U.S. patent application number 13/447182 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-18 for knee pad.
Invention is credited to Dominique P. Aris, Andrew Olson, Thomas Votel.
Application Number | 20120260392 13/447182 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47005239 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120260392 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Votel; Thomas ; et
al. |
October 18, 2012 |
KNEE PAD
Abstract
Disclosed are knee pad assemblies, methods and systems
comprising a knee pad base and an outer cover that forms the
contacting surface of the knee pad. A removable cover may be
secured to a knee pad base. Replacement cover configurations may be
provided that are adapted to various surfaces, including roofing,
tile, wood, carpet, concrete and asphalt. The knee pad base can be
adapted for different user weights and durations for wearing the
pad. The outer cover can provide a floating suspension. The knee
pad base may be held in place on knee of the user by various
mechanisms. The restraint mechanisms can be adjusted by the user.
The knee pad assembly can also include a tension/release mechanism
so that strap tension is decreased or released when kneeling but
increases tension or engage when the user stands to retain the knee
pad in the desired location.
Inventors: |
Votel; Thomas; (Sunfish
Lake, MN) ; Olson; Andrew; (Minneapolis, MN) ;
Aris; Dominique P.; (Portland, OR) |
Family ID: |
47005239 |
Appl. No.: |
13/447182 |
Filed: |
April 14, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61475656 |
Apr 14, 2011 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/065
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/24 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/06 20060101
A41D013/06 |
Claims
1. An improved knee pad assembly comprising: A base having a front
surface and a back surface, the back surface of the base shaped to
substantially conform to the contours of a human knee, a pad member
having a front surface and a back surface, the pad back surface
being shaped to substantially cover the base front surface, a
suspension component, disposed between and engaged with the base
front surface and the pad member back surface, wherein the pad
member back surface is sized and shaped to substantially contact
the suspension component, providing a floating suspension for the
pad member, and, wherein the base has integrated therewith an
attachment element, the attachment element configure to slideably
pass through the pad member for removeably attaching the knee pad
assembly to a user.
2. The improved knee pad assembly of claim 1 wherein the attachment
element is a strap or cord.
3. The improved knee pad assembly of claim 1 wherein the suspension
component has an ILD of between 45 and 100.
4. The improved knee pad assembly of claim 1 wherein the suspension
component is distributed primarily around a parameter of the base
front surface.
5. The improved knee pad assembly of claim 3 wherein the suspension
component also has a cross member component.
6. The improved knee pad assembly of claim 1 wherein the suspension
component is a substantially rectangular section of foam
material.
7. The improved knee pad assembly of claim 1 wherein the suspension
component comprises, a guide member having a front surface and a
back surface, the guide member being configured to accept a guide
element, the guide member front surface being configured to
substantially mate with the front surface of the pad member, the
guide member front surface having disposed thereon a suspension
element, and, wherein the base contains the guide element that is
configured to slideably engage the guide member and engage the pad
member.
8. An improved knee pad assembly comprising: a rear base having a
front surface and a back surface, the front surface adapted to fit
the contours of the back of a human knee joint and leg, the rear
based being sized to extend above and below the knee joint, a pad
member having a front surface and a back surface, the pad member
back surface being adapted to fit the contours of a human knee,
and, an attachment member configured to engage both the pad member
and the rear base to secure the knee pad assembly to a user.
9. The improved knee pad assembly of claim 8 wherein the front
surface of the pad member is covered substantially with a resilient
material in a honeycomb configuration.
10. The improved knee pad assembly of claim 8 wherein the
attachment member is attached to the pad member and releaseably
engages the rear base.
11. The improved knee pad of claim 10 wherein the attachment member
is an elastic cord.
12. The improved knee pad assembly of claim 11 wherein the pad
member includes a releaseable ratchet element that cooperates with
the attachment member to allow the attachment member to be
tightened and loosened with one hand.
