U.S. patent application number 11/402551 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-14 for knee support system.
Invention is credited to David Dobkin.
Application Number | 20060277644 11/402551 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37522689 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060277644 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dobkin; David |
December 14, 2006 |
Knee support system
Abstract
A jacket comprises an exterior layer. The jacket further
comprises an inner liner layer that is substantially coextensive
with the exterior layer. The inner liner layer has an interior
surface and an exterior surface. The inner liner layer exterior
surface is secured to the exterior layer along a seam. The jacket
further comprises a plurality of flexible covers secured to the
inner liner layer. The plurality of flexible covers forming a
corresponding plurality of pockets. Each of the plurality of
pockets includes a corresponding padding member positioned
therein.
Inventors: |
Dobkin; David; (Los Angeles,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
37522689 |
Appl. No.: |
11/402551 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60690105 |
Jun 13, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/065 20130101;
A41D 13/015 20130101; A41D 13/0575 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/024 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/06 20060101
A41D013/06 |
Claims
1. A knee support device comprising: an expandable sleeve
configured to be positioned over a knee, the expandable sleeve
having an exterior surface with a forward portion, a rearward
portion opposite the forward portion, and side portions extending
between the forward and rearward portions; a central padding
element that is attached to the expandable sleeve exterior surface,
and that has a narrow region and a wide region opposite the narrow
region, wherein the central padding element narrow region is
attached to the exterior surface rearward portion, and wherein the
central padding element wide region is attached to one of the
exterior surface side portions; an upper peripheral padding
element, at least a portion of which is attached to the rearward
portion of the expandable sleeve exterior surface, wherein the
upper peripheral padding element is positioned in contact with an
upper edge of the central padding element; and a lower peripheral
padding element, at least a portion of which is attached to the
rearward portion of the expandable sleeve exterior surface, wherein
the lower peripheral padding element is positioned in contact with
a lower edge of the central padding element.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable strap
positioned around a portion of the expandable sleeve.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the expandable sleeve comprises a
material selected from the group consisting of neoprene and
polyurethane.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein: the upper peripheral padding
element has a narrow region and a wide region opposite the narrow
region; the upper peripheral padding element narrow region is
attached to the exterior surface rearward portion; and the upper
peripheral padding element wide region is attached to one of the
exterior surface side portions.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the upper peripheral padding
element is positioned in contact with the upper edge of the central
padding element over the exterior surface side portion, but not
over the exterior surface rearward portion.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the central padding element, the
upper peripheral padding element, and the lower peripheral padding
element comprise polyurethane.
7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a trousers having a
trunk portion connected to an elongate leg portion, wherein the
expandable sleeve is attached to the elongate leg potion of the
trousers.
8. A knee support device comprising: a hollow sleeve configured to
be positioned over a knee, the hollow sleeve including a forward
portion, a rearward portion opposite the forward portion, and left
and right side portions extending between the forward and rearward
portions, wherein the left and right side portions are
substantially equidistant from a sleeve central axis; a left
primary padding element at least partially disposed over the left
side portion of the hollow sleeve, the left primary padding element
having a narrow region and a wide region opposite the narrow
region; a right primary padding element at least partially disposed
over the right side portion of the hollow sleeve, the right primary
padding element having a narrow region and a wide region opposite
the narrow region; and a plurality of secondary padding elements
that contact at least one of the left or right primary padding
elements, wherein the secondary padding elements are disposed in
pairs that are symmetrically positioned about the sleeve central
axis.
9. The knee support device of claim 8, wherein each of the
secondary padding elements has a narrow region and a wide region
opposite the narrow region, the narrow region being positioned over
the rearward portion of the hollow sleeve.
10. The knee support device of claim 8, further comprising a
trousers having a trunk portion connected to an elongate leg
portion, wherein the hollow sleeve is coupled to the elongate leg
portion of the trousers.
11. The knee support device of claim 8, further comprising a first
plurality of fasteners positioned along an upper edge portion of
the hollow sleeve, and a second plurality of fasteners positioned
along a lower edge portion of the hollow sleeve.
