U.S. patent application number 13/427297 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-27 for leg/shin guard knee pad.
Invention is credited to Bengie Molina Matta, Jamie Molina.
Application Number | 20120240303 13/427297 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46876037 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120240303 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matta; Bengie Molina ; et
al. |
September 27, 2012 |
LEG/SHIN GUARD KNEE PAD
Abstract
Protective padding may be used during physical activities such
as sporting activities to protect the body of a wearer. For
example, a knee pad may be worn by a baseball catcher under the
catcher's shin guard to protect a knee of the catcher. In some
examples, the knee pad includes a foam pad defining a front surface
configured to be positioned against the rigid shin guard and a back
surface configured to be positioned against the knee. The foam pad
may include a continuous sheet of memory foam adapted to conform to
contours of the knee of the wearer during use. The knee pad may
reduce or eliminate bruising and discomfort during sporting
activity as compared to when the knee pad is not used.
Inventors: |
Matta; Bengie Molina;
(Gilbert, AZ) ; Molina; Jamie; (Gilbert,
AZ) |
Family ID: |
46876037 |
Appl. No.: |
13/427297 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61466331 |
Mar 22, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/12 20130101;
A41D 13/065 20130101; A63B 2243/0095 20130101; A63B 2243/007
20130101; A63B 2102/22 20151001; A63B 2071/125 20130101; A63B
2243/0025 20130101; A63B 71/1225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/24 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/06 20060101
A41D013/06 |
Claims
1. A shin guard knee pad comprising: a foam pad defining a front
surface configured to be positioned against a rigid shin guard and
a back surface configured to be positioned against a knee of a
wearer, the foam pad comprising a continuous sheet of memory foam
adapted to conform to contours of the knee of the wearer during
use.
2. The shin guard knee pad of claim 1, wherein the foam pad extends
from a top edge to a bottom edge and includes a wide region and a
comparatively narrower region, the wide region including wings
configured to be positioned about opposing sides of the knee of the
wearer.
3. The shin guard knee pad of claim 2, wherein the narrow region
includes a top narrower region adjacent the top edge and a bottom
narrower region adjacent the bottom edge and the wide region is
positioned between the top narrower region and the bottom narrower
region.
4. The shin guard knee pad of claim 1, wherein the foam pad
comprises a high-density polyurethane.
5. The shin guard knee pad of claim 1, further comprising a
moisture-wicking material covering at least a surface of the foam
pad, the moisture-wicking material being configured to wick
moisture away from the wearer.
6. The shin guard knee pad of claim 5, where the foam pad is
wrapped in the moisture-wicking material.
7. The shin guard knee pad of claim 1, further comprising a
fastener positioned on the front surface of the foam pad, the
fastener being configured to attach to a corresponding fastener
positioned on an inside surface of the rigid shin guard.
8. The shin guard knee pad of claim 7, wherein the fastener
comprises a hook and loop fastener.
9. The shin guard knee pad of claim 1, wherein the continuous sheet
of memory foam did not include any holes extending through the
memory foam.
10. The shin guard knee pad of claim 1, wherein the memory foam is
configured to conform to contours of the knee of wearer by at least
wrapping around a portion of a medial condoyle, a lateral condoyle,
and a tibial plateau notch of the wearer.
11. A shin guard system comprising: a rigid shin guard; and a foam
pad positioned against the rigid shin guard, the foam pad defining
a surface configured to be positioned against a knee of a wearer,
and the foam pad comprising a continuous sheet of memory foam
adapted to conform to contours of the knee of the wearer during
use.
12. The shin guard system of claim 11, wherein the foam pad extends
from a top edge to a bottom edge and includes a wide region and a
comparatively narrower region, the wide region including wings
configured to be positioned about opposing sides of the knee of the
wearer.
13. The shin guard system of claim 12, wherein the narrow region
includes a top narrower region adjacent the top edge and a bottom
narrower region adjacent the bottom edge and the wide region is
positioned between the top narrower region and the bottom narrower
region.
14. The shin guard system of claim 11, wherein the foam pad
comprises a high-density polyurethane.
15. The shin guard system of claim 11, wherein the foam pad further
comprises a moisture-wicking material covering at least a surface
of the foam pad, the moisture-wicking material being configured to
wick moisture away from the wearer.
16. The shin guard system of claim 11, wherein the memory foam is
configured to conform to contours of the knee of wearer by at least
wrapping around a portion of a medial condoyle, a lateral condoyle,
and a tibial plateau notch of the wearer.
