KNEE PAD SUPPORT APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

Abstract

A knee pad support apparatus which includes at least one waistband clip operably attachable to user's pant waistband or belt, the waistband clip having a body portion having an upper end and a lower end. The width of the body expands from the upper end to the lower end, an upper length integral with the upper end which is folded back upon the body forming a hook portion adaptable to urge the user's belt or pant waistband therebetween. There is at least one length adjustable strap having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is operably attached to the waistband clip and the lower end is attached to the top portion of the knee pad.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the priority filing date of the previously filed, copending U.S. Provisional patent application entitled “KNEE PAD SUPPORT APPARATUS” filed Dec. 12, 2017, Ser. No. 62/597,511, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of knee pads, particularly accessories for supporting and positioning knee pads.

BACKGROUND

Knee pads are worn in many recreational, sporting, military and work type activities which serve to primarily protect the wearer's knee from impact, abrasions, and prolonged exposure to hard surfaces. In particular, many trades require workers to wear knee pads to protect their knees from continuous contact with flooring or other hard surface as the worker kneels to carry out a particular task. Knee pads are typically made of a padded surface having an elastic band which envelopes the wearer's knee and leg.

However, due to the construction of the knee pad and constant movement and shape of the knee while worn, knee pads can tend to slip and dislocate from their proper position, thereby causing pain, irritation, pinching and numbing. Moreover, they become a nuisance because of the need for constant adjustment and realignment throughout the task. For these reasons, user's become irritated and inefficient at the task at hand—often having to get up and reposition the kneepads, thereby wasting time and resources.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for an improved design which helps assist and position the kneepad in the proper position, thereby preventing pinching, numbing, and general discomfort.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the invention, a knee pad support apparatus and system are provided for supporting a knee pad while worn by a user.

In a version of the invention, the knee pad support apparatus includes at least one waistband clip operably attachable to user's pant waistband or belt, the waistband clip having a body portion having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the width of the body expands from the upper end to the lower end, an upper length integral with the upper end which is folded back upon the body forming a hook portion adaptable to urge the user's belt or pant waistband therebetween; and at least one length adjustable strap having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is operably attached to the waistband clip and the lower end is attached to the top portion of the knee pad.

In a version, the width of the hook portion is less than the width of the length adjustable strap. In a detailed version, the width of the hook portion is 25%-85% of the width of the length adjustable strap.

In certain versions, the waistband clip further comprises a slot extending horizontally at the lower end which is operably adapted to slidably receive the upper end of the length adjustable strap.

In yet other versions, the apparatus further includes a lower attachment clip which connects the lower end of the length adjustable strap to the top portion of the knee pad.

In some versions, the lower attachment clip slidably connects the lower end of the length adjustable strap to the top portion of the knee pad. For example, the lower attachment clip is a suspender type clip which is operably attached to the knee pad upper perimeter.

In another embodiment, a pair of knee pad supports may be provided which provide protection to both the user left and right knees simultaneously. A version that may utilize at least two knee pad supports generally comprises: a first and second waistband clips operably attachable to the user's pant waistband or belt, the first and second waistband clips each having a body portion having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the width of the body expands from the upper end to the lower end, an upper length integral with the upper end which is folded back upon the body forming a hook portion adaptable to urge the user's belt or pant waistband therebetween; and a first and second length adjustable straps each having an upper end and a lower end, wherein each strap upper end is operably attached to one of the respective first and second waistband clips and each strap lower end is attached to the top portion of one of the respective knee pads.

In yet another version of the application, a system is provided which includes a knee pad. In a version, the system generally comprises: at least one knee pad having a top portion having a top perimeter; at least one waistband clip operably attachable to user's pant waistband or belt, the waistband clip having a body portion having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the width of the body expands from the upper end to the lower end, an upper length integral with the upper end which is folded back upon the body forming a hook portion adaptable to urge the user's belt or pant waistband therebetween; and at least one length adjustable strap having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is operably attached to the waistband clip and the lower end is attached to the top portion of the knee pad.

This disclosure will now provide a more detailed and specific description that will refer to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and specific descriptions of the drawings, as well as any specific or alternative embodiments discussed, are intended to be read in conjunction with the entirety of this disclosure. The test tube removal device and system may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and fully convey understanding to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying figures where:

FIG. 1A is a top plan view of the version of the apparatus;

FIG. 1B is a bottom plan view of a version of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is an up-close front view of the waistband clip of the version shown in FIG. 1B;

FIG. 3 is an up-close rear view of the waistband clip of the version shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example version of the system during attachment to a user;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example version of the system while attached to a user;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating other example details of a version of the system while partially attached to a user;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating other example details including attachment of the kneepad of a version of the system;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating other example details including attachment of the kneepad of a version of the system;

FIG. 9A is an assembly rear view of a version of the system;

FIG. 9B is an unassembled view of the version shown in FIG. 9a;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a first version of the waistband clip;

FIG. 11 is a rear elevation view of the waistband clip as shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of the waistband clip as shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a top rear perspective view of waistband clip as shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the waistband clip as shown in FIG. 10 taken along the lines A-A of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of a second version of the waistband clip;

FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of the waistband clip as shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a rear elevation view of the waistband clip as shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a top rear view of the waistband clip as shown in FIG. 15; and

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of the waistband clip as shown in FIG. 15 taken along the lines B-B of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth such as particular architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other versions that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.

Moreover, the description is not to be taken in the limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwise stated.

With reference to the figures, particularly FIG. 1-FIG. 9, a description of a version of the invention will be provided and is generally designated as numeral 10. Generally, the application is directed towards a knee pad support apparatus for supporting knee pads 90 in the proper position.

Referring specifically to FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, by way of background, a knee pad 90 is a protective covering for the knee, worn in pairs especially while playing sports or performing work related tasks which expose the knee to hard surfaces. As illustrated, a version of the knee pad 90 comprises an inner surface 92, outer surface 94, a top portion 93 with an upper perimeter 95 and one or more means for connection, namely, one or more elastic bands 96 as shown. The knee pad 90 is generally made of a padded material which provides a cushion about the knee cap area. The inner surface 92 provides contact with the front of the knee while worn. The outer surface 94 is configured to engage objects and surfaces and may further include an outer hard shell 98 for providing superior protection to the knee. The one or more elastic bands 96 work to connect each opposing side of the knee pad around the user's leg near the back of the knee, thereby securing the knee pad 90 to the user's knee. It will be known that various types and configurations of knee pads 90 may be utilized in conjunction with the knee pad support apparatus 10.

Referring to FIG. 1, a version 10 of the invention is generally configured to interact and connect with the top portion 93 of the knee pad 90 shown covering the respective knee. As illustrated, the version only shows the use of a singular knee pad support apparatus 10 and knee pad 90. However, other versions including a first and second knee pad 90 with respective first and second knee pad support apparatuses 10 can certainly be provided.

In the illustrated version, the knee pad support apparatus 10 generally comprises at least one waistband clip 20 and at least one length adjustable strap 30 which generally connects the waistband clip 20 with the top portion 93 of the respective knee pad 90. The waistband clip 20 is operably attachable to the user's pant waistband 12, thereby supporting the respective knee pad 90 at a desired vertical height. Moreover, the adjustable length strap 30 can be operably adjusted in length according to the user's dimension in order to facilitate proper positioning of the respective knee pad 90.

With particular reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the upper clip 20 generally comprises a body 21 having a front side 22, back side 23, an upper end 24, and a lower end 25. Generally, the body 21 is made of a thin, preferably ⅛^th inch depth Kydex plastic material which expands in width from the upper end 24 to the lower end 25. The upper end 24 includes an upper length 26 of material which is integrally folded back upon the body 21 forming a hook portion 27 (FIG. 3 and FIG. 14) adaptable to urge user's belt or waistband therebetween. In the illustrated version, the lower end 25 includes a horizontal slot 28 extending substantially the width thereof which is operably adapted to receive the upper end 32 of the respective adjustable length strap 30. The upper clip 20 is designed to easily attach to the user's belt or waistband 12 via the narrow profile of the upper end 24 length forming the hook portion 27. Concurrently, the wide lower end 25 profile provides a supporting engagement platform for securely connecting with the wide, sturdy profile of the adjustable length strap 30. Thus, in a version of the application, ideally the width of the hook portion 27 is less than the width of the adjustable length strap 30. Preferably, the hook portion 27 width W1 (See FIG. 3) is approximately 25% to 85%, preferably 50%-65% of the width W2 of the respective adjustable length strap 30.

Referring to FIG. 1, each adjustable length strap 30 comprises a length of strap having an upper end 32 and a lower end 34. The strap 30 is generally configured to be adjustable in length by way of an adjustment slide 36. Preferably, the adjustable length strap 30 material is made of lightweight polypro or nylon and may also have elastic or rigid qualities. The waistband clip 20 horizontal slot 28 is adapted to receive the width of a length of the upper end 32 of the adjustable length strap 30. As best illustrated in FIG. 4-FIG. 8, the straps 30 are operably configured to adjust in length according to the user's dimensions defined by the length between the user's waist line or waistband 12 and the knee in order to properly support the knee pad 90 during operation.

In the version as best illustrated by FIG. 1, FIG. 6 and FIG. 10-FIG. 14, a lower attachment clamp 40 which is designed to easily attach the lower end 34 of the length adjustable strap 30 to the upper perimeter 95 of the respective knee pad 90 is provided. In the version, the lower attachment clip 40 is a suspender type clip having a clamp 42 and a horizontal attachment slot 44. The clamp 42 is configured to operably grip the upper perimeter 95 of the respective knee pad 90 and the attachment slot 44 is configured to receive the lower end 34 or a bottom length of the lower end 34 of the adjustable length strap 30.

As best illustrated by FIG. 4-FIG. 8, mounting and operation of a first left side knee pad 90 support apparatus 10 will now be described in detail. Initially, the knee pad 90 is placed in the proper, comfortable position near the front of the user's knee. The user fastens the knee pad 90 by way of the one or more knee pad connection bands 96 which are fastened about the rear of the user's knee and adjacent leg. Thereafter, the waistband clip 20 is engaged with the user's waistband or belt 12 directly above the knee pad 90 by positioning the hook portion 27 of the upper clip 20 down and over the belt or waistband 12, thereby clasping the belt or waistband 12 therebetween. Next, the lower attachment clip or suspender clip 40 located at the lower end 34 of the adjustable length strap 30 is connected to the upper perimeter 95 of the respective knee pad 90. Lastly, the adjustable length strap 30 is operably adjusted collectively via the adjustment slide 36, lower attachment clip 40 slot 44, and waistband clip 20 slot 28 in order to properly support the knee pad 90 throughout implementation. Optionally, a second opposing support apparatus 10 for the opposing leg and knee pad is mounted in identical fashion in order to provide protection to both knees.

FIG. 15-FIG. 19 illustrate an alternative version of the upper clip 200 having an extended body 221 for providing a greater length between the user's waistband or belt and the upper end 32 of the respective adjustable length strap 30.

The knee pad support apparatus 10 can be made in any manner and of any material chosen with sound engineering judgment. Preferably, materials will be strong, lightweight, long lasting, economic, ergonomic, and buoyant.

Different features, variations and multiple different embodiments have been shown and described with various details. What has been described in this application at times in terms of specific embodiments is done for illustrative purposes only and without the intent to limit or suggest that what has been conceived is only one particular embodiment or specific embodiments. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any single specific embodiments or enumerated variations. Many modifications, variations and other embodiments will come to mind of those skilled in the art, and which are intended to be and are in fact covered by both this disclosure. It is indeed intended that the scope of this disclosure should be determined by a proper legal interpretation and construction of the disclosure, including equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the complete disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus for supporting a knee pad worn by a user, the knee pad having a top portion with an upper perimeter, the apparatus comprising:

at least one waistband clip operably attachable to user's pant waistband or belt, the waistband clip having a body portion having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the width of the body expands from the upper end to the lower end, an upper length integral with the upper end which is folded back upon the body forming a hook portion adaptable to urge the user's belt or pant waistband therebetween; and

at least one length adjustable strap having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is operably attached to the waistband clip and the lower end is attached to the top portion of the knee pad.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the width of the hook portion is less than the width of the length adjustable strap.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the width of the hook portion is 25%-85% of the width of the length adjustable strap.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the waistband clip further comprises a slot extending horizontally at the lower end which is operably adapted to slidably receive the upper end of the length adjustable strap.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a lower attachment clip which connects the lower end of the length adjustable strap to the top portion of the knee pad.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the lower attachment clip slidably connects the lower end of the length adjustable strap to the top portion of the knee pad.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the lower attachment clip is a suspender type clip which is operably attached to the knee pad upper perimeter.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lower attachment clip which connects the lower end of the length adjustable strap to the top portion of the knee pad.

9. An apparatus for supporting a first and second knee pad worn by a user on each knee, the knee pad having a top portion with an upper perimeter, the apparatus comprising:

a first and second waistband clips operably attachable to the user's pant waistband or belt, the first and second waistband clips each having a body portion having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the width of the body expands from the upper end to the lower end, an upper length integral with the upper end which is folded back upon the body forming a hook portion adaptable to urge the user's belt or pant waistband therebetween; and

a first and second length adjustable straps each having an upper end and a lower end, wherein each strap upper end is operably attached to one of the respective first and second waistband clips and each strap lower end is attached to the top portion of one of the respective knee pads.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each waistband clip further comprises a slot extending horizontally at the lower end which is operably adapted to slidably receive the upper end of the respective length adjustable strap.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising first and second lower attachment clips which slidably connect the lower end of the respective length adjustable strap to the top portion of the respective knee pad.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the lower attachment clips are suspender type clips which operably attach to the respective knee pad upper perimeter.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising first and second lower attachment clips which connect the lower ends of the respective length adjustable straps to the top portions of the respective knee pads.

14. A system for supporting a knee pad worn by a user, the system comprising:

at least one knee pad having a top portion having a top perimeter;

at least one waistband clip operably attachable to user's pant waistband or belt, the waistband clip having a body portion having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the width of the body expands from the upper end to the lower end, an upper length integral with the upper end which is folded back upon the body forming a hook portion adaptable to urge the user's belt or pant waistband therebetween; and

at least one length adjustable strap having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is operably attached to the waistband clip and the lower end is attached to the top portion of the knee pad.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the width of the hook portion is less than the width of the length adjustable strap.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the width of the hook portion is 25%-85% of the width of the length adjustable strap.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the waistband clip further comprises a slot extending horizontally at the lower end which is operably adapted to slidably receive the upper end of the length adjustable strap.

18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a lower attachment clip which slidably connects the lower end of the length adjustable strap to the top portion of the knee pad.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the lower attachment clip is a suspender type clip which operably attaches to the upper perimeter of the knee pad.

20. The system of claim 14, further comprising a lower attachment clip which slidably connects the lower end of the length adjustable strap to the top portion of the knee pad.