid structural devices such as helmets and shin guards, as well as soft form-fitting padded garments, such as padded pants and jackets. Often, protective equipment is specifically designed for use in a particular sporting activity, such as a baseball catcher's chest protector or a hockey goalie's protective padding.
Furthermore, sports injuries are often sustained not only from jarring impacts, but also from overextending the natural capabilities of a participant's joints, muscles, or other anatomy. For example, significant injury often results when joints such as the knee joint are overextended or over-flexed. To reduce the likelihood of such injuries, braces and other orthopaedic devices have been developed that are intended to restrict the motion of a joint.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONConventional protective equipment designed to insulate an athlete from impact injuries often comprises bulky padding elements that are attached either directly to the athlete's body, or to a garment worn by the athlete. While such equipment is usable to protect against impact injuries, significant disadvantages exist. For example, many athletes find that such equipment is uncomfortable to wear, is bulky and unsightly, and is unduly restrictive of the athlete's movement. This is especially so for many orthopaedic devices designed to protect against joint injuries, such as knee injuries, since conventional devices often include hardware that is heavy, unsightly, expensive and uncomfortable to wear. Thus, in accordance with the foregoing, improved protective equipment and apparel has been developed to help mitigate and/or prevent injuries sustained by participants in sporting activities.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a jacket comprises an exterior layer. The jacket further comprises an inner liner layer that is substantially coextensive with the exterior layer. The inner liner layer has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The inner liner layer exterior surface is secured to the exterior layer along a seam. The jacket further comprises a plurality of flexible covers secured to the inner liner layer. The plurality of flexible covers forming a corresponding plurality of pockets. Each of the plurality of pockets includes a corresponding padding member positioned therein.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a trousers comprises an exterior layer having a trunk portion that is connected to an elongate leg portion. The trousers further comprises an interior layer that is attached to the exterior layer along a seam that is at least disposed around a waist opening of the trunk portion. The trousers further comprises a pocket mounted on the interior layer. The pocket does not contact the exterior layer. The trousers further comprises a padding member positioned within the pocket.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a garment comprises an outer layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The garment further comprises an inner layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The inner layer exterior surface is attached to the outer layer interior surface along a seam. The garment further comprises a pocket formed on the inner layer interior surface. The garment further comprises a padding member positioned within the pocket. The pocket includes an opening through which the padding member is removable.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a knee support device comprises an expandable sleeve configured to be positioned over a knee. The expandable sleeve has an exterior surface with a forward portion, a rearward portion opposite the forward portion, and side portions extending between the forward and rearward portions. The knee support device further comprises a central padding element that is attached to the expandable sleeve exterior surface, and that has a narrow region and a wide region opposite the narrow region. The central padding element narrow region is attached to the exterior surface rearward portion. The central padding element wide region is attached to one of the exterior surface side portions. The knee support device further comprises an upper peripheral padding element, at least a portion of which is attached to the rearward portion of the expandable sleeve exterior surface. The upper peripheral padding element is positioned in contact with an upper edge of the central padding element. The knee support further comprises a lower peripheral padding element, at least a portion of which is attached to the rearward portion of the expandable sleeve exterior surface. The lower peripheral padding element is positioned in contact with a lower edge of the central padding element.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a knee support device comprises a hollow sleeve configured to be positioned over a knee. The hollow sleeve includes a forward portion, a rearward portion opposite the forward portion, and left and right side portions extending between the forward and rearward portions. The left and right side portions are substantially equidistant from a sleeve central axis. The knee support device comprises a left primary padding element at least partially disposed over the left side portion of the hollow sleeve. The left primary padding element has a narrow region and a wide region opposite the narrow region. The knee support device further comprises a right primary padding element at least partially disposed over the right side portion of the hollow sleeve. The right primary padding element has a narrow region and a wide region opposite the narrow region. The knee support device further comprises a plurality of secondary padding elements that contact at least one of the left or right primary padding elements. The secondary padding elements are disposed in pairs that are symmetrically positioned about the sleeve central axis.
In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus comprises a tubular sleeve configured to be positioned around a knee. The tubular sleeve has an exterior surface with a forward portion, a rearward portion opposite the forward portion, and left and right side portions extending between the forward and rearward portions. The apparatus further comprises a first layer of left side padding elements positioned on the left side portion of the tubular sleeve. The apparatus further comprises a first layer of right side padding elements positioned on the right side portion of the tubular sleeve. The apparatus further comprises a kneecap protection element positioned on the forward portion of the exterior surface. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of radial padding elements that are radially positioned around the kneecap protection element. A first portion of the radial padding elements are positioned over the first layer of left side padding elements. A second portion of the radial padding elements are positioned over the first layer of right side padding elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSExample embodiments of the performance equipment and apparel disclosed herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. The drawings comprise the following figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts.
Disclosed herein are various embodiments of protective equipment and apparel having features that are particularly useful in reducing the risk of injury associated with sporting activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, skating, and the like. For example, in certain embodiments a garment is provided with an inner liner layer having padding elements secured thereto. The padding elements are positioned in the garment at locations that correspond to portions of the anatomy that are particularly vulnerable to impact injuries, such as the knees, elbows, shoulders and hips. In other embodiments a knee support device is provided that provides resistance to potentially damaging movement of a knee joint. The knee support device is optionally integrated into a trousers that includes padding elements.
Example techniques used to secure the inner liner layer 12 and the exterior layer 16 together include sewing, stitching, gluing, and chemically bonding, although other techniques are used in other embodiments, such as the use of a zipper or a hook-and-loop type fastener. Optionally, multiple seams 18 are configured to form an enclosed region 20 between the inner liner layer 12 and the exterior layer 16, as illustrated in
The inner liner layer 12 and the exterior layer 16 have properties that are tailored to the application in which the multilayered garment 10 is intended to be used, among other things. For example, where the multilayered garment 10 is intended to be used during snow sports, such as skiing and snowboarding and the like, the exterior layer 16 is provided with a waterproof or water resistant surface that is lightweight and breathable, but that also provides the wearer with protection from wind chill and other inclement weather. Examples of materials that are used to form the exterior layer 16 include polyurethane-coated polyester and/or nylon, although other materials and coatings are used in other embodiments. Likewise, examples of materials that are used to form the inner liner layer 12 include polyester, fleece, elastic mesh and other materials that are particularly well suited to be worn against interior clothing layers, or against the skin.
Still referring to
In an example embodiment, the padding element 14 is a flexible high density open- or closed-cell polyurethane material, such as is available from Rogers Corporation (Rogers, CT) under the brand name PORON®. Polyurethane padding advantageously resists deformation over time, and decreases the peak force exerted on a body when used to cushion an impact. For example, in one embodiment the padding element 14 is capable of decreasing the peak force exerted on a body by at least about 10% as compared to an unpadded impact, more preferably by at least about 30% as compared to an unpadded impact, and most preferably by at least about 50% as compared to an unpadded impact. Polyurethane padding provides these mechanical properties without being excessively bulky or heavy, which is particularly advantageous for sporting apparel applications.
Other padding materials are used in other embodiments, such as shape memory foams or viscoelastic foams that are capable of form-fitting to the wearer's body and at least partially absorbing the mechanical shock associated when an impact occurs with another object. For example, in certain embodiments the padding material is disposed in a pouch filled with a shock absorbing material, such as a viscoelastic gel or a fluid, such as air. In modified embodiments, the padding element 14 comprises a laminated element having a plurality of layers of different materials. For example, in one such embodiment the padding element 14 is a layered element that comprises an inner viscoelastic foam layer positioned toward the wearer's body and an outer polyurethane layer positioned toward the garment exterior. In certain embodiments the padding element is formed by an injection molding process. In still other embodiments, the padding material includes one or more spring elements formed therein, such as a metallic spring element.
In certain embodiments wherein the pocket 24 includes an opening, such as the flap 28 illustrated in
Referring again to
As set forth herein, the pockets 24 and the padding elements 14 are included in a garment in regions that are particularly susceptible to injury during sporting activities. For example,
In one embodiment, the inner liner layer 12 is substantially coextensive with the exterior layer 16, such that the seams 18 joining these layers are at least positioned around openings in the garment. For example, for the jacket 40 illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the trousers includes a knee support device that provides resistance to potentially damaging movement of a knee joint, as well as to impacts against a knee joint.
The sleeve 105 has attached thereto one or more layers of padding elements that are configured to protect the knee against damaging impacts and/or to restrict potentially damaging movements of the knee. Rapid movement of the knee into certain positions has the potential to damage the tendons, ligaments and other anatomy of the knee. In contrast, slower movement of the knee into the same position is often accomplished without causing such damage.
As described herein, in certain embodiments the knee support device 100 includes more than one layer of padding elements. For example,
The orientation and shape of the radial padding elements 130 are configured to protect the frontal portion of the knee from impact injuries without significantly restricting knee movement. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the radial padding elements 110 have a triangular shape whereby a narrow portion of the triangle is oriented toward the kneecap protection element 132, and a wide portion of the triangle is oriented in the opposite direction.
In certain embodiments, as illustrated in
The example embodiments illustrated in
Still referring to the example embodiment illustrated in
As disclosed herein, the knee support device 100 is optionally configured to be used with the trousers 50 disclosed herein. For instance, as shown in the example embodiment illustrated in
The improved protective equipment and apparel disclosed herein has been developed to help mitigate and/or prevent injuries sustained by participants in sporting activities. For example, the padded garments disclosed herein help to cushion portions of the anatomy that are particularly vulnerable to impact injuries, such as the knees, elbows, shoulders and hips. Placing the padding elements on an interior liner layer instead of directly on the wearer's body, or directly on the garment exterior body, reduces both interference with the wearer's motion and the bulky appearance of a padded garment. Other protective equipment disclosed herein includes a variety of knee support devices that are configured to restrict knee movements that have the potential to damage the knee anatomy. For example, in certain embodiments positioning a flexible sleeve having compressible padding elements over the knee joint provides resistance to large angle and/or rapid knee flexing.
SCOPE OF THE INVENTIONWhile the foregoing detailed description discloses several embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that this disclosure is illustrative only and is not limiting of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the specific configurations and operations disclosed can differ from those described above, and that the methods described herein can be used in contexts other than sporting equipment and apparel.
Claims
1. A knee support device comprising:
- an expandable sleeve configured to be positioned over a knee, the expandable sleeve having an exterior surface with a forward portion, a rearward portion opposite the forward portion, and side portions extending between the forward and rearward portions;
- a central padding element that is attached to the expandable sleeve exterior surface, and that has a narrow region and a wide region opposite the narrow region, wherein the central padding element narrow region is attached to the exterior surface rearward portion, and wherein the central padding element wide region is attached to one of the exterior surface side portions;
- an upper peripheral padding element, at least a portion of which is attached to the rearward portion of the expandable sleeve exterior surface, wherein the upper peripheral padding element is positioned in contact with an upper edge of the central padding element; and
- a lower peripheral padding element, at least a portion of which is attached to the rearward portion of the expandable sleeve exterior surface, wherein the lower peripheral padding element is positioned in contact with a lower edge of the central padding element.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable strap positioned around a portion of the expandable sleeve.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the expandable sleeve comprises a material selected from the group consisting of neoprene and polyurethane.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein:
- the upper peripheral padding element has a narrow region and a wide region opposite the narrow region;
- the upper peripheral padding element narrow region is attached to the exterior surface rearward portion; and
- the upper peripheral padding element wide region is attached to one of the exterior surface side portions.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the upper peripheral padding element is positioned in contact with the upper edge of the central padding element over the exterior surface side portion, but not over the exterior surface rearward portion.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the central padding element, the upper peripheral padding element, and the lower peripheral padding element comprise polyurethane.
7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a trousers having a trunk portion connected to an elongate leg portion, wherein the expandable sleeve is attached to the elongate leg potion of the trousers.
8. A knee support device comprising:
- a hollow sleeve configured to be positioned over a knee, the hollow sleeve including a forward portion, a rearward portion opposite the forward portion, and left and right side portions extending between the forward and rearward portions, wherein the left and right side portions are substantially equidistant from a sleeve central axis;
- a left primary padding element at least partially disposed over the left side portion of the hollow sleeve, the left primary padding element having a narrow region and a wide region opposite the narrow region;
- a right primary padding element at least partially disposed over the right side portion of the hollow sleeve, the right primary padding element having a narrow region and a wide region opposite the narrow region; and
- a plurality of secondary padding elements that contact at least one of the left or right primary padding elements, wherein the secondary padding elements are disposed in pairs that are symmetrically positioned about the sleeve central axis.
9. The knee support device of claim 8, wherein each of the secondary padding elements has a narrow region and a wide region opposite the narrow region, the narrow region being positioned over the rearward portion of the hollow sleeve.
10. The knee support device of claim 8, further comprising a trousers having a trunk portion connected to an elongate leg portion, wherein the hollow sleeve is coupled to the elongate leg portion of the trousers.
11. The knee support device of claim 8, further comprising a first plurality of fasteners positioned along an upper edge portion of the hollow sleeve, and a second plurality of fasteners positioned along a lower edge portion of the hollow sleeve.
12. The knee support device of claim 8, wherein the left primary padding element, the right primary padding element and the plurality of secondary padding elements comprise polyurethane.
13. The knee support device of claim 8, wherein the left primary padding element narrow region and the right primary padding element narrow region are positioned over the rearward portion of the hollow sleeve.
14. The knee support device of claim 8, wherein the left primary padding element and the right primary padding element are symmetrically positioned on opposite sides of the sleeve central axis.
15. An apparatus comprising:
- a tubular sleeve configured to be positioned around a knee, the tubular sleeve having an exterior surface with a forward portion, a rearward portion opposite the forward portion, and left and right side portions extending between the forward and rearward portions;
- a first layer of left side padding elements positioned on the left side portion of the tubular sleeve;
- a first layer of right side padding elements positioned on the right side portion of the tubular sleeve;
- a kneecap protection element positioned on the forward portion of the exterior surface; and
- a plurality of radial padding elements that are radially positioned around the kneecap protection element, wherein a first portion of the radial padding elements are positioned over the first layer of left side padding elements, and a second portion of the radial padding elements are positioned over the first layer of right side padding elements.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first layer of left side padding elements and the first layer of right side padding elements both comprise a plurality of ovular-shaped padding elements that extend between the exterior surface forward portion and the exterior surface rearward portion.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the tubular sleeve comprises a material selected from the group consisting of neoprene and polyurethane.
18. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:
- a second layer of left side padding elements that are positioned over the first layer of left side padding elements; and
- a second layer of right side padding elements that are positioned over the first layer of right side padding elements.
19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of radial padding elements have a triangular shape.
20. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a rigid shell positioned over the kneecap protection element, wherein the kneecap protection element comprises polyurethane.
21. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the kneecap protection element comprises a rigid shell.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 12, 2006
Publication Date: Dec 14, 2006
Inventor: David Dobkin (Los Angeles, CA)
Application Number: 11/402,551
International Classification: A41D 13/06 (20060101);