17. A method comprising: positioning a back surface of a foam pad
against a knee of a wearer, the foam pad comprising a continuous
sheet of memory foam; conforming the continuous sheet of memory
foam to contours of the knee of the wearer, and attaching a front
surface of the foam pad to a rigid shin guard.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the foam pad extends from a top
edge to a bottom edge and includes a wide region that defines wings
and a comparatively narrower region, and wherein positioning the
back surface of the foam pad against the knee comprises positioning
the wings of the foam pad about opposing sides of the knee.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising wrapping the foam
pad in the moisture-wicking material.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein conforming the continuous sheet
of memory foam comprises wrapping the memory foam around a portion
of a medial condoyle, a lateral condoyle, and a tibial plateau
notch of the wearer.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/466,331, filed Mar. 22, 2011, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to protective body padding for use
during physical activities, and more specifically, to protective
knee padding for use underneath a leg/shin guard. Protective body
padding is commonly available and used by individuals participating
in a wide variety of physical activities to cushion against impact
and brace or reinforce portions of the body undergoing strenuous
movements. Team sports (e.g., football, hockey, volleyball, soccer,
baseball, etc.) present some of the most recognizable circumstances
in which protective body padding is used by participants.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The catcher position in baseball calls for a number of
different types of guards and pads to protect the catcher from the
dangers of blunt force, flying projectiles and fast moving objects
that are readily encountered during the course of a routine
baseball game or practice. Leg guards (also referred to herein as
"shin guards") are of particular importance for protecting a
catcher's knees, shins, and ankles, which are directly exposed to
high speed pitches and swinging baseball bats during normal play.
Shin guards also protect and cushion a catcher's knees in
particular as the catcher kneels and/or dives on the ground.
[0004] While shin guards provide a measure of protection,
especially from flying projectiles and blunt force trauma, the shin
guards themselves are often uncomfortable and can bruise and
otherwise injure a catcher's knees, e.g., due to the hard,
reinforced plastic shell of the shin guards. In addition, the
unique crouching/kneeling positions and movements required by the
catcher position subject the knees to additional discomfort, stress
and trauma that is often aggravated rather than helped by wearing
shin guards. In some cases a catcher may experience constant pain
and bruising on his knees while wearing shin guards.
[0005] Some shin guards incorporate or accommodate a small amount
of padding for the knee in an attempt to alleviate some of the
discomfort and bruising caused by the shin guards. As one example,
an insert currently available for a catcher's shin guard has a
small amount of closed-cell, polyethylene padding for the knee,
with a hole in the center for the kneecap to stick out. However,
the padding actually bruises the kneecap and patella tendon, is
extremely uncomfortable, and requires weeks of use to break in and
become comfortable during use. In addition, the padding tends to
break down over time, leading to even less protection and more
discomfort. What is needed is an improved padding for use under a
catcher's shin guard to protect and comfort the catcher's knee.
SUMMARY
[0006] In general, this disclosure is directed to protective knee
padding for use underneath a leg/shin guard. The protective knee
pad may be used with a variety of different sporting equipment
including, e.g., under a shin guard of a baseball catcher. The knee
pad may prevent, reduce, and/or eliminate bruising and discomfort
during sporting activity. In some applications, the knee pad may
reduce the risks of acquiring exercise-related patellar tendonitis
as compared to if the shin guard is used without the knee
padding.
[0007] In one example, a shin guard knee pad is describe. The shin
guard knee pad includes a foam pad defining a front surface
configured to be positioned against a rigid shin guard and a back
surface configured to be positioned against a knee of a wearer.
According to the example, the foam pad includes a continuous sheet
of memory foam adapted to conform to contours of the knee of the
wearer during use.
[0008] In another example, a shin guard system is described that
includes a rigid shin guard and a foam pad. According to the
example, the foam pad is positioned against the rigid shin guard,
and the foam pad defines a surface configured to be positioned
against a knee of a wearer. The example further states that the
foam pad includes a continuous sheet of memory foam adapted to
conform to contours of the knee of the wearer during use.
[0009] In another example, a method is described that includes
positioning a back surface of a foam pad against a knee of a
wearer, the foam pad including a continuous sheet of memory foam.
The method further includes conforming the continuous sheet of
memory foam to contours of the knee of the wearer, and attaching a
front surface of the foam pad to a rigid shin guard.
[0010] The details of one or more examples are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,
objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and
drawings, and from the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The following drawings are illustrative of particular
embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the
scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so
stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the
explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of
the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction
with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like
elements.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front view of an example shin guard knee pad
according to the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 2A is a back view of another example shin guard knee
pad according to the disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 2B is a front view of the example shin guard knee pad
of FIG. 2A according to some examples of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature
and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or
configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following
description provides some practical illustrations for implementing
exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Examples of
constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes
are provided for selected elements, and all other elements employ
that which is known to those of ordinary skill in the field of the
invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the
noted examples have a variety of suitable alternatives.
[0016] In general, this disclosure is directed to an improved knee
pad for use by a baseball catcher. The knee pad can be positioned
between the catcher's knee and a shin guard that provides an outer
layer of hard, reinforced plastic. Accordingly to some embodiments,
the improved knee pad provides increased comfort and protection,
prevents, reduces, and/or eliminates bruising and discomfort,
and/or protects a catcher's knee from the dangers of blunt force,
flying projectiles and fast moving objects that are routinely
encountered during the course of a normal baseball game or
practice.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front view of an example shin guard knee pad 100
in accordance with the disclosure. The knee pad 100 generally has a
front surface 102 that normally faces away from the knee and toward
the shin guard, and a back surface (not shown) facing toward and in
contact with the knee. The knee pad 100 has a top edge 104, a
bottom edge 106, and two side edges 108. In some cases the knee pad
100 is preferably contoured to fit around the knee. For example, in
some cases the knee pad 100 has a winged configuration as shown in
FIG. 1, in which the knee pad 100 narrows toward the bottom edge,
and is widest near the top and middle of the knee pad. The wider
portion of the knee pad 100 may be positioned around the knee of a
wearer with the wings extending about opposing sides of the knee.
In such an application, the bottom edge 106 of the knee pad 100 can
extending down toward the shin of the wear and, in some examples,
cover at least a portion of the shin of the wearer (e.g., an upper
portion of the shin, the entire shin).
[0018] FIG. 2A is a back view of another example shin guard knee
pad 200 in accordance with the disclosure. FIG. 2A shows the back
surface 201 of the knee pad 200, while FIG. 2B is a front view,
showing the front surface 202 of the knee pad 200. As illustrated,
in some cases the knee pad 200 narrows toward the top edge 204 and
bottom edge 206, and is widest between the side edges 208 near the
middle of the knee pad 200. Of course other shapes and
configurations are contemplated and the invention is not
necessarily limited to any particular design.
[0019] In some cases the knee pad (e.g., shin guard knee pad 100
and 200) includes a foam pad (not shown in the figures) wrapped in
a durable, moisture-wicking material (also not shown). For example,
the foam pad may be wrapped in a cotton-polyester blend material.
Other materials are also possible. In some embodiments the pad is
also or alternatively wrapped with an outer material layer 110
(FIG. 1). In some cases the outer material layer 110 may be denim,
which makes the knee pad flexible yet rigid.
[0020] In examples in which the knee pad includes a foam pad
wrapped in an outer layer of material, the outer layer of material
can be secured to the foam pad using a variety of different
techniques. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, an outer material
layer (e.g., outer material layer 110 in FIG. 1) is wrapped around
a foam pad to form a pocket around the foam pad. The outer material
layer is double side folded along the peripheral edge of the knee
pad and then secured with stitching 112. Stitching 112 follows the
peripheral edge of the knee pad along the folded outer material
layer. In some examples, stitching 112 is approximately 1/4 inch
wide, although other stitching thicknesses are possible. Further,
while an outer layer of material is secured with stitching in FIGS.
1 and 2, in other examples, other mechanical fixation elements can
be used and the disclosure is not limited in this respect.
[0021] In some embodiments, the knee pad includes a fastener for
attaching the knee pad to the inside of a catcher's shin guard, or
some other fastening or positioning device for positioning the knee
pad 100 between the catcher's knee and the shin guard. As will be
described in greater detail below, shin guard knee pad 200 in the
example of FIG. 2B includes fastener 220 for attaching the knee pad
to the inside of a catcher's shin guard.
[0022] In some embodiments the pad itself comprises a "memory"
foam. For example, the pad may be formed from a high-density
polyurethane with one or more additional constituents for
increasing viscosity and/or density. The material may be referred
to as a visco-elastic polyurethane foam. In some cases the foam pad
is firmer when cooler, and becomes somewhat pliable when warmed,
allowing it to mold to a warm human body. In some embodiments the
foam pad may react to heat generated by a catcher's knee and leg
and mold to the knee in a few minutes. Any particular type of foam
padding exhibiting one or more desired characteristics may be used.
In some embodiments the foam pad comprises Econoline Memory Foam
available from Medco Sports Medicine, 500 Fillmore Avenue,
Tonawanda, N.Y. 14150.
[0023] In some embodiments, the foam pad is a solid, continuous
sheet of foam without a hole for the patella. In some cases the
foam pad is between about 5 inches long and about 12 inches long
from a top edge to a bottom edge (e.g., top edge 104 to bottom edge
106, or top edge 204 to bottom edge 206) such as, e.g., about 7
inches long, or about 9.5 inches long. In some cases the foam pad
has a maximum width between about 3 inches and about 9 inches
(e.g., between side edges 108 or side edges 208) such as, e.g.,
about 5 inches, or about 6 inches. Other lengths and widths are
also contemplated. For example, the knee pad may be provided in
several sizes to accommodate different sized knees.
[0024] In some embodiments, the foam pad has a thickness of
approximately one inch, although other thicknesses are possible
depending upon the properties of the particular foam material used,
as well as, for what specific use the pad is being utilized. For
example, during a baseball game the catcher position requires the
catcher to be very mobile and be able to make quick, instinctive
movements in every direction without restrictions from his
protective equipment. At the same time, the equipment should
provide stability, protection and as much comfort as possible.
Accordingly, when the foam pad is designed for use in these
applications, the foam pad may be sized so the thickness of the
foam pad will not prohibit mobility and stabilization. In general,
a thicker foam pad provides less mobility and stability for a
catcher than a comparatively thinner foam pad. Therefore, in some
embodiments, a foam pad according to the disclosure has a thickness
of approximately 1 inch or less than approximately 1 inch. In other
embodiments, the foam pad may be thicker than 1 inch such as, e.g.,
between approximately 11/4 inches and 11/2 inches. A comparatively
thicker foam pad may provide increased comfort and protection, for
example, during baseball practice when a catcher may be required to
repetitively and quickly drop to their knees for an extended amount
of time.
[0025] Some embodiments generally position the knee pad between the
catcher's knee and the knee portion of the shin guard (e.g., a
rigid plastic shin guard), thus providing a layer of padding to
protect the knee from the shin guard. Accordingly, the knee pad can
in some cases be considered an "insert" as it is inserted between
the knee and shin guard. Referring to FIG. 2B, in some embodiments
the knee pad 200 includes a fastener 220 for attaching the knee pad
200 to the interior surface of a catcher's shin guard. In some
cases the fastener 220 comprises a hook and loop fastener (e.g., a
strip of Velcro), with one portion stitched or otherwise attached
to the front surface 202 of the knee pad 200 and another portion
attached to the interior surface of the shin guard. Of course other
fasteners (e.g., adhesive, snaps, etc.) are also contemplated and
embodiments of the invention are not limited to the use of hook and
loop fasteners. For example, in some cases the knee pad may be
permanently fixed to or integral with the shin guard.
[0026] Embodiments may provide improved functionality in several
aspects compared to conventional knee pads. In particular, in some
cases knee pads according to embodiments of the disclosure cushion,
comfort and protect the patella, patellar tendon and/or tibial
plateau from the constant stresses and blunt traumas associated
with playing the catcher position in baseball. For example, in some
cases the foam pad comprises memory foam that conforms to the
intricate contours of every individual knee, primarily focusing on
a wrapping effect of the medial and lateral condoyles and the
tibial plateau notch to achieve stability and protection.
Eliminating the knee hole present in past designs decreases
pressure on the patella and patellar tendon, and can also protect
the tibial plateau when (e.g., throwing) in a kneeling
position.
[0027] In some embodiments the foam pad comprises a high density
foam, which provides a sturdier and more stable configuration than
other traditional foam products. In addition, in some cases the
catcher's body heat makes the foam pad slightly pliable, allowing
the sport-specific actions and movements of a catcher to be
uninhibited unlike past knee pads. In addition, the foam pad may
return to its original shape and maintain an initial level of
support after repeated use. For example, in some cases the memory
foam does not have the break-down qualities common to traditional
accessory support padding. This allows embodiments to maintain
original injury prevention characteristics when used over time.
[0028] Embodiments may also provide one or more advantages over
traditional knee pads and pad accessories for catcher shin guards.
For example, exemplary knee pads may prevent, reduce, and/or
eliminate bruising and discomfort while also potentially reducing
the risks of acquiring exercise-related patellar tendonitis.
Accordingly, exemplary knee pads can provide a greater level of
comfort for catchers when forced to be in a squatting or kneeling
position, while also protecting the catcher from the dangers of
blunt force, flying projectiles and fast moving objects that are
normally encountered during the course of a baseball game or
practice. In addition, some embodiments require little or no
"break-in" time for a knee pad, in some cases because the user's
body heat encourages the conforming effect of the memory foam.
Thus, an exemplary knee pad can enhance the protective nature of
current shin guards by providing a knee pad that contours to the
individual user. Accordingly, a knee pad according to embodiments
of the invention can be used to increase and improve the comfort
and protective qualities of current shin guards on the market. In
some cases the knee pad may also be used in addition to and in
conjunction with existing padding on a catcher's shin guard.
[0029] It is thus believed that shin guard knee pads according to
some embodiments can increase the useful life of a catcher's knees
by reducing inflammation, protecting the knee from injury and
providing comfort through padding that is contoured to an
individual catcher's knees. Accordingly, the knee pads described
herein may extend the career of a professional catcher and may make
the most difficult position in baseball more enjoyable for players
of every age.
[0030] Various examples have been described. These and other
examples are within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *