CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Ser. No. 62/984,169 filed Mar. 2, 2020 and Ser. No. 62/984,922 filed Mar. 4, 2020, both by Picone et al., which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties and to which priority is claimed
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to protective cushioning devices in general and, more particularly, to a protective pad assembly including an inner member with securing components and an outer protective pad releasably attachable thereto for protecting a user's knee and/or elbow joints.
2. Description of the Related Art Typically, protective pads or cushioning devices, such as kneepads or elbow pads, are attached to a body part of a user over a garment by various methods including belt straps, clips, wraps, elastic stretching, glues, tapes or adhesives. A common drawback of prior art methods of fastening such products is that they become uncomfortable to the user (wearer) during prolonged usage do to binding, burning and/or chaffing, which may result in irritation to the skin and limb tingling and bruising which is brought on by constriction of the blood vessels. For example, FIG. 1 shows a known kneepad 1 utilizing straps 3 and 4 to fasten the kneepad 1 to a knee (or knee area) 7 of a leg 6 of a user. The leg 6 of the user includes an upper portion (or thigh portion) 6a and a lower portion 6b separated by the knee 7. The strap 3 wraps around the upper portion 6a of the leg 6, and a strap 4 wraps around the lower portion 6b of the leg 6, or above and below the knee 7, as illustrated in FIG. 1. A drawback of such fastening straps 3 and 4 is that they can cause discomfort to the user (wearer) and constriction of blood vessels during prolonged usage, eventually leading to bruising and/or skin irritation. Specifically, the straps 3 and 4 cause constriction of the blood vessels and eventually may cut and chafe the thigh portion 6a and the calf portion 6b, respectively. Also, occasionally, strapped knee pads failing to stay in place, and ultimately get loose and start to move and fall down on the leg.
FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view of a kneepad assembly 10 disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,712,150 attached to pants (or trousers) 2. The kneepad assembly 10 includes a flexible inner member 12 in the form of a base cushion made of an impact absorbing material disposed inside the pants 2, and an outer member 14 in the form of a protective cushion made of an impact absorbing material disposed outside the pants 2. Securing devices use magnetic attraction to attach the outer member 14 and the inner member 12 to each other and to the pants 2. Each securing device includes an inner magnetically attractive element 16 attached to the inner member 12, and an outer magnetically attractive element 18 attached to the outer member 14. A drawback to the use of magnetically attractive elements 16 and 18 is that the elements 16 and 18 potentially can slide relative to the garment during use.
FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a protective pad assembly 20 in the form of an inner pad 22 to be disposed inside the pants 2 for being positioned over an elbow area or a knee 7 of a user (or wearer) 2, and an outer member 24 in the form of an elastic removable outer elastic band disposed outside a garment in alignment with the inner pad 22. The inner pad 22 further comprises a securing device 26 provided for releasably attaching to a securing device 28 of the removable outer elastic band 24, thus releasably attaching the inner pad 22 and the outer elastic band 24 to each other through the material of the pants 2.
In the kneepad assemblies of FIGS. 2 and 3A-3C the protective pads are attached solely to the pants and rely on the integrity of the pants and a position the pants are at when the pads are attached. However, as the user moves and changes position, the material of the pants also moves and stretches in different directions, such as up or down or sideways, and ultimately changes the position of the protective pad from the original setting. It may become uncomfortable for the user to be required to make frequent readjustments of the protective pad to reposition it for comfort.
Other known protective pad assemblies have the drawback of requiring permanent alterations to the garment fabric and/or damaging the garment fabric, such as by requiring or creating holes in the garment fabric in order to attain proper attachment.
Therefore, there is a need for a protective pad assembly that overcomes drawbacks and shortcomings of the prior art, enhances its performance and advances the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a protective pad assembly for removably positioning on an arm or a leg of a user the protective pad assembly for protecting an elbow or a knee of the user. The protective pad assembly comprises an inner member adapted to be positioned adjacent the elbow or the knee of the user so as to encircle the arm or the leg of the user, at least an inner securing component mounted to the inner member, an outer protective pad adapted to be positioned over the elbow or the knee of the user and aligned with the elbow or the knee of the user, and at least one outer securing component mounted to the outer protective pad. The at least one outer securing component is releasably attachable to the at least one inner securing component. The outer protective pad is configured to be disposed over the inner member.
The protective pad assembly in accordance with the present invention makes the wearing of protective pad assembly more comfortable and reduces, if not eliminates, the risk of blood clots and nerve damage due to the strangulation effect of straps tightly pulled around user's limb.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification. The drawings, together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments and methods given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following specification when viewed in light of the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are given the same or analogous reference numerals. In these drawings:
FIG. 1 illustrates a knee pad assembly with straps of the prior art;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a knee pad assembly of the prior art with magnetically attractive elements attaching a knee pad to a pants;
FIGS. 3A-3C are various views of a knee pad assembly of the prior art including an inner pad and elastic band for attaching the inner pad to the pants;
FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a protective pad assembly in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of a user wearing shorts;
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a sleeve unit of the protective pad assembly in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to the leg of the user wearing the shorts;
FIG. 6 A is a rear elevation view of an outer protective pad unit of the protective pad assembly in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 B is a rear elevation view of the outer protective pad unit of the protective pad assembly in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment showing only one of the elastic band members;
FIG. 7A is a right elevation view of the sleeve unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7B is a left elevation view of the sleeve unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8A is a front view of an inner securing component of the sleeve unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8B is a rear view of the inner securing component in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the inner securing component in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10A is a front view of the sleeve units in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment mounted to the user's legs;
FIG. 10B is a rear view of the sleeve units in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment mounted to the user's legs;
FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an outer protective pad of the outer protective pad unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11B is a front view of the outer protective pad in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 11C is a rear view of the outer protective pad in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 12A is a front view of an outer securing component of the outer protective pad unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 12B is a rear view of the outer securing component of the outer protective pad unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the outer securing component of the outer protective pad unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the outer securing component in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the sleeve unit of the protective pad assembly in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of the user wearing pants;
FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the protective pad assembly in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants and under the pants;
FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the protective pad assembly in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment with the sleeve unit mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants and under the pants, and the outer protective pad mounted over the pants;
FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the outer protective pad with the outer securing components in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 18B is a perspective view of an outer protective cap of the outer protective pad unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 18C is a perspective view of the outer protective pad unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 19 is a rear view of the outer protective cap in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the outer protective pad/outer protective cap in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the outer protective pad/outer protective cap in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 22A is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly with the outer protective cap in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing shorts;
FIG. 22B is a sectional view of the protective pad assembly in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants with the outer protective pad and the outer protective cap mounted over the pants;
FIG. 23A is a perspective view of the protective pad assembly in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of the user wearing shorts;
FIG. 23B is a rear perspective view of the protective pad assembly in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants with the outer protective pad and the outer protective cap mounted over the pants;
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a protective pad assembly in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of a user wearing shorts;
FIG. 25A is a right elevation view of a sleeve unit in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 25B is a left elevation view of the sleeve unit in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 26A is a front elevation view of the sleeve unit in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 26B is a rear elevation view of the sleeve unit in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 27 is a side elevation view of the sleeve unit in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the shorts;
FIG. 28 is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the shorts with the outer protective pad mounted to the leg of the user wearing shorts;
FIG. 29 is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the shorts with the outer protective pad/outer protective cap mounted to a leg of the user wearing the shorts;
FIG. 30 is a sectional view of the sleeve unit in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants with the sleeve unit mounted to a leg of the user under the pants;
FIG. 31 is a sectional view of the protective pad assembly in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants with the outer protective pad mounted to a leg of the user under the pants;
FIG. 32 is a sectional view of the protective pad assembly in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants with the outer protective pad mounted to a leg of the user over the pants;
FIG. 33 is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants with the outer protective pad/outer protective cap mounted to a leg of the user over the pants;
FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a band unit in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of the user wearing shorts;
FIG. 35A is a right elevation view of the band unit in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 35B is a left elevation view of the band unit in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 36 is a top view of the band unit in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 37 is a side elevation view of the band unit in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants with the band unit mounted to a leg of the user over the pants;
FIG. 38 is a side elevation view of a protective pad assembly in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants with the outer protective pad mounted to a leg of the user over the pants;
FIG. 39 is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants with the outer protective pad/outer protective cap mounted to a leg of the user over the pants;
FIG. 40 is a perspective view of an adjustable band in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of the user wearing shorts;
FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the adjustable band in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a closed position;
FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the adjustable band in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an open position;
FIG. 43 is a side elevation view of the adjustable band in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants with the band unit mounted to a leg of the user over the pants;
FIG. 44 is a side elevation view of a protective pad assembly in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants with the outer protective pad mounted to a leg of the user over the pants;
FIG. 45 is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants with the outer protective pad/outer protective cap mounted to a leg of the user over the pants;
FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a protective pad assembly in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of the user wearing pants;
FIG. 47 is a perspective view of an adjustable band in accordance with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of the user wearing shorts;
FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the adjustable band in accordance with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a closed position;
FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the adjustable band in accordance with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an open position;
FIG. 50 is a perspective view of an outer protective unit in accordance with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 51A is an inner perspective view of an outer securing component of the outer protective unit in accordance with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 51B is an outer perspective view of the outer securing component of the outer protective unit in accordance with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 52 is a right elevation view of an inner support unit in accordance with a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 53 is a left elevation view of the inner support unit in accordance with an alternative variant to the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 54A is an inner perspective view of an inner securing component of the inner support unit in accordance with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 54B is an outer view of the inner securing component of the inner support unit in accordance with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 55 is a perspective rear view of an outer protective unit in accordance with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 56A is an inner perspective view of an outer securing component of the outer protective unit in accordance with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 56B is an outer perspective view of the outer securing component of the outer protective unit in accordance with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 57A shows a female snap member sewn to a fabric patch of the inner support unit and a male snap member to the elastic band member in accordance with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 57B shows a female snap member crimped to a fabric patch of the inner support unit and a male snap member to the elastic band member in accordance with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 58 is a perspective view of an outer protective pad in accordance with a seventh exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 59A shows an outer surface an adjustable outer member of the outer protective pad in accordance with the seventh exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 59B shows an inner surface the adjustable outer member of the outer protective pad in accordance with the seventh exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 60 shows an adjusting buckle of the outer protective pad in accordance with the seventh exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 61 is a perspective view of an outer protective pad in accordance with an eighth exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 62A shows an outer surface an adjustable outer member of the outer protective pad in accordance with the eighth exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 62B shows an inner surface the adjustable outer member of the outer protective pad in accordance with the eighth exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 63 shows a sliding bar buckle of the outer protective pad in accordance with the eighth exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 64 is a perspective view of an outer protective pad in accordance with a ninth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a band unit in accordance with the ninth exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of the user wearing shorts;
FIG. 66 is a side elevation view of a protective pad assembly in accordance with the ninth exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing pants with the outer protective pad mounted to a leg of the user over the pants; and
FIG. 67 is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly in accordance with the ninth exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing pants with the outer protective pad/outer protective cap mounted to a leg of the user over the pants.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments and methods of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings. It should be noted, however, that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative devices and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described in connection with the exemplary embodiments and methods.
This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “inner” and “outer”, “inside” and “outside,” “horizontal” and “vertical,” “front” and “rear,” “upper” and “lower,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion and to the orientation relative to a vehicle body. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. The term “integral” (or “unitary”) relates to a part made as a single part, or a part made of separate components fixedly (i.e., non-moveably) connected together. Additionally, the words “a” and/or “an” as used in the claims mean “at least one” and the word “two” as used in the claims means “at least two”. For the purpose of clarity, some technical material that is known in the related art has not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure.
FIG. 4 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a protective pad assembly 100 configured to protect an elbow of an arm or a knee 7 of a leg 6 of a user (or wearer) from impact. The leg 6 of the user includes an upper portion (or thigh portion) 6a and a lower portion 6b (or calf portion) separated by the knee 7. The protective pad assembly 100 comprises an inner support unit 102 in the form of a sleeve (or band) unit 102 provided to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow of the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, and an outer protective unit 104 configured to be disposed over the sleeve unit 102 for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user from impact. The outer protective unit 104 is releasably attachable to the sleeve unit 102.
The sleeve unit 102, as best shown in FIGS. 5-7B, comprises an elastic inner member 106 to be positioned adjacent to the elbow or the knee 7 of the user so as to encircle the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and at least one inner securing component 108 mounted (or coupled) to the elastic inner member 106. The inner elastic member 106 is in the form of an elastic sleeve 106. The elastic sleeve 106 is a continuous and uninterrupted tubular part defining a closed loop structure, i.e., a curved structure, the end of which is permanently connected to the beginning thereof.
The elastic sleeve 106 has an upper end 1071 configured to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and a lower end 1072 configured to be positioned further distant to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user and the upper end 1071 of the elastic sleeve 106. Both the upper and lower ends 1071 and 1072, respectively, of the elastic sleeve 106 define continuous and uninterruptable perimeters, each forming a closed loop. Preferably, the perimeter of the upper end 1071 of the elastic sleeve 106 is larger than the perimeter of the lower end 1072. Furthermore, a height H1 of the elastic sleeve 106 (i.e., a distance between the upper end 1071 of the elastic sleeve 106 and the lower end 1072 thereof) is substantially larger that a circumference W1 of the elastic sleeve 106 (i.e., a maximum size of the elastic sleeve 106 in the direction perpendicular to the length of the elastic sleeve 106). According to the first exemplary embodiment, a ratio of H1/W1 of the elastic sleeve 106 is between 1.5 and 2.5. The elastic sleeve 106 is made of an elastic and stretchable material, such as 75% Polyester/25% Rubber or, alternatively, Neoprene-Cotton-Bamboo-Nylon mixture thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that elasticity, in physics, is the property of a solid material to resist a distorting influence and to return to its original shape and size after a force deforming it has been removed. The elastic sleeve 106 is stretchable between a relaxed state and a stretched state, so as to adjust to a specific size of the user's leg. Thus, a perimeter of the elastic sleeve 106 is adjustable.
The sleeve unit 102 includes two structurally and functionally identical inner securing components 108, spaced from each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction XL of the elastic sleeve 106. It is known that the longitudinal axis is the axis considered lengthwise (the axis of length, i.e., greater of two dimensions of a body), while the transverse (or lateral) axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Each of the inner securing components 108 is fastened to the elastic sleeve 106. Specifically, each of the inner securing components 108 is fastened adjacent to the upper end 1071 of the elastic sleeve 106 and distant from the lower end 1072. Each of the inner securing components 108 includes a patch 110 in the form of a piece of fabric, such as denim, and an inner securing member 112 secured (or fixed) to the fabric patch 110. Alternatively, each of the inner securing components 108 may include only the inner securing member 112 secured (or fixed) directly to the elastic sleeve 106, not through the fabric patch 110.
According the first exemplary embodiment, the inner securing member 112 is an inner magnetically attractive element in the form of a recessed cup washer made of a ferromagnetic material. The recessed cup washers 112 are preferably made of steel. Alternatively, the recessed cup washers 112 may be made of a permanent magnet. Each recessed cup 112 forms a recessed cavity 120 delimited by an annular flange 121, as further illustrated in FIG. 9.
As illustrated in FIG. 7B, a distance H11 between the upper end 1071 of the elastic sleeve 106 and a center of the inner securing member 112 (i.e., a center of the recessed cup washer 112) is smaller than a distance H12 between the center of the inner securing member 112 and the lower end 1072 of the elastic sleeve 106. Thus, H1=H11+H12. Preferably, a ratio H11/H12 is in a range of 0.2-0.4.
The fabric patch 110 is secured (or fixed) to the elastic sleeve 106 by ironing-on (Iron-on Patch-Hot melt adhesive on one side of the patch 110, the patch 110 adheres to the sleeve 106 with heat and pressure) or sewing the fabric patch 110 to the elastic sleeve 106 or a combination thereof. The ferromagnetic recessed cup washer 112 is fastened directly to a front surface 1101 of the fabric patch 110 by a flat head screw 114 and a countersunk (or tapered) retaining nut 115, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8B and 9. Specifically, the ferromagnetic cup washer 112 is secured to the fabric patch 110 by the flat head screw 114 extending through a countersunk hole 113 through the ferromagnetic cup washer 112, an aperture 111 through the fabric patch 110, through a hole 117 of a spacer 116, and then through a central countersunk hole 119 in a plastic retainer washer 118. The flat head screw 114 is finally threadedly fastened to (or tightened by) the countersunk retaining nut 115 disposed in the central countersunk hole 119 through a plastic retainer washer 118 along a central axis 109 of the recessed cup washers 112. Alternately, a rivet can be used in place of the screw and nut.
The outer protective unit 104, as best shown in FIG. 6A, comprises an outer protective pad 122 configured to protect the elbow or the knee of the user from impact, and at least one outer securing component 124 mounted to the outer protective pad 122. The outer protective pad 122 is provided to be positioned over the elbow or the knee 7 of the user and aligned with the elbow or the knee 7 of the user. The outer protective pad 122 is preferably made of an impact absorbing material, such as a stretchable and/or flexible cushioning material, such as Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA). The outer protective unit 104 includes two identical outer securing components 124 spaced from each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LP of the outer protective pad 122. It is known that the longitudinal axis is the axis considered lengthwise (the axis of length, i.e., greater of two dimensions of a body), while the transverse (or lateral) axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Each of the outer securing component 124 includes a rectangular outer strap member 128 moveably mounted to the outer protective pad 122, and an outer securing member 130 secured (or fixed) to the outer strap member 128. Preferably, the rectangular outer strap member 128 is in the form of an elastic outer strap member.
The outer securing member 130 is an outer magnetically attractive element. As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, each of the outer magnetically attractive elements 130 has a central axis 131 and includes a cylindrical magnet 132 secured to the outer strap 128 through an inner washer 134 made of a ferromagnetic material, such as steel. As best shown in FIG. 14, the cylindrical magnet 132 is secured (or fixed) to an inner surface 1291 of the outer strap 128. The outer magnetically attractive element 132 further includes an outer retaining washer 136 mounted to an outer surface 1292 of the outer strap 128, opposite to the ferromagnetic inner washer 134. The outer retaining washer 136 is preferably made of a plastic material. The cylindrical magnet 132 is secured to the outer strap 128 by a flat head screw 138 extending through a countersunk hole 137 through the outer retaining washer 136, an aperture 139 through the outer strap 128, through the inner washer 134 and threadedly fastened to a countersunk retaining nut 140 disposed in a central countersunk hole 133 through the magnet 132 along the central axis 131. Instead, a rivet can be used in place of the screw and nut.
Alternatively, the position of the outer magnetically attractive element 130 including the magnet 132 and the inner magnetically attractive element 108 including the ferromagnetic recessed cup 112 may be inverted. Specifically, the inner securing component 108 may be provided with an inner magnetically attractive element including a magnet, similar to the magnetically attractive element 132, while the outer strap 128 may be provided with an outer magnetically attractive element including a ferromagnetic recessed cup, similar to the ferromagnetic recessed cup 112. It will be appreciated that both the inner securing component 108 with the inner magnetically attractive elements 112 and the outer securing component 124 with the outer magnetically attractive elements 130 are not restricted or limited to any one design and/or form, and can be fabricated in various arrangements, pull strengths, sizes, thicknesses and shapes.
The outer strap member 128 includes a rectangular, stretchable elastic strap 142. Those skilled in the art will understand that elasticity, in physics, is the property of a solid material to resist a distorting influence and to return to its original shape and size after a force deforming it has been removed. A coefficient of linear elasticity of the elastic strap 142 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is preferably about 1.3-3.5 lbs/inch. The rectangular outer strap member 128 has a longitudinal first distal end 1421 and a longitudinal second distal end 1422, as best shown in FIGS. 12A-14. As noted above, the outer magnetically attractive element 130 with the magnet 132 is attached to the rectangular outer strap member 128 through the flat head screw 138 and the countersunk retaining nut 140, as best shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The elastic strap 142 is folded over at the longitudinally first distal end 1421 as shown in FIGS. 12A-14. Layers of the folded over longitudinal first distal end 1421 of the elastic strap 142 are sewn (for example, by a sewing line 143) or otherwise fastened together, thus forming a folded over tab portion 144. Similarly, the elastic strap 142 is folded over at the longitudinal second distal end 1422 thereof, so that the flat head screw 138 extends through two layers of the elastic strap 142, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.
As best shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, the outer protective pad 122 has a convex outer surface 123a and a concave inner surface 123b. Moreover, as best shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, the outer protective pad 122 includes two through rectangular slots 126 complementary to the outer strap member 128.
During assembly of the outer protective unit 104, the folded longitudinal first distal end 1421 of each of the outer strap member 128 is inserted into one of the slots 126, as shown FIG. 6B, then pulled through to the front of the outer protective pad 122, as shown in FIG. 6A. The folded over tab portion 144 at the folded longitudinal first distal end 1421 acts as a retainer and/or stop and prevents the outer strap member 128 from being pulled out of the slot 126 when the outer strap member 128 is stretched and put under a load. The shape and size of each of the slots 126 through the outer protective pad 122 are such as to allow the folded longitudinal first distal ends 1421 of the outer strap member 128 to be inserted and extend through each of the rectangular slots 126.
In operation of the protective pad assembly 100, the user wears the sleeve unit 102 with the attached inner securing components 108, including the inner magnetically attractive elements 112, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The elastic sleeve 106 of the sleeve unit 102 is worn at the bare lower portion 6b of the leg 6, below the knee 7 and a knee crease 9, and above an ankle 8, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. The elastic sleeve 106 preferably does not cover the knee 7 of the user. Having the elastic sleeve 106 between the knee 7 and ankle 8 and below the knee crease 9 is advantageous to the user, in that when the knee is bent there are no restrictions and/or irritations at the knee 7 and the knee crease 9.
It should be appreciated that the sleeve unit 102 can be worn with shorts 32, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The sleeve unit 102 also can be worn on the leg 6 and concealed under the pants 2, as shown in FIGS. 15-17. When the user puts the sleeve unit 102 on the leg 6 and wears shorts 32, the outer protective unit 104 is attached directly to the sleeve unit 102 solely by magnetic attraction between the inner securing components 108 of the sleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components 124 of the outer protective unit 104 as shown in FIG. 4. In other words, the outer protective unit 104 is attached to the sleeve unit 102 solely by engagement forces between the inner securing components 108 of the sleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components 124 of the outer protective unit 104.
Similarly, when the user puts the sleeve unit 102 on the bare leg 6 and conceals the sleeve unit 102 under the pants 2, as shown in FIG. 15, the outer protective unit 104 can also be concealed under the pants 2 and thus is attached directly to the sleeve unit 102 by magnetic attraction between the inner securing components 108 of the sleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components 124 of the outer protective unit 104, as shown in FIG. 16.
Furthermore, when the user puts the sleeve unit 102 on the bare leg 6 and conceals the sleeve unit 102 under the pants 2, the outer protective unit 104 can be placed outside the pants 2 and can be attached to the sleeve unit 102 by magnetic attraction between the inner securing components 108 of the sleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components 124 of the outer protective unit 104 through the pants 2, as shown in FIG. 17. Placing the outer protective unit 104 outside the pants 2 is advantageous in that not only does it provide cushioning protection for the user, but it also helps protect the pants 2 from dirt and debris, rips, tears and abrasions.
As further illustrated in FIGS. 18A-18C, the outer protective unit 104 further comprises an outer protective cap 146. The outer protective cap 146, best shown FIGS. 19-21, is a tub shaped structure made of a firm but elastic material, such as EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate). EVA is the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate, which is an extremely elastic and flexible material that can be processed like other thermoplastics. EVA has low-temperature toughness, and stress-crack and UV radiation resistance. The outer protective cap 146 has a convex outer surface 147a and a concave inner surface 147b. The outer protective cap 146 forms a cavity defined by a central flat portion 148, opposite bearing sides 149, and an integral raised bottom wall (or back lip) 150 extending inwardly from the outer surface 147a of the outer protective cap 146. Moreover, as best shown in FIGS. 18A-21, the outer protective cap 146 includes two rectangular through slots 152 complementary to the outer members 128. The through slots 152 of the outer protective cap 146 are configured to readily receive the outer members 128 of the outer securing component 124 therethrough, as shown in FIGS. 18C, 21, 22A and 22B. The outer protective cap 146 is configured to be mounted to the outer protective pad 122, as best shown in FIGS. 18A-18C.
In operation, when the outer protective pad 122, shown FIG. 18A, is inserted into the outer protective cap 146 (i.e., into the cavity formed in the outer protective cap 146 by the bearing sides 149 thereof), shown FIG. 18B, the outer protective unit 104 is formed, as shown FIG. 18C. The raised bottom wall 150 of the outer protective cap 146 acts as a bottom “backstop” preventing the outer protective pad 122 from sliding out from the bottom of the outer protective cap 146 when in use. Moreover, when the outer protective cap 146 is placed over the outer protective pad 122, the slots 152 of the outer protective cap 146 and the slots 126 of the outer protective pad 122 align with each other. Furthermore, each of the outer members 128, which are attached to the outer protective pad 122 through the slots 126, is inserted into one of the through slots 152 in the outer protective cap 146 to support the outer protective cap 146 on the outer protective pad 122, thus holding the outer protective pad 122 and the outer protective cap 146 together and forming the outer protective unit 104, as shown in FIGS. 18A-18C, 22A, 22B and 23A. The outer protective cap 146 provides additional cushioning and protection for the user, and also acts as an exoskeleton for providing rigidity, support and containment to the outer protective pad 122, allowing the outer protective pad 122 to consistently retain its shape and form, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21.
Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 16 and 17, the inner magnetically attractive elements 112 of the inner support unit 102 and the outer magnetically attractive elements 130 of the outer protective unit 104 of the protective pad assembly 100 are releasably held in place directly or on the pants 2 solely by magnetic attraction therebetween. The outer protective unit 104 is releasably attached to the inner support unit 102 solely by the magnetic attraction force between the outer magnetically attractive elements 130 and the inner magnetically attractive elements 112.
With the arrangement of the magnetic securing devices of the present invention, the user can easily disengage the outer member 24 from the garment 11 and reattach the outer member 24. More specifically, when the knee 7 of the user 2 is flexed, the protective pad assembly 20 will stay with the garment 11 and provide full coverage. When the user 2 is in a standing position, the protective pad assembly 20 will hang on the garment 11, away from the user's leg 6, and allows air flow. The present invention allows the user 2 to comfortably wear the protective pad assembly 20 and reduces, if not eliminates, the risk of blood clots and nerve damage due to the strangulation effect of straps of the conventional kneepads tightly pulled around a user's leg 6. When the job is done, the protective pad assembly 100 is easily disengaged from the leg 6 or the pants 2 and the protective pad assembly 100 can be used the same way another time.
When the users puts the sleeve unit 102 on the leg and wears shorts 32, the outer protective unit 104 is attached directly to the sleeve unit 102 by magnetic attraction between the inner securing components 108 of the sleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components 124 of the outer protective unit 104, as shown in FIGS. 22A and 23A. Furthermore, when the users wears pants 2, the user puts the sleeve unit 102 on the bare leg 6 and conceals the sleeve unit 102 under the pants 2, and the outer protective unit 104 is placed outside the pants 2 and is attached to the sleeve unit 102 by magnetic attraction between the inner securing components 108 of the sleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components 124 of the outer protective unit 104 through the pants 2, as shown in FIG. 22B. Placing the outer protective unit 104 (i.e., the outer protective pad 122/outer protective cap 146) outside the pants 2 is advantageous in that it provides the user with added cushioning protection, protection from hard surfaces and hard objects, and further helps protect the pants 2 from dirt and debris, rips, tears and abrasions.
Thus, FIG. 23B shows the outer protective unit 104 mounted on the knee 7 of the user wearing pants 2, and the first distal end 1421 of the outer strap member 128 passes through the slots 126 and 152 of the outer protective pad 122 and holds the outer protective pad 122 and outer protective cap 146 together. According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the outer members 128 of the protective unit 104 do not touch each other, i.e., do not encircle the leg 6 of the user, as best shown in FIG. 22B.
Various modifications, changes, and alterations may be practiced with the above-described embodiment, including but not limited to the additional embodiments shown in FIGS. 24-67. In the interest of brevity, reference characters in FIGS. 24-67 that are discussed above in connection with the first exemplary embodiment of in FIGS. 4-23B are not further elaborated upon below, except to the extent necessary or useful to explain the additional embodiments of FIGS. 24-67. Modified components and parts are indicated by the addition of a hundred digits to the reference numerals of the components or parts.
In a protective pad assembly 200 of a second exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24-33, the sleeve unit 102 is replaced by an inner support unit 202 in the form of a sleeve unit 202. The protective pad assembly 200 of FIGS. 24-33 corresponds substantially to the protective pad assembly 100 of FIGS. 4-22B, and the sleeve unit 102, which differs, will therefore be explained in detail below.
The protective pad assembly 200 comprises an inner support unit in the form of a sleeve unit 202 provided to be positioned over the elbow of the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, and the outer protective unit 104 configured to be disposed over the sleeve unit 202 for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user from the impact. Moreover, the outer protective unit 104 is releasably attachable to the sleeve unit 202.
The sleeve unit 202, as best shown in FIGS. 25-27, comprises an inner elastic member 206 provided to be positioned adjacent to the elbow or the knee 7 of the user so as to encircle the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and at least one inner securing component 108 mounted (or secured) to the inner elastic member 206. The inner elastic member 206 according to the second exemplary embodiment is in the form of an elastic sleeve 206. The sleeve unit 202 includes two identical inner securing components 108 spaced from each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction XL of the elastic sleeve 206. Moreover, the inner elastic member 206 is structurally and functionally identical to the inner elastic member 106. The elastic sleeve 206 has an upper end 2071 configured to be positioned above the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and a lower end 2072 configured to be positioned below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, both defining continuous and uninterruptable perimeters. Moreover, the perimeter of the upper end 2071 of the elastic sleeve 206 is larger than the perimeter of the lower end 2072 thereof.
Each of the inner securing components 108 is fastened to the elastic sleeve 206. Each of the inner securing components 108 is fastened closer to the lower end 2072 of the elastic sleeve 206 than to the upper end 2071. Each of the inner securing components 108 is configured to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, as best shown in FIGS. 27 and 30.
The elastic sleeve 206 has a height H2 (i.e., a distance between the upper end 2071 of the elastic sleeve 206 and the lower end 2072 thereof), and a width W2 (i.e., a maximum size of the elastic sleeve 206 in the direction perpendicular to the length of the elastic sleeve 206). Furthermore, the height H1 of the elastic sleeve 206 is substantially larger than a width W2 thereof. According to the second exemplary embodiment, a ratio of H2/W2 of the elastic sleeve 206 is between 1.5 and 2.5. Moreover, a distance H21 between the upper end 2071 of the elastic sleeve 206 and a center of the inner securing member 112 (i.e., a center of the recessed cup washer 112) is larger than a distance H22 between the center of the inner securing member 112 and the lower end 2072 of the elastic sleeve 206. Thus, H2=H21+H22. Preferably, a ratio H21/H22 is in a range of about 0.55-0.85.
In use of the protective pad assembly 200, the user wears the sleeve unit 202 with the attached inner securing components 108 including the inner magnetically attractive element 112, as illustrated in FIG. 27. The elastic sleeve 206 of the sleeve unit 202 is worn at the bare upper and lower portions 6a and 6b of the leg 6, over the knee 7 and the knee crease 9, as shown in FIGS. 24-33. In this position, the upper end 2071 of the elastic sleeve 206 is positioned above the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, while the lower end 2072 of the elastic sleeve 206 is positioned below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user. Unlike the elastic sleeve 106 of the first exemplary embodiment, the elastic sleeve 206 of the second exemplary embodiment covers the knee 7 of the user.
It should be appreciated that the sleeve unit 202 can be worn with shorts 32, as shown in FIGS. 27-29. The sleeve unit 202 also can be worn on the leg 6 and concealed under the pants 2 as shown in FIGS. 30-33. When the users puts the sleeve unit 202 on the leg 6 and wears shorts 32, the outer protective pad unit 104 is attached directly to the sleeve unit 202 by magnetic attraction between the inner securing components 108 of the sleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components 124 of the outer protective pad unit 104 as shown in FIGS. 24, 28 and 29.
Similarly, when the user puts the sleeve unit 202 on the bare leg 6 and conceals the sleeve unit 202 under pants 2, as best shown in FIG. 30, the outer protective pad unit 104 can also be concealed under the pants 2 and thus is attached directly to the sleeve unit 202 by magnetic attraction between the inner securing components 108 of the sleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components 124 of the outer protective pad unit 104, as shown in FIG. 31.
Furthermore, when the user puts the sleeve unit 202 on the bare leg 6 and conceals the sleeve unit 202 under the pants 2, the outer protective pad unit 104 can be placed outside the pants 2 and is attached to the sleeve unit 202 by magnetic attraction between the inner securing components 108 of the sleeve unit 202 and the outer securing components 124 of the outer protective pad unit 104 through the pants 2, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33. Placing the outer protective pad unit 104 outside the pants 2 is advantageous in that not only does it provide cushioning protection for the user but it also helps protect the pants 2 from dirt and debris, rips, tears and abrasions.
In a protective pad assembly 300 of a third exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 34-39, the sleeve unit 102 is replaced by an inner support unit in the form of a band unit 302. The protective pad assembly 300 of FIGS. 34-39 corresponds substantially to the protective pad assembly 100 of FIGS. 4-22B, and the band unit 302, which differs, will therefore be explained in detail below. The protective pad assembly 300 of the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises an inner support unit in the form of a band unit 302 provided to be positioned below the elbow of the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, and the outer protective unit 104 configured to be disposed over the band unit 302 for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user from impact. Moreover, the outer protective unit 104 is releasably attractable to the band unit 302.
The band unit 302, best shown in FIGS. 34, 36 and 37, comprises an inner elastic member 306 provided to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user so as to encircle the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and at least one inner securing component 108 mounted (or secured) to the inner elastic member 306. The inner elastic member 306 is in the form of an elastic sleeve (or band) 306. The elastic band 306 is a continuous and uninterrupted elastic tubular part defining a closed loop structure, i.e., a curved structure, the end of which is permanently connected to the beginning thereof. The elastic band 306 has an upper end 3071 configured to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and a lower end 3072 configured to be positioned further distant to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user and the upper end 3071 of the elastic band 306. Both the upper and lower ends 3071 and 3072, respectively, of the elastic band 306 define continuous and uninterruptable perimeters. Furthermore, a height H3 of the elastic band 306 (i.e., a distance between the upper end 3071 of the elastic band 306 and the lower end 3072 thereof) is smaller than a width W3 of the elastic band 306 (i.e., a maximum size of the elastic band 306 in the direction perpendicular to the length of the elastic band 306), as best shown in FIGS. 35A and 35B. Preferably, a ratio of H3/W3 of the elastic band 306 is between about 0.4 and 0.6. The elastic band 306 is made of an elastic and stretchable material. The continuous elastic band 306 covers a smaller area of the leg 6 and is worn on the bare lower portion 6b of the leg below the knee 7.
Use of the protective pad assembly 300 is similar to the protective pad assembly 100 of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the user wears the band unit 302 with the attached inner securing components 108 including the inner magnetically attractive element 112, as illustrated in FIG. 37. The elastic band 306 of the band unit 302 is worn at the bare lower portion 6b of the leg 6, below but adjacent to the knee 7 and the knee crease 9. The elastic band 306 does not cover the knee 7 of the user. It should be appreciated that the band unit 302 can be worn with shorts 32 or pants 2. When the users puts the band unit 302 on the leg 6 and wears shorts 32, the outer protective unit 104 is attached directly to the band unit 302 by magnetic attraction between the inner securing components 108 of the band unit 302 and the outer securing components 124 of the outer protective unit 104 as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39.
A protective pad assembly 400 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 40-45. The protective pad assembly 400 of FIGS. 40-45 corresponds substantially to the protective pad assembly 300 of FIGS. 34-39. The primary differences between the protective pad assembly 400 of the fourth exemplary embodiment and the protective pad assembly 300 of the third exemplary embodiment are explained in detail below.
The protective pad assembly 400 comprises an inner support unit in the form of an adjustable inner support unit 402 provided to be positioned below the elbow of the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, and the outer protective unit 104 configured to be disposed over the inner support unit 402 for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user from the impact. The outer protective unit 104 is releasably attractable to the inner support unit 402.
The inner support unit 402, best shown in FIGS. 41-42, comprises an adjustable inner member 406 provided to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user so as to encircle the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and at least one inner securing component 108 mounted (or secured) to the adjustable inner member 406. The inner member 406 is in the form of an adjustable inner strap 406. Specifically, the adjustable inner strap 406 is in the form of a rectangular (i.e., elongated) band having an upper end 4071 configured to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and a lower end 4072 configured to be positioned further distant to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user and the upper end 4071 of the adjustable inner strap 406. The adjustable inner strap 406 has longitudinally opposite first and second free distal ends 4091 and 4092, as best shown in FIG. 42. The adjustable inner strap 406 is not continuous.
The adjustable inner strap 406 is made preferably from a fabric and configured to be worn on the lower portion 6b of the leg 6 below the knee 7. The adjustable inner strap 406 is further configured for strapping around the lower portion 6b of the leg 6 so as to encircle the lower portion 6b of the leg 6. The longitudinal opposite free distal ends 4091 and 4092 of the adjustable inner strap 406 are releasably secured to each other by means of any suitable fastening means known in the art, such as “Velcro”-type (hook and loop) fastening means. Each of the distal (free) ends 4091 and 4092 of the inner strap 406 has patches 4201 and 4202, respectively, of complementary hook and loop fastener elements thereon thereby defining a hook and loop connection 420 (as best shown in FIG. 41), and releasably and adjustably fastening the free distal ends 4091 and 4092 of the inner strap 406 in position for strapping the inner support unit 402 in place on the leg 6 so as to accommodate legs of different sizes and different level of tightness. It is to be understood that the particular type of releasable fastening means, such as “Velcro”-type fastening means, clips, snap connectors, etc., is well within the knowledge of one or ordinary skill in the art and therefore will not be elaborated upon. The free distal ends 4091 and 4092 of the inner strap 406 have fastener hooks and loops on longitudinally opposite distal ends 4091 and 4092 thereof to adjust and fasten a length of the adjustable inner strap 406. The first distal end 4091 of the inner strap 406 has a patch 4201 provided with fastener hooks, while the second distal end 4092 of the inner strap 406 has a patch 4202 provided with complementary loops, or vice versa, used to adjust and fasten the length of the adjustable inner strap 406. The distal ends 4091 and 4092 of the adjustable inner strap 406 are thus releasably connectable to each other. The adjustable inner strap 406 is switchable between a closed position (shown in FIG. 41) when the distal ends 4091 and 4092 of the adjustable inner strap 406 are fastened to each other, and an open position (shown in FIG. 42) when the distal ends 4091 and 4092 of the adjustable inner strap 406 are separated (or spaced, not fastened) from each other.
The inner support unit 402 further includes the inner securing component 108 with the steel cup washers 112 mounted (or secured) to the adjustable inner strap 406. All other salient characteristics, securing devices and attaching assemblies and methods for the adjustable inner support unit 402 are identical to the band unit 302 as defined in the third embodiment of the present invention.
In use of the protective pad assembly 400, the user puts on the inner support unit 402 with the attached inner securing components 108 by wrapping the sleeve 406 of the inner support unit 402 around lower portion 6b of the leg 6, below the knee 7 and a knee crease 9, and above the ankle 8. The sleeve 406 may be worn over the bare leg 6 as shown in FIG. 40, or over pants 2 as shown in FIGS. 43-45, or under pants 2. The adjustable inner strap 406 is wrapped around lower portion 6b of the leg 6 so that the patches 4201 and 4202 face each other. The free distal ends 4091 and 4092 of the adjustable strap 406 are removably secured to one another by engaging the fastener hooks and loops on the patches 4201 and 4202 so as to adjust the strap 406 to specific size of the wearer's leg. When the users put the inner support unit 402 on the leg 6 and wears shorts 32, the outer protective unit 104 is attached directly to the inner support unit 402 by magnetic attraction between the inner securing components 408 of the inner support unit 402 and the outer securing components 124 of the outer protective unit 104 as shown in FIGS. 44 and 45.
An advantage of the inner support unit 402 is that it is adjustable and can fit many applications, and can be secured not only to the bare skin as shown FIG. 40, but also can be attached to the leg 6 outside of the garment (pants) 2 as shown FIGS. 43-45. The adjustable inner support unit 402 is placed outside of the pants 2 just below the knee 7 and frictionally secured to the pants 2 and the leg 6 with the hook and loop connection 408. FIG. 44 shows the outer protective pad 122 placed outside the pants 2 and attached directly to the inner support unit 402. FIG. 45 shows the outer protective cap 146 mounted to the outer protective pad 122 and both placed outside the pants 2 and attached directly to the inner support unit 402.
A protective pad assembly 500 according to a fifth exemplary embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 46-51B. The protective pad assembly 500 of FIGS. 46-51B corresponds substantially to the protective pad assembly 400 of FIGS. 40-45. The primary differences between the protective pad assembly 500 of the fifth exemplary embodiment and the protective pad assembly 400 of the fourth exemplary embodiment are explained in detail below.
The protective pad assembly 500 comprises an inner support unit in the form of an adjustable inner support unit 502 provided to be positioned below the elbow of the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, and an outer protective unit 504 configured to be disposed over the inner support unit 502 for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user from the impact. The outer protective unit 504 is releasably attachable to the inner support unit 502.
The inner support unit 502, best shown in FIGS. 48-49, comprises an adjustable inner member 506 provided to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user so as to encircle the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and at least one inner securing component 508 mounted (or secured) to the adjustable inner member 506. The inner member 506 is in the form of an adjustable inner strap 506. The adjustable inner strap 506 is in the form of a rectangular (i.e., elongated) strap having an upper end 5071 configured to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and a lower end 5072 configured to be positioned further distant to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user and the upper end 5071 of the adjustable inner strap 506. Moreover, the adjustable inner strap 506 has longitudinally opposite first and second free distal ends 5091 and 5092, as best shown in FIG. 49. The adjustable inner strap 506 is not continuous.
The adjustable inner strap 506 is made preferably from a fabric, and configured to be worn on the lower portion 6b of the leg 6 below the knee 7, as best shown in FIG. 47. The adjustable inner strap 506 is further configured for strapping around the lower portion 6b of the leg 6 so as to encircle the lower portion 6b of the leg 6. The longitudinal free distal ends 5091 and 5092 of the inner strap 506 are releasably secured to each other by means of suitable fastening means known in the art, such as “Velcro”-type fastening means. Each of the distal (free) ends 5091 and 5092 of the inner strap 506 has patches 5201 and 5202, respectively, of complementary hook and loop fastener elements defining a hook and loop connection 520 (as best shown in FIG. 48) for releasably and adjustably fastening the free distal ends 5091 and 5092 of the inner strap 506 in position for strapping the inner support unit 502 in place on the leg 6 so as to accommodate legs of different sizes and different level of tightness. It is to be understood that the particular type of releasable fastening means, such as “Velcro”-type fastening means, clips, snap connectors, etc., is well within the knowledge of one or ordinary skill in the art and therefore will not be elaborated. The free distal ends 5091 and 5092 of the inner strap 506 have fastener hooks and loops on longitudinal opposite distal ends 5091 and 5092 to adjust and fasten a length of the adjustable inner strap 506. The first distal end 5091 of the inner strap 506 has a patch 5201 provided with fastener hooks, while the second distal end 5092 of the inner strap 506 has a patch 5202 provided with complementary loops, or vice versa, used to adjust and fasten the length of the adjustable inner strap 506.
The inner support unit 502 includes two structurally and functionally identical inner securing components 508 spaced from each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction XL of the adjustable inner strap 506. Moreover, each of the inner securing components 508 is secured (or fastened) to the inner strap 506. Each of the inner securing components 508 is fastened adjacent to the free distal ends 5091 and 5092 of the inner strap 506. Each of the inner securing components 508 includes a suitable fastening means known in the art, such as “Velcro”-type fastening means including complementary hook and loop fastener elements for releasably and adjustably fastening the free distal ends 5091 and 5092 of the inner strap 506 in position for strapping the inner support unit 502 in place on the leg 6 so as to accommodate the legs of different sizes and different levels of tightness. It is to be understood that the particular type of releasable fastening means, such as “Velcro”-type fastening means, clips, snap connectors, etc., is well within the knowledge of one or ordinary skill in the art and therefore will not be elaborated. Specifically, each of the inner securing components 508 includes an inner securing member 510 is in the form of a patch provided with fastener hooks or loops, such as of “Velcro”-type.
The outer protective unit 504, best shown in FIG. 50, comprises an outer protective pad 122 configured to protect the elbow or the knee of the user from impact, and at least one outer securing component 524 mounted to the outer protective pad 122. The outer protective pad 122 is provided to be positioned over the elbow or the knee 7 of the user and aligned with the elbow or the knee 7 of the user. The outer protective unit 504 includes two identical outer securing components 524 spaced from each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LP of the outer protective pad 122. Each of the outer securing component 524 includes the rectangular outer strap member 128, and an outer securing member 530 secured (or fixed) to the outer strap member 128.
Each of the outer securing members 530 is in the form of a patch provided with fastener hooks or loops, such as of “Velcro”-type. As best shown in FIGS. 51A and 51B, the patch 510 of the inner securing components 508 is secured (or fixed) to an inner surface 1291 of the outer strap member 128, which is opposite to an outer surface 1292 thereof. The outer securing members 530 of the outer securing components 524 are complementary to the inner securing member 510 of the inner securing components 508, as best shown in FIGS. 50-51B. Specifically, the patch 510 of the inner securing components 508 is provided with fastener hooks, while the patch 530 of the outer securing components 524 is provided with complementary loops, or vice versa, used to secure the outer protective pad 122 to the inner support unit 502.
In use of the protective pad assembly 500, the user puts on the inner support unit 502 with the attached inner securing components 508 by wrapping the inner strap 506 of the inner support unit 502 around lower portion 6b of the leg 6, below the knee 7 and a knee crease 9, and above ankle 8. The inner strap 506 is wrapped around lower portion 6b of the leg 6 so that the patches 5201 and 5202 face each other. Then, the free distal ends 5091 and 5092 of the inner strap 506 are removably secured to one another by engaging the fastener hooks and loops on the patches 5201 and 5202. When the users puts the inner support unit 502 on the leg 6 and wears shorts 32 (see FIG. 47) or pants 2 (see FIG. 46), the outer protective unit 104 is attached directly to the inner support unit 502 by a hook and loop connection between the inner securing component 508 of the inner support unit 502 and the outer securing component 524 of the outer protective unit 504 as shown in FIGS. 46, 47 and 50.
All other salient characteristics, securing devices and attaching assemblies and methods for the adjustable inner support unit 502 are identical to the strap unit 402 as defined in the third embodiment of the present invention.
An advantage of the inner support unit 502 is that it is adjustable and can fit many applications and can be secured not only to the bare skin as shown FIG. 47, but also can be attached to the leg 6 outside of the garment (pants) 2 as shown FIG. 46. The adjustable inner support unit 502 is placed outside of the pants 2 just below the knee 7 and frictionally secured to the pants 2 and the leg 6 with the hook and loop connection 520. FIG. 46 shows the outer protective unit 504 placed outside the pants 2 and attached directly to the inner support unit 502. FIG. 46 shows the outer protective cap 146 mounted to the outer protective pad 122 and both placed outside the pants 2 and attached directly to the inner support unit 502.
A protective pad assembly 600 according to a sixth exemplary embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 52-56B. The protective pad assembly 600 of FIGS. 52-56B corresponds substantially to the protective pad assemblies 100 and 200 of FIGS. 5-33. The primary differences between the protective pad assembly 600 of the sixth exemplary embodiment and the protective pad assemblies 100 and 200 of the first and second exemplary embodiments are explained in detail below.
The protective pad assembly 600 comprises an inner support unit in the form of an inner support unit 602 provided to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow of the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, as best shown in FIG. 52, and an outer protective unit 604 (best shown in FIG. 55) configured to be disposed over the inner support unit 602 for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user from the impact. Alternatively, the inner support unit 602 may be replaced by an inner support unit 602′ provided to be positioned over the elbow of the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, as best shown in FIG. 53. The outer protective unit 604 is releasably attachable to the inner support unit 602 or 602′.
The inner support unit 602 (or 602′), best shown in FIGS. 52 and 53, comprises an inner elastic member 106, provided to be positioned adjacent to the elbow or the knee 7 or over the elbow of the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user so as to encircle the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and at least one inner securing component 608 mounted (or secured) to the inner elastic member 106. The inner elastic member 106 according to the sixth exemplary embodiment is in the form of an elastic sleeve 106.
According to the sixth exemplary embodiment, the sleeve unit 102 includes two structurally and functionally identical inner securing components 608 spaced from each other in the transverse direction. Moreover, each of the inner securing components 608 is fastened to the elastic sleeve 106. Each of the inner securing components 608 includes a patch 610 in the form of a piece of fabric, and an inner securing member 612 secured (or fixed) to the fabric patch 610. Alternatively, each of the inner securing components 608 may include only the inner securing member 612 secured (or fixed) directly to the elastic sleeve 106, not through the fabric patch 610.
According the sixth exemplary embodiment, the inner securing member 612 is a female snap member secured directly to a front surface 6101 of the fabric patch 610 opposite to a rear surface 6102 thereof as best shown in FIGS. 54A and 54B.
The outer protective unit 604, as best shown in FIG. 55, comprises an outer protective pad 122 configured to protect the elbow or the knee of the user from impact, and at least one outer securing component 624 mounted to the outer protective pad 122. The outer protective pad 122 is provided to be positioned over the elbow or the knee 7 of the user and aligned with the elbow or the knee 7 of the user. According to the sixth exemplary embodiment, the outer protective unit 604 includes two identical outer securing components 624 spaced from each other in the transverse direction of the outer protective pad 122. Each of the outer securing components 624 includes the rectangular outer strap member 128, and an outer securing member 630 secured (or fixed) to the outer strap member 128. The outer securing member 630 is preferably a male snap member secured directly to an inner surface 1291 of the outer strap member 128 opposite to an outer surface 1292 thereof as best shown in FIG. 56A and 56B. The male snap member 630 is complementary to the female snap member 612.
Preferably, the female snap member 612 is sewn directly to the front surface 6101 of the fabric patch 610, while the male snap member 630 is sewn directly to the front surface 1291 of the outer strap member 128, as best shown in FIGS. 54A, 56A and 57A. Alternatively, the female snap member 612 is mechanically fastened to the front surface 6101 of the fabric patch 610, while the male snap member 630 is mechanically fastened to the front surface 1291 of the outer strap member 128. Preferably, the female snap member 612 and a backing plate 613 of the female snap member 612 are crimped together onto the fabric patch 610 from opposing surfaces thereof, while the male snap member 630 and a backing plate 631 of the male snap member 630 are crimped together from opposing sides onto the outer strap member 128, as best shown in FIGS. 57B.
FIGS. 58-60 illustrate an outer protective unit 704 according to a seventh exemplary embodiment. The outer protective unit 704 of FIGS. 58-60 corresponds substantially to the outer protective unit 104 of the first exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4, 6A, 6B, 11A-11C, 12A, 12B, 13, 14, 18A-18C, 19, 20, 21, and 22A-23B. The primary differences between the outer protective unit 704 of the seventh exemplary embodiment and the outer protective unit 104 of the first exemplary embodiment are explained in detail below.
The outer protective unit 704 of the seventh exemplary embodiment can be utilized in conjunction with (i.e., be releasably attachable to) the inner support unit 102, 202, 302 or 402 of any of the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention. The outer protective unit 704 of the seventh exemplary embodiment is configured to be disposed over the inner support unit 102, 202, 302 or 402 for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user from the impact.
The outer protective unit 704, best shown in FIG. 58, comprises an outer protective pad 122 configured to protect the elbow or the knee of the user from impact, and two identical outer securing components 724 spaced from each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LP of the outer protective pad 122. Moreover, the outer securing components 724 are mounted to the outer protective pad 122. The outer protective pad 122 is provided to be positioned over the elbow or the knee 7 of the user and aligned with the elbow or the knee 7 of the user. The outer protective pad 122 is preferably made of an impact absorbing material, such as a stretchable and/or flexible cushioning material, such as Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA).
Each of the outer securing components 724 includes an adjustable outer member 728, and an outer securing member 130 secured (or fixed) to the adjustable outer member 728. The adjustable outer member 728 includes a rectangular adjustable outer strap (or band) 742 and an adjusting buckle 744, as best shown in FIGS. 59A, 59B and 60. The adjusting buckle 744 has a stationary center bar 754, two outer bars 755 and two slots 756 therebetween that allow the outer strap 742 to be fed therethrough to allow adjusting the length of the outer strap 742 as well known in the art. The cylindrical magnet 132 of the outer securing member 130 is secured to an inner surface 7431 of the outer strap 742 through the ferromagnetic inner washer 134, while an outer retaining washer 136 is mounted to an outer surface 7432 of the outer strap 742, opposite to the inner washer 134.
FIGS. 61-63 illustrate an outer protective unit 804 according to an eighth exemplary embodiment. The outer protective unit 804 of FIGS. 61-63 corresponds substantially to the outer protective unit 704 of the seventh exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 58-60. The primary differences between the outer protective unit 804 of the eighth exemplary embodiment and the outer protective unit 704 of the seventh exemplary embodiment are explained in detail below.
The outer protective unit 804 can be utilized in conjunction with (i.e., be releasably attachable to) the inner support unit 102, 202, 302 or 402 of any of the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention. The outer protective unit 804 is configured to be disposed over the inner support unit 102, 202, 302 or 402 for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user from the impact.
The outer protective unit 804, best shown in FIG. 61, comprises an outer protective pad 122 configured to protect the elbow or the knee of the user from impact, and two identical outer securing components 824 spaced from each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LP of the outer protective pad 122. Moreover, the outer securing components 824 are mounted to the outer protective pad 122. The outer protective pad 122 is provided to be positioned over the elbow or the knee 7 of the user and aligned with the elbow or the knee 7 of the user.
Each of the outer securing component 824 includes an adjustable outer member 828, and an outer securing member 130 secured (or fixed) to the adjustable outer member 828. The adjustable outer member 828 includes a rectangular adjustable outer strap (or band) 842 and an adjusting sliding (or moveable) bar buckle 844, as best shown in FIGS. 62A, 62B and 63. The sliding bar buckle 844 includes a rectangular frame member 845 having two outer bars 855, and a sliding (or moveable) center bar 854 mounted to the frame member 845 between the outer bars 855 so as to define two slots 856 therebetween, as best shown in FIG. 63. Specifically, the sliding center bar 854 is loosely mounted to the frame member 845 between the outer bars 855 for sliding movement therein, so that the sliding center bar 854 is movable toward and away from the outer bars 855. The two slots 856 allow the outer strap 842 to be fed therethrough to allow adjusting the length of the outer strap 842 as well known in the art. The cylindrical magnet 132 of the outer securing member 130 is secured to an inner surface 8431 of the outer strap 842 through the ferromagnetic inner washer 134, while an outer retaining washer 136 is mounted to an outer surface 8432 of the outer strap 842, opposite to the inner washer 134.
A protective pad assembly 900 according to a ninth exemplary embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 64-67. The protective pad assembly 900 of FIGS. 64-67 corresponds substantially to the protective pad assemblies 400 and 500 of FIGS. 40-50. The primary differences between the protective pad assembly 900 of the ninth exemplary embodiment and the protective pad assemblies 400 and 500 of the fourth and fifth exemplary embodiments are explained in detail below.
The protective pad assembly 900 comprises an inner support unit in the form of a band unit 902 provided to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow of the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, as best shown in FIGS. 65-67, and an outer protective unit 904 (best shown in FIGS. 64, 66 and 67) configured to be disposed over the band unit 902 for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user from the impact. The outer protective unit 904 is releasably attachable to the band unit 902.
The band unit 902, as best shown in FIGS. 65-67, comprises an adjustable inner member 906 provided to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user so as to encircle the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and at least one inner securing component 908 mounted (or secured) to the adjustable inner member 906. The inner member 906 according to the ninth exemplary embodiment is in the form of an adjustable band 906. The adjustable band 906 is in the form of a rectangular (i.e., elongated) band similar to the adjustable band 406 of the fourth exemplary embodiment.
Similar to the adjustable band 406, the adjustable band 906 is made preferably from a fabric and configured to be worn on the lower portion 6b of the leg 6 below the knee 7. The adjustable band 906 is further configured for strapping around the lower portion 6b of the leg 6 so as to encircle the lower portion 6b of the leg 6. The longitudinal free distal ends of the adjustable band 906 are releasably secured to each other by means of a suitable fastening means known in the art, such as “Velcro”-type fastening means, in which each of the distal (free) ends of the band 906 has patches of complementary hook and loop fastener elements thereon thereby defining a hook and loop connection 920 (as best shown in FIG. 65) and releasably and adjustably fastening the free distal ends of the band 906 in position for strapping the band unit 902 in place on the leg 6 so as to accommodate the legs of different sizes and different levels of tightness. It is to be understood that the particular type of releasable fastening means, such as “Velcro”-type fastening means, clips, snap connectors, etc., is well within the knowledge of one or ordinary skill in the art and therefore will not be elaborated. Preferably the free distal ends of the band 906 have fastener hooks and loops on longitudinally opposite distal ends thereof used to adjust and fasten a length of the adjustable band 906.
The band unit 902 further includes two inner securing component 908, each in the form of a side release (or quick release) female buckle 908, as best shown in FIG. 65. All other salient characteristics, securing devices and attaching assemblies and methods for the adjustable band unit 902 are identical to the band unit 402 as defined in the third embodiment of the present invention.
The outer protective unit 904, best shown in FIG. 64, comprises an outer protective pad 122 configured to protect the elbow or the knee of the user from impact, and two identical outer securing components 924 spaced from each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LP of the outer protective pad 122. Moreover, the outer securing components 924 are mounted to the outer protective pad 122. The outer protective pad 122 is provided to be positioned over the elbow or the knee 7 of the user and aligned with the elbow or the knee 7 of the user.
Each of the outer securing component 924 includes an adjustable outer member 928, and an outer securing member 930 secured (or fixed) to the adjustable outer member 928. The adjustable outer member 928 includes a rectangular adjustable outer strap (or band) 942 and an adjusting sliding (or moveable) bar buckle 844, as best shown in FIG. 64, for adjusting a length of the outer strap 942 as well known in the art. The outer securing member 930 is in the form of a side release (or quick release) male buckle 930, as best shown in FIG. 64. The side release male buckle 930 is secured to a distal end of the outer strap 942 of the adjustable outer member 928.
The side release male buckle 930 of the outer protective unit 904 engages the side release female buckle 908 of the adjustable band unit 902 to complete the attachment of the outer protective pad 122 to the adjustable inner member 906, and the adjusting sliding bar buckle 844 facilitates the tension. FIG. 66 shows the adjustable inner member 906 attached to the outside of pants 2 and shows the outer protective pad 122 attached to the adjustable inner member 906 of the band unit 902. FIG. 67 shows the adjustable inner member 906 attached to the outside of pants 2 and shows the outer protective pad 122/outer protective cap 146 assembly attached to the adjustable inner member 906 of the band unit 902.
The protective pad assembly in accordance with the present invention makes the wearing of protective pad assemblies more comfortable and minimizes the risk of blood clots and nerve damage due to the strangulation effect of straps tightly pulled around user's limb.
It will be appreciated that both the inner securing components and the outer securing components are not restricted or limited to any one design and/or form, and can be fabricated in various arrangements, pull strengths, sizes, thicknesses and shapes such as speared shaped, round, rectangular, square, and oval. For example, according to further variations of the first and other exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the securing devices with male and female members that releasably mechanically mate with one another may be embodied as an adjustable tension catch device, a knuckle catch device, a roller catch device, a spring button catch device, a combination thereof, and other releasably mechanically mating members of securing devices, disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication. No. 2017/0065007, hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. In other words, the securing components described in the sixth exemplary embodiment are configured to mechanically mate.
While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described with the reference to the knee pad assembly, it will be appreciated that the present invention is equally applicable to other variations and alternative embodiments of the present invention, such as an elbow pad assembly for releasably attaching to a garment, such as shirt or jacket (not shown). The materials used in construction of the protective pad assembly according to the present invention may include a variety of compositions consistent with the function of the invention.
The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration in accordance with the provisions of the Patent Statutes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. The embodiments disclosed hereinabove were chosen in order to best illustrate the principles of the present invention and its practical application to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as suited to the particular use contemplated, as long as the principles described herein are followed. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains. Thus, changes can be made in the above-described invention without departing from the intent and scope thereof. It is also intended that the scope of the present invention be defined by the claims appended thereto.