12. The knee support device of claim 8, wherein the left primary
padding element, the right primary padding element and the
plurality of secondary padding elements comprise polyurethane.
13. The knee support device of claim 8, wherein the left primary
padding element narrow region and the right primary padding element
narrow region are positioned over the rearward portion of the
hollow sleeve.
14. The knee support device of claim 8, wherein the left primary
padding element and the right primary padding element are
symmetrically positioned on opposite sides of the sleeve central
axis.
15. An apparatus comprising: a tubular sleeve configured to be
positioned around a knee, the tubular sleeve having an exterior
surface with a forward portion, a rearward portion opposite the
forward portion, and left and right side portions extending between
the forward and rearward portions; a first layer of left side
padding elements positioned on the left side portion of the tubular
sleeve; a first layer of right side padding elements positioned on
the right side portion of the tubular sleeve; a kneecap protection
element positioned on the forward portion of the exterior surface;
and a plurality of radial padding elements that are radially
positioned around the kneecap protection element, wherein a first
portion of the radial padding elements are positioned over the
first layer of left side padding elements, and a second portion of
the radial padding elements are positioned over the first layer of
right side padding elements.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first layer of left side
padding elements and the first layer of right side padding elements
both comprise a plurality of ovular-shaped padding elements that
extend between the exterior surface forward portion and the
exterior surface rearward portion.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the tubular sleeve comprises
a material selected from the group consisting of neoprene and
polyurethane.
18. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising: a second layer
of left side padding elements that are positioned over the first
layer of left side padding elements; and a second layer of right
side padding elements that are positioned over the first layer of
right side padding elements.
19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of
radial padding elements have a triangular shape.
20. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a rigid shell
positioned over the kneecap protection element, wherein the kneecap
protection element comprises polyurethane.
21. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the kneecap protection
element comprises a rigid shell.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/690,105 (filed 13 Jun. 2005), the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to equipment and
apparel used during sporting activities, and more particularly to
sporting equipment and apparel having beneficial protection and
support characteristics.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Participants in many sporting activities are often subject
to jarring impacts resulting form falls, collisions with objects,
or even collisions with other participants. Sporting activities
that involve participants moving at high speeds, such as skiing,
snowboarding and ice skating, have the potential to be particularly
dangerous in this respect. To mitigate the adverse effects of such
impacts, a wide variety of protective equipment has been developed.
Such protective equipment includes both rigid structural devices
such as helmets and shin guards, as well as soft form-fitting
padded garments, such as padded pants and jackets. Often,
protective equipment is specifically designed for use in a
particular sporting activity, such as a baseball catcher's chest
protector or a hockey goalie's protective padding.
[0004] Furthermore, sports injuries are often sustained not only
from jarring impacts, but also from overextending the natural
capabilities of a participant's joints, muscles, or other anatomy.
For example, significant injury often results when joints such as
the knee joint are overextended or over-flexed. To reduce the
likelihood of such injuries, braces and other orthopaedic devices
have been developed that are intended to restrict the motion of a
joint.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Conventional protective equipment designed to insulate an
athlete from impact injuries often comprises bulky padding elements
that are attached either directly to the athlete's body, or to a
garment worn by the athlete. While such equipment is usable to
protect against impact injuries, significant disadvantages exist.
For example, many athletes find that such equipment is
uncomfortable to wear, is bulky and unsightly, and is unduly
restrictive of the athlete's movement. This is especially so for
many orthopaedic devices designed to protect against joint
injuries, such as knee injuries, since conventional devices often
include hardware that is heavy, unsightly, expensive and
uncomfortable to wear. Thus, in accordance with the foregoing,
improved protective equipment and apparel has been developed to
help mitigate and/or prevent injuries sustained by participants in
sporting activities.
