U.S. patent application number 09/809874 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-29 for leg protection system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Outdoor Creations, Inc.. Invention is credited to Fisher, Gregory B., Heller, John F..
Application Number | 20010044947 09/809874 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26885631 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010044947 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heller, John F. ; et
al. |
November 29, 2001 |
Leg protection system
Abstract
A leg protection system selectively covers a person's lower leg
and knee for protection against environmental elements. The leg
protection system comprises a first protective cover and a second
protective cover which are selectively attachable to each other to
define a single leg protection system. The first protective cover
is adapted to cover the front and side portions of a wearer's knee.
The first protective cover has a top portion and a bottom portion,
whereby the top and bottom portions are formed of a flexible
material for generally fitting the contour of the knee. The bottom
portion has a first releasable strap assembly adapted to extend
behind the wearer's leg to operatively attach the first protective
cover over the knee. The second protective cover is adapted to
cover the front and side portions of a wearer's lower leg. The
second protective cover is formed of a flexible material for
generally fitting the contour of the lower leg. The second
protective cover has a second releasable strap assembly adapted to
extend behind the wearer's lower leg to operatively attach the
second protective cover to the lower leg. The first and second
protective covers are selectively attachable adjacent their
respective bottom and top edges to define, when so attached, a
single leg protective system.
Inventors: |
Heller, John F.; (Coon
Rapids, MN) ; Fisher, Gregory B.; (St. Paul,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KINNEY & LANGE, P.A.
THE KINNEY & LANGE BUILDING
312 SOUTH THIRD STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55415-1002
US
|
Assignee: |
Outdoor Creations, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
26885631 |
Appl. No.: |
09/809874 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60189939 |
Mar 16, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/23 ; 2/22 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/0543 20130101;
A41D 13/06 20130101; A41D 13/0568 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/23 ; 2/22 |
International
Class: |
A41D 013/06; A41D
013/00 |
Claims
1. A leg protection system for selectively covering a person's
lower leg and knee comprising: a first protective cover adapted to
cover front and side portions of a wearer's knee, the first
protective cover having a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of
lateral edges extending between the top and bottom edges, the first
protective cover having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top
and bottom portions being formed of a flexible material for
generally fitting the contour of the knee, and the bottom portion
having a first releasable strap assembly adapted to extend behind
the wearer's leg to operatively attach the first protective cover
over the knee; and a second protective cover adapted to cover front
and side portions of a wearer's lower leg, the second protective
cover having a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of lateral edges
extending between the top and bottom edges, the second protective
cover being generally elongate, the second protective cover being
formed of a flexible material for generally fitting the contour of
the lower leg, the second protective cover having a second
releasable strap assembly adapted to extend behind the wearer's
lower leg to operatively attach the second protective cover to the
lower leg, and the first and second protective covers being
selectively attachable adjacent their respective bottom and top
edges to define, when so attached, a single leg protective
system.
2. A leg protector according to claim 1, wherein the top edge of
the first protective cover is curved between the lateral edges, and
the bottom edge of the first protective cover extends generally
normal between the lateral edges.
3. A leg protector according to claim 1, wherein the top and bottom
edges of the second protective cover extend generally normally
relative to the lateral edges and the second protective cover is
wider adjacent the top edge thereof than adjacent the bottom edge
thereof.
4. A leg protector according to claim 1, wherein the top portion
has a upwardly curving bottom edge and the bottom portion has an
upwardly curving top edge, wherein the curvature of the bottom edge
of the top portion is substantially identical to the curvature of
the top edge of the bottom portion, and the bottom edge of the top
portion is attachable to the top edge of the bottom portion to
define a fold in the first protective cover allowing the first
protective cover to bend as the knee bends.
5. A leg protector according to claim 4, wherein the bottom edge of
the upper portion is sewn to the top edge of the upper portion.
6. A leg protector according to claim 4, wherein when the first
protective cover is operatively attached over a wearer's knee, the
lateral edges of the first protective cover are wrapped around the
sides of the knee thereby covering the front of the knee and the
fold causes the upper portion to flare up and out into an arcuately
curved configuration covering the contour of the knee.
7. A leg protector according to claim 1, wherein the first and
second protective covers are selectively attached together by
two-part mechanical fasteners on opposed facing portions
thereof.
8. A leg protector according to claim 7, wherein the two-part
mechanical fasteners are hook and loop fasteners.
9. A leg protector according to claim 1, wherein the first strap
assembly has a strap extending from one lateral edge of the bottom
portion at the bottom edge for fastening around the wearer's lower
leg.
10. A leg protector according to claim 9, wherein the strap is
elastic.
11. A leg protector according to claim 9, wherein a free end of the
strap has one portion of a two-part mechanical fastener thereon
which cooperates with a second mating portion of the two-part
mechanical fastener which is disposed adjacent the opposite lateral
edge of the bottom portion.
12. A leg protector according to claim 11, wherein the two-part
mechanical fastener is a hook and loop fastener.
13. A leg protector according to claim 1, wherein the second strap
assembly is closer to the bottom edge of the second protective
cover than to the top edge of the second protective cover.
14. A leg protector according to claim 1, wherein the second strap
assembly has a strap extending from one lateral edge of the second
protective cover for fastening around the wearer's leg.
15. A leg protector according to claim 14, wherein the strap is
elastic.
16. A leg protector according to claim 14, wherein a free end of
the strap has one portion of a two-part mechanical fastener thereon
which cooperates with a second mating portion of the two-part
mechanical fastener which is disposed adjacent the opposite lateral
edge of the second protective cover.
17. A leg protector according to claim 16, wherein the two-part
mechanical fastener is a hook and loop fastener.
18. A leg protector according to claim 1, wherein the first
protective cover has a liner disposed between the first protective
cover and the wearer's knee to provide a comfortable and smooth
surface for the knee.
19. A leg protector according to claim 1, wherein the leg
protecting system is formed from waterproof material.
Description
[0001] The application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/189,939 filed Mar. 16, 2000 for "Garden
Chaps" by John Heller and Gregory Fisher.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to protective
apparel for the lower leg and knee, and more specifically to a leg
protection system which can be worn over the knee only or worn as a
complete leg protection system covering the knee and the lower leg.
The cover is universal, in that it may be worn on either the left
or right leg individually or on both legs.
[0003] There are many occasions when a person's lower legs and
knees are exposed to conditions which may cause the person's
clothing to become dirty or damaged, prompting a person to wear
protective covering. As most homeowners and landscape workers are
well aware, many yard and gardening tasks such as grass cutting,
weed whacking, leaf blowing, or raking, result in dirt, twigs,
leaves, grass cuttings, and other outdoor debris being deposited on
the lower legs and knees of the person performing the tasks or
possibly staining the person's clothes. In addition, protective
covering provides additional padding and comfort to a person who is
resting or supporting his or her weight on their legs or knees
while performing outdoor tasks as well as indoor tasks, such as
laying flooring or cleaning floors.
[0004] On other occasions a person's lower legs and knees are
exposed to conditions which may cause injury to the person and/or
damage to their clothing. Operating a string trimmer is especially
hazardous because of the exposed rotating cutting string. The
exposed cutting string has been known to occasionally hit the leg
of the operator of the string trimmer, thus causing injury to the
operator's leg. In addition, protective covering serves to protect
the person's legs and clothes during painting or other chemically
damaging operations, such as spraying a herbicide or pesticide.
[0005] Protective guards designed to protect the leg, knee, or shin
are commonly used in sports. Full length protective guards are
conventionally used by catchers in softball or baseball where
protection of the entire lower leg is important. Other sports such
as soccer, which have protective guards for the shin, and
volleyball, which have protective padding for the knees, utilize
fixed length protective guards for specific regions of the leg.
However, such protective guards are generally made of relatively
hard, inflexible or bulky material and is not well suited for
gardening or other landscaping activities.
[0006] Other types of leg protection coverings are widely available
which protect the lower leg and the foot in a one piece covering.
Examples of this kind of leg protective covering range from U.S.
Pat. No. 5,987,778 for protecting a wearer's leg and foot from
injury, to U.S. Pat. No. 4,057,853, which discloses snake proof
leggings made of steel mesh to cover the lower leg and foot, to
U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,525, which describes a leg guard apparatus that
covers the leg from above the knee to the foot. However, none of
these protective coverings offer a single leg protection system
with a selectively attachable knee protective cover and lower leg
protective cover, which allows a user the ability to wear a knee
protective cover by itself or together with the lower leg
protective cover.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A leg protection system for selectively covering a person's
lower leg and knee comprising a first protective cover and a second
protective cover selectively attachable to each other to define a
single leg protection system. The first protective cover is adapted
to cover the front and side portions of a wearer's knee. The first
protective cover has a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of
lateral edges extending between the top and bottom edges. The first
protective cover has a top portion and a bottom portion, whereby
the top and bottom portions are formed of a flexible material for
generally fitting the contour of the knee. The bottom portion has a
first releasable strap assembly adapted to extend behind the
wearer's leg to operatively attach the first protective cover over
the knee. The second protective cover is adapted to cover the front
and side portions of a wearer's lower leg. The second protective
cover has a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of lateral edges
extending between the top and bottom edges. The second protective
cover is formed of a flexible material for generally fitting the
contour of the lower leg. The second protective cover has a second
releasable strap assembly adapted to extend behind the wearer's
lower leg to operatively attach the second protective cover to the
lower leg. The first and second protective covers are selectively
attachable adjacent their respective bottom and top edges to
define, when so attached, a single leg protective system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present invention will be further explained with
reference to the attached figures, wherein like structure is
referred to by like numerals throughout the several views.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the inventive leg protection
system on a wearer's leg.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a simplified longitudinal cross-sectional view of
the inventive leg protection system.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a rear elevational view of the inner surface of
the first protective cover and the second protective cover of the
inventive leg protection system.
[0012] FIG. 4 is an exploded rear view of the inner surface of the
upper and lower portions of the first protective cover of the
inventive leg protection system.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the inner surface of the upper and
lower portions joined together to form the first protective cover
of the inventive leg protection system.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first
protective cover of the inventive leg protection system in an
unworn or relaxed state (as taken along lines 6-6 in FIG. 3).
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first protective cover
of the inventive leg protection system on a wearer's knee.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first protective cover
unattached to the second protective cover of the inventive leg
protection system.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first protective cover
selectively attached to the second protective cover to form a
single leg protective system.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the first protective
cover of the inventive leg protection system in a worn or arcing
configuration.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a top orthogonal view of the leg protection
system of FIG. 9.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a front orthogonal view of the leg protection
system of FIG. 9.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a side orthogonal view of the leg protection
system of FIG. 9.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a side orthogonal view of the leg protection
system of FIG. 9.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a rear orthogonal view of the leg protection
system of FIG. 9.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a bottom orthogonal view of the leg protection
system of FIG. 9.
[0025] While the above-identified drawing figures set forth one
preferred embodiment of the invention, other embodiments are also
contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this
disclosure presents the present invention by way of representation
and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other
modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in
the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of
this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The present invention is a leg protection system shown at 10
in FIG. 1. The leg protection system 10 or chap is adapted to be
worn around the wearer's lower leg 11 and knee 12 to protect the
user from environmental elements as well as providing the user with
comfort while performing outdoor and indoor activities. The leg
protection system 10 has sufficient flexibility to be deformable
into a generally C-shaped configuration to substantially encircle
and cover the front and sides of the wearer's lower leg 11 as well
as the front and sides of the wearer's knee 12. The material of the
leg protection system 10 is fabricated from vinyl, rubber, foam
rubber, polyester, heavy canvas or the like.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the leg protection system 10 has an
outer surface 13 which faces the environment and an inner surface
14 which is in contact with the lower leg 11 and knee 12.
Preferably, the outer surface 13 is vinyl and is a heavier more
rugged protective surface than the inner surface 14. Even more
preferably, the outer surface 13 is waterproof. Preferably, a first
protective cover 16 has a liner 17 on the inner surface 14 disposed
between the first protective cover and the knee 12. Preferably, the
liner 17 is polyester to provide a smooth, comfortable, yet durable
surface for the knee to articulate against.
[0028] The leg protection system 10, shown in FIG. 3, includes a
first protective cover 16 and a second protective cover 18, whereby
the first and second protective covers 16, 18 are selectively
attachable to one another to form a single leg protection system
10. The first protective cover 16 has a top edge 20, a bottom edge
22, and a pair of lateral edges 24, 26 extending between the top
edge 20 and bottom edge 22. The first protective cover 16 has a
first fastener 28 for selectively attaching the first protective
cover 16 to the second protective cover 18. Preferably, the first
fastener 28 is on the inner surface 14 of the first protective
cover 16 along the bottom edge 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the first
fastener 28 is one portion of a two-part mechanical fastener, such
as a strip of hook or loop fastener material. Alternatively, the
first fastener 28 could be any type of fastener intended for
engagement with the second protective cover 18, including a zipper,
a plurality of buttons or snaps, Dual-Lok Fastener, headed stems,
etc.
[0029] The first protective cover 16 has a upper portion 30 and a
lower portion 32. The first protective cover 16 has at least one
first strap assembly 34 to operatively attach the first protective
cover 16 over the knee 12. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 1, the lower portion 32 has a first releasable strap assembly
34 adapted to extend behind the lower leg 11 to operatively attach
the first protective cover 16 to the knee 12. The first releasable
strap assembly 34 has a strap member 36, which is preferably
elastic and secured at one end to the lateral edge 24 of the lower
portion 32 at the bottom edge 22. The other end of the strap member
36 has a first patch 38 of a two-part mechanical fastener (such as
hook and loop, Dual-Lok, etc.) which cooperates with a second
opposed patch 40 of the fastener which is disposed on the opposing
lateral edge 26 on the outer surface 13 of the lower portion 32.
The first strap assembly 34, extending from the bottom edge 22 of
the lower portion 32, offers the advantage of attaching the first
protective cover 16 around the lower leg 11, below the knee 12,
thereby preventing discomfort typically caused when an attachment
strap extends behind the knee when the knee is bent.
[0030] As seen in FIG. 3, the second protective cover 18 has a top
edge 42, a bottom edge 44, and a pair of lateral edges 46, 48
extending between the top edge 42 and bottom edge 44. The second
protective cover 18 is generally elongate, and the top edge 42 and
the bottom edge 44 are generally normal relative to the lateral
edges 46, 48. Preferably, the second protective cover 18 is wider
adjacent the top edge 42 than adjacent the bottom edge 44. As shown
in FIG. 3, the top edge 42 of the second protective cover 18 is
substantially the same width as the bottom edge 22 of the first
protective cover 16. The second protective cover 18 has at least
one second releasable strap assembly 50 adapted to extend behind
the lower leg 11 to operatively attached the second protective
cover 18 to the lower leg 11. Preferably, the second strap assembly
50 is closer in proximity to the bottom edge 44 of the second
protective cover 18 than it is to the top edge 42 of the second
protective cover 18. The second releasable strap assembly 50 has a
strap member 52, which is preferably elastic and secured at one end
to the lateral edge 46 of the second protective cover 18. The other
end of the strap member 52 has a third patch 54 of a two-part
mechanical fastener (such as hook and loop, etc.) which cooperates
with a fourth patch 56 of the two-part mechanical fastener which is
disposed on the opposing lateral edge 48 on the outer surface 13 of
the second protective cover 18. The top edge 42 has a second
fastener 58 for selectively attaching the second protective cover
18 to the first fastener 28 of the first protective cover 16.
Preferably, the second fastener 58 is on the outer surface 13 of
the second protective cover 18 along the top edge 42. As shown in
FIG. 3, the second fastener 58 is a strip of a two-part
mechanical-type fastener, which cooperatively mates with the first
fastener 28 of the first protective cover 16.
[0031] In the preferred embodiment, the upper portion 30 and the
lower portion 32 are joined together, as for example, by stitching.
FIG. 4 shows the upper portion 30 and lower portion 32 before being
joined together. The upper portion 30 has an upwardly curving top
edge 60 and an upwardly curving bottom edge 62. The lower portion
32 has an upwardly curving top edge 64 and a bottom edge 66. The
bottom edge 66 is generally normal relative to the lateral edges
24, 26. The curvature of the upwardly curving bottom edge 62 of the
upper portion 30 is substantially the same curvature as the
upwardly curving top edge 64 of the lower portion 32. The curved
bottom edge 62 of the upper portion 30 and the curved top edge 64
of the bottom portion 32 are stitched or otherwise attached
together creating an upwardly curving seam 68, as shown in FIG. 5.
In its relaxed state (not worn on a user's leg), shown in FIG. 6,
the seam 68 causes the upper portion 30 to generally fold over
(adjacent the seam 68) onto the inner surface 14 of the lower
portion 32 of the first protective cover 16.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 7, the first protective cover 16 of the leg
protection system 10 generally fits the contour of the front and
sides of the knee 12 and the adjacent portion of the lower leg 11.
As shown in FIG. 7, the first protective cover 16 can be worn
without the second protective cover 18.
[0033] When the first protective cover 16 is worn on the front of
the knee 12, the lateral edges 24, 26 are wrapped around the sides
of the knee 12. As the lateral edges 24, 26 are wrapped around the
contour of the knee 12, the upper portion 30 flares up and out into
an arcuately curved configuration which overlies the front and the
sides of the knee 12. The arcing of the seam 68 forms a proper fit
over the knee 12 by creating a bend or angle in the first
protective cover 16 which allows the first protective cover 16 to
follow the natural contour of the knee 12. The bend created by the
seam 68 allows the first protective cover 16 to conform to the knee
12 as the knee 12 bends.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first fastener 28 is
selectively attachable to the second fastener 58 to define, when so
attached, the single leg protective system 10. Alternatively, the
first protective cover 16 is selectively detachable from the second
protective cover 18, whereby the user has the option of wearing
only the first protective cover 16, or only the second protective
cover 18.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 10, the lower portion 32 of the first
protective cover includes an elastomeric pad 70, such as a foam
pad, to provide additional cushioning for the knee. This is
especially useful when the user is kneeling or crouching on the
ground and supporting his or her weight on one or both knees.
[0036] FIGS. 1, 2 and 7 show assembled views of the present
invention, whereas FIGS. 11-16 show the present invention in
various orthogonal views.
[0037] The present invention is a flexible and protective layer to
fit the contour of the lower leg and knee providing protection
while performing landscaping, gardening, or even indoor
construction or repair. The outer surface of the leg protection
system is tough, resilient and capable of withstanding harsh
environmental conditions. In addition, the outer surface is
waterproof keeping a person's lower leg and knee dry, as well as
allowing a person to easily clean dirt and debris from the outer
surface. The inner surface has a liner for a smooth surface, as
well as padding around the knee providing comfort and support. The
present invention also provides the option to wear the present
invention as a single leg protection system covering the lower leg
and knee or to selectively detach the first protective cover from
the leg protection system and wear only the first protective cover
over the knee.
[0038] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *