CA2120176A1 - Joint guard - Google Patents
Joint guardInfo
- Publication number
- CA2120176A1 CA2120176A1 CA 2120176 CA2120176A CA2120176A1 CA 2120176 A1 CA2120176 A1 CA 2120176A1 CA 2120176 CA2120176 CA 2120176 CA 2120176 A CA2120176 A CA 2120176A CA 2120176 A1 CA2120176 A1 CA 2120176A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- joint
- pad
- sized
- shell
- central portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Abstract
JOINT GUARD
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A joint guard includes a flexible pad of cushioning material having a central portion and first and second outer portions extending from opposite sides of the central portion. The pad is sized for the central portion to be positioned in overlying relation to the front of a joint with the inner and outer portions extending beyond the front and opposing inner and outer sides of the joint. First and second impact resistant shells are secured to the pad. The pad has a first recess formed on the central portion and sized to receive a patellae of the joint, and a second recess formed on the central portion and sized to receive a tibial tuberosity of the joint. The first shell is positioned in alignment with the first recess. The second shell is positioned beneath the first shell and pivotally secured relative to the first shell for the shells to pivot about an axis generally parallel to a bending axis of the joint.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A joint guard includes a flexible pad of cushioning material having a central portion and first and second outer portions extending from opposite sides of the central portion. The pad is sized for the central portion to be positioned in overlying relation to the front of a joint with the inner and outer portions extending beyond the front and opposing inner and outer sides of the joint. First and second impact resistant shells are secured to the pad. The pad has a first recess formed on the central portion and sized to receive a patellae of the joint, and a second recess formed on the central portion and sized to receive a tibial tuberosity of the joint. The first shell is positioned in alignment with the first recess. The second shell is positioned beneath the first shell and pivotally secured relative to the first shell for the shells to pivot about an axis generally parallel to a bending axis of the joint.
Description
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JOINT GUARD : .
I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention ,.
I S This invention pertains to protective wear for i use during sporting activities. More particularly, this invention pertains to a guard for protecting a wearer~s joint such as a knee or elbow.
2. Description of the Prior Art Joint guards for protection of a wearer's --', joints during sporting activities are well known.
Examples of such appear in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,484,361 and 3,945,047.
In recent years, rollerskating and in-line ; skating have become extremely popular. Participants in these sports have desired knee proteckion in the event of fall. ~ommonly, rollerskaters and in-line skaters I skate on hard surfaces such as asphalt, concrete or the J 20 like. Joint protection is desired to protect against l; impact injury as well as abrasion. Also, such i protection must permit easy flection of the joint during .i normal skating as well as provide comfort for the ! wearer. It is an object of the present invention to 25 provide such a joint guard.
il . , II. SUMNARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a joint guard is provided to protect 30 a wearer's knee. The joint guard includes a flexihle pad of cushioning material. The pad has a central portion and first and second outer portions extending from opposite sides-of the central portion. The pad is ~, sized for the central portion to be positioned in ~-35 overlying relation to the front of the joint with the inner and outer portions extending beyond the front of ;~ the joint and opposing inner and outer sides of tlle ~oint when the pad is secured to the joint. First and second impact resistant shells are secured to the pad.
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~, The first shell is positioned in alignment with the a ;~, boney protrusion of the joint and the second shell is ~3 positioned beneath the first shell. The first and second shells are pivotal relative to one another about a pivot axis generally parallel to a bending axis of the ~, joint.
.
~l, III. sRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
l Fig. 1 is a front elevation view of the joint `', 10 guard of the present invention shown in a preferred embodiment as a knee guard;
Fig. 2 is an inside elevation view of the knee guard of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is an outside elevation view of the knee guard;
Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the knee guard of Fig. l;
Fig. S is a bottom plan view o the knee guard of Fig. l;
Fig. 6 is a rear elevation view of the knee guard of Fig. l;
JOINT GUARD : .
I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention ,.
I S This invention pertains to protective wear for i use during sporting activities. More particularly, this invention pertains to a guard for protecting a wearer~s joint such as a knee or elbow.
2. Description of the Prior Art Joint guards for protection of a wearer's --', joints during sporting activities are well known.
Examples of such appear in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,484,361 and 3,945,047.
In recent years, rollerskating and in-line ; skating have become extremely popular. Participants in these sports have desired knee proteckion in the event of fall. ~ommonly, rollerskaters and in-line skaters I skate on hard surfaces such as asphalt, concrete or the J 20 like. Joint protection is desired to protect against l; impact injury as well as abrasion. Also, such i protection must permit easy flection of the joint during .i normal skating as well as provide comfort for the ! wearer. It is an object of the present invention to 25 provide such a joint guard.
il . , II. SUMNARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a joint guard is provided to protect 30 a wearer's knee. The joint guard includes a flexihle pad of cushioning material. The pad has a central portion and first and second outer portions extending from opposite sides-of the central portion. The pad is ~, sized for the central portion to be positioned in ~-35 overlying relation to the front of the joint with the inner and outer portions extending beyond the front of ;~ the joint and opposing inner and outer sides of tlle ~oint when the pad is secured to the joint. First and second impact resistant shells are secured to the pad.
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~, The first shell is positioned in alignment with the a ;~, boney protrusion of the joint and the second shell is ~3 positioned beneath the first shell. The first and second shells are pivotal relative to one another about a pivot axis generally parallel to a bending axis of the ~, joint.
.
~l, III. sRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
l Fig. 1 is a front elevation view of the joint `', 10 guard of the present invention shown in a preferred embodiment as a knee guard;
Fig. 2 is an inside elevation view of the knee guard of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is an outside elevation view of the knee guard;
Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the knee guard of Fig. l;
Fig. S is a bottom plan view o the knee guard of Fig. l;
Fig. 6 is a rear elevation view of the knee guard of Fig. l;
3, Fig. 7 is an outside elevation view of the knee ~i~ guard of the present invention shown at~ached to a 3 wearer's leg;
, 25 Fig. 8 is a front elevation of the knee guard of the present invention shown attached to a wearer's leg;
Fig. 9 is a rear side elevation view of a foam ~i pad for use with the knee guard of the present `1 30 invention;
Fig. 10 is a top plan view of a first rigid I shell with use with the present invention;
~, Fig. 11 is a front elevation view of the shell 3 of Fig. 10;
`~ 35 Fig. 12 is a side elevation view of the shell of Fig. 10;
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Fig. 13 is a top plan view of a second rigid shell for use with the present invention;
Fig. 14 is a front elevation view of the shell of Fig. 13;
Fig. 15 is a side elevation view of the shell -of Fig. 13;
Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 16-16 of Fig. 4;
Fig. 17 is a perspective view oiE a human knee showing regions of the knee protected by the knee guard of the present invention. -, 7 ' : , .
IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT ~ : :
! Referring now to the several drawing figures in -i 15 which identical el0ments are numbered identically ``~ throughout, a description of the preferred embodiment to `j the present invention will now be provided. In the preferred embodiment, the invention will be described with reference to a knee guard for protecting a wearer's knee. Those skilled in the art will recognize the present invention is also applicable to guards for protecting other joints (e.q., an elbow).
With initial reference to Figs. 1-3, a knee '`~ guard 10 is shown for protection of a wearer's knee 12.
The knee guard 10 is secured to the upper and lower legs - 14,16 (Figs. 7, 8).
The knee guard includes a flexible pad 18, a cloth carrier 20, first and second fastening members 22,24, a first rigid shell 26 and a second rigid shell 28, all of which will be more further descrihed.
With reference to Fig. 9, the pad 18 is ;~
~ preferably formed of a foam material which is resilient `! and flexible as well as cushioning. The pad 18 has an inner surface 30 and an outer surface 32 (Fig. 4). In a preferred embodiment, inner surface 30 will be laminated with a fabric 31 (Fig. 16) of wicking material to draw :'.
' ~
', 2120~76 moisture away from the knee for reasons that will become apparent.
With best reference to Fig. 9, the pad 18 includes a central portion 34, an inner side portion 36 5 and an outer side portion 38. Longitudinal grooves 40 Z are provided on the inner surface 30 separating portions ~Z 36,38 from central portion 34. Central portion 34 is iZ sized to be positioned oppoqing and covering the front Z of a wearer's knee. As a result of grooves 40, side ~ 10 portions 36,38 are readily bendable backwards to y surround and oppose the inner and outer QZides, respectively, of the knee. The pads portions 36,38 are sized to cover the bony protrusions on the sides of the knees of a wearer.
The central portion 34 has a concave recess 42 sized to receive a patellae 200 (commonly "kneecap") Zl which protrudes from the ront of the wearer's knee 12.
; Also, central portion 34 includes a lower recess 44 sized and positioned to receive a tibial tuberosity 201 protruding from the lower leg 16 of the wearer. For I~Z further protection, the outer portion 38 of pad 18 ;~, includes an extending flap 46 sized to extend over and j cover the area of the outer side of a user's knee in ;Z which the peroneal nerve 202 and radial head is located.
~, 25 In addition to longitudinal grooves 40, the inner surface 30 of the pad 18 includes a plurality of transverse grooves 48,50, and radial grooves 52 as well ;
as a longitudinal groove 54 separating the area of flap 46 from outer portion 38. All of the grooves 30 40,48,50,52,54 are in air flow communication with one - another. Further, the grooves 40,48,50,52,54 are sized such that when the pad 18 is flexed in position covering the wearer's knee and abutting the sides of the knee, the grooves 40,48,50,52,54 remain at least partially ~ -open to provide air flow communication between all of . the grooves 40,48,50,52 and 54. A plurality of vent holes 56,57 are formed through the pad 18 permitting air :
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flow communication from the inner surface 30 to the outer surface 32. The vents 56,57 are positioned to be in air flow communication with the grooves 40,48,50,52 and 54. Also, recesses 58 are formed on the inner surface 30 on sides 36,38. Recesses 58 include bores 60,61 extending through the pad 18 and sized and i positioned to receive rivets as will be Imore fully described.
Shown in Figs. 10-12 , the first ri~id shell 26 ., lO is preferably formed of abrasion and impact resistant injection molded plastic. The first shell 26 is arcuate ¦ to surround the knee 12 of the wearer. Further, the first shell 26 has a centrally positioned cup 62 sized to receive the patellae protrusion. Vents 64,65 are formed as holes through the shell 26 with the vents 64,65 sized and positioned to align with the vents 56,57, respectively, formed in pad 18 when the knee guard 10 is assembled.
-' The reader will note that the shell 26 is ~i 20 assymmetrical about its central axis X -X'. Namely, the shell 26 has an outer side 68 longer than the inner side ` 66. The outer side 68 extends further around the outer side of the knee 12 of the wearer during use. The , purpose for the added length of the outer side 68 is c, 25 that when a skater falls, it is the outer side of the ~, knee 12 which is most exposed to abrasion and which requires greater protection. The lower edge 70 of the first shell 26 is provided with a central downward protrusion 72 to ensure full covering of the patellae.
30 The shell 26 includes rivet hole locations 74 which ~- ~
align with holes 60. Rivets 76 ~Figs. 1 and 2) pass ~ -through holes 74,60 to secure the shell 26 as well as pad 18 to the cloth carrier 20. When the pad 18 and ' shell 26 are so secured, the vent holes 74 of the shell ,~ 35 26 align with the vent holes 56 of the pad 18.
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` ` 6 21 2 ~1 76 With reference now to lower shell 28 shown best in Figs. 13-15, the second or lower shell 28 is arcuate about its axis Y-Y to cover the tibial tuberosity area 201 of the upper leg 16 as well as surround the sides of the upper leg 16 in the region of the knee. Like first shell 26, shell 28 is assymmetrical about axis Y-Y such ~3, that its outer side 80 is longer than its inner side 82 - to provide enhanced abrasion protection on the outer , side of the knee 12.
The upper edge 84 of shell 28 is provided with a centrally position downward recess 86 sized to receive the downward protrusion 72 of first rigid shell 26. -Also, the lower edge 88 is provided with a downward protrusion 90 to provide extended coverage for impact protection of the tibia. The lower shell 28 includes I holes 75 si~ed and positioned to align with holes 61 l ormed in flexible pad 18. Rivets 77 (Figs. 1 and 2) secure both the pad 18 and the shell 28 to the carxier 20. So secured, due to the flexible nature of the cloth carrier 20, the upper and lower shells 26,28 are pivotal relative to one another about a pivot axis X-X (Fig. 1) generally parallel to the bending axis of the knee. The upper and lower edges of the shells 28,26, respectively, are spaced apart to accommodate relative pivotal movement. Further, the lower edge of the upper shell 26 ~, may ride on top of the upper surface of lower shell 28 , .
~, during such pivotal movement.
With reference now to the cloth carrier 20, the material of the cLoth carrier 20 is preferably a foam fabric laminant having a moisture wicking material on its inner surface. The cloth material has upper and , .
~ lower side inside extensions 100,102, respectively in .j~, .. ..
general alignment with upper and lower rigid shells `~ 26,28 as best shown in Fig. 2. Outside extensions -i~ 35 100a,102a are provided on the opposite side of the ~ I
carrier 20. The extensions 100,100a and 102,102a are sized such that the extensions may be wrapped around in . ~
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overlying relation on the upper and lower legs 14,16 of the wearer such that the cloth material completely surrounds and opposes the le~s of the user. Upper and lower fastening straps 22,24 are secured by stitching through the upper and lower extensions 100,102, respectively. The fastening members 22,24 include free ends 104,106 which are passed through rings 110 secured to extensions lOOa,102a. As a result, the straps 22,24 ~may be passed through rings 108,110 and folded over onto ¦10 themselves to tighten the cloth carrier to the upper and lower legs 14,16. In a preferred embodiment, the straps ;
22,24 will include Velcro fasteners such that the straps, when folded onto themselves may be locked in a secured position.
With the structure thus described, the anatomy j of the knee is protected. The foam pad 18 provides impact protecti.on that includes recesses 42,44 necessary to accommodate the natural protrusions of the knee such ~, as the patellae and the tibial tuberosity. The pad 18 - ~-is asymmetrical to protect the sides of the knees as well as provide impact protection for the sensitive peroneal nerve 202. For added protection, the rigid shells 26,28 cover the area of the patellae and the tibial tuberosity for enhanced impact protection.
`1 25 Further, the rigid shells 26,28 provide abrasion ~` resistance for these areas as well as abrasion resistance on the outsides of the knee. The articulated m ~' shells 26,28 (due to their relative pivotal movement) `' provide free movement of the knee in its bending motions during skating functions. The transverse groove 48 of ~, the pad also permits easy flection of the knee.
The formation of vent holes through the shell 26 in the pad 18 as well as the air passage grooves -~
formed in the pad 18 permit air to be freely circulated ^~t35 and dispersed throughout the inner surface of the pad 18 `jfor both cooling and moisture and heat venting.
~,Further, due to the extensions 100,102 of the cloth ~ -. ' ... ..
!
` 212~76 -` carrier/ the fastening straps 22,24 are never in direct contact with the wearer to provide enhanced comfort during use.
The foregoing description of the present invention has described the invention with reference to a knee guard. The invention would also apply to other joints (e.q., an elbow). For an elbow guard, recess 42 9 would be positioned and sized to cover and receive the olecranon of the elbow (the boney point of the elbow).
From the foregoing detailed description of the present inv~ntion, it has been shown how the objects of the invention have been attained in a preferred manner.
However, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts, such as those which readily occur to one skilled in the art, are intended to be included within the scope of the claims which are appended hereto.
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, 25 Fig. 8 is a front elevation of the knee guard of the present invention shown attached to a wearer's leg;
Fig. 9 is a rear side elevation view of a foam ~i pad for use with the knee guard of the present `1 30 invention;
Fig. 10 is a top plan view of a first rigid I shell with use with the present invention;
~, Fig. 11 is a front elevation view of the shell 3 of Fig. 10;
`~ 35 Fig. 12 is a side elevation view of the shell of Fig. 10;
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Fig. 13 is a top plan view of a second rigid shell for use with the present invention;
Fig. 14 is a front elevation view of the shell of Fig. 13;
Fig. 15 is a side elevation view of the shell -of Fig. 13;
Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 16-16 of Fig. 4;
Fig. 17 is a perspective view oiE a human knee showing regions of the knee protected by the knee guard of the present invention. -, 7 ' : , .
IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT ~ : :
! Referring now to the several drawing figures in -i 15 which identical el0ments are numbered identically ``~ throughout, a description of the preferred embodiment to `j the present invention will now be provided. In the preferred embodiment, the invention will be described with reference to a knee guard for protecting a wearer's knee. Those skilled in the art will recognize the present invention is also applicable to guards for protecting other joints (e.q., an elbow).
With initial reference to Figs. 1-3, a knee '`~ guard 10 is shown for protection of a wearer's knee 12.
The knee guard 10 is secured to the upper and lower legs - 14,16 (Figs. 7, 8).
The knee guard includes a flexible pad 18, a cloth carrier 20, first and second fastening members 22,24, a first rigid shell 26 and a second rigid shell 28, all of which will be more further descrihed.
With reference to Fig. 9, the pad 18 is ;~
~ preferably formed of a foam material which is resilient `! and flexible as well as cushioning. The pad 18 has an inner surface 30 and an outer surface 32 (Fig. 4). In a preferred embodiment, inner surface 30 will be laminated with a fabric 31 (Fig. 16) of wicking material to draw :'.
' ~
', 2120~76 moisture away from the knee for reasons that will become apparent.
With best reference to Fig. 9, the pad 18 includes a central portion 34, an inner side portion 36 5 and an outer side portion 38. Longitudinal grooves 40 Z are provided on the inner surface 30 separating portions ~Z 36,38 from central portion 34. Central portion 34 is iZ sized to be positioned oppoqing and covering the front Z of a wearer's knee. As a result of grooves 40, side ~ 10 portions 36,38 are readily bendable backwards to y surround and oppose the inner and outer QZides, respectively, of the knee. The pads portions 36,38 are sized to cover the bony protrusions on the sides of the knees of a wearer.
The central portion 34 has a concave recess 42 sized to receive a patellae 200 (commonly "kneecap") Zl which protrudes from the ront of the wearer's knee 12.
; Also, central portion 34 includes a lower recess 44 sized and positioned to receive a tibial tuberosity 201 protruding from the lower leg 16 of the wearer. For I~Z further protection, the outer portion 38 of pad 18 ;~, includes an extending flap 46 sized to extend over and j cover the area of the outer side of a user's knee in ;Z which the peroneal nerve 202 and radial head is located.
~, 25 In addition to longitudinal grooves 40, the inner surface 30 of the pad 18 includes a plurality of transverse grooves 48,50, and radial grooves 52 as well ;
as a longitudinal groove 54 separating the area of flap 46 from outer portion 38. All of the grooves 30 40,48,50,52,54 are in air flow communication with one - another. Further, the grooves 40,48,50,52,54 are sized such that when the pad 18 is flexed in position covering the wearer's knee and abutting the sides of the knee, the grooves 40,48,50,52,54 remain at least partially ~ -open to provide air flow communication between all of . the grooves 40,48,50,52 and 54. A plurality of vent holes 56,57 are formed through the pad 18 permitting air :
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flow communication from the inner surface 30 to the outer surface 32. The vents 56,57 are positioned to be in air flow communication with the grooves 40,48,50,52 and 54. Also, recesses 58 are formed on the inner surface 30 on sides 36,38. Recesses 58 include bores 60,61 extending through the pad 18 and sized and i positioned to receive rivets as will be Imore fully described.
Shown in Figs. 10-12 , the first ri~id shell 26 ., lO is preferably formed of abrasion and impact resistant injection molded plastic. The first shell 26 is arcuate ¦ to surround the knee 12 of the wearer. Further, the first shell 26 has a centrally positioned cup 62 sized to receive the patellae protrusion. Vents 64,65 are formed as holes through the shell 26 with the vents 64,65 sized and positioned to align with the vents 56,57, respectively, formed in pad 18 when the knee guard 10 is assembled.
-' The reader will note that the shell 26 is ~i 20 assymmetrical about its central axis X -X'. Namely, the shell 26 has an outer side 68 longer than the inner side ` 66. The outer side 68 extends further around the outer side of the knee 12 of the wearer during use. The , purpose for the added length of the outer side 68 is c, 25 that when a skater falls, it is the outer side of the ~, knee 12 which is most exposed to abrasion and which requires greater protection. The lower edge 70 of the first shell 26 is provided with a central downward protrusion 72 to ensure full covering of the patellae.
30 The shell 26 includes rivet hole locations 74 which ~- ~
align with holes 60. Rivets 76 ~Figs. 1 and 2) pass ~ -through holes 74,60 to secure the shell 26 as well as pad 18 to the cloth carrier 20. When the pad 18 and ' shell 26 are so secured, the vent holes 74 of the shell ,~ 35 26 align with the vent holes 56 of the pad 18.
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` ` 6 21 2 ~1 76 With reference now to lower shell 28 shown best in Figs. 13-15, the second or lower shell 28 is arcuate about its axis Y-Y to cover the tibial tuberosity area 201 of the upper leg 16 as well as surround the sides of the upper leg 16 in the region of the knee. Like first shell 26, shell 28 is assymmetrical about axis Y-Y such ~3, that its outer side 80 is longer than its inner side 82 - to provide enhanced abrasion protection on the outer , side of the knee 12.
The upper edge 84 of shell 28 is provided with a centrally position downward recess 86 sized to receive the downward protrusion 72 of first rigid shell 26. -Also, the lower edge 88 is provided with a downward protrusion 90 to provide extended coverage for impact protection of the tibia. The lower shell 28 includes I holes 75 si~ed and positioned to align with holes 61 l ormed in flexible pad 18. Rivets 77 (Figs. 1 and 2) secure both the pad 18 and the shell 28 to the carxier 20. So secured, due to the flexible nature of the cloth carrier 20, the upper and lower shells 26,28 are pivotal relative to one another about a pivot axis X-X (Fig. 1) generally parallel to the bending axis of the knee. The upper and lower edges of the shells 28,26, respectively, are spaced apart to accommodate relative pivotal movement. Further, the lower edge of the upper shell 26 ~, may ride on top of the upper surface of lower shell 28 , .
~, during such pivotal movement.
With reference now to the cloth carrier 20, the material of the cLoth carrier 20 is preferably a foam fabric laminant having a moisture wicking material on its inner surface. The cloth material has upper and , .
~ lower side inside extensions 100,102, respectively in .j~, .. ..
general alignment with upper and lower rigid shells `~ 26,28 as best shown in Fig. 2. Outside extensions -i~ 35 100a,102a are provided on the opposite side of the ~ I
carrier 20. The extensions 100,100a and 102,102a are sized such that the extensions may be wrapped around in . ~
.~ .. ... ., ,, . .,,, . ~.. . .. . .
overlying relation on the upper and lower legs 14,16 of the wearer such that the cloth material completely surrounds and opposes the le~s of the user. Upper and lower fastening straps 22,24 are secured by stitching through the upper and lower extensions 100,102, respectively. The fastening members 22,24 include free ends 104,106 which are passed through rings 110 secured to extensions lOOa,102a. As a result, the straps 22,24 ~may be passed through rings 108,110 and folded over onto ¦10 themselves to tighten the cloth carrier to the upper and lower legs 14,16. In a preferred embodiment, the straps ;
22,24 will include Velcro fasteners such that the straps, when folded onto themselves may be locked in a secured position.
With the structure thus described, the anatomy j of the knee is protected. The foam pad 18 provides impact protecti.on that includes recesses 42,44 necessary to accommodate the natural protrusions of the knee such ~, as the patellae and the tibial tuberosity. The pad 18 - ~-is asymmetrical to protect the sides of the knees as well as provide impact protection for the sensitive peroneal nerve 202. For added protection, the rigid shells 26,28 cover the area of the patellae and the tibial tuberosity for enhanced impact protection.
`1 25 Further, the rigid shells 26,28 provide abrasion ~` resistance for these areas as well as abrasion resistance on the outsides of the knee. The articulated m ~' shells 26,28 (due to their relative pivotal movement) `' provide free movement of the knee in its bending motions during skating functions. The transverse groove 48 of ~, the pad also permits easy flection of the knee.
The formation of vent holes through the shell 26 in the pad 18 as well as the air passage grooves -~
formed in the pad 18 permit air to be freely circulated ^~t35 and dispersed throughout the inner surface of the pad 18 `jfor both cooling and moisture and heat venting.
~,Further, due to the extensions 100,102 of the cloth ~ -. ' ... ..
!
` 212~76 -` carrier/ the fastening straps 22,24 are never in direct contact with the wearer to provide enhanced comfort during use.
The foregoing description of the present invention has described the invention with reference to a knee guard. The invention would also apply to other joints (e.q., an elbow). For an elbow guard, recess 42 9 would be positioned and sized to cover and receive the olecranon of the elbow (the boney point of the elbow).
From the foregoing detailed description of the present inv~ntion, it has been shown how the objects of the invention have been attained in a preferred manner.
However, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts, such as those which readily occur to one skilled in the art, are intended to be included within the scope of the claims which are appended hereto.
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Claims (11)
1. A joint guard to protect a wearer's joint, said joint guard comprising:
a flexible pad of cushioning material, said pad including an inner surface and an outer surface;
said pad having a central portion and a first and second outer portions extending from opposite sides of said central portion;
releasable attachment means for releasably securing said pad to said joint with said inner surface opposing said joint;
said pad sized for said central portion to be positioned in overlying relation to a front of said joint with said inner and outer portions extending beyond said front and opposing an inner and outer sides, respectively, of said joint when said pad is secured to said joint;
a first and a second impact resistant shell secured to said pad facing said outer surface;
said pad having a first recess formed in said inner surface on said central portion and sized to receive a boney protrusion of said joint;
said first shell positioned in alignment with said first recess;
said second shell positioned beneath said first shell and pivotal relative thereto about a pivot axis generally parallel to a bending axis of said joint.
a flexible pad of cushioning material, said pad including an inner surface and an outer surface;
said pad having a central portion and a first and second outer portions extending from opposite sides of said central portion;
releasable attachment means for releasably securing said pad to said joint with said inner surface opposing said joint;
said pad sized for said central portion to be positioned in overlying relation to a front of said joint with said inner and outer portions extending beyond said front and opposing an inner and outer sides, respectively, of said joint when said pad is secured to said joint;
a first and a second impact resistant shell secured to said pad facing said outer surface;
said pad having a first recess formed in said inner surface on said central portion and sized to receive a boney protrusion of said joint;
said first shell positioned in alignment with said first recess;
said second shell positioned beneath said first shell and pivotal relative thereto about a pivot axis generally parallel to a bending axis of said joint.
2. A joint guard according to claim 1 comprising a first plurality of vent holes formed through said pad to provide air flow communication between said inner and outer surfaces.
3. A joint guard according to claim 2 comprising a second plurality of vent holes formed through said first shell and aligned with said first plurality of vent holes.
4. A joint guard according to claim 2 comprising a plurality of air channels formed in said pad on said inner surface and in air flow communication with said first plurality of vent holes.
5. A joint guard according to claim 4 wherein said air channels are sized and positioned to disperse air throughout said first surface.
6. A joint guard according to claim 1 wherein said first recess is sized to receive a patellae of a knee and wherein said pad includes a second recess formed in said inner surface on said central portion and sized to receive a tibial tuberosity of said wearer.
7. A joint guard according to claim 1 wherein said first recess is sized to receive a patellae of a knee and wherein said outer portion is sized to cover a peroneal nerve and radial head of said wearer.
8. A joint guard according to claim 6 wherein said second shell is positioned covering said second recess.
9. A joint guard according to claim 1 comprising a carrier material of flexible material disposed between said pad and said shells and secured thereto, said attachment means including fasteners for securing said carrier material to an appendage said wearer.
10. A joint guard according to claim 9 wherein said carrier material is sized to extend around said appendage to space said fasteners from direct contact to said appendage.
11. A joint guard to protective wearer's joint, said joint guard comprising:
a flexible pad of cushioning material, said pad including an inner surface and an outer surface;
said pad having a central portion and a first and second outer portions extending from opposite sides of said central portion;
releasable attachment means for releasably securing said pad to said joint with said inner surface opposing said joint;
said pad sized for said central portion to be positioned in overlying relation to a front of said joint and with said inner and outer portions extending beyond said front and opposing an inner and outer sides, respectively, of said joint when said pad is secured to said joint;
a plurality of vent holes formed through said pad to provide air flow communication between said inner and outer surfaces;
a plurality of air channels formed in said pad on said inner surface and an air flow communication with said first plurality of vent holes.
a flexible pad of cushioning material, said pad including an inner surface and an outer surface;
said pad having a central portion and a first and second outer portions extending from opposite sides of said central portion;
releasable attachment means for releasably securing said pad to said joint with said inner surface opposing said joint;
said pad sized for said central portion to be positioned in overlying relation to a front of said joint and with said inner and outer portions extending beyond said front and opposing an inner and outer sides, respectively, of said joint when said pad is secured to said joint;
a plurality of vent holes formed through said pad to provide air flow communication between said inner and outer surfaces;
a plurality of air channels formed in said pad on said inner surface and an air flow communication with said first plurality of vent holes.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US8519993A | 1993-06-30 | 1993-06-30 | |
| US08/085,199 | 1993-06-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2120176A1 true CA2120176A1 (en) | 1994-12-31 |
Family
ID=22190102
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2120176 Abandoned CA2120176A1 (en) | 1993-06-30 | 1994-03-29 | Joint guard |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2120176A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6219843B1 (en) | 1998-07-16 | 2001-04-24 | Salomon S.A. | Protective device, specifically adapted to skating |
| CN104168784A (en) * | 2012-01-28 | 2014-11-26 | G形式有限责任公司 | Breathable impact absorbing cushioning and constructions |
-
1994
- 1994-03-29 CA CA 2120176 patent/CA2120176A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6219843B1 (en) | 1998-07-16 | 2001-04-24 | Salomon S.A. | Protective device, specifically adapted to skating |
| CN104168784A (en) * | 2012-01-28 | 2014-11-26 | G形式有限责任公司 | Breathable impact absorbing cushioning and constructions |
| CN104168784B (en) * | 2012-01-28 | 2018-11-13 | G形式有限责任公司 | Ventilative impact absorbing buffering and construction |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |