Abstract:
A device made in accordance with the present invention provides adequate joint protection for a user when the user is involved in activities wherein the joint is likely to have a limited impact area. This invention provides a joint protection device that is comfortable to wear because it is lightweight; well ventilated; designed to provide easily accommodate movement of the limbs without moving off the joint; and configured not to pinch or “bite” the user&#39;s skin. The present invention provides a joint protection device having a two-piece design, wherein an upper portion is pivotally connected to a lower portion with an opening between the portions. The device is removably attached to a user&#39;s joint with attachment members that are connected to the device and that wrap around the limb of the user. The device of the present invention does not substantially encompass the joint. Rather, the lower portion includes a substantially rigid portion that is operably configured to cover only a minimal area and preferably just the impact area of the joint, and the upper portion has a general u-shape that extends from opposing sides and above the joint.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to the field of joint protection devices, and more particularly to kneepads and the like.  
         [0003]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0004]     There are many activities were the joints of a person, such as a knee or an elbow, come into contact with hard surfaces. Particularly, during many of these activities a person&#39;s joint impacts the surface, usually the ground, in a repetitive manner and often the joint remains in contact with the surface while supporting the weight of the person. These types of activities can be very uncomfortable to a person and may cause significant injury to the joints. There are many activities in the construction industry, for example, that require a person to operate on their knees, such as laying tile and carpet and the like.  
         [0005]     There are a number of conventional devices that have been developed to protect joints. However, these conventional joint protection devices have numerous drawbacks and shortcomings. These devices are not comfortable to wear and tend to rotate or move in ways that are not desirable. Particularly, many of the prior art devices are not comfortable because they are: too heavy; not well ventilated; not designed to comfortably stay in place relative to the joint; and/or inappropriately designed in a way that the device actually pinches or “bites” the skin of the user.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     It is an object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks and shortcomings of conventional joint protection devices. The present invention is a joint protection device that provides adequate joint protection for a user when the user is involved in activities where the joint is likely to have a limited impact area. These activities include for example, any activity where a user has to kneel. This invention provides a joint protection device that is comfortable to wear because it is, for example: lightweight; well ventilated; designed to provide an excellent fit on the joint; and configured not to pinch or “bite” the user&#39;s skin.  
         [0007]     The present invention provides a joint protection device having a two-piece design, wherein an upper portion is pivotally connected to a lower portion with an opening between the portions. The device is removably attached to a user&#39;s joint with attachment members that are connected to the device and that wrap around the limb of the user.  
         [0008]     Advantageously, the device of the present invention does not substantially encompass the joint. Rather, the lower portion includes a substantially rigid portion that is operably configured to cover only a minimal area and preferably just the impact area of the joint. This feature, as well as others, provides for adequate impact protection while only minimally increasing the weight of the overall device. As will be seen, the lightness of the device contributes to the device&#39;s ability to remain in position on the joint regardless of the motions of the user.  
         [0009]     The upper and lower portions of the device of the present invention are configured such that they are substantially non-overlapping. Particularly the portions do not overlap over the front of the joint. Rather, the device is configured such that the opening of the device is positionable so as to expose the front of the joint when the device is worn; one can strap it on and it finds its own unique and proper position. Moreover, various embodiments of the present device include ventilation holes formed in the upper and lower portions. These features, as well as others, advantageously increase the ventilation of the device of the present invention. This ventilation helps reduce the amount of perspiration that the user experiences and with the reduced perspiration comes more comfort and a better continuous fit of the device.  
         [0010]     There are many features of the present invention that enable a better fitting device than the prior art. For example, the pivot connections of the present device are preferably disposable at substantially opposing sides of the joint and substantially coaxial with the pivot axis of the joint. This feature, among others, allows the two parts of the device to move freely with and stay closely coupled with the two limbs that connect at the joint. The result is a device that does not constrict movement or chafe.  
         [0011]     Additionally, this pivot feature advantageously helps to prevent the device from twisting around the limb of the user or sliding down off the joint. The upper portion is operably configured by its shape and attachment to the lower portion, as well as the limb, to slightly pull the lower member up toward the joint whenever the limb is flexed. This keeps the device in a proper position on the joint during use.  
         [0012]     Another example is the position of the attachment member. In an embodiment wherein the device is a knee protection device, the attachment member that attaches the lower portion to the limb is preferably configured to be positioned above the calf muscle, thereby preventing the device from slipping down the leg.  
         [0013]     Finally, a third feature provides a means for the upper member to be retained above the joint even when the joint is straight. The upper portion is operably configured to have a lower edge that rests against a top portion of the joint, such as the knee cap, so as to prevent the device from slipping.  
         [0014]     The present invention, in a preferred embodiment, includes padding between areas of the portions of the device and the skin so as to prevent the pinching of the skin. In a preferred embodiment, the lower portion includes a rigid impact member and a pad. The impact member is configured to cover a limited impact area of the joint and the pad is larger so as to protect more of the limb from being scraped and the like by objects on the ground.  
         [0015]     In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a protection device for a joint of a limb comprising: an impact member being substantially rigid and operably configured to cover a lower portion of the joint when the device is worn; a support band pivotally attached to the lower member by at least two pivot connections, wherein the support band is operably configured to cover a portion of the upper section of the limb above the joint defining an opening in the device between the impact member and the support band such that a front portion of the joint is exposed when the device is worn; and first and second retaining members, at least one of the first and second members removably connected to at least one of the impact member and support band and the other of the retaining members removably connected to at least the other of the impact member and support band, the first and second retaining members being operably configured to retain the impact member and support band adjacent the joint when the device is worn.  
         [0016]     In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a joint protection device for a joint of a limb, comprising: a lower member being substantially rigid and having two pivot connections, wherein when the device is worn the lower member is operably configured to cover a portion of the joint and the two pivot connections are positioned adjacent opposing sides of the joint; an upper member having a length defined by opposing ends, the upper member has a generally inverted u-shape disposable about a portion of the joint, and one of the opposing ends is pivotally connected to one of the pivot connections and the other opposing end is pivotally connected to the other pivot connection, wherein when the device is worn the upper member extends from one of the pivot connections above the joint to the other of said pivot connections; and first and second retaining members, the first retaining member being releasably attached to the lower member and the second retaining member being releasably attached to the upper member, wherein when the device is worn the retaining members are operably configured to retain the lower and upper members adjacent to the limb.  
         [0017]     In yet a further preferred embodiment, the invention provides a protection device for protecting a joint, which provides a pivotal connection between upper and lower portions of a limb, the device comprising: a lower member having a substantially rigid shell and a pad, the shell having a dimensional area that is less than a dimensional area of the pad, the pad having interior and exterior surfaces, the interior surface operably configured to be disposed adjacent the joint and the lower portion of the limb when the device is in use, and the shell disposed on the exterior surface; an upper member rotatably connected to the lower member, wherein the upper member does not cover any portion of the exterior surface of the pad, and when the device is worn the upper member is operably configured to cover a portion of the upper portion of the limb; and, retaining straps releasably connected to at least one of the lower and upper member and being operably configured to hold the device against the limb when the device is worn.  
         [0018]     In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a pivotal connection between upper and lower portions of a limb. The device comprises an impact member being substantially rigid and operably configured to cover a lower portion of the joint when the device is worn. The device also comprises an upper support band pivotally attached to the impact member by at least two pivot connections, wherein the support band is operably configured to cover a portion of the upper section of the limb above the joint defining an opening in the device between the impact member and the support band such that a front portion of the joint is exposed when the device is worn. A lower support band is releasably connected to the limb and fits between the limb and the impact member such that the impact member does not contact the limb.  
         [0019]     These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the devices and methods according to this invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]     Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein:  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of two mirror image joint protection devices according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in use on a user;  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of one of the joint protection devices in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the joint protection device of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the joint protection device of  FIG. 2  with the limb of the user in an extended position;  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the joint protection device of  FIG. 2  with the limb of the user in a flexed position;  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a joint protection device according to the present invention, shown in use on a user; and  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of yet another alternative exemplary embodiment of a joint protection device according to the present invention, shown in use on a user. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0028]      FIG. 1  shows two mirror image joint protection devices  10  according to a preferred embodiment of this invention. The joint protection device  10  is shown as being worn by a user  2  on both knee joints  4 . In this exemplary embodiment, the joint protection device  10  is a knee protection device. It will be appreciated that joint protection devices made in accordance with this invention may be applicable to other joints, such as for example the elbow.  
         [0029]     The joint protection device  10  includes an upper member  12  and a lower member  14 . The upper member  12  is pivotally attached to the lower member  14  at first and second pivot connections  16  and  18 . The joint protection device  10  is held adjacent to the limb  6  of the user  2  via first and second attachment members  20  and  22 .  
         [0030]     The upper and lower members  12  and  14  pivot relative to each other at the pivot connections  16  and  18 . The members  12  and  14  pivot with the upper and lower portions of the limb  6  as the limb  6  is extended and flexed.  
         [0031]     An opening  24  in the device  10  is defined between the upper and lower members  12  and  14 . Advantageously, the opening  24  is operably configured so as to expose the front of the joint  4  when the device  10  is worn. The opening  24  minimizes the overall weight of the device  10 . Further, the opening  24  provides for more ventilation of the device  10  to aid in keeping perspiration by the user to a minimum.  
         [0032]      FIGS. 2 and 3  show front and rear prospective views, respectively, of the joint protection device  10 .  FIGS. 4 and 5  show the same side view of the joint protection device  10 , wherein the limb  6  of the user  2  is shown in phantom.  FIG. 4  shows the relative positioning of the upper and lower members  12  and  14  when the limb  6  is in an extended position, and  FIG. 5  shows the relative positioning when the limb  6  is in a flexed position.  
         [0033]     With reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , the joint protection device  10 , which is an exemplary embodiment of a device made in accordance with this invention, will be described below in greater detail.  
         [0034]     The upper member  12  has a length defined by first and second end portions or terminals  26  and  28 . The first end portion  26  is pivotally connected to the lower member  14  at the first pivot connection  16 . The second end portion  28  is pivotally connected to the lower member  14  at the second pivot connection  18 . The upper member  12  preferably has a generally inverted u-shape along its length. The general u-shape is defined by the upper member extending from the first end  26  above the joint  4  to the second end  28 . When the device  10  is worn, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 4  and  5 , the upper member  12  is disposable about a portion of the joint  4  such that the upper member  12  covers a portion of the upper section of the limb  6  above the joint  4 . The shape of the band  30  will help keep the lower member in a proper placement on the lower portion of the joint.  
         [0035]     In this exemplary embodiment, the upper member  12  includes a band  30  and an upper pad  32 . The upper pad  32  has an interior surface  34  and an exterior surface  36 . The interior surface  34  is operably configured to be adjacent or disposed against the limb  6  when the device  10  is worn. The band  30  is attached to the exterior surface  36 . The band  30  is attached, in this exemplary embodiment, by stitching,  37 . It should be appreciated that any means of attaching, or combinations thereof, may be employed, including but not limited to gluing, screwing, riveting, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. It should also be appreciated that the upper pad  32  is optional and may be characterized as a support member for band  30 .  
         [0036]     In this exemplary embodiment, the upper member  12  is preferably made of a material such that the upper member  12  is substantially rigid. Further, it is preferred that the band  30  is made of a substantially rigid material, so as to retain its shape. It is also preferred that the upper pad  32  be made of a cushion-type material, such as but not limited to a conventional foam or gel. It should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments the band  30  may not be made rigid and/or solid along its entire length. In other exemplary embodiments, the band includes multiple orifices or slots to increase the ventilation of the device  10 .  
         [0037]     A central portion  38  of the upper pad  32  has a width defined by a lower edge  40  and an upper edge  42 . A central portion  44  of the band  30  has a width defined by a lower edge  46  and an upper edge  48 . It is preferred that the lower edge  40  of the central portion  38  of the upper pad  32  is disposed lower, relative to the lower member  14 , than the lower edge  46  of the central portion  44  of the band  30 . It is preferred that the width of the central portion  38  of the upper pad  32  is greater than the width of the central portion  44  of the band  30 . This advantageously provides for a layer of cushion between the band  30  and the skin of the user  2  so as to prevent the device  10  from pinching or “biting” the skin.  
         [0038]     The upper member  12  is operably configured so that a lower edge of the upper member  12  rests against the top of the joint  4 . In this embodiment, the lower edges  40  and  46  of the upper pad  32  and the band  30  rest against or just above the knee cap of the joint  4  when the device  10  is worn, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . This configuration aids in keeping the device  10  from undesirably sliding down the limb  6  of the user  2 . Advantageously, the lower edge  40  of the upper pad  32  is disposed between the knee cap and the lower edge  46  of the band  30  when the device is worn, so that the more rigid band  30  does not cause pain to the user  2  by pinching the skin of the user  2 .  
         [0039]     The lower member  14  is operably configured to cover a lower portion of the joint  4  when the device  10  is worn. See for example,  FIGS. 1, 4  and  5 . In this exemplary embodiment, the lower member  14  includes an impact member  50 . It is preferred that the lower member  14  also include a lower pad  52 . The lower pad  52  is operably configured to be disposed between the impact member  50  and the limb  6  when the device is worn. The lower pad  52  has an interior surface  54  and an exterior surface  56 . The interior surface  54  is operably configured to be adjacent or disposed against the limb  6  when the device  10  is worn. The impact member  50  is attached to the exterior surface  56 . The impact member  50  is attached, in this exemplary embodiment, by stitching,  57 . It should be appreciated that any means of attaching, or combinations thereof, may be employed, including but not limited to gluing, screwing, riveting, hook and loop fasteners, and the like. It should also be appreciated that the lower pad is optional.  
         [0040]     The impact member  50  is preferably substantially rigid. It is further preferred that the impact member  50  is made of a hard plastic material. It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to plastic materials.  
         [0041]     Preferably, the lower pad  52  is made of a less rigid material than the impact member  50 . Further, it is preferred that the lower pad  52  be made of a cushion-type material, such as, but not limited to, a conventional foam or gel. It should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments the impact member  50  may not be rigid and/or solid throughout the entire member. Further, in other exemplary embodiments, the impact member  50  includes multiple orifices or slots to further increase the ventilation of the device  10 .  
         [0042]     The impact member  50  does not significantly extend around the limb  6 . Rather, the impact member  50  preferably has a generally arching body with a curved bottom edge so as to conform to the lower front portion of the joint  4 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, the impact member may be a variety of different shapes. The impact member  50  is operably configured to cover a front area of the lower portion of the limb below the joint  4 . This advantageously enables the device to protect the only portion of the joint that is likely to engage the ground while adding very little weight to the device  10 . Preferably, the impact member  50  is operably configured to cover only slightly more than a likely impact area of the joint  4  when the device is worn. The impact area being generally represented by arrow  58 , see  FIG. 5 . The likely impact area  58  is the surface area of the joint that would normally engage the ground or supporting surface, when for example, the user  2  is kneeling. It is preferred that the impact member  50  not cover a significant portion of the limb  6  or joint other than the impact area. Further, the limited size of the impact member  50  enables significant advantages over conventional designs in regards to comfort, weight and ventilation of the overall device  10 .  
         [0043]     The impact member  50  has an exterior surface  60 . The exterior surface  60  is the surface that engages or impacts objects rather than the joint  4 . In the present exemplary embodiment, the exterior surface  56  of the lower pad  52  has a surface area that is greater in dimension than an exterior surface  60  of the impact member  50 . Having the lower pad  52  being larger than the impact member  50  provides additional protection for the area of the limb that the impact member  50  does not cover. However, it should be understood that having a lower pad that has a larger surface area than the exterior surface of the impact area is optional only, and in other exemplary embodiments, the lower pad may have the same size surface area or perhaps have a slightly smaller surface area. For example, the lower pad  52  in this exemplary embodiment extends further lower and around the leg than the impact member  50 . This feature provides additional, but light weight, protection against objects on the ground that may otherwise scrape or press into the skin. This additional protection does not require a rigid member since it is not the main impact area.  
         [0044]     The impact member  50  has a lower edge  62  and an upper edge  64 . The lower pad has a lower edge  66  and an upper edge  68 . A portion of the lower edge  66  of the lower pad  52  extends below the lower edge  62  of the impact member  50  relative to the joint  4 . This arrangement advantageously prevents the more rigid impact member  50  from engaging and pinching the skin on the limb  6  of the user  2 .  
         [0045]     The opening  24  is defined between the upper edge  64  of the impact member and the lower edge  38  of the upper pad  32 .  
         [0046]     In this exemplary embodiment, the upper edge  64  of the impact member  50  is operably configured to form a horizontal edge, preferably aligned with a midpoint of the joint  4  such that the upper part of the joint  4  is exposed when the device is worn. However, as one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, the upper edge  64  of impact member  50  may be any shape, such as a gradual arc. A substantial portion of the upper edge  64  of the impact member  50  preferably lies within the same plane, which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the limb  6  when the device is worn. Advantageously, this horizontal edge feature, which enables a significant portion of the joint. 4  to be exposed, increases the overall comfort, lightness and ventilation of the device  10 .  
         [0047]     The lower member  14  further includes first and second arms  70  and  72  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Each of the arms  70  and  72  include one of the pivot connections  16  and  18 , respectively. The arms  70  and  72  each include a free end and a fixed end. The pivot connections  16  and  18  are disposed near the free ends. The arms  70  and  72  are attached to opposing sides of the impact member  50  at the fixed ends. It should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, the arms are formed such that the impact member and the arms are unitary. The arms  70  and  72  are operably configured such that when the device  10  is worn, the pivot connections are substantially aligned with the axis of rotation of the joint  4 .  
         [0048]     The upper and lower members  12  and  14  are operably configured such that when the device  10  is in an extended position, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the front edge of the upper member  12  is off-set from the front edge of the lower member as represented by  81 . In other words, the lower member  14  extends further from the pivot connections  16  and  18  than the upper member  12 . The offset is preferred to be minimal. The offset in this exemplary embodiment may be between about ⅛ to 1½ of an inch.  
         [0049]     Advantageously, the offset  81  aides in keeping the device  10  from slipping down the limb  6  when the device  10  is worn. The off-set  81  is operably configured such that, when the device  10  is worn, the lower edge  46  of the band  30  rests on the joint  4 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . As discussed above, it is preferred that the lower edge  40  of the upper pad  32  extend below the lower edge  46  such that the padding is disposed between the band  30  and the joint  4  to prevent discomfort.  
         [0050]     It is further preferred that the lower pad  52  not extend to the joint  4 . In this embodiment, the band  30  of the upper member  12  does not cover any portion of the lower pad. The lower pad  52  and the upper pad  32  may however, in other various exemplary embodiments, be one continuous pad, provided that a significant portion of the joint  4  is exposed. Having the joint  4  exposed advantageously increases the ventilation of the device  10  as well as the overall lightness of the device  10 .  
         [0051]     The attachment members  20  and  22  are operably configured to releasably attach the device  10  to the limb  6 . It should be appreciated that additional attachment members may be utilized in other various exemplary embodiments.  
         [0052]     In this exemplary embodiment, each of the attachment members  20  and  22  include a fixed end  74  and  76 , respectively, and an opposing attachment end  78  and  80 , respectively. The fixed end  74  of attachment member  20  is attached to one side of the upper member  12  and the attachment end  78  is releasably attachable to the other side of the upper member  12 . Likewise, the fixed end  76  of attachment member  22  is attached to one side of the lower member  14  and the attachment end  80  is releasably attachable to the other side of the upper member  14 .  
         [0053]     The upper and lower attachment members  20  and  22  include attachment means  82 . The attachment means may be any known or later developed device for adjustably and releasably attaching the attachment ends to the upper and lower members. In this embodiment, each of the attachment means  82  includes a buckle  84  with an engagement triangle  86  and a rod  88 . The respective buckles  84  are adjustably attached to the attachment members  20  and  22 . The attachment ends  78  and  80  are threaded through the buckles, in a conventional manner, so that the level of tightness of the device  10  can be selectively adjusted. The buckles  84  are conventional buckles that allow a strap to be adjusted to a desired size, wherein when the buckle is in use, the strap will not slip. The rods  88  are fixed to the upper and lower members  12  and  14 , respectively. The triangle  86  of each engagement means  82  is operably configured to engage, in a conventional manner, the corresponding rod  88 .  
         [0054]     It is preferred that the rods  88  and the corresponding fixed end of the attachment members  20  and  22  be disposed on opposing sides of the device  10 . It is preferred that the attachment member  20  and  22  not be connected to the device at the very top and bottom edges of the device  10 . For example, attachment member  20  is preferably connected to the upper member at a distance, toward the pivot connection  16  and  18 , from the upper edge  48  of the central portion  38  of the upper member  12 . Similarly, the attachment member  22  is preferably connected to the lower member at a distance, toward the pivot connection  16  and  18 , from the lower edge of the lower member  14 . The preferable positioning of attachment member  22  is towards the midpoint of lower member  14 . However, the position of attachment member  22  can vary somewhat wherein the main objective of the positioning of the attachment member  22  is to keep both upper member  12  and lower member  14  clamped closely to the limb  6  when the joint  4  is straightened. The attachment members are preferred to be connected at a distance from the top and bottom edges of the devices so as to counter the moment imposed on the device by the pivot as the limb moves from the bent to the extended position. This is because as the joint extends, the device will tend to undesirably lift away from the face of the joint. Similarly it is the attachment strap  20  holding the upper member  12  which allows the upper member  12  to advantageously pull up the lower member  14  toward the joint  4  when the limb  6  moves from the extended to a partially or fully bent position.  
         [0055]     The particular side of the upper and lower members  12  and  14  to which the fixed ends  74  and  76  of the attachment members  20  and  22  are attached does not matter. The preferred embodiment places the releasably attachable ends to the outside of the joint for easier access and no chance for mutual interference between the releasably attachable ends when the user walks.  
         [0056]     Preferably, the upper attachment member  20  is made of a material that has more elasticity than the material of the lower attachment member  22 . It is further preferred that the upper attachment member  20  have a low elasticity. The upper attachment member  20  is preferably made of elastic webbing. It is preferred, that when the device  10  is worn, the upper attachment  20  only be tightened a minimal amount to hold the upper member  12  adjacent to the upper section of the limb  6 .  
         [0057]     Preferably the lower attachment member  22  is made of a material that is substantially non-elastic. This is because the lower section of the limb  6 , immediately below the joint  4 , has a roughly frustum conical shape. In this embodiment, it is the section just below the knee and above the midpoint of the calf. To aid in keeping the device  10  in a proper height position when worn, the lower attachment member  22 , only needs to be tightened to a diameter that is less than the base  8  of the conical shape. In this exemplary embodiment, the lower attachment member  22  is made of nylon webbing or any other suitable material known to those of ordinary skill in the art. However, it should be appreciated that the lower attachment member  22 , as well as the upper attachment member  20 , may be made of other materials. The lower attachment member  22  may also be made of a rigid adjustable strap, with the appropriate coupling means as are known in the art, such as the rigid straps that are commonly utilized on ski boots and the like.  
         [0058]     It should be appreciated that the pivot connections  16  and  18  may be any known or later developed connection that enables relative pivoting motion between the connected members. In this exemplary embodiment, the pivot connections  16  and  18  are blind fasteners that offer the hole a bearing surface. However, as one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, any type of fastener may be used in the present device, such as a threaded fastener.  
         [0059]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a joint protection device  110  according to the present invention, shown in use on a user. This device  110  is similar to the joint protection device  10  described above in that it includes an upper member  112  and a lower member  114 . The device  110  includes the same features and aspects as the device  10 , except where noted below and shown in the Figures. The upper member  112  is pivotally attached to the lower member  114  at first and second pivot connections  116  and  118  (not shown). The joint protection device  110  is held adjacent to the limb  106  of the user  102  via first and second attachment members  120  and  122 . The opposing side of the device is a mirror image of the side that is visible in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0060]     The upper member  112  and lower members  114  pivot relative to each other at the pivot connection  116  and  118 . The members  112  and  114  pivot with the upper and lower portions of the limb  6  as the limb  6  is extended and flexed.  
         [0061]     The upper member  112  in the present embodiment may be a support member or strap and may be integrally associated with the attachment means  120 . The upper member  114  also includes two arm members  125  designed to be pivotally attached to the lower member  114 . Note, only one arm member is visible in  FIG. 6 , but the other member is on an opposing side of the upper member  112 . Upper member  112  in the present exemplary embodiment is made of foam. However, upper member  112  may be made from any material known in the art that will provide enough rigidity to rest atop knee joint  1044  without sliding down limb  106 , including, but not limited to, various forms of breathable elastic.  
         [0062]     The lower member  114  has an impact member  150 . Lower member  114  in this embodiment also includes a lower pad  152 .  
         [0063]     The impact member  150  has a lower edge  162 , an upper edge  164  and an arm  165 . In the present preferred alternate embodiment, the lower edge  162  of impact member  150  is V-shaped. However, the lower edge  162  of impact member may be of any shape as long as it protects the user&#39;s joint  104  in the impact area as described above. Upper edge  164  has a curved edge relative to the pivot axis of the joint  104 . Impact member also has arms  165  that are pivotally connected to the arm members  125  of the upper member  112 .  
         [0064]     The lower pad  152  has a surface area slightly larger than the impact member  150  for further comfort for the user. Lower pad  152  also may have a channel  153  operably configured to house a portion of the lower attachment member  122 . The channel or indentation in other various exemplary embodiments may be spacing between two sections of the lower pads.  
         [0065]     Lower attachment member  122  has opposing first and second ends wherein one of the first or second ends is attached to the lower member  114  by any means known to those of ordinary skill in the art including, but not limited to, stitching or hook and loop features. In this embodiment, lower attachment member  122  completely encircles the limb  106 . The lower attachment member  122  is operably configured to maintain contact with the skin of the limb, when worn. The lower attachment member  122  maintains contact with the frontal portion of the limb  106  by way of passing through the channel  153  of pad  152 . This positioning allows for greater comfort for the user because the attachment means does not leave the attachment to the user&#39;s skin and lower pad  152  fits snuggly over the attachment member  122 .  
         [0066]     It should be appreciated that the lower member, may in other various exemplary embodiments, not include a separate lower pad. In these embodiments, the pad may be integral with the more rigid, protective impact member. With such an arrangement, the channel would be formed within the integral lower member.  
         [0067]     It should also be appreciated that the upper attachment member  120 , although an integral part of the upper member  112 , also completely encircles the limb  106 . This is done for the same benefits mentioned above for the lower attachment member  122 .  
         [0068]     Further, it should be appreciated that the upper and lower attachment members  120  and  122  may be slid on to the limb  106  and then the arm member  125  and the lower member  114  are affixed to the attachment members  120  and  122 , respectfully.  
         [0069]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of yet another alternative exemplary embodiment of a joint protection device  210  according to the present invention, shown in use on a user. This device  210  is similar to the joint protection device  10  described above in that it includes an upper member  212  and a lower member  214 . The upper member  212  is pivotally attached to the lower member  214  at first and second pivot connections  216  and  218  (not shown). The joint protection device  210  is held adjacent to the limb  206  of the user via a unitary attachment member  221 . The opposing side of the device is a mirror image of the side that is visible in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0070]     The upper member  212  and lower member  214  pivot relative to each other at the pivot connection  216  and  218 . The members  212  and  214  pivot with the upper and lower portions of the limb  206  as the limb  206  is extended and flexed.  
         [0071]     The upper member  212  in the present embodiment is a support member or strap and is be integrally associated with the unitary attachment means  221  and an arm member  226  pivotally attached to the lower member  214 . Unitary attachment member  221  is also connected to upper member  212  by any attachment means  255  known in the art. Upper member  212  is made from any material known in the art that would provide enough support to rest atop knee joint  204  without sliding down limb  206 . For example, upper member  212  may be made from various forms of breathable elastic.  
         [0072]     The upper member also includes a pad  232 . Pad  232  provides further comfort for the user.  
         [0073]     The lower member  214  has an impact member  250 . Lower member  214  also has a lower pad  252 .  
         [0074]     It should be appreciated that the upper and lower member, may in other various exemplary embodiments, not include a separate lower pad. In these embodiments, the pad may be integral with the more rigid, protective impact member.  
         [0075]     Further, it should be appreciated that the upper and lower attachment members  220  and  222  may be slid on to the limb  106  and then the arm member  226  and the lower member  214  are affixed to the attachment members  220  and  222 , respectfully.  
         [0076]     Impact member has a lower edge  262  and an upper edge  264 . In the present preferred alternate embodiment, the lower edge  262  of impact member  150  is preferably substantially horizontal and substantially perpendicular to the user&#39;s limb  206 . However, the lower edge  262  of impact member may be of any shape as long as it protects the impact area described above. Upper edge  264  is preferably horizontal and substantially perpendicular to the user&#39;s limb  106 . Impact member is pivotally connected to upper member  212  through arm member  226  of upper member  212 .  
         [0077]     Lower member  214  has a lower pad  252 . Lower pad  214  has a surface area slightly larger than impact member  250 . The larger surface area of lower pad  214  provides further comfort for the user. The lower member  214  provides protection for the joint  104  of the user in the impact area. The device  210  is lightweight and does not bite as set forth above.  
         [0078]     It should be appreciated that the upper and lower member, may in other various exemplary embodiments, may include ventilation orifices. In these embodiments, the orifices may be integral with the more rigid, protective impact member. With such an arrangement, the orifices would be formed integral with the upper and lower member.  
         [0079]     Unitary attachment member  221  is a single piece of elastic or stretchable material that may either integrally attached to upper member  216  and lower member  214  or connected by any attachment means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The unitary attachment member  221  of device  210  allows for unitary force against the back of joint  204  and therefore allows for greater comfort to the user.  
         [0080]     The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications, variations or combination of embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings. The preferred embodiments were chosen and described to provide an illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.