AU2008234965A1

AU2008234965A1 - A joint protector

Info

Publication number: AU2008234965A1
Application number: AU2008234965A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Max McFarlane
Original assignee: KNEEON AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd
Current assignee: KNEEON AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-11-09
Filing date: 2008-10-24
Publication date: 2009-05-28

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant(s): KNEEON AUSTRALIA PTY LTD Invention Title: A JOINT PROTECTOR The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: P74662.AU.I Pat_SetFing Application 2008-10-24.doc (M) - 2 A JOINT PROTECTOR Field of the invention The present invention relates to a joint protector, 5 and also to an insert for a joint protector. Background Joint protectors are worn during many different 10 activities where the tissue around the joint can be damaged by impact or otherwise harmed by extended periods of pressure on the joint. Such activities include roller blading, skateboarding, gardening and carpentry. 15 One example of a joint protector is a knee pad. Many different designs of knee pads are available. A typical knee pad has an outer surface, or protective cover, made of an abrasion resistant material, and an inner surface of shock absorbing material. One or more straps are provided 20 to secure the knee pad about the wearer's knee. A soft, flexible material is preferred for the straps, in order to minimise the straps cutting into the wearer's leg. The shock absorbing material typically consists of 25 one or more layers of foam or synthetic rubber. These materials provide limited shock absorbing properties due to the high compressibility of the material. A common problem with knee pads is that the knee pad 30 has a tendency to "migrate" around the knee of the wearer. That is, the knee pad slides in a sideward direction around the knee and away from the surface of the joint to be protected. Consequently, the wearer is constantly N:AMelboume\Cases\Patent\740O0-74999\P74662.AU.1\Spocis\P74662.AU.1 Specification 2008-10-24.doc24/10/08 -3 required to reposition the knee pad to provide comfort, protection and a stable working position. 5 Summary of the invention The present invention provides a joint protector comprising: a protective cover, locating means for locating the protective cover 10 about a joint of a wearer, and a plurality of protuberances on an internal surface of the joint protector, wherein, when the joint protector is located on a wearer's joint, the protuberances contact the wearer and 15 provide resistance to lateral movement of the joint protector. The protuberances can be located on a portion of the joint protector that in use is between the protective 20 cover and the wearer. The joint protector can further comprises an insert located on an internal surface of the protective cover, the insert having a body with the plurality of 25 protuberances arranged on a surface of the body. In certain embodiments, the insert is removable. In certain alternative embodiments, the insert is secured to the locating means and/or the protective cover. 30 The body and the protuberances can be formed in a single moulded piece. N:Veltboume\Cases\Patent\740O0-74999\P74662.AU.1\Specis\P74662.AU.1 Specification 2008-10-24.doc24/10/08 - 4 In some embodiments, the insert is formed of a closed cell resin material. The protective cover may have a recessed portion 5 within which the insert is disposed. The insert can be secured to the protective cover by an adhesive. In some alternative embodiments, the insert can be secured to the locating means by an adhesive. 10 The protuberances can be in the form of any one or more of: elliptical nodules, domed nodules and ridges. The ridges may be arcuate or generally straight. 15 Preferably, the protuberances are sized such that the height of at least some of the protuberances increase with proximity to the lateral edges of the insert. In one embodiment, the body has a generally pear 20 shape. In such an embodiment, the insert may be arranged such the body tapers in either an upward or downward direction with respect to the knee pad. The present invention also provides an insert for a 25 joint protector, the insert comprising a body with a plurality of protuberances arranged on a surface of the body, wherein, when the insert is disposed between a joint protector and a wearer's joint, the protuberances contact 30 the wearer and provide resistance to lateral movement of the joint protector relative to the wearer's joint. N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74662.AU 1\Spoas\P74662.AU. I Specification 2008-10-24.doc24/l0108 -5 The body and the protuberances can be formed in a single moulded piece. The insert can be formed of a closed cell resin 5 material. Preferably, the insert is flexible such that, when worn inside a joint protector, the insert can bend to follow the joint. 10 The protuberances can be in the form of any one or more of: elliptical nodules, domed nodules and ridges. The ridges may be arcuate or generally straight. 15 Preferably, the protuberances are sized such that the height of at least some of the protuberances increase with proximity to the lateral edges of the insert. In one embodiment, the body has a generally pear 20 shape. In such an embodiment, the insert may be arranged such the body tapers in either an upward or downward direction with respect to the knee pad. 25 Brief description of the drawings In order that the invention may be more easily understood, embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 30 Figure 1: is a plan view of an insert for a joint protector according to a first embodiment of the present invention; N:Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74662.AU.1\Specis\P74662.AU.1 Specification 2008-10-24.doc2410/08 -6 Figure 2: is a side elevation of the insert of figure 1; Figure 3: is a perspective view of the insert of figure 1; 5 Figure 4: is a front view a prior art knee pad, which is fitted to a wearer's knee; Figure 5: is a rear view of a knee pad according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which incorporates the insert of figure 1; 10 Figure 6: is a rear view of a knee pad according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7: is a cross section view of the knee pad of figure 6, as viewed along the line A-A; Figure 8: is a rear view of a knee pad according to a 15 fourth embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 9: is a perspective view of the knee pad of Figure 8. 20 Detailed description Figures 1 to 3 show an insert 10 for a joint protector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The insert 10 has a body 12 that has the shape 25 of a thin sheet, which, in plan view, has a generally pear shape. One surface of the body 12 is provided with a plurality of protuberances. The insert 10 is to be fitted in a joint protector 30 (not shown in Figures 1 to 3) such as a knee pad. The insert 10 could alternatively be fitted in alternative joint protectors, such as elbow pads and shoulder pads. For simplicity, the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 3 N:\elbourneXCases\Patent\74000-74999\P74662.AU.1\Specis\P74562.AU.1 SpecificaUon 2008-10-24.doc24/10/08 - 7 will be described in connection with a knee pad, an example of which is shown in figure 4. The knee pad 30 has a protective cover 32, which may 5 be a durable outer shell. The knee pad 30 also has locating means for locating the protective cover 32 over a joint of a wearer. In this embodiment, the locating means is in the form of two flexible straps 34a, 34b. The free ends of the straps 34a, 34b are provided with 10 complementary fasteners (not shown) to secure one end to the other around the leg L. Alternative forms of the locating means include: a single flexible strap that extends about the leg, and an endless flexible, elastic sleeve that can be secured around a wearer's leg. 15 However, it will be appreciated that the locating means may take other alternative forms. When fitted to a knee pad, the insert 10 is to be disposed on the internal side of the cover, and can be 20 worn between the wearer's knee joint and the cover. In this way, the insert 10 can absorb and/or disperse shocks and loads applied to the protective cover. The protuberances are positioned on the surface that contacts the wearer. The protuberances are arranged to provide 25 resistance to lateral movement of the knee pad with respect to the wearer. In this embodiment, the protuberances are provided in five different forms, as follows: 30 e elliptical nodules 14; " small domed nodules 16; e medium domed nodules 18; N:\Meloume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74662.AU.1\Specis\P74662.AU.1 Specification 2008-10-24.doc24/10108 -8 * large domed nodules 20; and e elongate, arcuate ridges 22. The size and position of each form of protuberance is 5 selected to maximize the resistance of the knee pad to lateral movement. In other words, in use the insert 10 assists in stabilizing the knee pad 30 to minimize unwanted rotation of the knee pad 30 around the wearer's leg, or movement up/down the wearer's leg. The elliptical 10 nodules 14 are provided on the region of the insert 10 that provides the highest contact between the knee pad and the wearer. This region generally corresponds with the patella and upper shin regions of the knee. 15 The domed nodules 16, 18, 20 are generally hemi spherical in shape. As shown most clearly in figure 1, the domed nodules 16, 18, 20 are provided in regions of the insert 10 that are generally lateral of the elliptical nodules 14. These regions correspond with the curved 20 portions of the knee that extend laterally and backward of the patella and upper shin. The small domed nodules 16 are closest to the elliptical nodules 14 and the large domed nodules 20 are 25 furthest from the elliptical nodules 14. The medium domed nodules 18 are arranged between the small and large domed nodules 16, 20. The position of the large domed nodules 20 also corresponds generally with the narrowest portion of the knee. Thus, the domed nodules 16, 18, 20 can 30 provide contact between the insert 10 and the portion of the wearer's knee that are lateral of the patella. N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74662.AU.1\Specis\P74662.AU.1 Specification2008-10-24.doc24/10/08 - 9 The arcuate ridges 22 are provided on regions of the insert 10 that are above and below the elliptical nodules 14. Thus, the arcuate ridges 22 provide contact between the insert 10 and the portions of the wearer's knee that 5 are above and below the patella. In this embodiment, the insert 10 is formed of a closed cell resin. This type of material can be advantageous because of its cushioning effect. 10 Accordingly, the insert 10 can be moulded such that body 12 and the protuberances are formed of a single piece of the closed cell resin. The insert 10 is flexible such that, when worn inside 15 a knee pad, the insert 10 can bend to follow the curvature of the knee. Figure 5 shows a knee pad 130 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The knee pad 20 130 has a protective cover 132, which can be made of a flexible moulded rubber, and two flexible straps 134a, 134b. Each strap has complementary hook and loop material fasteners 136a, 136b at the ends to allow the knee pad to be secured around a wearer's leg. 25 In this embodiment, the protective cover 132 has two pairs of openings 138 on opposing lateral sides of the cover 132. The flexible straps 134a, 134b are each threaded through a pair of openings 138. The knee pad 130 30 has an insert 10 (in accordance with the embodiment described above in reference to Figures 1 to 3) that is captured between the rear of the protective cover 132 and the intermediate portions of the straps 134a, 134b that N.Velboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74662.AU.1\Speas\P74662.AU.1 Specification 2008-10-24.doc24/10/08 - 10 are between the openings 138. In other words, each of the straps 134a, 134b form a pocket together with the protective cover 132, each pocket receiving an end portion of the insert 10. The straps 134a, 134b can be made of TM 5 foam and/or synthetic material, such as Neoprene The insert 10 limits the knee pad 130 moving out of position when being worn. This means that the wearer is less likely to need to reposition the knee pad 130 to 10 properly sit over their knee. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment the insert 10 is releasably held within between the straps 134a, 134b and the protective cover 132. Accordingly, the 15 insert 10 can be removed and washed if desired. In a similar embodiment (not illustrated) to that shown in Figure 5, each of the two straps can be secured to the inner side of the protective cover. For example, 20 each strap can be stitched to the protective cover. The stitching can be adjacent the peripheral edge of the protective cover to form a curved seam. Such stitching can form a discrete pocket within which an end of an insert (such as that shown in Figures 1 to 3) can be 25 releasably held. Figures 6 and 7 show a knee pad 230 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The knee pad 230 has a protective cover 232, which may be 30 formed of moulded rubber. The knee pad 230 has a locating means in the form of a single flexible strap 234, which in use is to be N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\7400-74999\P74662.AU.1\Specis\P74662.AU.1 Specification 2008-10-24.doc24/10/08 - 11 fastened around the wearer's leg immediately below the knee. The strap 234 has two slender portions 240a, 240b that each terminate in an end of the strap 234. Each end of the strap 234 is provided with a complementary hook and 5 loop fastener portion 236a, 236b. Between the slender portions 240a, 240b, the strap 234 has a broad mid portion 242. The edge of the strap 234 along the mid portion 242 is aligned with the upper 10 and lower peripheral edges of the protective cover 232. The strap 234 is secured to the protective cover 232 by stitching 244 adjacent the peripheral edge of the cover 232. 15 The mid portion 242 has an aperture 246 that provides an opening through which an insert 210 of the knee pad 230 is exposed. The insert 210 is substantially similar in structure to the insert 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3. 20 In this embodiment, the insert 210 is secured within a recessed portion 248 that is moulded into the inside of the protective cover 232 (see Figure 7). The insert 210 may be secured in the recessed portion 248 by an adhesive. In particular, the opposing surface of the body 212 to the 25 surface that bears the protuberances is adhered to the inside of the protective cover 232. The internal edge of the mid portion 244, which surrounds the aperture 246 is secured to the protective 30 cover 232 by stitching 250. N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74662.AU.1\Specis\P74662.AU.1 Specification 2008-10-24.doc24/10/08 - 12 In this embodiment, the insert 210 is made of a closed cell resin material. Accordingly, the insert 210 is compressible and can absorb shock loads. 5 When the knee pad 230 is secured to a wearer's leg, the protuberances on the insert 210 contact the wearer's leg and provide resistance to lateral movement of the knee pad 230 relative to the wearer's knee. 10 In the embodiment shown in figures 6 and 7, the insert 210 is arranged such that the broad portion is closer to the upper edge of the knee pad 230; that is, the insert 210 tapers in a downward direction. 15 In some alternative embodiments, each protuberance could be individually applied to an inside surface of the knee pad. For example, each protuberance could be a piece of silicon that is adhered to the inside of the knee pad, such as onto a piece of neoprene. 20 Figures 8 and 9 show a knee pad 330 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The knee pad 330 has a protective cover 332, which may be formed of moulded rubber. 25 The knee pad 330 has a locating means in the form of a single flexible strap 334, which in use is to be fastened around the wearer's leg immediately below the knee. The strap 334 has two slender portions 340a, 340b 30 that each terminate in an end of the strap 334. Each end of the strap 334 is provided with a complementary hook and loop fastener portion 336a, 336b. N:\MeIboume\Cases\Patent\740OD-74999\P74662.AU.1\Specis\P74662.AU.1 Specification 2008-10-24.doc24110/08 - 13 Between the slender portions 340a, 340b, the strap 334 has a broad mid portion 342. The edge of the strap 334 along the mid portion 342 is aligned with the upper and lower peripheral edges of the protective cover 332. 5 The strap 334 is secured to the protective cover 332 by stitching 344 adjacent the peripheral edge of the cover 332. The knee pad 330 has an insert 310, the body 312 of 10 which is secured to the strap 334. The insert 310 is substantially similar in structure to the insert 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3. In use, the protuberances contact the wearer. 15 In this embodiment, the insert 310 may be secured the strap 334 by an adhesive. In particular, the opposing surface of the body 312 to the surface that bears the protuberances is adhered to the inside of the protective cover 332. 20 In this embodiment, the insert 310 is made of a closed cell resin material. Accordingly, the insert 310 is compressible and can absorb shock loads. 25 When the knee pad 330 is secured to a wearer's leg, the protuberances on the insert 310 contact the wearer's leg and provide resistance to lateral movement of the knee pad 330 relative to the wearer's knee. 30 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as N:Maelboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74662.AU.1\Specis\P74662.AU.1 Specdfication2008-10-24.doc24110/08 - 14 "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\740O0-74999\P74662.AU.1\Specis\P74662.AU.1 Specification 2008-1O-24.doc2410/08

Claims

1. A joint protector comprising: a protective cover, 5 locating means for locating the protective cover about a joint of a wearer, and a plurality of protuberances on an internal surface of the joint protector, wherein, when the joint protector is located on a 10 wearer's joint, the protuberances contact the wearer and provide resistance to lateral movement of the joint protector.

2. A joint protector according to claim 1, further 15 comprising an insert located on an internal surface of the protective cover, the insert having a body with the plurality of protuberances arranged on a surface of the body. 20

3. A joint protector according to claim 2, wherein the insert is removable.

4. A joint protector according to claim 2, wherein the insert is secured to the locating means and/or the 25 protective cover.

5. A joint protector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the body and the protuberances are formed in a single moulded piece. 30

6. A joint protector according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the insert is formed of a closed cell resin material. N:\Meiboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74662.AU.1\Specis\P74662.AU.1 Specification 2008-10-24.doc24/10/08 - 16

7. A joint protector according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the insert is secured to the locating means by an adhesive. 5

8. A joint protector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the protuberances are in the form of any one or more of: elliptical nodules, domed nodules and ridges. 10

9. A joint protector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the protuberances are sized such that the height of at least some of the protuberances increase with proximity to the lateral edges of the insert. 15

10. An insert for a joint protector, the insert comprising a body with a plurality of protuberances arranged on a surface of the body, wherein, when the insert is disposed between a joint protector and a wearer's joint, the protuberances contact 20 the wearer and provide resistance to lateral movement of the joint protector relative to the wearer's joint.

11. An insert according to claim 10, wherein the body and the protuberances are formed in a single moulded piece. 25

12. An insert according to claim 11, wherein the insert is formed of a closed cell resin material.

13. An insert according to any one of claims 10 to 12, 30 wherein the protuberances are in the form of any one or more of: elliptical nodules, domed nodules and ridges. N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74662.AU.1\Specis\P74662.AU.I Specification 2008-10-24.doc24/10/08 - 17

14. An insert according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the protuberances are sized such that the height of at least some of the protuberances increase with proximity to the lateral edges of the insert. 5

15. A joint protector according to claim 1, and substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 10

16. An insert for a joint protector substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74662.AU.1\Specis\P74662.AU.1 Specification 2008-10-24.doc24/10/08