Abstract:
A kneepad includes a number of layered material portions and an inner padding portion located between the layered material portions. An integral protective covering is attached to an outer surface of the kneepad. A pair of attachment elements is adapted to attach the kneepad to a person&#39;s knee. The protective portion includes a number of raised elements that operate to form pneumatic cushioning.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field 
         [0002]    The embodiments relate to kneepads, and in particular to kneepads with a compressible outer protective cover 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Protective knee pads are used by in many different fields for protection or to provide comfort to individuals. For example, knee pads are used when kneeling on hard or rough surfaces or to reduce blunt force trauma. Various knee pad constructions are available and typically comprise a rigid case or padding which is fitted over the knee and held in place by various attachment elements. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    One embodiment includes a kneepad with an outer surface, an inner padding portion disposed within the outer surface, a protective portion connected to a first side of the outer surface, and means for attaching. The protective portion includes a plurality of raised elements. 
         [0006]    Another embodiment is a kneepad including a number of layered material portions, at least one inner padding portion connected between the number of layered material portions, an integral protective covering connected to an outer surface of the kneepad and a pair of attachment portions. The protective portion includes a number of raised elements that operate to form pneumatic cushioning. 
         [0007]    Yet another embodiment includes a kneepad including a number of material portions, at least one inner padding portion attached between a first material portion and a second material portion, an integral protective covering connected to an outer surface of the kneepad and a pair of adjustable attachment portions. The protective portion includes a number of raised elements, each of the raised elements is independently pneumatically compressible. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the Figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a protective kneepad; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates a rear view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates a cut-away view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a protective cushion portion of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  adapted to the contour of a surface; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a protective cushion portion of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  shown in a relaxed state; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 5C  illustrates a protective cushion portion of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  shown in a bent shape. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    The Embodiments discussed herein generally relate to protective kneepads. Referring to the Figures, exemplary embodiments will now be described. The exemplary embodiments are provided to illustrate the embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of kneepad  100  and  FIG. 2  illustrates a side vide of kneepad  100 . Kneepad  100  includes multiple layers of protective materials and padding. In one embodiment kneepad  100  includes an outer surface  120 , an inner surface  310  (see  FIG. 3 ), an inner padding portion disposed between outer surface  120  and inner surface  310 , a protective portion  110  connected to first side  190  of outer surface  120  and means for attaching  130  and  135  kneepad  100  to a wearer&#39;s knee. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment the means for attaching  130  and  135  include a pair of adjustable straps. Attached to each adjustable strap is a clasp  150 ,  155  having a connecting portion  140 ,  145  each having an opening to connect the straps  130 , 135  to connectors  160 . In one embodiment, clasps  150 ,  155  are made of a heavy duty material, such as hardened molded plastic or similar polymer, a metal or metal alloy, etc. In one embodiment the adjustable straps  130 ,  135  are made of material that is stretchable to allow expansion and contraction during normal use. In another embodiment, the means for attachment is only one single adjustable strap (not shown). In yet another embodiment, the adjustable strap(s) is made of a stretchable material, such as rubber, combination of nylon (or other similar material) and rubber, etc. 
         [0019]    In one embodiment outer surface  120  includes many layers of material, such as first side  190 , reinforcement portion  180 , and additional layers underneath (not shown) for added protection and sturdiness. In one embodiment, outer surface  120  is made from heavy duty material, such as synthetic leather, canvas, polyester and nylon, etc. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment reinforcing stitching  175  is attached to outer surface  120  and is also attached to an internal layer of material. In one embodiment protective portion  110  includes a molded groove where stitching  170  attaches protective portion  110  to outer surface  120 . 
         [0021]      FIG. 3  illustrates a rear view of kneepad  100 . Partially cupped portion  320  when worn by a wearer cups the wearer&#39;s kneecap. Inside partially cupped portion  320  is heavy duty resilient padding, such as dense foam material. In another embodiment, partially cupped portion  320  is made of a rigid rubber material. In one embodiment inner portion  310  is covered with a breathable material, such as nylon, nylon mesh, or other synthetic blend materials. 
         [0022]      FIG. 4  illustrates a cut-through view of showing protective portion  120  and inner portion of the kneepad. In one embodiment protective portion  110  includes a number of raised elements, such as six (6). In other embodiments, the number of raised elements  110  can be more or less than six, such as four (4), five (5), seven (7), etc. In one embodiment, protective portion  110  is molded in one integral piece. In one embodiment, the raised elements of protective portion  110  are made of resilient material, such as rubber or similar material. In one embodiment the number of raised elements are each spaced apart from each other by a gap  195 , which allows protective portion  110  to reactively flex as a wearer bends their knee. 
         [0023]    In one embodiment the number of raised elements of protective portion  110  are hollow. In this embodiment the number of raised elements operate to form pneumatic cushioning. A surface of the kneepad (first side  190  and outer surface  120  under protective portion  110  substantially traps air between protective portion  110  and the surface. 
         [0024]      FIG. 5A  illustrates an isolated view of protective portion  110  having raised elements conform to an uneven surface. As illustrated, each raised element can separately conform to the portion of surface  510  that it is pressed against. This allows a wearer to feel more comfortable and to be spread pressure across the complete kneepad rather than a specific portion. This also allows for more contact with surface  510  to prevent unwanted movement of kneepad  100  (i.e., better traction).  FIG. 5B  illustrates protective portion  110  in a normal relaxed state.  FIG. 5C  illustrates protective portion  110  in a flexed state. The flexibility of protective portion  110  allows kneepad  100  to conform to a wearer&#39;s knee when standing upright or in a bent position for more comfort and less slippage. 
         [0025]    In one embodiment when knee pad  100  is pressed against a surface, such as a floor, roof, etc., the air trapped behind protective portion  110  cannot escape or escapes very slowly. Since the number of raised elements of protective portion  110  are each resilient, the air cushion and protective portion prevent rough surfaces from coming into contact with a wearer&#39;s knee. 
         [0026]    In the description above, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known equivalent components and elements may be substituted in place of those described herein, and similarly, well-known equivalent techniques may be substituted in place of the particular techniques disclosed. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail to avoid obscuring the understanding of this description. 
         [0027]    Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments. The various appearances of “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “some embodiments” are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. If the specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element. 
         [0028]    While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.