Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
PROTECTIVE PAD ASSEMBLY INCLUDING INNER MEMBER AND OUTER
PROTECTIVE PAD RELEASABLY ATTACHABLE THERETO
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY
[0001]This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Applications Ser. No.
62/984,169 filed March 2, 2020 and Ser. No. 62/984,922 filed March 4, 2020,
both by
Picone et al., which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties and to
which priority is claimed
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002]
The present invention relates to protective cushioning devices in general and,
more particularly, to a protective pad assembly including an inner member with
securing
components and an outer protective pad releasably attachable thereto for
protecting a
user's knee and/or elbow joints.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003]Typically, protective pads or cushioning devices, such as kneepads or
elbow pads,
are attached to a body part of a user over a garment by various methods
including belt
1
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
straps, clips, wraps, elastic stretching, glues, tapes or adhesives. A common
drawback
of prior art methods of fastening such products is that they become
uncomfortable to the
user (wearer) during prolonged usage do to binding, burning and/or chaffing,
which may
result in irritation to the skin and limb tingling and bruising which is
brought on by
constriction of the blood vessels. For example, Fig. 1 shows a known kneepad 1
utilizing
straps 3 and 4 to fasten the kneepad 1 to a knee (or knee area) 7 of a leg 6
of a user.
The leg 6 of the user includes an upper portion (or thigh portion) 6a and a
lower portion
6b separated by the knee 7. The strap 3 wraps around the upper portion 6a of
the leg 6,
and a strap 4 wraps around the lower portion 6b of the leg 6, or above and
below the
knee 7, as illustrated in Fig. I. A drawback of such fastening straps 3 and 4
is that they
can cause discomfort to the user (wearer) and constriction of blood vessels
during
prolonged usage, eventually leading to bruising and/or skin irritation.
Specifically, the
straps 3 and 4 cause constriction of the blood vessels and eventually may cut
and chafe
the thigh portion 6a and the calf portion 6b, respectively. Also,
occasionally, strapped
knee pads failing to stay in place, and ultimately get loose and start to move
and fall down
on the leg.
[0004] Fig. 2 illustrates a sectional view of a kneepad assembly 10 disclosed
in U.S.
Patent No. 7,712,150 attached to pants (or trousers) 2. The kneepad assembly
10
includes a flexible inner member 12 in the form of a base cushion made of an
impact
absorbing material disposed inside the pants 2, and an outer member 14 in the
form of a
protective cushion made of an impact absorbing material disposed outside the
pants 2.
Securing devices use magnetic attraction to attach the outer member 14 and the
inner
member 12 to each other and to the pants 2. Each securing device includes an
inner
2
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
magnetically attractive element 16 attached to the inner member 12, and an
outer
magnetically attractive element 18 attached to the outer member 14. A drawback
to the
use of magnetically attractive elements 16 and 18 is that the elements 16 and
18
potentially can slide relative to the garment during use.
[0005] Figs. 3A-3C illustrate a protective pad assembly 20 in the form of an
inner pad 22
to be disposed inside the pants 2 for being positioned over an elbow area or a
knee 7 of
a user (or wearer) 2, and an outer member 24 in the form of an elastic
removable outer
elastic band disposed outside a garment in alignment with the inner pad 22.
The inner
pad 22 further comprises a securing device 26 provided for releasably
attaching to a
securing device 28 of the removable outer elastic band 24, thus releasably
attaching the
inner pad 22 and the outer elastic band 24 to each other through the material
of the pants
2.
[0006] In the kneepad assemblies of Figs. 2 and 3A-3C the protective pads are
attached
solely to the pants and rely on the integrity of the pants and a position the
pants are at
when the pads are attached. However, as the user moves and changes position,
the
material of the pants also moves and stretches in different directions, such
as up or down
or sideways, and ultimately changes the position of the protective pad from
the original
setting. It may become uncomfortable for the user to be required to make
frequent
readjustments of the protective pad to reposition it for comfort.
[0007]Other known protective pad assemblies have the drawback of requiring
permanent
alterations to the garment fabric and/or damaging the garment fabric, such as
by requiring
or creating holes in the garment fabric in order to attain proper attachment.
3
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[0008]Therefore, there is a need for a protective pad assembly that overcomes
drawbacks and shortcomings of the prior art, enhances its performance and
advances
the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009]The present invention is directed to a protective pad assembly for
removably
positioning on an arm or a leg of a user the protective pad assembly for
protecting an
elbow or a knee of the user. The protective pad assembly comprises an inner
member
adapted to be positioned adjacent the elbow or the knee of the user so as to
encircle the
arm or the leg of the user, at least an inner securing component mounted to
the inner
member, an outer protective pad adapted to be positioned over the elbow or the
knee of
the user and aligned with the elbow or the knee of the user, and at least one
outer securing
component mounted to the outer protective pad. The at least one outer securing
component is releasably attachable to the at least one inner securing
component. The
outer protective pad is configured to be disposed over the inner member.
[0010] The protective pad assembly in accordance with the present invention
makes the
wearing of protective pad assembly more comfortable and reduces, if not
eliminates, the
risk of blood clots and nerve damage due to the strangulation effect of straps
tightly pulled
around user's limb.
4
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011]The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of
the
specification. The drawings, together with the general description given above
and the
detailed description of the exemplary embodiments and methods given below,
serve to
explain the principles of the invention. The objects and advantages of the
invention will
become apparent from a study of the following specification when viewed in
light of the
accompanying drawings, in which like elements are given the same or analogous
reference numerals. In these drawings:
[0012] Fig. 1 illustrates a knee pad assembly with straps of the prior art;
[0013] Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a knee pad assembly of the prior art with
magnetically
attractive elements attaching a knee pad to a pants;
[0014] Figs. 3A-3C are various views of a knee pad assembly of the prior art
including an
inner pad and elastic band for attaching the inner pad to the pants;
[0015] Fig. 4 is a side elevation view of a protective pad assembly in
accordance with a
first exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of a user
wearing
shorts;
[0016] Fig. 5 is a side elevation view of a sleeve unit of the protective pad
assembly in
accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention
mounted to the
leg of the user wearing the shorts;
[0017] Fig. 6 A is a rear elevation view of an outer protective pad unit of
the protective
pad assembly in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[0018] Fig. 6 B is a rear elevation view of the outer protective pad unit of
the protective
pad assembly in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment showing only
one of
the elastic band members;
[0019] Fig. 7A is a right elevation view of the sleeve unit in accordance with
the first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0020]Fig. 7B is a left elevation view of the sleeve unit in accordance with
the first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0021]Fig. 8A is a front view of an inner securing component of the sleeve
unit in
accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] Fig. 8B is a rear view of the inner securing component in accordance
with the first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0023]Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the inner securing component in accordance
with the
first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] Fig. 10A is a front view of the sleeve units in accordance with the
first exemplary
embodiment mounted to the user's legs;
[0025] Fig. 10B is a rear view of the sleeve units in accordance with the
first exemplary
embodiment mounted to the user's legs;
[0026] Fig. 11A is a perspective view of an outer protective pad of the outer
protective
pad unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] Fig. 11B is a front view of the outer protective pad in accordance with
the first
exemplary embodiment;
[0028] Fig. 11C is a rear view of the outer protective pad in accordance with
the first
exemplary embodiment;
6
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[0029] Fig. 12A is a front view of an outer securing component of the outer
protective pad
unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;
[0030] Fig. 12B is a rear view of the outer securing component of the outer
protective pad
unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;
[0031] Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the outer securing component of the
outer protective
pad unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;
[0032] Fig. 14 is an exploded view of the outer securing component in
accordance with
the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] Fig. 15 is a sectional view of the sleeve unit of the protective pad
assembly in
accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention
mounted to a
leg of the user wearing pants;
[0034] Fig. 16 is a sectional view of the protective pad assembly in
accordance with the
first exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of the
user wearing
the pants and under the pants;
[0035] Fig. 17 is a sectional view of the protective pad assembly in
accordance with the
first exemplary embodiment with the sleeve unit mounted to a leg of the user
wearing the
pants and under the pants, and the outer protective pad mounted over the
pants;
[0036] Fig. 18A is a perspective view of the outer protective pad with the
outer securing
components in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;
[0037] Fig. 18B is a perspective view of an outer protective cap of the outer
protective
pad unit in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;
[0038] Fig. 18C is a perspective view of the outer protective pad unit in
accordance with
the first exemplary embodiment;
7
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[0039] Fig. 19 is a rear view of the outer protective cap in accordance with
the first
exemplary embodiment;
[0040] Fig. 20 is a front perspective view of the outer protective pad/outer
protective cap
in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;
[0041] Fig. 21 is a rear perspective view of the outer protective pad/outer
protective cap
in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment;
[0042] Fig. 22A is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly with
the outer
protective cap in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment mounted to a
leg of the
user wearing shorts;
[0043] Fig. 22B is a sectional view of the protective pad assembly in
accordance with the
first exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants with
the outer
protective pad and the outer protective cap mounted over the pants;
[0044] Fig. 23A is a perspective view of the protective pad assembly in
accordance with
the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of
the user
wearing shorts;
[0045] Fig. 23B is a rear perspective view of the protective pad assembly in
accordance
with the first exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the
pants with
the outer protective pad and the outer protective cap mounted over the pants;
[0046] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a protective pad assembly in
accordance with a
second exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of a
user
wearing shorts;
[0047] Fig. 25A is a right elevation view of a sleeve unit in accordance with
the second
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
8
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[0048] Fig. 25B is a left elevation view of the sleeve unit in accordance with
the second
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] Fig. 26A is a front elevation view of the sleeve unit in accordance
with the second
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0050] Fig. 26B is a rear elevation view of the sleeve unit in accordance with
the second
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0051] Fig. 27 is a side elevation view of the sleeve unit in accordance with
the second
exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the shorts;
[0052] Fig. 28 is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly in
accordance with
the second exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the
shorts with
the outer protective pad mounted to the leg of the user wearing shorts;
[0053] Fig. 29 is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly in
accordance with
the second exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the
shorts with
the outer protective pad/outer protective cap mounted to a leg of the user
wearing the
shorts;
[0054]Fig. 30 is a sectional view of the sleeve unit in accordance with the
second
exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants with the
sleeve
unit mounted to a leg of the user under the pants;
[0055] Fig. 31 is a sectional view of the protective pad assembly in
accordance with the
second exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants
with the
outer protective pad mounted to a leg of the user under the pants;
9
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[0056] Fig. 32 is a sectional view of the protective pad assembly in
accordance with the
second exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants
with the
outer protective pad mounted to a leg of the user over the pants;
[0057] Fig. 33 is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly in
accordance with
the second exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants
with
the outer protective pad/outer protective cap mounted to a leg of the user
over the pants;
[0058] Fig. 34 is a perspective view of a band unit in accordance with a third
exemplary
embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of the user wearing
shorts;
[0059] Fig. 35A is a right elevation view of the band unit in accordance with
the third
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0060]Fig. 35B is a left elevation view of the band unit in accordance with
the third
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0061]Fig. 36 is a top view of the band unit in accordance with the third
exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0062]Fig. 37 is a side elevation view of the band unit in accordance with the
third
exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants with the
band unit
mounted to a leg of the user over the pants;
[0063] Fig. 38 is a side elevation view of a protective pad assembly in
accordance with
the third exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants
with the
outer protective pad mounted to a leg of the user over the pants;
[0064] Fig. 39 is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly in
accordance with
the third exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants
with the
outer protective pad/outer protective cap mounted to a leg of the user over
the pants;
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[0065] Fig. 40 is a perspective view of an adjustable band in accordance with
a fourth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of the user
wearing
shorts;
[0066] Fig. 41 is a perspective view of the adjustable band in accordance with
the fourth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a closed position;
[0067] Fig. 42 is a perspective view of the adjustable band in accordance with
the fourth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an open position;
[0068] Fig. 43 is a side elevation view of the adjustable band in accordance
with the fourth
exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants with the
band unit
mounted to a leg of the user over the pants;
[0069] Fig. 44 is a side elevation view of a protective pad assembly in
accordance with
the fourth exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants
with the
outer protective pad mounted to a leg of the user over the pants;
[0070] Fig. 45 is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly in
accordance with
the fourth exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing the pants
with the
outer protective pad/outer protective cap mounted to a leg of the user over
the pants;
[0071] Fig. 46 is a perspective view of a protective pad assembly in
accordance with a
fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of the
user wearing
pants;
[0072] Fig. 47 is a perspective view of an adjustable band in accordance with
the fifth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of the user
wearing
shorts;
11
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[0073] Fig. 48 is a perspective view of the adjustable band in accordance with
the fifth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a closed position;
[0074] Fig. 49 is a perspective view of the adjustable band in accordance with
the fifth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an open position;
[0075] Fig. 50 is a perspective view of an outer protective unit in accordance
with the fifth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0076] Fig. 51A is an inner perspective view of an outer securing component of
the outer
protective unit in accordance with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the
present
invention;
[0077] Fig. 51B is an outer perspective view of the outer securing component
of the outer
protective unit in accordance with the fifth exemplary embodiment of the
present
invention;
[0078] Fig. 52 is a right elevation view of an inner support unit in
accordance with a sixth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0079] Fig. 53 is a left elevation view of the inner support unit in
accordance with an
alternative variant to the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0080] Fig. 54A is an inner perspective view of an inner securing component of
the inner
support unit in accordance with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0081] Fig. 54B is an outer view of the inner securing component of the inner
support unit
in accordance with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0082] Fig. 55 is a perspective rear view of an outer protective unit in
accordance with
the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
12
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[0083] Fig. 56A is an inner perspective view of an outer securing component of
the outer
protective unit in accordance with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the
present
invention;
[0084] Fig. 56B is an outer perspective view of the outer securing component
of the outer
protective unit in accordance with the sixth exemplary embodiment of the
present
invention;
[0085]Fig. 57A shows a female snap member sewn to a fabric patch of the inner
support
unit and a male snap member to the elastic band member in accordance with the
sixth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0086] Fig. 57B shows a female snap member crimped to a fabric patch of the
inner
support unit and a male snap member to the elastic band member in accordance
with the
sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0087] Fig. 58 is a perspective view of an outer protective pad in accordance
with a
seventh exemplary embodiment;
[0088] Fig. 59A shows an outer surface an adjustable outer member of the outer
protective pad in accordance with the seventh exemplary embodiment;
[0089] Fig. 59B shows an inner surface the adjustable outer member of the
outer
protective pad in accordance with the seventh exemplary embodiment;
[0090] Fig. 60 shows an adjusting buckle of the outer protective pad in
accordance with
the seventh exemplary embodiment;
[0091] Fig. 61 is a perspective view of an outer protective pad in accordance
with an
eighth exemplary embodiment;
13
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[0092]Fig. 62A shows an outer surface an adjustable outer member of the outer
protective pad in accordance with the eighth exemplary embodiment;
[0093]Fig. 62A shows an inner surface the adjustable outer member of the outer
protective pad in accordance with the eighth exemplary embodiment;
[0094] Fig. 63 shows a sliding bar buckle of the outer protective pad in
accordance with
the eighth exemplary embodiment;
[0095] Fig. 64 is a perspective view of an outer protective pad in accordance
with a ninth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0096] Fig. 65 is a perspective view of a band unit in accordance with the
ninth exemplary
embodiment of the present invention mounted to a leg of the user wearing
shorts;
[0097] Fig. 66 is a side elevation view of a protective pad assembly in
accordance with
the ninth exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing pants with
the
outer protective pad mounted to a leg of the user over the pants; and
[0098] Fig. 67 is a side elevation view of the protective pad assembly in
accordance with
the ninth exemplary embodiment mounted to a leg of the user wearing pants with
the
outer protective pad/outer protective cap mounted to a leg of the user over
the pants.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0099]Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments and
methods of
the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like
reference
characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings. It
should be
noted, however, that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to
the specific
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
details, representative devices and methods, and illustrative examples shown
and
described in connection with the exemplary embodiments and methods.
[00100]
This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in
connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of
the entire
written description. In the description, relative terms such as "inner" and
"outer", "inside"
and "outside," "horizontal" and "vertical," "front" and "rear," "upper" and
"lower," "top" and
"bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly,"
"upwardly,"
etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as
shown in the
drawing figure under discussion and to the orientation relative to a vehicle
body. These
relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not
intended to require
a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like,
such as
"connected" and "interconnected," refer to a relationship wherein structures
are secured
or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening
structures, as
well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly
described
otherwise. The term "operatively connected" is such an attachment, coupling or
connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by
virtue of that
relationship. The term "integral" (or "unitary") relates to a part made as a
single part, or
a part made of separate components fixedly (i.e., non-moveably) connected
together.
Additionally, the words "a" and/or "an" as used in the claims mean "at least
one" and the
word "two" as used in the claims means "at least two". For the purpose of
clarity, some
technical material that is known in the related art has not been described in
detail in order
to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[00101] Fig. 4 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a protective
pad assembly
100 configured to protect an elbow of an arm or a knee 7 of a leg 6 of a user
(or wearer)
from impact. The leg 6 of the user includes an upper portion (or thigh
portion) 6a and a
lower portion 6b (or calf portion) separated by the knee 7. The protective pad
assembly
100 comprises an inner support unit 102 in the form of a sleeve (or band) unit
102
provided to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow of the arm or the
knee 7 of the
leg 6 of the user, and an outer protective unit 104 configured to be disposed
over the
sleeve unit 102 for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user from
impact. The outer
protective unit 104 is releasably attachable to the sleeve unit 102.
[00102] The sleeve unit 102, as best shown in Figs. 5-7B, comprises an
elastic inner
member 106 to be positioned adjacent to the elbow or the knee 7 of the user so
as to
encircle the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and at least one inner securing
component
108 mounted (or coupled) to the elastic inner member 106. The inner elastic
member 106
is in the form of an elastic sleeve 106. The elastic sleeve 106 is a
continuous and
uninterrupted tubular part defining a closed loop structure, i.e., a curved
structure, the
end of which is permanently connected to the beginning thereof.
[00103] The elastic sleeve 106 has an upper end 1071 configured to be
positioned
adjacent to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and a lower end
1072
configured to be positioned further distant to and below the elbow or the knee
7 of the
user and the upper end 1071 of the elastic sleeve 106. Both the upper and
lower ends
1071 and 1072, respectively, of the elastic sleeve 106 define continuous and
uninterruptable perimeters, each forming a closed loop. Preferably, the
perimeter of the
upper end 1071 of the elastic sleeve 106 is larger than the perimeter of the
lower end
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
1072. Furthermore, a height H1 of the elastic sleeve 106 (i.e., a distance
between the
upper end 1071 of the elastic sleeve 106 and the lower end 1072 thereof) is
substantially
larger that a circumference WI of the elastic sleeve 106 (i.e., a maximum size
of the
elastic sleeve 106 in the direction perpendicular to the length of the elastic
sleeve 106).
According to the first exemplary embodiment, a ratio of Hi/Wi of the elastic
sleeve 106 is
between 1.5 and 2.5. The elastic sleeve 106 is made of an elastic and
stretchable
material, such as 75% Polyester/ 25% Rubber or, alternatively, Neoprene-Cotton-
Bamboo-Nylon mixture thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that
elasticity, in
physics, is the property of a solid material to resist a distorting influence
and to return to
its original shape and size after a force deforming it has been removed. The
elastic sleeve
106 is stretchable between a relaxed state and a stretched state, so as to
adjust to a
specific size of the user's leg. Thus, a perimeter of the elastic sleeve 106
is adjustable.
[00104]
The sleeve unit 102 includes two structurally and functionally identical inner
securing components 108, spaced from each other in the transverse direction
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction XL of the elastic sleeve 106. It
is known that the
longitudinal axis is the axis considered lengthwise (the axis of length, i.e.,
greater of two
dimensions of a body), while the transverse (or lateral) axis is perpendicular
to the
longitudinal axis. Each of the inner securing components 108 is fastened to
the elastic
sleeve 106. Specifically, each of the inner securing components 108 is
fastened adjacent
to the upper end 1071 of the elastic sleeve 106 and distant from the lower end
1072. Each
of the inner securing components 108 includes a patch 110 in the form of a
piece of fabric,
such as denim, and an inner securing member 112 secured (or fixed) to the
fabric patch
110. Alternatively, each of the inner securing components 108 may include only
the inner
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
securing member 112 secured (or fixed) directly to the elastic sleeve 106, not
through the
fabric patch 110.
[00105] According the first exemplary embodiment, the inner securing
member 112
is an inner magnetically attractive element in the form of a recessed cup
washer made of
a ferromagnetic material. The recessed cup washers 112 are preferably made of
steel.
Alternatively, the recessed cup washers 112 may be made of a permanent magnet.
Each
recessed cup 112 forms a recessed cavity 120 delimited by an annular flange
121, as
further illustrated in Fig. 9.
[00106] As illustrated in Fig. 7B, a distance Hii between the upper end
1071 of the
elastic sleeve 106 and a center of the inner securing member 112 (i.e., a
center of the
recessed cup washer 112) is smaller than a distance H12 between the center of
the inner
securing member 112 and the lower end 1072 of the elastic sleeve 106. Thus, Hi
= Hii +
H12. Preferably, a ratio Hii/ H12 is in a range of 0.2-0.4.
The fabric patch 110 is secured (or fixed) to the elastic sleeve 106 by
ironing-on (Iron-on
Patch-Hot melt adhesive on one side of the patch 110, the patch 110 adheres to
the
sleeve 106 with heat and pressure) or sewing the fabric patch 110 to the
elastic sleeve
106 or a combination thereof. The ferromagnetic recessed cup washer 112 is
fastened
directly to a front surface 1101 of the fabric patch 110 by a flat head screw
114 and a
countersunk (or tapered) retaining nut 115, as shown in Figs. 8A-8B and 9.
Specifically,
the ferromagnetic cup washer 112 is secured to the fabric patch 110 by the
flat head
screw 114 extending through a countersunk hole 113 through the ferromagnetic
cup
washer 112, an aperture 111 through the fabric patch 110, through a hole 117
of a spacer
116, and then through a central countersunk hole 119 in a plastic retainer
washer 118.
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
The flat head screw 114 is finally threadedly fastened to (or tightened by)
the countersunk
retaining nut 115 disposed in the central countersunk hole 119 through a
plastic retainer
washer 118 along a central axis 109 of the recessed cup washers 112.
Alternately, a rivet
can be used in place of the screw and nut.
[00107] The outer protective unit 104, as best shown in Fig. 6A, comprises
an outer
protective pad 122 configured to protect the elbow or the knee of the user
from impact,
and at least one outer securing component 124 mounted to the outer protective
pad 122.
The outer protective pad 122 is provided to be positioned over the elbow or
the knee 7 of
the user and aligned with the elbow or the knee 7 of the user. The outer
protective pad
122 is preferably made of an impact absorbing material, such as a stretchable
and/or
flexible cushioning material, such as Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA). The outer
protective
unit 104 includes two identical outer securing components 124 spaced from each
other
in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LP of
the outer
protective pad 122. It is known that the longitudinal axis is the axis
considered lengthwise
(the axis of length, i.e., greater of two dimensions of a body), while the
transverse (or
lateral) axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Each of the outer
securing
component 124 includes a rectangular outer strap member 128 moveably mounted
to the
outer protective pad 122, and an outer securing member 130 secured (or fixed)
to the
outer strap member 128. Preferably, the rectangular outer strap member 128 is
in the
form of an elastic outer strap member.
[00108] The outer securing member 130 is an outer magnetically attractive
element.
As illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14, each of the outer magnetically attractive
elements 130
has a central axis 131 and includes a cylindrical magnet 132 secured to the
outer strap
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
128 through an inner washer 134 made of a ferromagnetic material, such as
steel. As
best shown in Fig. 14, the cylindrical magnet 132 is secured (or fixed) to an
inner surface
1291 of the outer strap 128. The outer magnetically attractive element 132
further
includes an outer retaining washer 136 mounted to an outer surface 1292 of the
outer
strap 128, opposite to the ferromagnetic inner washer 134. The outer retaining
washer
136 is preferably made of a plastic material. The cylindrical magnet 132 is
secured to the
outer strap 128 by a flat head screw 138 extending through a countersunk hole
137
through the outer retaining washer 136, an aperture 139 through the outer
strap 128,
through the inner washer 134 and threadedly fastened to a countersunk
retaining nut 140
disposed in a central countersunk hole 133 through the magnet 132 along the
central axis
131. Instead, a rivet can be used in place of the screw and nut.
[00109]
Alternatively, the position of the outer magnetically attractive element 130
including the magnet 132 and the inner magnetically attractive element 108
including the
ferromagnetic recessed cup 112 may be inverted. Specifically, the inner
securing
component 108 may be provided with an inner magnetically attractive element
including
a magnet, similar to the magnetically attractive element 132, while the outer
strap 128
may be provided with an outer magnetically attractive element including a
ferromagnetic
recessed cup, similar to the ferromagnetic recessed cup 112. It will be
appreciated that
both the inner securing component 108 with the inner magnetically attractive
elements
112 and the outer securing component 124 with the outer magnetically
attractive
elements 130 are not restricted or limited to any one design and/or form, and
can be
fabricated in various arrangements, pull strengths, sizes, thicknesses and
shapes.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[00110] The outer strap member 128 includes a rectangular, stretchable elastic
strap
142. Those skilled in the art will understand that elasticity, in physics, is
the property of
a solid material to resist a distorting influence and to return to its
original shape and size
after a force deforming it has been removed. A coefficient of linear
elasticity of the elastic
strap 142 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is preferably
about 1.3 -
3.5 lbs/inch. The rectangular outer strap member 128 has a longitudinal first
distal end
1421 and a longitudinal second distal end 1422, as best shown in Figs. 12A-14.
As noted
above, the outer magnetically attractive element 130 with the magnet 132 is
attached to
the rectangular outer strap member 128 through the flat head screw 138 and the
countersunk retaining nut 140, as best shown in Figs. 13 and 14. The elastic
strap 142
is folded over at the longitudinally first distal end 1421 as shown in Figs.
12A-14. Layers
of the folded over longitudinal first distal end 1421 of the elastic strap 142
are sewn (for
example, by a sewing line 143) or otherwise fastened together, thus forming a
folded over
tab portion 144. Similarly, the elastic strap 142 is folded over at the
longitudinal second
distal end 1422 thereof, so that the flat head screw 138 extends through two
layers of the
elastic strap 142, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14.
[00111] As best shown in Figs. 11A-11B, the outer protective pad 122 has a
convex
outer surface 123a and a concave inner surface 123b. Moreover, as best shown
in Figs.
11A-11B, the outer protective pad 122 includes two through rectangular slots
126
complementary to the outer strap member 128.
[00112] During assembly of the outer protective unit 104, the folded
longitudinal first
distal end 1421 of each of the outer strap member 128 is inserted into one of
the slots
126, as shown Fig. 6B, then pulled through to the front of the outer
protective pad 122,
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
as shown in Fig. 6A. The folded over tab portion 144 at the folded
longitudinal first distal
end 1421 acts as a retainer and/or stop and prevents the outer strap member
128 from
being pulled out of the slot 126 when the outer strap member 128 is stretched
and put
under a load. The shape and size of each of the slots 126 through the outer
protective
pad 122 are such as to allow the folded longitudinal first distal ends 1421 of
the outer strap
member 128 to be inserted and extend through each of the rectangular slots
126.
[00113] In operation of the protective pad assembly 100, the user wears
the sleeve
unit 102 with the attached inner securing components 108, including the inner
magnetically attractive elements 112, as illustrated in Fig. 5. The elastic
sleeve 106 of
the sleeve unit 102 is worn at the bare lower portion 6b of the leg 6, below
the knee 7 and
a knee crease 9, and above an ankle 8, as shown in Figs. 10A and 10B. The
elastic
sleeve 106 preferably does not cover the knee 7 of the user. Having the
elastic sleeve
106 between the knee 7 and ankle 8 and below the knee crease 9 is advantageous
to the
user, in that when the knee is bent there are no restrictions and/or
irritations at the knee
7 and the knee crease 9.
[00114] It should be appreciated that the sleeve unit 102 can be worn with
shorts
32, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The sleeve unit 102 also can be worn on the leg
6 and
concealed under the pants 2, as shown in Figs. 15-17. When the user puts the
sleeve
unit 102 on the leg 6 and wears shorts 32, the outer protective unit 104 is
attached directly
to the sleeve unit 102 solely by magnetic attraction between the inner
securing
components 108 of the sleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components 124 of
the
outer protective unit 104 as shown in Fig. 4. In other words, the outer
protective unit 104
is attached to the sleeve unit 102 solely by engagement forces between the
inner securing
22
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
components 108 of the sleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components 124 of
the
outer protective unit 104.
[00115] Similarly, when the user puts the sleeve unit 102 on the bare leg
6 and
conceals the sleeve unit 102 under the pants 2, as shown in Fig. 15, the outer
protective
unit 104 can also be concealed under the pants 2 and thus is attached directly
to the
sleeve unit 102 by magnetic attraction between the inner securing components
108 of the
sleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components 124 of the outer protective
unit 104,
as shown in Fig. 16.
[00116] Furthermore, when the user puts the sleeve unit 102 on the bare
leg 6 and
conceals the sleeve unit 102 under the pants 2, the outer protective unit 104
can be
placed outside the pants 2 and can be attached to the sleeve unit 102 by
magnetic
attraction between the inner securing components 108 of the sleeve unit 102
and the
outer securing components 124 of the outer protective unit 104 through the
pants 2, as
shown in Fig. 17. Placing the outer protective unit 104 outside the pants 2 is
advantageous in that not only does it provide cushioning protection for the
user, but it
also helps protect the pants 2 from dirt and debris, rips, tears and
abrasions.
[00117] As further illustrated in Figs. 18A-18C, the outer protective unit 104
further
comprises an outer protective cap 146. The outer protective cap 146, best
shown FIGS.
19-21, is a tub shaped structure made of a firm but elastic material, such as
EVA
(Ethylene Vinyl Acetate). EVA is the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate,
which is an
extremely elastic and flexible material that can be processed like other
thermoplastics.
EVA has low-temperature toughness, and stress-crack and UV radiation
resistance. The
outer protective cap 146 has a convex outer surface 147a and a concave inner
surface
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
147b. The outer protective cap 146 forms a cavity defined by a central flat
portion 148,
opposite bearing sides 149, and an integral raised bottom wall (or back lip)
150 extending
inwardly from the outer surface 147a of the outer protective cap 146.
Moreover, as best
shown in Figs. 18A-21, the outer protective cap 146 includes two rectangular
through
slots 152 complementary to the outer members 128. The through slots 152 of the
outer
protective cap 146 are configured to readily receive the outer members 128 of
the outer
securing component 124 therethrough, as shown in FIGS. 18C, 21, 22A and 22B.
The
outer protective cap 146 is configured to be mounted to the outer protective
pad 122, as
best shown in Figs. 18A-18C.
[00118] In operation, when the outer protective pad 122, shown Fig. 18A, is
inserted into
the outer protective cap 146 (i.e., into the cavity formed in the outer
protective cap 146
by the bearing sides 149 thereof), shown Fig. 18B, the outer protective unit
104 is formed,
as shown Fig. 18C. The raised bottom wall 150 of the outer protective cap 146
acts as a
bottom "backstop" preventing the outer protective pad 122 from sliding out
from the
bottom of the outer protective cap 146 when in use. Moreover, when the outer
protective
cap 146 is placed over the outer protective pad 122, the slots 152 of the
outer protective
cap 146 and the slots 126 of the outer protective pad 122 align with each
other.
Furthermore, each of the outer members 128, which are attached to the outer
protective
pad 122 through the slots 126, is inserted into one of the through slots 152
in the outer
protective cap 146 to support the outer protective cap 146 on the outer
protective pad
122, thus holding the outer protective pad 122 and the outer protective cap
146 together
and forming the outer protective unit 104, as shown in Figs. 18A-18C, 22A, 22B
and 23A.
The outer protective cap 146 provides additional cushioning and protection for
the user,
24
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
and also acts as an exoskeleton for providing rigidity, support and
containment to the
outer protective pad 122, allowing the outer protective pad 122 to
consistently retain its
shape and form, as shown in Figs. 20 and 21.
[00119] Accordingly, as illustrated in Figs. 4, 16 and 17, the inner
magnetically
attractive elements 112 of the inner support unit 102 and the outer
magnetically attractive
elements 130 of the outer protective unit 104 of the protective pad assembly
100 are
releasably held in place directly or on the pants 2 solely by magnetic
attraction
therebetween. The outer protective unit 104 is releasably attached to the
inner support
unit 102 solely by the magnetic attraction force between the outer
magnetically attractive
elements 130 and the inner magnetically attractive elements 112.
[00120] With the arrangement of the magnetic securing devices of the
present
invention, the user can easily disengage the outer member 24 from the garment
11 and
reattach the outer member 24. More specifically, when the knee 7 of the user 2
is flexed,
the protective pad assembly 20 will stay with the garment 11 and provide full
coverage.
When the user 2 is in a standing position, the protective pad assembly 20 will
hang on
the garment 11, away from the user's leg 6, and allows air flow. The present
invention
allows the user 2 to comfortably wear the protective pad assembly 20 and
reduces, if not
eliminates, the risk of blood clots and nerve damage due to the strangulation
effect of
straps of the conventional kneepads tightly pulled around a user's leg 6. When
the job is
done, the protective pad assembly 100 is easily disengaged from the leg 6 or
the pants 2
and the protective pad assembly 100 can be used the same way another time.
[00121] When the users puts the sleeve unit 102 on the leg and wears
shorts 32,
the outer protective unit 104 is attached directly to the sleeve unit 102 by
magnetic
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
attraction between the inner securing components 108 of the sleeve unit 102
and the
outer securing components 124 of the outer protective unit 104, as shown in
Figs. 22A
and 23A. Furthermore, when the users wears pants 2, the user puts the sleeve
unit 102
on the bare leg 6 and conceals the sleeve unit 102 under the pants 2, and the
outer
protective unit 104 is placed outside the pants 2 and is attached to the
sleeve unit 102 by
magnetic attraction between the inner securing components 108 of the sleeve
unit 102
and the outer securing components 124 of the outer protective unit 104 through
the pants
2, as shown in FIG. 22B. Placing the outer protective unit 104 (i.e., the
outer protective
pad 122/outer protective cap 146) outside the pants 2 is advantageous in that
it provides
the user with added cushioning protection, protection from hard surfaces and
hard
objects, and further helps protect the pants 2 from dirt and debris, rips,
tears and
abrasions.
[00122] Thus, Fig. 23B shows the outer protective unit 104 mounted on the
knee 7
of the user wearing pants 2, and the first distal end 1421 of the outer strap
member 128
passes through the slots 126 and 152 of the outer protective pad 122 and holds
the outer
protective pad 122 and outer protective cap 146 together. According to the
first
embodiment of the present invention, the outer members 128 of the protective
unit 104
do not touch each other, i.e., do not encircle the leg 6 of the user, as best
shown in FIG.
22B.
[00123] Various modifications, changes, and alterations may be practiced
with the
above-described embodiment, including but not limited to the additional
embodiments
shown in Figs. 24-67. In the interest of brevity, reference characters in
Figs. 24-67 that
are discussed above in connection with the first exemplary embodiment of in
Figs. 4-23B
26
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
are not further elaborated upon below, except to the extent necessary or
useful to explain
the additional embodiments of Figs. 24-67. Modified components and parts are
indicated
by the addition of a hundred digits to the reference numerals of the
components or parts.
[00124] In a protective pad assembly 200 of a second exemplary embodiment
illustrated in Figs. 24-33, the sleeve unit 102 is replaced by an inner
support unit 202 in
the form of a sleeve unit 202. The protective pad assembly 200 of Figs. 24-33
corresponds substantially to the protective pad assembly 100 of Figs. 4-22B,
and the
sleeve unit 102, which differs, will therefore be explained in detail below.
[00125] The protective pad assembly 200 comprises an inner support unit in
the
form of a sleeve unit 202 provided to be positioned over the elbow of the arm
or the knee
7 of the leg 6 of the user, and the outer protective unit 104 configured to be
disposed over
the sleeve unit 202 for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user from
the impact.
Moreover, the outer protective unit 104 is releasably attachable to the sleeve
unit 202.
[00126] The sleeve unit 202, as best shown in Figs. 25-27, comprises an
inner
elastic member 206 provided to be positioned adjacent to the elbow or the knee
7 of the
user so as to encircle the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and at least one
inner securing
component 108 mounted (or secured) to the inner elastic member 206. The inner
elastic
member 206 according to the second exemplary embodiment is in the form of an
elastic
sleeve 206. The sleeve unit 202 includes two identical inner securing
components 108
spaced from each other in the transverse direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal
direction XL of the elastic sleeve 206. Moreover, the inner elastic member 206
is
structurally and functionally identical to the inner elastic member 106. The
elastic sleeve
206 has an upper end 2071 configured to be positioned above the elbow or the
knee 7 of
27
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
the user, and a lower end 2072 configured to be positioned below the elbow or
the knee
7 of the user, both defining continuous and uninterruptable perimeters.
Moreover, the
perimeter of the upper end 2071 of the elastic sleeve 206 is larger than the
perimeter of
the lower end 2072 thereof.
[00127] Each of the inner securing components 108 is fastened to the
elastic sleeve
206. Each of the inner securing components 108 is fastened closer to the lower
end 2072
of the elastic sleeve 206 than to the upper end 2071. Each of the inner
securing
components 108 is configured to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow
or the
knee 7 of the user, as best shown in Figs. 27 and 30.
[00128] The elastic sleeve 206 has a height H2 (i.e., a distance between
the upper
end 2071 of the elastic sleeve 206 and the lower end 2072 thereof), and a
width W2 (i.e.,
a maximum size of the elastic sleeve 206 in the direction perpendicular to the
length of
the elastic sleeve 206). Furthermore, the height Hi of the elastic sleeve 206
is
substantially larger than a width W2 thereof. According to the second
exemplary
embodiment, a ratio of H2/W2 of the elastic sleeve 206 is between 1.5 and 2.5.
Moreover,
a distance H21 between the upper end 2071 of the elastic sleeve 206 and a
center of the
inner securing member 112 (i.e., a center of the recessed cup washer 112) is
larger than
a distance H22 between the center of the inner securing member 112 and the
lower end
2072 of the elastic sleeve 206. Thus, H2 = H21 + H22. Preferably, a ratio H21/
H22 is in a
range of about 0.55-0.85.
[00129] In use of the protective pad assembly 200, the user wears the
sleeve unit
202 with the attached inner securing components 108 including the inner
magnetically
attractive element 112, as illustrated in Fig. 27. The elastic sleeve 206 of
the sleeve unit
28
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
202 is worn at the bare upper and lower portions 6a and 6b of the leg 6, over
the knee 7
and the knee crease 9, as shown in Figs. 24-33. In this position, the upper
end 2071 of
the elastic sleeve 206 is positioned above the elbow or the knee 7 of the
user, while the
lower end 2072 of the elastic sleeve 206 is positioned below the elbow or the
knee 7 of
the user. Unlike the elastic sleeve 106 of the first exemplary embodiment, the
elastic
sleeve 206 of the second exemplary embodiment covers the knee 7 of the user.
[00130] It should be appreciated that the sleeve unit 202 can be worn with
shorts
32, as shown in Figs. 27-29. The sleeve unit 202 also can be worn on the leg 6
and
concealed under the pants 2 as shown in Figs. 30-33. When the users puts the
sleeve
unit 202 on the leg 6 and wears shorts 32, the outer protective pad unit 104
is attached
directly to the sleeve unit 202 by magnetic attraction between the inner
securing
components 108 of the sleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components 124 of
the
outer protective pad unit 104 as shown in Figs. 24, 28 and 29.
[00131] Similarly, when the user puts the sleeve unit 202 on the bare leg
6 and
conceals the sleeve unit 202 under pants 2, as best shown in Fig. 30, the
outer protective
pad unit 104 can also be concealed under the pants 2 and thus is attached
directly to the
sleeve unit 202 by magnetic attraction between the inner securing components
108 of the
sleeve unit 102 and the outer securing components 124 of the outer protective
pad unit
104, as shown in Fig. 31.
[00132] Furthermore, when the user puts the sleeve unit 202 on the bare
leg 6 and
conceals the sleeve unit 202 under the pants 2, the outer protective pad unit
104 can be
placed outside the pants 2 and is attached to the sleeve unit 202 by magnetic
attraction
between the inner securing components 108 of the sleeve unit 202 and the outer
securing
29
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
components 124 of the outer protective pad unit 104 through the pants 2, as
shown in
Figs. 32 and 33. Placing the outer protective pad unit 104 outside the pants 2
is
advantageous in that not only does it provide cushioning protection for the
user but it also
helps protect the pants 2 from dirt and debris, rips, tears and abrasions.
[00133] In a protective pad assembly 300 of a third exemplary embodiment
illustrated in Figs. 34-39, the sleeve unit 102 is replaced by an inner
support unit in the
form of a band unit 302. The protective pad assembly 300 of Figs. 34-39
corresponds
substantially to the protective pad assembly 100 of Figs. 4-22B, and the band
unit 302,
which differs, will therefore be explained in detail below. The protective pad
assembly 300
of the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises an inner
support
unit in the form of a band unit 302 provided to be positioned below the elbow
of the arm
or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, and the outer protective unit 104
configured to be
disposed over the band unit 302 for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the
user from
impact. Moreover, the outer protective unit 104 is releasably attractable to
the band unit
302.
[00134] The band unit 302, best shown in Figs. 34, 36 and 37, comprises an
inner
elastic member 306 provided to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow
or the
knee 7 of the user so as to encircle the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and
at least one
inner securing component 108 mounted (or secured) to the inner elastic member
306.
The inner elastic member 306 is in the form of an elastic sleeve (or band)
306. The elastic
band 306 is a continuous and uninterrupted elastic tubular part defining a
closed loop
structure, i.e., a curved structure, the end of which is permanently connected
to the
beginning thereof. The elastic band 306 has an upper end 3071 configured to be
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
positioned adjacent to and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and a
lower end
3072 configured to be positioned further distant to and below the elbow or the
knee 7 of
the user and the upper end 3071 of the elastic band 306. Both the upper and
lower ends
3071 and 3072, respectively, of the elastic band 306 define continuous and
uninterruptable
perimeters. Furthermore, a height H3 of the elastic band 306 (i.e., a distance
between the
upper end 3071 of the elastic band 306 and the lower end 3072 thereof) is
smaller than a
width W3 of the elastic band 306 (i.e., a maximum size of the elastic band 306
in the
direction perpendicular to the length of the elastic band 306), as best shown
in Figs. 35A
and 35B. Preferably, a ratio of H3/W3 of the elastic band 306 is between about
0.4 and
0.6. The elastic band 306 is made of an elastic and stretchable material. The
continuous
elastic band 306 covers a smaller area of the leg 6 and is worn on the bare
lower portion
6b of the leg below the knee 7.
[00135]
Use of the protective pad assembly 300 is similar to the protective pad
assembly 100 of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Specifically,
the user wears the band unit 302 with the attached inner securing components
108
including the inner magnetically attractive element 112, as illustrated in
Fig. 37. The
elastic band 306 of the band unit 302 is worn at the bare lower portion 6b of
the leg 6,
below but adjacent to the knee 7 and the knee crease 9. The elastic band 306
does not
cover the knee 7 of the user. It should be appreciated that the band unit 302
can be worn
with shorts 32 or pants 2. When the users puts the band unit 302 on the leg 6
and wears
shorts 32, the outer protective unit 104 is attached directly to the band unit
302 by
magnetic attraction between the inner securing components 108 of the band unit
302 and
31
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
the outer securing components 124 of the outer protective unit 104 as shown in
Figs. 38
and 39.
[00136] A protective pad assembly 400 according to a fourth exemplary
embodiment is illustrated in Figs. 40-45. The protective pad assembly 400 of
Figs. 40-45
corresponds substantially to the protective pad assembly 300 of Figs. 34-39.
The primary
differences between the protective pad assembly 400 of the fourth exemplary
embodiment and the protective pad assembly 300 of the third exemplary
embodiment are
explained in detail below.
[00137] The protective pad assembly 400 comprises an inner support unit in
the
form of an adjustable inner support unit 402 provided to be positioned below
the elbow of
the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, and the outer protective unit
104 configured
to be disposed over the inner support unit 402 for protecting the elbow or the
knee 7 of
the user from the impact. The outer protective unit 104 is releasably
attractable to the
inner support unit 402.
[00138] The inner support unit 402, best shown in Figs. 41-42, comprises
an
adjustable inner member 406 provided to be positioned adjacent to and below
the elbow
or the knee 7 of the user so as to encircle the elbow or the knee 7 of the
user, and at least
one inner securing component 108 mounted (or secured) to the adjustable inner
member
406. The inner member 406 is in the form of an adjustable inner strap 406.
Specifically,
the adjustable inner strap 406 is in the form of a rectangular (i.e.,
elongated) band having
an upper end 4071 configured to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow
or the
knee 7 of the user, and a lower end 4072 configured to be positioned further
distant to
and below the elbow or the knee 7 of the user and the upper end 4071 of the
adjustable
32
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
inner strap 406. The adjustable inner strap 406 has longitudinally opposite
first and
second free distal ends 4091 and 4092, as best shown in Fig. 42. The
adjustable inner
strap 406 is not continuous.
[00139]
The adjustable inner strap 406 is made preferably from a fabric and
configured to be worn on the lower portion 6b of the leg 6 below the knee 7.
The adjustable
inner strap 406 is further configured for strapping around the lower portion
6b of the leg
6 so as to encircle the lower portion 6b of the leg 6. The longitudinal
opposite free distal
ends 4091 and 4092 of the adjustable inner strap 406 are releasably secured to
each other
by means of any suitable fastening means known in the art, such as "Velcro"-
type (hook
and loop) fastening means. Each of the distal (free) ends 4091 and 4092 of the
inner strap
406 has patches 4201 and 4202, respectively, of complementary hook and loop
fastener
elements thereon thereby defining a hook and loop connection 420 (as best
shown in Fig.
41), and releasably and adjustably fastening the free distal ends 4091 and
4092 of the
inner strap 406 in position for strapping the inner support unit 402 in place
on the leg 6
so as to accommodate legs of different sizes and different level of tightness.
It is to be
understood that the particular type of releasable fastening means, such as
"Velcro"-type
fastening means, clips, snap connectors, etc., is well within the knowledge of
one or
ordinary skill in the art and therefore will not be elaborated upon. The free
distal ends
4091 and 4092 of the inner strap 406 have fastener hooks and loops on
longitudinally
opposite distal ends 4091 and 4092 thereof to adjust and fasten a length of
the adjustable
inner strap 406. The first distal end 4091 of the inner strap 406 has a patch
4201 provided
with fastener hooks, while the second distal end 4092 of the inner strap 406
has a patch
4202 provided with complementary loops, or vice versa, used to adjust and
fasten the
33
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
length of the adjustable inner strap 406. The distal ends 4091 and 4092 of the
adjustable
inner strap 406 are thus releasably connectable to each other. The adjustable
inner strap
406 is switchable between a closed position (shown in Fig. 41) when the distal
ends 4091
and 4092 of the adjustable inner strap 406 are fastened to each other, and an
open
position (shown in Fig. 42) when the distal ends 4091 and 4092 of the
adjustable inner
strap 406 are separated (or spaced, not fastened) from each other.
[00140] The inner support unit 402 further includes the inner securing
component
108 with the steel cup washers 112 mounted (or secured) to the adjustable
inner strap
406. All other salient characteristics, securing devices and attaching
assemblies and
methods for the adjustable inner support unit 402 are identical to the band
unit 302 as
defined in the third embodiment of the present invention.
[00141] In use of the protective pad assembly 400, the user puts on the
inner
support unit 402 with the attached inner securing components 108 by wrapping
the sleeve
406 of the inner support unit 402 around lower portion 6b of the leg 6, below
the knee 7
and a knee crease 9, and above the ankle 8. The sleeve 406 may be worn over
the bare
leg 6 as shown in Fig. 40, or over pants 2 as shown in Figs. 43-45, or under
pants 2. The
adjustable inner strap 406 is wrapped around lower portion 6b of the leg 6 so
that the
patches 4201 and 4202 face each other. The free distal ends 4091 and 4092 of
the
adjustable strap 406 are removably secured to one another by engaging the
fastener
hooks and loops on the patches 4201 and 4202 so as to adjust the strap 406 to
specific
size of the wearer's leg. When the users put the inner support unit 402 on the
leg 6 and
wears shorts 32, the outer protective unit 104 is attached directly to the
inner support unit
402 by magnetic attraction between the inner securing components 408 of the
inner
34
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
support unit 402 and the outer securing components 124 of the outer protective
unit 104
as shown in Figs. 44 and 45.
[00142] An advantage of the inner support unit 402 is that it is
adjustable and can
fit many applications, and can be secured not only to the bare skin as shown
Fig. 40, but
also can be attached to the leg 6 outside of the garment (pants) 2 as shown
Figs. 43-45.
The adjustable inner support unit 402 is placed outside of the pants 2 just
below the knee
7 and frictionally secured to the pants 2 and the leg 6 with the hook and loop
connection
408. Fig. 44 shows the outer protective pad 122 placed outside the pants 2 and
attached
directly to the inner support unit 402. Fig. 45 shows the outer protective cap
146 mounted
to the outer protective pad 122 and both placed outside the pants 2 and
attached directly
to the inner support unit 402.
[00143] A protective pad assembly 500 according to a fifth exemplary
embodiment
is illustrated in Figs. 46-51B. The protective pad assembly 500 of Figs. 46-
51B
corresponds substantially to the protective pad assembly 400 of Figs. 40-45.
The primary
differences between the protective pad assembly 500 of the fifth exemplary
embodiment
and the protective pad assembly 400 of the fourth exemplary embodiment are
explained
in detail below.
[00144] The protective pad assembly 500 comprises an inner support unit in
the
form of an adjustable inner support unit 502 provided to be positioned below
the elbow of
the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, and an outer protective unit
504 configured
to be disposed over the inner support unit 502 for protecting the elbow or the
knee 7 of
the user from the impact. The outer protective unit 504 is releasably
attachable to the
inner support unit 502.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[00145] The inner support unit 502, best shown in Figs. 48-49, comprises
an
adjustable inner member 506 provided to be positioned adjacent to and below
the elbow
or the knee 7 of the user so as to encircle the elbow or the knee 7 of the
user, and at least
one inner securing component 508 mounted (or secured) to the adjustable inner
member
506. The inner member 506 is in the form of an adjustable inner strap 506. The
adjustable
inner strap 506 is in the form of a rectangular (i.e., elongated) strap having
an upper end
5071 configured to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow or the knee 7
of the
user, and a lower end 5072 configured to be positioned further distant to and
below the
elbow or the knee 7 of the user and the upper end 5071 of the adjustable inner
strap 506.
Moreover, the adjustable inner strap 506 has longitudinally opposite first and
second free
distal ends 5091 and 5092, as best shown in Fig. 49. The adjustable inner
strap 506 is not
continuous.
[00146] The adjustable inner strap 506 is made preferably from a fabric,
and
configured to be worn on the lower portion 6b of the leg 6 below the knee 7,
as best shown
in Fig. 47. The adjustable inner strap 506 is further configured for strapping
around the
lower portion 6b of the leg 6 so as to encircle the lower portion 6b of the
leg 6. The
longitudinal free distal ends 5091 and 5092 of the inner strap 506 are
releasably secured
to each other by means of suitable fastening means known in the art, such as
"Velcro"-
type fastening means. Each of the distal (free) ends 5091 and 5092 of the
inner strap 506
has patches 5201 and 5202, respectively, of complementary hook and loop
fastener
elements defining a hook and loop connection 520 (as best shown in Fig. 48)
for
releasably and adjustably fastening the free distal ends 5091 and 5092 of the
inner strap
506 in position for strapping the inner support unit 502 in place on the leg 6
so as to
36
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
accommodate legs of different sizes and different level of tightness. It is to
be understood
that the particular type of releasable fastening means, such as "Velcro"-type
fastening
means, clips, snap connectors, etc., is well within the knowledge of one or
ordinary skill
in the art and therefore will not be elaborated. The free distal ends 5091 and
5092 of the
inner strap 506 have fastener hooks and loops on longitudinal opposite distal
ends 5091
and 5092 to adjust and fasten a length of the adjustable inner strap 506. The
first distal
end 5091 of the inner strap 506 has a patch 5201 provided with fastener hooks,
while the
second distal end 5092 of the inner strap 506 has a patch 5202 provided with
complementary loops, or vice versa, used to adjust and fasten the length of
the adjustable
inner strap 506.
[00147]
The inner support unit 502 includes two structurally and functionally
identical inner securing components 508 spaced from each other in the
transverse
direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction XL of the adjustable
inner strap 506.
Moreover, each of the inner securing components 508 is secured (or fastened)
to the
inner strap 506. Each of the inner securing components 508 is fastened
adjacent to the
free distal ends 5091 and 5092 of the inner strap 506. Each of the inner
securing
components 508 includes a suitable fastening means known in the art, such as
"Velcro"-
type fastening means including complementary hook and loop fastener elements
for
releasably and adjustably fastening the free distal ends 5091 and 5092 of the
inner strap
506 in position for strapping the inner support unit 502 in place on the leg 6
so as to
accommodate the legs of different sizes and different levels of tightness. It
is to be
understood that the particular type of releasable fastening means, such as
"Velcro"-type
fastening means, clips, snap connectors, etc., is well within the knowledge of
one or
37
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
ordinary skill in the art and therefore will not be elaborated. Specifically,
each of the inner
securing components 508 includes an inner securing member 510 is in the form
of a patch
provided with fastener hooks or loops, such as of "Velcro"-type.
[00148] The outer protective unit 504, best shown in Fig. 50, comprises an
outer
protective pad 122 configured to protect the elbow or the knee of the user
from impact,
and at least one outer securing component 524 mounted to the outer protective
pad 122.
The outer protective pad 122 is provided to be positioned over the elbow or
the knee 7 of
the user and aligned with the elbow or the knee 7 of the user. The outer
protective unit
504 includes two identical outer securing components 524 spaced from each
other in the
transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LP of the
outer protective
pad 122. Each of the outer securing component 524 includes the rectangular
outer strap
member 128, and an outer securing member 530 secured (or fixed) to the outer
strap
member 128.
[00149] Each of the outer securing members 530 is in the form of a patch
provided
with fastener hooks or loops, such as of "Velcro"-type. As best shown in Figs.
51A and
51B, the patch 510 of the inner securing components 508 is secured (or fixed)
to an inner
surface 1291 of the outer strap member 128, which is opposite to an outer
surface 1292
thereof. The outer securing members 530 of the outer securing components 524
are
complementary to the inner securing member 510 of the inner securing
components 508,
as best shown in Figs. 50-51B. Specifically, the patch 510 of the inner
securing
components 508 is provided with fastener hooks, while the patch 530 of the
outer securing
components 524 is provided with complementary loops, or vice versa, used to
secure the
outer protective pad 122 to the inner support unit 502.
38
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[00150] In use of the protective pad assembly 500, the user puts on the
inner
support unit 502 with the attached inner securing components 508 by wrapping
the inner
strap 506 of the inner support unit 502 around lower portion 6b of the leg 6,
below the
knee 7 and a knee crease 9, and above ankle 8. The inner strap 506 is wrapped
around
lower portion 6b of the leg 6 so that the patches 5201 and 5202 face each
other. Then,
the free distal ends 5091 and 5092 of the inner strap 506 are removably
secured to one
another by engaging the fastener hooks and loops on the patches 5201 and 5202.
When
the users puts the inner support unit 502 on the leg 6 and wears shorts 32
(see Fig. 47)
or pants 2 (see Fig. 46), the outer protective unit 104 is attached directly
to the inner
support unit 502 by a hook and loop connection between the inner securing
component
508 of the inner support unit 502 and the outer securing component 524 of the
outer
protective unit 504 as shown in Figs. 46, 47 and 50.
[00151] All other salient characteristics, securing devices and attaching
assemblies
and methods for the adjustable inner support unit 502 are identical to the
strap unit 402
as defined in the third embodiment of the present invention.
[00152] An advantage of the inner support unit 502 is that it is
adjustable and can fit
many applications and can be secured not only to the bare skin as shown Fig.
47, but
also can be attached to the leg 6 outside of the garment (pants) 2 as shown
Fig. 46. The
adjustable inner support unit 502 is placed outside of the pants 2 just below
the knee 7
and frictionally secured to the pants 2 and the leg 6 with the hook and loop
connection
520. Fig. 46 shows the outer protective unit 504 placed outside the pants 2
and attached
directly to the inner support unit 502. Fig. 46 shows the outer protective cap
146 mounted
39
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
to the outer protective pad 122 and both placed outside the pants 2 and
attached directly
to the inner support unit 502.
[00153] A protective pad assembly 600 according to a sixth exemplary
embodiment
is illustrated in Figs. 52-56B. The protective pad assembly 600 of Figs. 52-
56B
corresponds substantially to the protective pad assemblies 100 and 200 of
Figs. 5-33.
The primary differences between the protective pad assembly 600 of the sixth
exemplary
embodiment and the protective pad assemblies 100 and 200 of the first and
second
exemplary embodiments are explained in detail below.
[00154] The protective pad assembly 600 comprises an inner support unit in
the
form of an inner support unit 602 provided to be positioned adjacent to and
below the
elbow of the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, as best shown in Fig.
52, and an
outer protective unit 604 (best shown in Fig. 55) configured to be disposed
over the inner
support unit 602 for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user from the
impact.
Alternatively, the inner support unit 602 may be replaced by an inner support
unit 602'
provided to be positioned over the elbow of the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6
of the user,
as best shown in Fig. 53. The outer protective unit 604 is releasably
attachable to the
inner support unit 602 or 602'.
[00155] The inner support unit 602 (or 602'), best shown in Figs. 52 and
53,
comprises an inner elastic member 106, provided to be positioned adjacent to
the elbow
or the knee 7 or over the elbow of the arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the
user so as to
encircle the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and at least one inner securing
component
608 mounted (or secured) to the inner elastic member 106. The inner elastic
member 106
according to the sixth exemplary embodiment is in the form of an elastic
sleeve 106.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[00156] According to the sixth exemplary embodiment, the sleeve unit 102
includes
two structurally and functionally identical inner securing components 608
spaced from
each other in the transverse direction. Moreover, each of the inner securing
components
608 is fastened to the elastic sleeve 106. Each of the inner securing
components 608
includes a patch 610 in the form of a piece of fabric, and an inner securing
member 612
secured (or fixed) to the fabric patch 610. Alternatively, each of the inner
securing
components 608 may include only the inner securing member 612 secured (or
fixed)
directly to the elastic sleeve 106, not through the fabric patch 610.
[00157] According the sixth exemplary embodiment, the inner securing
member 612
is a female snap member secured directly to a front surface 6101 of the fabric
patch 610
opposite to a rear surface 6102 thereof as best shown in Figs. 54A and 54B.
[00158] The outer protective unit 604, as best shown in Fig. 55, comprises
an outer
protective pad 122 configured to protect the elbow or the knee of the user
from impact,
and at least one outer securing component 624 mounted to the outer protective
pad 122.
The outer protective pad 122 is provided to be positioned over the elbow or
the knee 7 of
the user and aligned with the elbow or the knee 7 of the user. According to
the sixth
exemplary embodiment, the outer protective unit 604 includes two identical
outer securing
components 624 spaced from each other in the transverse direction of the outer
protective
pad 122. Each of the outer securing components 624 includes the rectangular
outer strap
member 128, and an outer securing member 630 secured (or fixed) to the outer
strap
member 128. The outer securing member 630 is preferably a male snap member
secured
directly to an inner surface 1291 of the outer strap member 128 opposite to an
outer
41
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
surface 1292 thereof as best shown in Fig. 56A and 56B. The male snap member
630 is
complementary to the female snap member 612.
[00159] Preferably, the female snap member 612 is sewn directly to the
front surface
6101 of the fabric patch 610, while the male snap member 630 is sewn directly
to the front
surface 1291 of the outer strap member 128, as best shown in Figs. 54A, 56A
and 57A.
Alternatively, the female snap member 612 is mechanically fastened to the
front surface
6101 of the fabric patch 610, while the male snap member 630 is mechanically
fastened
to the front surface 1291 of the outer strap member 128. Preferably, the
female snap
member 612 and a backing plate 613 of the female snap member 612 are crimped
together onto the fabric patch 610 from opposing surfaces thereof, while the
male snap
member 630 and a backing plate 631 of the male snap member 630 are crimped
together
from opposing sides onto the outer strap member 128, as best shown in Figs.
57B.
[00160] Figs. 58-60 illustrate an outer protective unit 704 according to a
seventh
exemplary embodiment. The outer protective unit 704 of Figs. 58-60 corresponds
substantially to the outer protective unit 104 of the first exemplary
embodiment, shown in
Figs. 4, 6A, 6B, 11A-11C, 12A, 12B, 13, 14, 18A-18C, 19, 20, 21, and 22A-23B.
The
primary differences between the outer protective unit 704 of the seventh
exemplary
embodiment and the outer protective unit 104 of the first exemplary embodiment
are
explained in detail below.
[00161] The outer protective unit 704 of the seventh exemplary embodiment
can be
utilized in conjunction with (i.e., be releasably attachable to) the inner
support unit 102,
202, 302 or 402 of any of the first to fourth embodiments of the present
invention. The
outer protective unit 704 of the seventh exemplary embodiment is configured to
be
42
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
disposed over the inner support unit 102, 202, 302 or 402 for protecting the
elbow or the
knee 7 of the user from the impact.
[00162] The outer protective unit 704, best shown in Fig. 58, comprises an
outer
protective pad 122 configured to protect the elbow or the knee of the user
from impact,
and two identical outer securing components 724 spaced from each other in the
transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LP of the
outer protective
pad 122. Moreover, the outer securing components 724 are mounted to the outer
protective pad 122. The outer protective pad 122 is provided to be positioned
over the
elbow or the knee 7 of the user and aligned with the elbow or the knee 7 of
the user. The
outer protective pad 122 is preferably made of an impact absorbing material,
such as a
stretchable and/or flexible cushioning material, such as Ethylene-Vinyl
Acetate (EVA).
[00163] Each of the outer securing components 724 includes an adjustable
outer
member 728, and an outer securing member 130 secured (or fixed) to the
adjustable
outer member 728. The adjustable outer member 728 includes a rectangular
adjustable
outer strap (or band) 742 and an adjusting buckle 744, as best shown in FIGS.
59A, 59B
and 60. The adjusting buckle 744 has a stationary center bar 754, two outer
bars 755 and
two slots 756 therebetween that allow the outer strap 742 to be fed therethro
ugh to allow
adjusting the length of the outer strap 742 as well known in the art. The
cylindrical magnet
132 of the outer securing member 130 is secured to an inner surface 7431 of
the outer
strap 742 through the ferromagnetic inner washer 134, while an outer retaining
washer
136 is mounted to an outer surface 7432 of the outer strap 742, opposite to
the inner
washer 134.
43
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[00164] Figs. 61-63 illustrate an outer protective unit 804 according to
an eighth
exemplary embodiment. The outer protective unit 804 of Figs. 61-63 corresponds
substantially to the outer protective unit 704 of the seventh exemplary
embodiment,
shown in Figs. 58-60. The primary differences between the outer protective
unit 804 of
the eighth exemplary embodiment and the outer protective unit 704 of the
seventh
exemplary embodiment are explained in detail below.
[00165] The outer protective unit 804 can be utilized in conjunction with
(i.e., be
releasably attachable to) the inner support unit 102, 202, 302 or 402 of any
of the first to
fourth embodiments of the present invention. The outer protective unit 804 is
configured
to be disposed over the inner support unit 102, 202, 302 or 402 for protecting
the elbow
or the knee 7 of the user from the impact.
[00166] The outer protective unit 804, best shown in Fig. 61, comprises an
outer
protective pad 122 configured to protect the elbow or the knee of the user
from impact,
and two identical outer securing components 824 spaced from each other in the
transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LP of the
outer protective
pad 122. Moreover, the outer securing components 824 are mounted to the outer
protective pad 122. The outer protective pad 122 is provided to be positioned
over the
elbow or the knee 7 of the user and aligned with the elbow or the knee 7 of
the user.
[00167] Each of the outer securing component 824 includes an adjustable
outer
member 828, and an outer securing member 130 secured (or fixed) to the
adjustable
outer member 828. The adjustable outer member 828 includes a rectangular
adjustable
outer strap (or band) 842 and an adjusting sliding (or moveable) bar buckle
844, as best
shown in FIGS. 62A, 62B and 63. The sliding bar buckle 844 includes a
rectangular frame
44
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
member 845 having two outer bars 855, and a sliding (or moveable) center bar
854
mounted to the frame member 845 between the outer bars 855 so as to define two
slots
856 therebetween, as best shown in Fig. 63. Specifically, the sliding center
bar 854 is
loosely mounted to the frame member 845 between the outer bars 855 for sliding
movement therein, so that the sliding center bar 854 is movable toward and
away from
the outer bars 855. The two slots 856 allow the outer strap 842 to be fed
therethrough to
allow adjusting the length of the outer strap 842 as well known in the art.
The cylindrical
magnet 132 of the outer securing member 130 is secured to an inner surface
8431 of the
outer strap 842 through the ferromagnetic inner washer 134, while an outer
retaining
washer 136 is mounted to an outer surface 8432 of the outer strap 842,
opposite to the
inner washer 134.
[00168] A protective pad assembly 900 according to a ninth exemplary
embodiment
is illustrated in Figs. 64-67. The protective pad assembly 900 of Figs. 64-67
corresponds
substantially to the protective pad assemblies 400 and 500 of Figs. 40-50. The
primary
differences between the protective pad assembly 900 of the ninth exemplary
embodiment
and the protective pad assemblies 400 and 500 of the fourth and fifth
exemplary
embodiments are explained in detail below.
[00169] The protective pad assembly 900 comprises an inner support unit in
the
form of a band unit 902 provided to be positioned adjacent to and below the
elbow of the
arm or the knee 7 of the leg 6 of the user, as best shown in Figs. 65-67, and
an outer
protective unit 904 (best shown in Figs. 64, 66 and 67) configured to be
disposed over
the band unit 902 for protecting the elbow or the knee 7 of the user from the
impact. The
outer protective unit 904 is releasably attachable to the band unit 902.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[00170] The band unit 902, as best shown in Figs. 65-67, comprises an
adjustable
inner member 906 provided to be positioned adjacent to and below the elbow or
the knee
7 of the user so as to encircle the elbow or the knee 7 of the user, and at
least one inner
securing component 908 mounted (or secured) to the adjustable inner member
906. The
inner member 906 according to the ninth exemplary embodiment is in the form of
an
adjustable band 906. The adjustable band 906 is in the form of a rectangular
(i.e.,
elongated) band similar to the adjustable band 406 of the fourth exemplary
embodiment.
[00171] Similar to the adjustable band 406, the adjustable band 906 is
made
preferably from a fabric and configured to be worn on the lower portion 6b of
the leg 6
below the knee 7. The adjustable band 906 is further configured for strapping
around the
lower portion 6b of the leg 6 so as to encircle the lower portion 6b of the
leg 6. The
longitudinal free distal ends of the adjustable band 906 are releasably
secured to each
other by means of a suitable fastening means known in the art, such as
"Velcro"-type
fastening means, in which each of the distal (free) ends of the band 906 has
patches of
complementary hook and loop fastener elements thereon thereby defining a hook
and
loop connection 920 (as best shown in Fig. 65) and releasably and adjustably
fastening
the free distal ends of the band 906 in position for strapping the band unit
902 in place on
the leg 6 so as to accommodate the legs of different sizes and different
levels of tightness.
It is to be understood that the particular type of releasable fastening means,
such as
"Velcro"-type fastening means, clips, snap connectors, etc., is well within
the knowledge
of one or ordinary skill in the art and therefore will not be elaborated.
Preferably the free
distal ends of the band 906 have fastener hooks and loops on longitudinally
opposite
distal ends thereof used to adjust and fasten a length of the adjustable band
906.
46
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[00172] The band unit 902 further includes two inner securing component
908, each
in the form of a side release (or quick release) female buckle 908, as best
shown in Fig.
65. All other salient characteristics, securing devices and attaching
assemblies and
methods for the adjustable band unit 902 are identical to the band unit 402 as
defined in
the third embodiment of the present invention.
[00173] The outer protective unit 904, best shown in Fig. 64, comprises an
outer
protective pad 122 configured to protect the elbow or the knee of the user
from impact,
and two identical outer securing components 924 spaced from each other in the
transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LP of the
outer protective
pad 122. Moreover, the outer securing components 924 are mounted to the outer
protective pad 122. The outer protective pad 122 is provided to be positioned
over the
elbow or the knee 7 of the user and aligned with the elbow or the knee 7 of
the user.
[00174] Each of the outer securing component 924 includes an adjustable
outer
member 928, and an outer securing member 930 secured (or fixed) to the
adjustable
outer member 928. The adjustable outer member 928 includes a rectangular
adjustable
outer strap (or band) 942 and an adjusting sliding (or moveable) bar buckle
844, as best
shown in Fig. 64, for adjusting a length of the outer strap 942 as well known
in the art.
The outer securing member 930 is in the form of a side release (or quick
release) male
buckle 930, as best shown in Fig. 64. The side release male buckle 930 is
secured to a
distal end of the outer strap 942 of the adjustable outer member 928.
[00175] The side release male buckle 930 of the outer protective unit 904
engages
the side release female buckle 908 of the adjustable band unit 902 to complete
the
attachment of the outer protective pad 122 to the adjustable inner member 906,
and the
47
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
adjusting sliding bar buckle 844 facilitates the tension. Fig. 66 shows the
adjustable inner
member 906 attached to the outside of pants 2 and shows the outer protective
pad 122
attached to the adjustable inner member 906 of the band unit 902. Fig. 67
shows the
adjustable inner member 906 attached to the outside of pants 2 and shows the
outer
protective pad 122 / outer protective cap 146 assembly attached to the
adjustable inner
member 906 of the band unit 902.
[00176] The protective pad assembly in accordance with the present invention
makes
the wearing of protective pad assemblies more comfortable and minimizes the
risk of
blood clots and nerve damage due to the strangulation effect of straps tightly
pulled
around user's limb.
[00177] It will be appreciated that both the inner securing components and the
outer
securing components are not restricted or limited to any one design and/or
form, and can
be fabricated in various arrangements, pull strengths, sizes, thicknesses and
shapes such
as speared shaped, round, rectangular, square, and oval. For example,
according to
further variations of the first and other exemplary embodiments disclosed
herein, the
securing devices with male and female members that releasably mechanically
mate with
one another may be embodied as an adjustable tension catch device, a knuckle
catch
device, a roller catch device, a spring button catch device, a combination
thereof, and
other releasably mechanically mating members of securing devices, disclosed,
for
example, in U.S. Patent Publication. No. 2017/0065007, hereby incorporated in
its
entirety by reference herein. In other words, the securing components
described in the
sixth exemplary embodiment are configured to mechanically mate.
48
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02
[00178] While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described
with
the reference to the knee pad assembly, it will be appreciated that the
present invention
is equally applicable to other variations and alternative embodiments of the
present
invention, such as an elbow pad assembly for releasably attaching to a
garment, such as
shirt or jacket (not shown). The materials used in construction of the
protective pad
assembly according to the present invention may include a variety of
compositions
consistent with the function of the invention.
[00179] The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiment(s) of the
present
invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration in accordance
with the
provisions of the Patent Statutes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to
limit the
invention to the precise forms disclosed. The embodiments disclosed
hereinabove were
chosen in order to best illustrate the principles of the present invention and
its practical
application to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to best
utilize the invention
in various embodiments and with various modifications as suited to the
particular use
contemplated, as long as the principles described herein are followed. This
application
is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the
invention using
its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such
departures from
the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art
to which this
invention pertains. Thus, changes can be made in the above-described invention
without
departing from the intent and scope thereof. It is also intended that the
scope of the
present invention be defined by the claims appended thereto.
49
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-03-02