Patent Application
20180213856
This application relates to kneepads and, more particularly to kneepads which securely retain an implement so that a worker wearing the kneepad has convenient access to the implement when needed. The term “implement” should be interpreted in its broadest sense to include anything that a wearer of the kneepad might need to use. By way of non-limiting example, this would include tools, writing instruments, marking instruments, drawing instruments, etc.
Kneepads typically are used for impact protection, such as by participants in sporting events, and for comfort, such as by persons engaged in outdoor or indoor activities that require kneeling. Non-limiting examples of the former activities include roofing, general contracting, bricklaying, carpentry, landscaping and gardening. Non-limiting examples of the latter include interior construction, general contracting, plumbing, electrical, floor, carpet and tile installation.
Previously suggestions have been made to provide a tool holder on a kneepad such as, for example, in McKee U.S. Pat. No. 9,326,555 the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 9,326,555 refers to a tool or accessory holder preferably attached to a kneepad through the use of snap fasteners so that the holder may be removed. One of the many limitations of the holder described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,326,555 is that it is bulky thus encouraging the user to remove the holder when it is not being used. However, this leads to a first problem, namely, that it is easy to misplace the holder. Second, the holder typically can be used only on one kneepad depending on the placement of the snap fasteners on the holder and on the kneepad, thus a worker typically cannot conveniently move the holder from one knee to the other knee. Yet another problem is the relative rigidity and size of the holder in that some tools do not fit snugly in the holder and therefore can move, or even fall from the holder as the worker moves up and down as well as forward, sideways, and backward.
Thus there is a need for a kneepad implement holder that recognizes and solves the aforementioned problems.
The kneepad and implement holder described herein overcomes the aforementioned problems, and other problems, through the use of a flexible holder that does not protrude from the kneepad when not in use and that snugly retains implements of various configurations.
The foregoing advantages of the kneepad and implement holder, together with other benefits and advantages that may be attained by its use will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the following drawings. In the drawings, which are exemplary only:
Referring first to
The present kneepad may include one or more implement holders. Referring to
The kneepad extends in a generally first direction from the top 12 to the bottom 14. The first and second lateral ends 36, 38 of the band may be secured such as by stitching 40 to the kneepad with the stitching preferably extending generally parallel to the first direction of the kneepad and thus generally perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the kneepad. As one non-limiting example,
Thus one exemplary location for one line of stitching 40 would be the peripheral edge 22 of the kneepad as illustrated in
A second exemplary location for the stitching is illustrated in
Yet a third exemplary option as illustrated in
The band, when not in use is, preferably flush to the kneepad but this is not required as long as the band does not interfere with use of the kneepad when there is no implement within the sleeve. Thus alternatives to stitching and alternatives to the band being absolutely flush with the kneepad are contemplated. The space between the band and the lateral side of the kneepad functions as a channel or receptacle or holder for an implement, except in the variation of
Optionally, as noted above, the band may include an intermediate vertical stitching 40 and the location of the intermediate vertical stitching may be closer to one of the ends 36, 38. Through the use of this option two channels or receptacles may be provided for retaining implements. Additional channels may be similarly provided.
In addition to or in lieu of stitching, the band may be attached to the kneepad (and attached to itself in the variation of
In use, the wearer will insert an implement 42 through the open top 32 of the band 30 as illustrated at 44. The implement, if of sufficient length, will extend through the open bottom 34 of the band 30 as illustrated at 46. The elastic nature of the material of the band causes the band to expand as necessary to generally conform to the external configuration of the implement and securely retain the implement in place. The elastic material snugly retains the implement in place even as the wearer may move about. This prevents the implement from being accidentally dislodged. In those situations where the intermediate vertical stitching is provided, there are two channels each of which will snugly engage an implement as well as preventing the implements from being accidentally dislodged. When the implements are removed (and even when the kneepads are removed) the memory of the band causes the band to return to its normal position lying generally (but not necessarily absolutely) flat against the side of the kneepad. The band should not interfere with use of the straps or the kneepad and vice-versa. In the embodiment of
The foregoing is a complete description of a preferred form of the present kneepad and implement holder. Various changes and modification may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the above description. The invention therefore should be limited only by the scope of the following claims.
