1. Field
The embodiments relate to kneepads, and in particular to kneepads with a compressible outer protective cover
2. Description of the Related Art
Protective knee pads are used by in many different fields for protection or to provide comfort to individuals. For example, knee pads are used when kneeling on hard or rough surfaces or to reduce blunt force trauma. Various knee pad 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 includes a kneepad with an outer surface, an inner padding portion disposed within the outer surface, a protective portion connected to a first side of the outer surface, and means for attaching. The protective portion includes a plurality of raised elements.
Another embodiment is a kneepad including a number of layered material portions, at least one inner padding portion connected between the number of layered material portions, an integral protective covering connected to an outer surface of the kneepad and a pair of attachment portions. The protective portion includes a number of raised elements that operate to form pneumatic cushioning.
Yet another embodiment includes a kneepad including a number of material portions, at least one inner padding portion attached between a first material portion and a second material portion, an integral protective covering connected to an outer surface of the kneepad and a pair of adjustable attachment portions. The protective portion includes a number of raised elements, each of the raised elements is independently pneumatically compressible.
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 Embodiments discussed herein generally relate to protective kneepads. Referring to the Figures, exemplary embodiments will now be described. The exemplary embodiments are provided to illustrate the embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments.
In one embodiment the means for attaching 130 and 135 include a pair of adjustable straps. Attached to each adjustable strap is a clasp 150, 155 having a connecting portion 140, 145 each having an opening to connect the straps 130,135 to connectors 160. In one embodiment, clasps 150, 155 are made of a heavy duty material, such as hardened molded plastic or similar polymer, a metal or metal alloy, etc. In one embodiment the adjustable straps 130, 135 are made of material that is stretchable to allow expansion and contraction during normal use. In another embodiment, the means for attachment is only one single adjustable strap (not shown). In yet another embodiment, the adjustable strap(s) is made of a stretchable material, such as rubber, combination of nylon (or other similar material) and rubber, etc.
In one embodiment outer surface 120 includes many layers of material, such as first side 190, reinforcement portion 180, and additional layers underneath (not shown) for added protection and sturdiness. In one embodiment, outer surface 120 is made from heavy duty material, such as synthetic leather, canvas, polyester and nylon, etc.
In one embodiment reinforcing stitching 175 is attached to outer surface 120 and is also attached to an internal layer of material. In one embodiment protective portion 110 includes a molded groove where stitching 170 attaches protective portion 110 to outer surface 120.
In one embodiment the number of raised elements of protective portion 110 are hollow. In this embodiment the number of raised elements operate to form pneumatic cushioning. A surface of the kneepad (first side 190 and outer surface 120 under protective portion 110 substantially traps air between protective portion 110 and the surface.
In one embodiment when knee pad 100 is pressed against a surface, such as a floor, roof, etc., the air trapped behind protective portion 110 cannot escape or escapes very slowly. Since the number of raised elements of protective portion 110 are each resilient, the air cushion and protective portion prevent rough surfaces from coming into contact with a wearer's knee.
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.