13. An improved knee pad assembly comprising: a base having a front
surface and a back surface, the back surface of the base shaped to
substantially conform to the contours of a human knee, a pad member
having a front surface and a back surface, the pad back surface
being shaped to substantially cover the base front surface, an
attachment means disposed on the base and the pad member for
removeably attaching the pad member to the base, a base attachment
element configured to pass around the back of a human knee joint,
both above and below the joint, to secure the base to a user, and,
a releaseable ratchet element disposed on the front surface of the
base, the releaseable ratchet element configured to allow the user
to tighten or loosen the base attachment element with one hand.
14. The improved knee pad assembly of claim 13 wherein the base
attachment elements are straps.
15. The improved knee pad assembly of claim 13 wherein the pad
members are disposable.
16. The improved knee pad assembly of claim 13 wherein the front
surface of the pad members substantially incorporates one or more
of the materials from the group: leather, cloth, plastic, fiber
glass, foam, rubber, carbon fiber, composites, metal.
17. The improved knee pad assembly of claim 13 where the pad member
is configured to be interchangeable with a replacement pad member
with a front surface which substantially incorporates a material
different from the pad member front surface being replace, the
replacement pad member front surface being substantially comprised
of one or more of the materials from the group: leather, cloth,
plastic, fiber glass, foam, rubber, carbon fiber, composites,
metal.
Description
CLAIM OF BENEFIT TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/475,656 filed Apr. 14, 2011, and such
application is hereby fully and entirely incorporated by reference
herein.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention generally relates to knee pads,
systems for protecting the knee and methods for knee
protection.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Protective knee pads are used by various types of
individuals, including construction workers, mechanics, sportsmen,
athletes, and others who find it necessary to protect their knees
as a result of their work or activities. This is particularly the
case when kneeling on a hard surface. Utilization of protective
knee pads placed on or around the knee for use when kneeling on
hard surfaces is common practice and, in some instances, a
requirement in order to effectively engage in a trade or craft.
Various knee pad configurations are available and many typically
comprise a rigid case or outer shell which is padded on the inside
surface, is shaped to be fitted over the knee and includes
attachment straps for retention on or over the knee.
[0004] One drawback associated with the use of knee pads relates to
the adaptability of the knee pad to a variety of surfaces. A knee
pad with an outer gripping or cushioning surface may be well suited
for one particular type of application or use, but poorly suited
for use in another location or on another surface. As a result, a
worker may need to purchase many different types of knee pads or
use a knee pad that is not well suited to the particular use, which
may be unsafe.
[0005] Another drawback associated with the use of knee pads
relates to the outer surface of the knee pad wearing out, thus
necessitating costly replacement of the entire pair of knee pads.
Replacing a set of knee pads every time one of the pads wears out
is both costly and is not environmentally friendly.
[0006] A further drawback is that the retention straps used to hold
the knee pads in place may be uncomfortable for the user to wear
for extended periods of time and may promote fatigue.
[0007] An additional drawback to current knee pads is that heavier
users may not be provided with sufficient comfort and
protection.
[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an improved knee pad
assembly, knee pad system and method of protecting the knees of a
user.
SUMMARY
[0009] The present disclosure is directed to knee pad assemblies,
methods and systems comprising a knee pad base and an outer cover
that forms the contacting surface of the knee pad. In certain
embodiments, a removable cover is securable to a knee pad base. A
variety of cover configurations may be provided that are adapted to
various surfaces, including roofing, tile, wood, carpet, concrete
and asphalt. The knee pad base can be adapted for different user
weights and durations for wearing the pad. The outer cover can be
secured to the base using a variety of mechanisms disclosed herein
or variations thereof. The knee pad base is held in place on knee
of the user by various mechanisms disclosed herein and variations
thereof. The restraint mechanisms can be adjusted by the user. The
knee pad assembly can also include a tension/release mechanism so
that strap tension is decreased or released when kneeling but would
increase or engage tension when the user stands to retain the knee
pad in the desired location.
[0010] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from review of the written disclosure herein and
consideration of the appended drawings.
[0011] The detailed technology and preferred embodiments
implemented for the subject invention are described in the
following paragraphs accompanying the appended drawings for people
skilled in this field to well appreciate the features of the
claimed invention. It is understood that the features mentioned
hereinbefore and those to be commented on hereinafter may be used
not only in the specified combinations, but also in other
combinations, whether or not explicitly disclosed, or in isolation,
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is an analytic perspective view of a knee pad
assembly and knee pad cover according to example embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the knee pad assembly of
FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an analytic perspective view of a knee pad
assembly and knee pad cover according to example embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the knee pad assembly of
base 202 from FIG. 3.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an analytic perspective view of a knee pad
assembly and knee pad cover according to example embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the knee pad base 302 from
FIG. 5.
[0018] FIG. 7 is an analytic perspective view of a knee pad
assembly and knee pad cover according to example embodiments
[0019] FIG. 8 is an analytic perspective view of a knee pad
assembly according to example embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 9 is an analytic perspective view of a knee pad
assembly according to example embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 10 is an analytic perspective view of a knee pad
assembly according to example embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 11 is an analytic perspective view of a knee pad
assembly according to example embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 12 is an analytic perspective view of a knee pad
assembly according to example embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 13 is an analytic perspective view of a knee pad
assembly according to example embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 14 is an analytic perspective view of a knee pad
assembly according to example embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 15 is an analytic perspective view of a knee pad
assembly according to example embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] In the following descriptions, the present invention will be
explained with reference to various example embodiments;
nevertheless, these example embodiments are not intended to limit
the present invention to any specific example, embodiment,
environment, application, or particular implementation described
herein. Therefore, descriptions of these example embodiments are
only provided for purpose of illustration rather than to limit the
present invention. The invention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a knee pad assembly 100 is
shown. The assembly generally comprises a base 102 and a removable
cover 104. The base 102 fastens to the user's knee using fastening
straps 106, such as the ratcheting adjustable straps as shown in
these figures with ratcheted fastener 109. An upper and a lower
strap are shown but more or fewer straps are within the scope of
the invention. The base 102 presents a forward facing cover
receiving portion 108. The cover 104 is disposed over the forward
facing portion 108 of base 102 as indicated in these figures and
secured via attachment means, in this example via corner hooks 110
disposed at the corners of base 102. The assembled knee pad 100 is
shown in FIG. 2.
[0029] The knee pad base can be configured in short or long
versions as appropriate for the particular application and a user's
desired level of coverage. The cover is correspondingly sized.
[0030] The cover may be formed from any suitable material,
including rubber and plastic, and formed in any suitable shape. In
addition, the cover may fully or partially comprise multirole
materials such as leather, cloth, plastic, fiber glass, foam,
rubber, carbon fiber, composites, metal or any other material that
is designed for the end user's specific job requirements.
[0031] A wide variety of cover attachments means are within the
scope of the invention. Such means include, but are not limited to
hooks, snaps, clips, hook and loop components (e.g. VELCRO
fasteners) on respective portions of the base and cover, and
combinations of two or more different attachment means.
[0032] The user's ability to change covers on the knee pad bases
allows for a single pair of knee pads to be adapted to a wide
variety of surface types. The ability to change covers also
provides the user with the option to replace individual worn
covers, wash soiled covers, and/or use job specific covers as
needed, avoiding the need to purchase a replacement or additional
set of knee pads.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, another example embodiment of a
knee pad assembly 200 is shown. The base 202 is provided with one
or more front facing suspension components 212, such as rubber or
foam pads. In this example embodiment, base 202 is slideably
engaged with pad 204 by straps 214 that are integrated into the
corners of pad 204. Straps 214 secure the knee pad assembly 200 to
a user by wrapping straps 214 securely around the back of the users
knee. It should also be noted that straps 214 could also be
integrated with base 202 and slide through corresponding openings
(not shown) in pad 204 to also achieve the floating suspension
effect. Cords may also be used instead of straps.
[0034] While secured, the back surface of pad 204 engages the
suspension member 212 of base 202, and slides on guide rails 216,
allowing pad 204 to float on suspension member 212 and remain
aligned via guide rails 216, without being fixably connected to
base 202. This allows pad 204 to move in toward the knee and out
away from the knee, depending on the pressure exerted on the front
surface of pad 204 while in use. This provides cushioned suspension
for the knee while the improved knee pad assembly is in use. The
spring force of the compression component 212 may be adapted to a
desired range of cushioning or compression based upon a user's
weight, and/or the conditions of use of the knee pad, and/or the
length of time of intended use. Preferably a material with an ILD
(Indention Load Deflection) of between 45 and 100 may be used.
Urethane and other foams may also be used with densities of weights
between 1 and 10 pounds per square foot of material. The outer
cover 204 may comprise a semi-rigid or a hard plastic shell (or
similar material) that will compress one or more of the suspension
components 212 and distribute the force over the cover 204. The
cover 204 cooperates with a plurality of integrated straps 214,
guide rails 216 and guide plate 218 to facilitate slideable
engagement, and uniform alignment, of the cover to the base.
[0035] This example embodiment also illustrates a tension/release
mechanism or feature. When kneeling, compression placed on the cap
204 would compress suspension components 212 and release strap
tension on straps 214 and when standing, compression would be
released and strap tension would be allowed to return. The purpose
is to release strap tension on the back of the worker's leg, nerves
and blood vessels while the worker is kneeling, yet maintain
security of the knee pad when the worker is standing or walking.
The cap 204, straps 214, suspension components 212, guide rails 216
and guide plate 218 cooperate to achieve this feature, as well as
providing a uniform alignment of the cap 204 with the base 202, and
providing extended comfort to the user.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, another embodiment of a knee pad
assembly 300 is shown. The base 302 comprises a knee cup 304 and a
suspension member 306 disposed on the outer front surface of the
base. An outer cover or shell 308 is disposed over knee cup 304 and
suspension member 306 by straps 310. This arrangement allows force
applied to the cover to compress the collapsible or suspension
member towards the base to provide cushioning. The edges of the
cover 308 slide toward the user's knee along the outer perimeter
surface of the base. When the pressure on the cover is released,
the suspension member 306 expands to its original shape. In one
variant, the suspension member 306 is partially collapsible in
order to provide adequate support and air space while collapsible
enough to provide desired cushioning. In addition open areas 312 in
suspension member 306 allow additional cushioning and support for
the knee. Similar to the embodiments described and depicted in
FIGS. 3 and 4, the contact and cooperation between cover or shell
308 and suspension member 306 provides a floating type suspension
for the knee while the knee pad 300 is strapped to a user by straps
310.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 7, depicted is yet another exemplary
embodiment where knee pad assembly 400 is comprised of base 402,
which is a partial shell that is disposed behind the user's leg,
such as on the calf and behind the knee, and cap 404. For example,
straps or a neoprene back of leg wrap 402 may be substituted for
the base and straps described in the preceding examples. The cover
404 is then placed over the knee cap and restrained in place via
tension members 418, such as cords, on either side of the base
spanning between the base and the cover. This arrangement promotes
good pressure management on the user's knee and leg. The cover 404
is shown with a honeycomb pattern 420 in a soft rubber material in
order to enhance traction and provide cushioning for the user. A
further feature illustrated in this example is the ratchet system
422 disposed on top of cover structure 404 and functionally
connected to the tension members 418. Via the ratchet system 422,
the wearer has the ability to tighten or loosen strap pressure
(snugness) of the knee pad. A dial 424 or other user actuator is
provided to allow the user to actuate the ratchet system.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 8 through 15, depicted are various means
to removeably attach a pad to a base. FIG. 8 provides a base 502
with one or more sleeves or pockets 504 to receive the tongues 508
of cover 506. The front receiving surface 510 of the base 502 and
back surface 511 of cover 506, may further be provided with a
respective portion of a hook and loop fastener 512 to further
secure the cover to the base. The cover 506 shown in this example
is a generally rectangular and slightly curved semi-rigid board
comprising a polyethylene material. However, the board can vary in
size, shape and material as appropriate for the particular
usage.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 9, an exemplar knee pad assembly is shown
with another cover fastening means. An elastic hem 522 is provided
around the perimeter 524 of the cover receiving surface 526 of the
base 520. The perimeter 528 of the cover 530 includes corresponding
protruding tabs or projections 532 that are sized and shaped for
being received in the elastic hem 522. Hook and loop 527 may also
be used as shown in FIG. 8, and can further be used with all
embodiment disclosed herein.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 10, a further embodiment of a knee pad
assembly is shown. The base and cover is shown in FIG. 9. In
addition, an overlay cover 534 is now provided. The overlay cover
534 is disposed over the cover 530 and then secured to the base
with a plurality of reinforced strap loops 536. The straps 538 used
to secure the base to the knee region of the user are placed
through the reinforced loops 536 of the overlay cover 534 to secure
the cover and overlay in place.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 11, another embodiment of a knee pad
assembly is shown. The cover or overlay 540 includes a plurality of
elastic bands or cords 542. The cords 542 can extend through the
cover 540 for better securement. A tab 544 is provided at an
approximate mid-point of each band 542. The cover 540 is secured to
the base 546 by inserting the tabs 544 into respective slots or
pockets 548 in the base 546. Channels 550 in the outer perimeter
surface 552 of the base 546 may be provided to further retain the
bands in place. Hook and loop fasteners 554 may further be provided
on respective portions of the cover and base to further secure the
cover to the base.
[0042] FIG. 12 illustrates a cord-lock means 562 for securing the
cover 564 to the base 566. Raised corners 568 on the cover are
inserted behind portions of the locking cord 570. The locking cord
or cords 570 are then tightened by pulling on cords 563 and
retainer 562 is then used to maintain the tension in the retaining
cord(s).
[0043] FIGS. 13 through 15 illustrate other exemplar attachment
embodiment means for a knee pad assembly. The cover or overlay 578
includes a plurality of elastic bands or cords 572 shown at the
corners of the cover 578. The cords can extend through the cover in
a crossing pattern or "X" shape 574 for better securement, as shown
in FIG. 14. A tab 576 is provided at an approximate mid-point of
each band 572. The cover 578 is secured to the base 580 by
inserting the tabs 576 into respective slots or pockets 582 in the
base at the corners thereof. The corner pockets may be raised to
facilitate insertion and removal of the tabs. FIG. 15 further
illustrates that cover 578 may be used to secure pads used in
previous embodiments to a base such as base 580. Note that the
underlayment of pad 584 of FIG. 15 includes a plurality of slots
586 for receiving the knee pad retaining straps 581.
[0044] The compressibility factor (including material property and
physical dimensions and shape) of the collapsible or suspension
members disclosed herein can be varied to accommodate different
user weight ranges and to accommodate a user's desired cushioning
factor. The cover can be secured using a variety of means as
discussed in this disclosure. Alternatively, the cover may include
straps that secure the assembly directly to the user's knees, such
as elastic cord or adjustable straps that extend behind the knee of
the user.
[0045] The collapsible or suspension members may comprise a wide
variety of materials, including, springs, pen cell foam, closed
cell foam, air bag, molded EVA, soft 3D fabric (spacer mesh), a
resilient honeycomb structure, rubber, or any combination of these
or other materials.
[0046] The cushioning factor can also be selected according to body
weight or according to average time spent kneeling/hour. For
example, body weight ranges of 80 to 150 lb, 150 to 225 lb, and
over 225 lb; kneeling 10 min./hour, 30 min./hour and 50 min./hour.
However more or fewer ranges may be specified.
[0047] Features of the various embodiments discussed herein can be
mixed and matched in any manner of additional embodiments that are
all within the scope of the invention regardless of whether or not
explicitly discussed herein.
[0048] While the invention has been described in connection with
what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed
embodiments. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art that many modifications and equivalent arrangements can
be made thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present disclosure, such scope to be accorded the broadest
interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all
equivalent structures and products. Moreover, features or aspects
of various example embodiments may be mixed and matched (even if
such combination is not explicitly described herein) without
departing from the scope of the invention.
[0049] For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present
invention, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section
112, sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the
specific terms "means for" or "step for" are recited in a
claim.
* * * * *