[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, a jacket
comprises an exterior layer. The jacket further comprises an inner
liner layer that is substantially coextensive with the exterior
layer. The inner liner layer has an interior surface and an
exterior surface. The inner liner layer exterior surface is secured
to the exterior layer along a seam. The jacket further comprises a
plurality of flexible covers secured to the inner liner layer. The
plurality of flexible covers forming a corresponding plurality of
pockets. Each of the plurality of pockets includes a corresponding
padding member positioned therein.
[0007] In another embodiment of the present invention, a trousers
comprises an exterior layer having a trunk portion that is
connected to an elongate leg portion. The trousers further
comprises an interior layer that is attached to the exterior layer
along a seam that is at least disposed around a waist opening of
the trunk portion. The trousers further comprises a pocket mounted
on the interior layer. The pocket does not contact the exterior
layer. The trousers further comprises a padding member positioned
within the pocket.
[0008] In another embodiment of the present invention, a garment
comprises an outer layer having an interior surface and an exterior
surface. The garment further comprises an inner layer having an
interior surface and an exterior surface. The inner layer exterior
surface is attached to the outer layer interior surface along a
seam. The garment further comprises a pocket formed on the inner
layer interior surface. The garment further comprises a padding
member positioned within the pocket. The pocket includes an opening
through which the padding member is removable.
[0009] In another embodiment of the present invention, a knee
support device comprises an expandable sleeve configured to be
positioned over a knee. The expandable sleeve has an exterior
surface with a forward portion, a rearward portion opposite the
forward portion, and side portions extending between the forward
and rearward portions. The knee support device further comprises a
central padding element that is attached to the expandable sleeve
exterior surface, and that has a narrow region and a wide region
opposite the narrow region. The central padding element narrow
region is attached to the exterior surface rearward portion. The
central padding element wide region is attached to one of the
exterior surface side portions. The knee support device further
comprises an upper peripheral padding element, at least a portion
of which is attached to the rearward portion of the expandable
sleeve exterior surface. The upper peripheral padding element is
positioned in contact with an upper edge of the central padding
element. The knee support further comprises a lower peripheral
padding element, at least a portion of which is attached to the
rearward portion of the expandable sleeve exterior surface. The
lower peripheral padding element is positioned in contact with a
lower edge of the central padding element.
[0010] In another embodiment of the present invention, a knee
support device comprises a hollow sleeve configured to be
positioned over a knee. The hollow sleeve includes a forward
portion, a rearward portion opposite the forward portion, and left
and right side portions extending between the forward and rearward
portions. The left and right side portions are substantially
equidistant from a sleeve central axis. The knee support device
comprises a left primary padding element at least partially
disposed over the left side portion of the hollow sleeve. The left
primary padding element has a narrow region and a wide region
opposite the narrow region. The knee support device further
comprises a right primary padding element at least partially
disposed over the right side portion of the hollow sleeve. The
right primary padding element has a narrow region and a wide region
opposite the narrow region. The knee support device further
comprises a plurality of secondary padding elements that contact at
least one of the left or right primary padding elements. The
secondary padding elements are disposed in pairs that are
symmetrically positioned about the sleeve central axis.
[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus
comprises a tubular sleeve configured to be positioned around a
knee. The tubular sleeve has an exterior surface with a forward
portion, a rearward portion opposite the forward portion, and left
and right side portions extending between the forward and rearward
portions. The apparatus further comprises a first layer of left
side padding elements positioned on the left side portion of the
tubular sleeve. The apparatus further comprises a first layer of
right side padding elements positioned on the right side portion of
the tubular sleeve. The apparatus further comprises a kneecap
protection element positioned on the forward portion of the
exterior surface. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of
radial padding elements that are radially positioned around the
kneecap protection element. A first portion of the radial padding
elements are positioned over the first layer of left side padding
elements. A second portion of the radial padding elements are
positioned over the first layer of right side padding elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Example embodiments of the performance equipment and apparel
disclosed herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings,
which are for illustrative purposes only. The drawings comprise the
following figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts.
[0013] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment
of a portion of a garment including protective padding.
[0014] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment
of a portion of a garment including protective padding and a
protective shell.
[0015] FIG. 2A is a schematic front view of an example embodiment
of a jacket that includes protective padding elements.
[0016] FIG. 2B is a schematic rear view of the jacket of FIG.
2A.
[0017] FIG. 3A is a schematic front view of an example embodiment
of a trousers that includes protective padding elements.
[0018] FIG. 3B is a schematic rear view of the trousers of FIG.
3A.
[0019] FIG. 4A is a front view of an example embodiment of a knee
support device including a first layer of peripheral padding
elements.
[0020] FIG. 4B is a side view of the knee support device of FIG.
4A.
[0021] FIG. 4C is a front view of the knee support device of FIG.
4A, further including an array of front padding elements.
[0022] FIG. 4D is a side view of the knee support device of FIG.
4C.
[0023] FIG. 4E is a front view of the knee support device of FIG.
4C, further including a second layer of peripheral padding
elements.
[0024] FIG. 4F is a side view of the knee support device of FIG.
4E.
[0025] FIG. 5A is a side view of an example embodiment of a knee
support device having a central padding element positioned between
peripheral padding elements.
[0026] FIG. 5B is a rear view of the knee support device of FIG.
5A.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway front view of an example
embodiment of a trousers that includes a knee support device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Disclosed herein are various embodiments of protective
equipment and apparel having features that are particularly useful
in reducing the risk of injury associated with sporting activities,
such as skiing, snowboarding, skating, and the like. For example,
in certain embodiments a garment is provided with an inner liner
layer having padding elements secured thereto. The padding elements
are positioned in the garment at locations that correspond to
portions of the anatomy that are particularly vulnerable to impact
injuries, such as the knees, elbows, shoulders and hips. In other
embodiments a knee support device is provided that provides
resistance to potentially damaging movement of a knee joint. The
knee support device is optionally integrated into a trousers that
includes padding elements.
[0029] FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of a
multilayered garment 10 that includes an inner liner layer 12 that
is configured to be worn adjacent to a wearer's body, and an
exterior layer 16 that provides the outer surface of the
multilayered garment 10. The inner liner layer 12 and the exterior
layer 16 are secured together at one or more seams 18 that are
positioned at appropriate locations on the multilayered garment 10.
In one embodiment, the positioning of the seams 18 depends on the
portion of the body over which the multilayered garment 10 is to be
worn, such as the upper body (for example, for a jacket), the lower
body (for example, for a trousers), the feet (for example, for
socks), the hands (for example, for gloves) or the head (for
example, for a beanie).
[0030] Example techniques used to secure the inner liner layer 12
and the exterior layer 16 together include sewing, stitching,
gluing, and chemically bonding, although other techniques are used
in other embodiments, such as the use of a zipper or a
hook-and-loop type fastener. Optionally, multiple seams 18 are
configured to form an enclosed region 20 between the inner liner
layer 12 and the exterior layer 16, as illustrated in FIG. 1A. In a
modified embodiment, the seams 18 are releasable, such as provided
by a hook-and-loop attachment system, thereby allowing the inner
liner layer 12 to be separated from the exterior layer 16.
[0031] The inner liner layer 12 and the exterior layer 16 have
properties that are tailored to the application in which the
multilayered garment 10 is intended to be used, among other things.
For example, where the multilayered garment 10 is intended to be
used during snow sports, such as skiing and snowboarding and the
like, the exterior layer 16 is provided with a waterproof or water
resistant surface that is lightweight and breathable, but that also
provides the wearer with protection from wind chill and other
inclement weather. Examples of materials that are used to form the
exterior layer 16 include polyurethane-coated polyester and/or
nylon, although other materials and coatings are used in other
embodiments. Likewise, examples of materials that are used to form
the inner liner layer 12 include polyester, fleece, elastic mesh
and other materials that are particularly well suited to be worn
against interior clothing layers, or against the skin.
[0032] Still referring to FIG. 1A, a flexible cover 22 is attached
to the inner liner layer 12 so as to form a pocket 24 in which a
padding element 14 is positioned. In an example embodiment, the
flexible cover 22 comprises a lightweight material that is capable
of being sewn or otherwise affixed to the inner liner layer 12 at
seams 26. For instance, in one embodiment the flexible cover 22
comprises the same material as the inner liner layer 12, although
different materials are used for the flexible cover 22 and the
inner liner layer 12 in other embodiments. In one embodiment, the
flexible cover 22 comprises an elastic textile, such as an elastic
mesh material. The flexible cover 22 optionally includes an
opening, such as provided by the flap 28 illustrated in FIG. 1A. In
an example embodiment, pockets 24 are formed in regions of the
garment that are particularly susceptible to collisions, such as
the elbows, the shoulders, the ribs, the clavicle, the tailbone,
the knees, the hips, and other regions of the body.
[0033] In an example embodiment, the padding element 14 is a
flexible high density open- or closed-cell polyurethane material,
such as is available from Rogers Corporation (Rogers, CT) under the
brand name PORON.RTM.. Polyurethane padding advantageously resists
deformation over time, and decreases the peak force exerted on a
body when used to cushion an impact. For example, in one embodiment
the padding element 14 is capable of decreasing the peak force
exerted on a body by at least about 10% as compared to an unpadded
impact, more preferably by at least about 30% as compared to an
unpadded impact, and most preferably by at least about 50% as
compared to an unpadded impact. Polyurethane padding provides these
mechanical properties without being excessively bulky or heavy,
which is particularly advantageous for sporting apparel
applications.
[0034] Other padding materials are used in other embodiments, such
as shape memory foams or viscoelastic foams that are capable of
form-fitting to the wearer's body and at least partially absorbing
the mechanical shock associated when an impact occurs with another
object. For example, in certain embodiments the padding material is
disposed in a pouch filled with a shock absorbing material, such as
a viscoelastic gel or a fluid, such as air. In modified
embodiments, the padding element 14 comprises a laminated element
having a plurality of layers of different materials. For example,
in one such embodiment the padding element 14 is a layered element
that comprises an inner viscoelastic foam layer positioned toward
the wearer's body and an outer polyurethane layer positioned toward
the garment exterior. In certain embodiments the padding element is
formed by an injection molding process. In still other embodiments,
the padding material includes one or more spring elements formed
therein, such as a metallic spring element.
[0035] In certain embodiments wherein the pocket 24 includes an
opening, such as the flap 28 illustrated in FIG. 1A, the padding
element 14 is removable from the pocket 24. This configuration
advantageously allows the padding element 14 to be replaced if
worn, if a different size padding element is desired, or if the
garment 10 is to be washed without washing the padding element 14.
While the pocket 24 is illustrated with a flapped opening FIG. 1A,
other types of openings are used in other embodiments, such as the
hook-and-loop opening 30 illustrated in FIG. 1B. In modified
embodiments, such as embodiments wherein the pocket 24 does not
include an opening, the padding element 14 is secured within the
pocket 24, such as by being affixed to the inner liner layer 12
and/or the flexible cover 22. In such embodiments, the padding
element is secured by using an adhesive, by sewing, or by another
technique. This configuration advantageously reduces the likelihood
that the padding element 14 has excessive movement within the
pocket 24, or becomes folded onto itself, or is otherwise disturbed
in the pocket 24.
[0036] Referring again to FIG. 1B, a modified multilayered garment
32 is illustrated that includes a rigid shell 34 that is positioned
in the pocket 24 with the padding element 14. In the illustrated
embodiment, the rigid shell 34 is coupled to the exterior side of
the padding element 14. In other embodiments the rigid shell is
placed elsewhere within the pocket 24, such as on the interior side
of the padding element 14, or within the padding element 14. The
rigid shell 34 is configured to provide additional protection for
regions of the body that are particularly susceptible to damaging
impacts, such as the knees and the elbows. In such embodiments the
rigid shell 34 has a shape that approximates the shape of the
underlying anatomy that is to be protected. As illustrated, the
rigid shell 34 is configured to cover a smaller area than the
padding element 14 in certain embodiments, thereby preventing the
garment 32 from becoming excessively heavy due to the rigid shell
34. In one embodiment that rigid shell 34 comprises a molded
plastic element, although other materials are used in other
embodiments.
[0037] As set forth herein, the pockets 24 and the padding elements
14 are included in a garment in regions that are particularly
susceptible to injury during sporting activities. For example,
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate front and rear views (respectively) of
an example jacket 40 that includes padding elements in a shoulder
region 42, a clavicle region 44, a rib region 46, and an elbow
region 48. The padding elements in the elbow region 48 optionally
include both a larger padding element 14, and a smaller rigid shell
34. In the illustrated example embodiment, the padding elements in
the rib region 46 are optionally provided in the form of multiple
parallel elongate elements, thereby allowing the jacket 40 to
retain substantial flexibility in the rib region 46, thus helping
to avoid giving the jacket an unduly bulky or rigid feel to the
wearer, and helping to avoid giving the jacket a padded outward
appearance. In modified embodiments, additional padding elements
are positioned in other regions of the jacket 40, such as the
lumbar region, or fewer padding elements are used. However,
regardless of how many padding elements are used, positioning the
padding elements 14 in pockets 24 that are secured to the inner
liner layer 12 advantageously helps to prevent to padding elements
from moving substantially from the respective body regions for
which they are intended to protect.
[0038] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate front and rear views
(respectively) of an example trousers 50 that includes padding
elements in a hips region 52, a tailbone region 54, and a knee
region 56. The padding elements in the knee region 56 optionally
include lateral padding elements 56a, frontal padding elements 56b,
and a kneecap rigid shell 56c. As with the jacket 40, additional
padding elements are optionally positioned in other regions of the
trousers 50, such as the buttocks region, or fewer padding elements
are used.
[0039] In one embodiment, the inner liner layer 12 is substantially
coextensive with the exterior layer 16, such that the seams 18
joining these layers are at least positioned around openings in the
garment. For example, for the jacket 40 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and
2B, the seams 18 in such an embodiment are at least located around
the wrist openings 60, around the neck opening 62, around the waist
opening 64, and along the chest opening 66. For the trousers 50
illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the seams 18 in such an embodiment
are at least located around the ankle openings 68 and around the
waist opening 70. In these embodiments, additional seams are
optionally positioned elsewhere in the garment to provide further
durability.
[0040] In certain embodiments, the trousers includes a knee support
device that provides resistance to potentially damaging movement of
a knee joint, as well as to impacts against a knee joint. FIGS.
4A-4F illustrate example embodiments of a knee support device 100
that is compatible with the trousers disclosed herein, or that is
usable independently of a trousers. The knee support device 100
comprises a tubular sleeve 105 configured to be positioned over the
wearer's knee. In an example embodiment the tubular sleeve 105
comprises an expandable and structurally supportive material, such
as neoprene foam or polyurethane foam, thereby allowing the sleeve
105 to fit snugly over the knee, and to resist twisting, sliding or
other movement away from the wearer's knee joint. The tubular
sleeve 105 optionally includes adjustable straps that allow the
knee support device 100 to be placed on the wearer with an
adjustable tightness. In such embodiments, the straps include
hook-and-loop type fasteners, snaps, buckles or other mechanisms
that allow the tightness of the straps to be adjusted.
[0041] The sleeve 105 has attached thereto one or more layers of
padding elements that are configured to protect the knee against
damaging impacts and/or to restrict potentially damaging movements
of the knee. Rapid movement of the knee into certain positions has
the potential to damage the tendons, ligaments and other anatomy of
the knee. In contrast, slower movement of the knee into the same
position is often accomplished without causing such damage.
[0042] FIG. 4A provides a front view of a knee support device 100
that includes a first layer of lateral padding elements 110 that
are positioned on lateral regions of the tubular sleeve 105. In an
example embodiment, the lateral padding elements 110 comprise an
open- or closed-cell polyurethane foam, although other padding
materials, such as viscoelastic shock absorbing materials, are used
in other embodiments. The lateral padding elements 110 are secured
to the tubular sleeve 105 using an adhesive, although other
attachment mechanisms are used in other embodiments, such as by
sewing, by using a hook-and-loop type attachment system, or by
stapling. The lateral padding elements 110 are shaped and
positioned to contact and compress against each other as the knee
is flexed, thereby providing resistance to rapid flexing of the
knee and/or to over-flexing of the knee. This reduces the
likelihood that these movements cause injury to the knee anatomy,
such as injury to the anterior cruciate ligament. The lateral
padding elements 110 also advantageously provide the lateral
portion of the knee with protection from impact injuries.
[0043] FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of the knee support device
100 of FIG. 4A, with the front of the knee support device 100
facing to the right. A plurality of lateral padding elements 110
are positioned on the side of the sleeve 105. Although four lateral
padding elements 110 are illustrated on each side of the knee
support device 100 in FIGS. 4A and 4B, more or fewer padding
elements are used in other embodiments. In the example embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 4B, the knee support device 100 includes a seam
112 at which one or more pieces of expandable material are joined
to form the tubular sleeve 105.
[0044] As described herein, in certain embodiments the knee support
device 100 includes more than one layer of padding elements. For
example, FIG. 4C illustrates a front view of the knee support
device 100 of FIG. 4A, further including a second layer of front
radial padding elements 130 that are positioned radially around a
kneecap protection element 132. In an example embodiment, the
radial padding elements 130 and the kneecap protection element 132
comprise the same material as the lateral padding elements 110,
although other protective materials and/or padded materials are
used in other embodiments. For example, in a modified embodiment
the kneecap protection element 132 includes a rigid shell, such as
the rigid shell 34 illustrated in FIG. 1B. The rigid shell is
optionally configured to extend below the knee, such as to the
wearer's shin, thereby providing additional impact protection to
the shin as well as the kneecap. The radial padding elements 130
are affixed to the tubular sleeve 105 and/or the lateral padding
elements using an adhesive, although other techniques for affixing
these elements are used in other embodiments.
[0045] The orientation and shape of the radial padding elements 130
are configured to protect the frontal portion of the knee from
impact injuries without significantly restricting knee movement.
For example, in the illustrated embodiment the radial padding
elements 110 have a triangular shape whereby a narrow portion of
the triangle is oriented toward the kneecap protection element 132,
and a wide portion of the triangle is oriented in the opposite
direction. FIG. 4D illustrates a side view of the knee support
device 100 of FIG. 4C, with the front of the knee support device
100 facing to the right.
[0046] In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4E, a third
layer of lateral support elements 120 are positioned over the
tubular sleeve 105 and/or the lateral padding elements 110. In
certain embodiments, the lateral support elements 120 comprise a
padding material, such as a neoprene padding or a polyurethane
padding. In such embodiments the lateral support elements 120
provide additional resistance to rapid flexing of the knee and/or
to over-flexing of the knee, and additional protection against
impact injuries. In a modified embodiment, the lateral support
elements 120 comprise a more rigid structure, such as a flexible
plastic or metallic element. The flexible plastic or metallic
elements are optionally enclosed in a sheath that is affixed to the
sleeve 105 and/or the lateral padding elements 110. The lateral
support elements 120 are configured to advantageously reduce
potentially damaging lateral movement of the knee.
[0047] FIG. 4F shows a side view of the knee support device of FIG.
4E, with the front of the knee support device 100 facing to the
right, and indicates that in an example embodiment the lateral
support elements 120 are positioned in three rows that are
substantially parallel to the seam 112. More rows or fewer rows of
lateral support elements 120 are used in other embodiments.
Additionally, in other embodiments the lateral support elements 120
are configured to extend substantially uninterrupted across the
length of the tubular sleeve 105.
[0048] The example embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4F
illustrate example embodiments of a knee support device 100 having
one or more layers of lateral padding elements 110, lateral support
elements 120, radial padding elements 130, and kneecap protection
elements 132. However, other embodiments comprise other padding
elements that are positioned on the sleeve using other
configurations. For example, FIG. 5A is a side view of a modified
knee support device 150 with the front of the knee support device
150 facing to the right, and FIG. 5B is a rear view of the modified
knee support device 150 of FIG. 5A. The modified knee support
device 150 comprises a tubular sleeve 155 having a plurality of
padding elements attached thereto. The padding elements include a
pair of upper padding elements 160 that are separated from each
other, a pair of central padding elements 162 that are separated
from each other, and a pair of lower padding elements 164 that are
separated from each other. In an example embodiment, the padding
elements are secured to the tubular sleeve 155 using an adhesive,
although other securing methods are used in other embodiments.
[0049] Still referring to the example embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 5A and 5B, the pairs of padding elements are shaped and
positioned in a substantially symmetrical configuration about a
center axis 157 of the tubular sleeve 155. Furthermore, the pairs
of padding elements are relatively narrow in a rear-facing region
170 of the tubular sleeve 155, and are relatively wide in a
side-facing region 172 of the tubular sleeve 155. The upper,
central and lower padding elements contact each other in the
side-facing region 172 of the tubular sleeve 155, but are separated
from each other in the rear-facing region 170 of the tubular sleeve
155. The pairs of padding elements extend between the rear-facing
region 170 and the side-facing region 155 of the tubular sleeve in
the illustrated configuration. The relative positions, sizes and
shapes of the padding elements cause the element to become
compressed against each other in the rear-facing region 170 of the
modified knee support device when the knee is flexed. This
advantageously provides a resistance to knee flexion that is
relatively small when the knee is slightly bent, but that increases
as the knee is bent to larger angles.
[0050] As disclosed herein, the knee support device 100 is
optionally configured to be used with the trousers 50 disclosed
herein. For instance, as shown in the example embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the knee support device 150
includes fasteners 174, such as hook-and-loop type fasteners, that
are usable to secure the knee support device 150 to a corresponding
fastener included on the inner liner layer 12 of the trousers 50.
An example embodiment of this configuration is illustrated in FIG.
6, which shows a partial cutaway front view of a trousers 50 having
an exterior layer 16 and an inner liner layer 12. A knee support
device 180 is secured to the inner liner layer 12 using fasteners
174. In a modified embodiment, an upper portion of the knee support
device 180 is secured to the inner liner layer 12, and a lower
portion of the knee support device 180 is secured to an inner
portion of the exterior layer 16. In certain embodiments, the
exterior layer 16 of the trousers 50 optionally includes a closable
opening, such as a zippered opening, in the knee region of the
trousers that is used to access a knee support device 180
positioned therein, regardless of whether the knee support device
180 is coupled to the trousers 50, or is simply placed over the
wearer's knee.
[0051] The improved protective equipment and apparel disclosed
herein has been developed to help mitigate and/or prevent injuries
sustained by participants in sporting activities. For example, the
padded garments disclosed herein help to cushion portions of the
anatomy that are particularly vulnerable to impact injuries, such
as the knees, elbows, shoulders and hips. Placing the padding
elements on an interior liner layer instead of directly on the
wearer's body, or directly on the garment exterior body, reduces
both interference with the wearer's motion and the bulky appearance
of a padded garment. Other protective equipment disclosed herein
includes a variety of knee support devices that are configured to
restrict knee movements that have the potential to damage the knee
anatomy. For example, in certain embodiments positioning a flexible
sleeve having compressible padding elements over the knee joint
provides resistance to large angle and/or rapid knee flexing.
SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
[0052] While the foregoing detailed description discloses several
embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that
this disclosure is illustrative only and is not limiting of the
present invention. It should be appreciated that the specific
configurations and operations disclosed can differ from those
described above, and that the methods described herein can be used
in contexts other than sporting equipment and apparel.
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