Patent Application
20130145514
1. Field
The embodiments relate to kneepads, and in particular to kneepad caps for kneepads with stability and swivel/rocking elements.
2. Description of the Related Art
Protective kneepads are used by in many different fields for protection or to provide comfort to individuals. For example, kneepads are used when kneeling on hard or rough surfaces or to reduce blunt force trauma. Various kneepad constructions are available and typically comprise a rigid case or padding which is fitted over the knee and held in place by various attachment elements.
One embodiment provides a kneepad cap including an upper portion with a curved front portion with a first curve radius. A center portion is attached to the upper portion. The center portion includes a first platform portion and curved side portions having a second curve radius. A lower portion is attached to the center portion. The lower portion includes a curved back portion having a third curve radius.
Another embodiment provides a kneepad cap for a kneepad. The kneepad cap includes a first portion with a first curved portion having a first curve radius. A second portion is attached to the first portion. The second portion includes a second curved portion having a second curve radius. The first curve radius is larger than the second curve radius.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction with the drawings, illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention.
The embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the Figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:
The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.
The description may disclose several preferred embodiments of kneepad caps, as well as operation and/or component parts thereof. While the following description will be described in terms of kneepad caps and kneepads for clarity and to place the invention in context, it should be kept in mind that the teachings herein may have broad application to all types of systems, devices and applications.
One embodiment of the invention provides a kneepad cap including an upper portion with a curved front portion with a first curve radius. A center portion is attached to the upper portion. The center portion includes a first platform portion and curved side portions having a second curve radius. A lower portion is attached to the center portion. The lower portion includes a curved back portion having a third curve radius. The stable platform portion of the kneepad cap provides a user of a kneepad including the kneepad cap embodiments to maintain their position via the flat platform being in contact with a surface (e.g., the ground). The front curved portion allows a user of the kneepad cap embodiments to rotate or rock forward as the front curved portion rotates the user forward, which expands the forward working distance of the user without the user having to reposition to another position on the surface.
In one embodiment of the invention, the upper portion 110 includes a front curved portion having a larger radius of curvature than the bottom section of the lower portion 150 as well as each of the sides of the first section 130 and the second section 140. In one embodiment of the invention, the kneepad cap 105 is made of molded polyurethane. In other embodiments of the invention, the kneepad cap 105 may be made of other similar materials to polyurethane. In one example, gel materials may be employed along with the kneepad cap 105 for additional comfort. In one embodiment of the invention, the upper portion 110, the first section 130, the second section 140 and the lower portion 150 are integrally molded as a single device.
In one embodiment of the invention, the first section 130 includes a recessed portion 210. In one example, the recessed portion 210 may include an applied emblem, logo, etc. In another example, the recessed portion 210 may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) element used for retail purposes (e.g., security, checkout, inventory, etc.). In one embodiment of the invention, a groove or channel 260 is formed between the upper portion 110 and the first section 130.
In one embodiment of the invention, a groove or channel 265 is formed between the second section 140 and the first section 130. In one embodiment of the invention, a groove or channel 270 is formed between the lower portion 150 and the second section 140. In one example, the channels 260, 265 and 27 provide additional flexibility for the kneepad cap 105 when forced against non planar surfaces or when a user wearing the kneepad cap 105 with a kneepad 120 bends by allowing for flexing of the upper portion 110, first section 1130, second section 140 and lower portion 150.
In the description above, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known equivalent components and elements may be substituted in place of those described herein, and similarly, well-known equivalent techniques may be substituted in place of the particular techniques disclosed. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail to avoid obscuring the understanding of this description.
Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments. The various appearances of “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “some embodiments” are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. If the specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.
While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.
