KNEEPAD SYSTEM

Abstract

An improved kneepad system for removably attaching a pair of kneepads to pair of pants. The improved kneepad system includes one or more external kneepad assemblies to be disposed along an outer surface of the pants. A fastening assembly is designed for removably attaching the one or more external kneepad assemblies to the pants. Each of the kneepad assemblies includes a pocket which houses a corresponding kneepad insert. Finally, the kneepad assemblies include a protective layer which is attached to the pocket.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an improved kneepad system, and more specifically to first and second kneepad assemblies including a pocket, a corresponding kneepad insert, and a protective layer, each designed to be removably attached to pants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many persons must kneel in performance of their work. For example, carpet installers must kneel when attaching nail strips around the periphery of the area to be carpeted. They must also kneel when the carpet sections are joined and when the carpet is stretched. This kneeling is hard on the user's knees unless they are protected. A plurality of various occupations also require kneeling. For example, plumbers must kneel to do plumbing work near the floor. Carpenters must kneel on the floor to do carpentry at low levels.

In addition, there are non-work situations where kneeling is helpful. With any long term effort near the ground, kneeling is preferable to bending. Thus, garden work often requires kneeling for attention to plants or planting. There are pads which can be carried along and put in position for kneeling. There are foam kneepads which can be strapped around the leg so that they are presumably in position when the user wants to kneel. However, such kneepads are inconvenient, or do not remain in position. Also, the use of straps on this prior art example can cut off blood circulation to a user's lower leg, thereby being uncomfortable and often painful for the user. Thus, there is a need for a structure which properly positions the kneepad and holds it in place.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed an improved kneepad system for removably attaching a pair of kneepads to a pair of pants. The improved kneepad system includes one or more external kneepad assemblies to be disposed along an outer surface of the pants. A fastening assembly is designed for removably attaching the one or more external kneepad assemblies to the pants. Each of the kneepad assemblies includes a pocket which houses a corresponding kneepad insert. Finally the kneepad assemblies includes a protective layer.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed an improved kneepad system for removably attaching a pair of kneepads to a pair of pants. The improved kneepad system includes one or more external kneepad assemblies to be disposed along an outer surface of the pants. A fastening assembly is designed for removably attaching the one or more external kneepad assemblies to the pants. Each of the kneepad assemblies includes an expandable spandex or durable cloth material pocket formed of connected first and second panels and having an opening on a top edge. The expandable spandex or durable cloth material pocket houses a corresponding kneepad insert. Each of the kneepad assemblies includes a protective layer having a hard but flexible shell portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The structure, operation, and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures (FIGS.). The figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The cross-sectional views may be in the form of “slices”, or “near sighted” cross-sectional views, omitting certain background lines which would otherwise be visible in a “true” cross-sectional view, for illustrative clarity.

In the drawings accompanying the description that follows, both reference numerals and legends (labels, text descriptions) may be used to identify elements. If legends are provided, they are intended merely as an aid to the reader, and should not in any way be interpreted as limiting.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front, three dimensional view of the improved kneepad system in use on a person, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front, exploded view of the kneepad assembly of the improved kneepad system including the ornamental inserts, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front, exploded view of the rear of the kneepad assembly of the improved kneepad system including the ornamental inserts, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front, exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the kneepad assembly of the improved kneepad system including the ornamental inserts, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the description that follows, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations of these specific details are possible while still achieving the results of the present invention. Well-known processing steps are generally not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obfuscating the description of the present invention.

In the description that follows, exemplary dimensions may be presented for an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The dimensions should not be interpreted as limiting. They are included to provide a sense of proportion. Generally speaking, it is the relationship between various elements, where they are located, their contrasting compositions, and sometimes their relative sizes that is of significance.

In the drawings accompanying the description that follows, often both reference numerals and legends (labels, text descriptions) will be used to identify elements. If legends are provided, they are intended merely as an aid to the reader and should not in any way be interpreted as limiting.

Almost everyone is aware of the discomfort that follows a kneeling position maintained for even a short interval. To those whose occupations require working in that position for long intervals, on floors and floor coverings, for example, kneepads are used to minimize such discomfort.

The constant pressure, moving, sliding, leaning and the like, while working on the floor or ground and on one's knees, all cause great pain in the knee area. Such people include construction workers, floor refinishers, shelf stockers, roofers, janitorial personnel and the like. One common method of combating this pain is to wear external kneepads over their pants. While undoubtedly this provides cushioning while kneeling, the external kneepads pinch and bind the wearer's leg when standing. However, kneepads can interfere with leg circulation when they are wrapped tightly around the knee.

This quickly becomes an unsuitable solution for those who are constantly up and down on their knees. Additionally, the use of external kneepads with this drawback usually requires them to be removed during breaks or while going for lunch thus spending time and effort to relocate them and put them back on after break or lunch is over.

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of kneepads now present in the prior art, the improved kneepad system 10 provides a new protective knee system construction wherein the same can be utilized for attaching a pair of kneepads to pair of pants to protect the wearer's knees. The kneepad system 10 is designed as a removable kneepad 12 that may simply and temporarily be added to a user's 11 existing pair of pants 14. The kneepad 12 provide a cushioned surface for the knees to prevent nerve or cartilage damage.

The kneepad system 10 includes a pair of work pants 14 removably positional over the

• • user 11 knees, and one or more external kneepad assemblies 12 advantageously disposed along an outer surface of the work pants. The kneepad system 10 further includes a mechanism for removably attaching the kneepads to the work pants, which is essential such that the kneepads cover and protect the user 11 knees during operating conditions. Such kneepad assemblies 12 remain statically engaged with the work pants 14, which is critical such that the work pants are advantageously prohibited from bunching up against the kneepads when the kneepads are rubbed along the floor surface

The one or more kneepad assemblies 12 can be easily removed from the pants 14 for laundering, replacement, or when not needed. Each kneepad assembly 12 provides a cushioning between a horizontal support surface and knees of a user when the user is in a kneeling position. A fastening assembly 16 is for fastening each one of the pair of kneepads 12 to an associated one of the pants 14 legs for covering the knees of a user.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the system 10 comprises a pair of work pants 14 preferably, but not essentially, fabricated and designed with heavyweight washable material, such as denim, to do inside and/or outside work. Generally, the pants 14, having first and second legs, are made up of a suitable fabric for trousers in which the person is going to be kneeling, such as chino or denim.

The work pants 14 are designed typically similar to that of conventional pants having a waistband, a left leg member 20, a right leg member 22, a plurality of variable sizeable pockets 24 and 26, belt loops 28, and means to put on and take off the pants 30, i.e. button and zipper. As customary, the left leg member 20 is preferably, but not essentially, the mirrored image of the right leg member 22 fabricated and designed similarly

Removeably attached to the front of the left leg member 20 is a first kneepad assembly 12a. A similar second kneepad assembly 12b can be removably attached to the front of the right leg member 22. The kneepad assemblies 12a and 12b are identical, and although it is within the terms of the embodiment that there only be one of the kneepad assemblies included, it is preferable for the system 10 to include first and second kneepad assemblies 12a and 12b.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the first and second zipper portions 32 and 34 attach to zipper portions 48 and 50, which are disposed on the left leg member 20. Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 1, first and second zipper portions 40 and 42 on the first and second edges 44 and 46 of the protective layer 57 of the second kneepad assembly 12b attach to zipper portions on the right leg member 22. Although the exemplary fastening assembly 16 is zippers, any desired means for fastening may be utilized, such as buttons and snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or any other suitable method.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the kneepad assemblies 12 includes a pocket 52, a corresponding kneepad insert 54, and a protective layer 55. Although only first kneepad assembly 12a is shown, second kneepad assembly 12b has the identical features and functionality. Preferably, the pocket 52 is sized slightly larger than the kneepad insert 54 for providing a snug fit for the kneepad insert. Each one of the kneepad inserts 54 is slidably received by the associated pocket 52.

The pocket 52 is formed of connected first and second panels 52a and 52b, respectively. The first and second panels 52a and 52b forming the pocket 52 are stitched or sewn on three sides, leaving an opening 56 on the top edge. The pocket 52 is preferably constructed of an expandable spandex or durable cloth material to accept the kneepad insert 54 and maintain it securely. The opening 56 will be sufficiently small to prevent the kneepad insert 54 from being pushed out during use. The kneepad insert 54 is generally soft and flexible, and can be collapsed to fit into the opening 56 of the pocket 52. Upon release, the kneepad insert 54 will assume the volume or cavity of the pocket 52.

Disposed on the first panel of the pocket 52 is means of connection such as first Velcro strip 60. The Velcro strip 60 corresponds to an accompanying second Velcro strip 62 on the rear of the protective layer 55, as seen in FIG. 3, to thereby adjoin the pocket containing the kneepad insert with the protective layer. The protective layer 55 includes a hard but flexible shell portion 64, as seen in FIG. 2. The shell portion 64 is designed to correspond in shape and position to the kneepad insert 54.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative option wherein the pocket is 52 is integrally connected to the rear of the protective layer 55.

As previously mentioned, the second kneepad assembly 12b, although not shown in detail, is identical in shape, dimensions, and functionality to the first kneepad assembly 12a, including the same components.

Each of the first and second kneepad assemblies 12a and 12b include a fastening assembly 16 is for fastening each one of the kneepad assemblies to the pants 14. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, there are first and second zipper portions 32 and 34 on the first and second edges 36 and 38 of the protective layer 55 of the first kneepad assembly 12a which attach to first and second zipper portions 48 and 50, which are disposed on the left leg member 20. The first and second zipper portions 40 and 42 are on the first and second edges 44 and 46 of the protective layer 57 of the second kneepad assembly 12b, and similarly attach to first and second zipper portions which are disposed on the right leg member 22.

It also must be noted that the improved kneepad system 10 may be used with shorts, whereby a top edge of the kneepad assembly 16 is removably attached to the shorts, and a bottom edge attaches to the user's leg. The bottom edge of the of the kneepad assembly 16 may connect to the user's leg utilizing straps which may be adjustable and connected to the bottoms of the user's shoes.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, certain equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, etc.) the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more features of the other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. The improved kneepad system of claim 21, wherein the one or more external kneepad assemblies includes a first kneepad assembly on a first leg member of the pants, and a second kneepad assembly on a second leg member of the pants.

3. The improved kneepad system of claim 21, wherein the fastening assembly is selected from a group consisting of a zipper system, buttons and snaps, and hook and loop fasteners.

4. The improved kneepad system of claim 21, wherein the pocket is formed of connected first and second panels.

5. The improved kneepad system of claim 4, wherein the connected first and second panels forming the pocket are stitched or sewn on three sides, leaving an opening on a top edge whereby the flexible kneepad insert is slidably received in the pocket for providing a snug fit for the flexible kneepad insert.

6. The improved kneepad system of claim 5, wherein the pocket is constructed of an expandable spandex or durable cloth material to accept the kneepad insert and maintain it securely.

7. The improved kneepad system of claim 6, wherein the opening on the top edge of the connected first and second panels is sufficiently small to prevent the kneepad insert from being pushed out during use.

8. The improved kneepad system of claim 7, wherein the flexible kneepad insert is generally soft and flexible, and can be collapsed to be slidably received through the opening of the pocket.

9. The improved kneepad system of claim 8, wherein disposed on the first panel of the pocket is a first strip of hook elements.

10. The improved kneepad system of claim 9, wherein the first strip of hook elements corresponds to an accompanying second strip of loop elements on an inner facing surface of the protective layer, to thereby adjoin the pocket containing the kneepad insert with the protective layer.

11. The improved kneepad system of claim 10, wherein the pocket is integrally connected to the inner facing surface of the protective layer.

12. The improved kneepad system of claim 21, wherein the protective layer has the fastening assembly attached thereto and includes a hard but flexible shell portion.

13. The improved kneepad system of claim 12, wherein the flexible shell portion is designed to correspond in shape and position to the flexible kneepad insert.

14. The improved kneepad system of claim 3, wherein the fastening assembly includes first and second zipper portions on first and second edges of the protective layer of the kneepad assembly.

15. The improved kneepad system of claim 14, wherein the first and second zipper portions attach to first and second leg member zipper portions disposed on the leg member.

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. An improved kneepad system being removably attached to a pair of pants, comprising;

one or more external kneepad assemblies disposed upon an outer surface of the pants;

a fastening assembly including a protective layer disposed against the outer surface of at least one of the leg members of the pants for removably attaching the one or more external kneepad assemblies to the outer surface of the at least one of the leg members of the pants;

the fastening assembly including first and second zipper portions disposed on first and second edges of the protective layer which are attached to first and second leg member zipper portions which are disposed on an outer facing surface of at least one of the leg members;

a hard but flexible shell portion disposed on an outer facing surface of the protective layer of the one or more external kneepad assemblies having the fastening assembly attached thereto wherein the protective layer attached by the first and second zipper portions disposed on first and second edges of the protective layer to the first and second leg member zipper portions on an outer facing surface of the at least one of the leg members;

each of the one or more external kneepad assemblies including a pocket which is disposed on the outer facing surface of the at least one of the leg members wherein the pocket is between the first and second leg member zipper portions and removably attached between the inner facing surface of the protective layer and the outer facing surface of the at least one of the leg members;

the pocket of the one or more external kneepad assemblies which houses a corresponding soft and flexible kneepad insert that corresponds in shape and position to the hard but flexible shell portion; and

the one or more external kneepad assemblies including the protective layer and wherein the pocket of each of the one or more external kneepad assemblies is attached to the outer facing surface of the at least one of the leg members wherein the pocket is slightly larger than the flexible kneepad insert whereby the flexible kneepad insert is slidably received in the pocket for providing a snug fit for the flexible kneepad insert.