Abstract:
Protective padding may be used during physical activities such as sporting activities to protect the body of a wearer. For example, a knee pad may be worn by a baseball catcher under the catcher&#39;s shin guard to protect a knee of the catcher. In some examples, the knee pad includes a foam pad defining a front surface configured to be positioned against the rigid shin guard and a back surface configured to be positioned against the knee. The foam pad may include a continuous sheet of memory foam adapted to conform to contours of the knee of the wearer during use. The knee pad may reduce or eliminate bruising and discomfort during sporting activity as compared to when the knee pad is not used.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/466,331, filed Mar. 22, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates to protective body padding for use during physical activities, and more specifically, to protective knee padding for use underneath a leg/shin guard. Protective body padding is commonly available and used by individuals participating in a wide variety of physical activities to cushion against impact and brace or reinforce portions of the body undergoing strenuous movements. Team sports (e.g., football, hockey, volleyball, soccer, baseball, etc.) present some of the most recognizable circumstances in which protective body padding is used by participants. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The catcher position in baseball calls for a number of different types of guards and pads to protect the catcher from the dangers of blunt force, flying projectiles and fast moving objects that are readily encountered during the course of a routine baseball game or practice. Leg guards (also referred to herein as “shin guards”) are of particular importance for protecting a catcher&#39;s knees, shins, and ankles, which are directly exposed to high speed pitches and swinging baseball bats during normal play. Shin guards also protect and cushion a catcher&#39;s knees in particular as the catcher kneels and/or dives on the ground. 
         [0004]    While shin guards provide a measure of protection, especially from flying projectiles and blunt force trauma, the shin guards themselves are often uncomfortable and can bruise and otherwise injure a catcher&#39;s knees, e.g., due to the hard, reinforced plastic shell of the shin guards. In addition, the unique crouching/kneeling positions and movements required by the catcher position subject the knees to additional discomfort, stress and trauma that is often aggravated rather than helped by wearing shin guards. In some cases a catcher may experience constant pain and bruising on his knees while wearing shin guards. 
         [0005]    Some shin guards incorporate or accommodate a small amount of padding for the knee in an attempt to alleviate some of the discomfort and bruising caused by the shin guards. As one example, an insert currently available for a catcher&#39;s shin guard has a small amount of closed-cell, polyethylene padding for the knee, with a hole in the center for the kneecap to stick out. However, the padding actually bruises the kneecap and patella tendon, is extremely uncomfortable, and requires weeks of use to break in and become comfortable during use. In addition, the padding tends to break down over time, leading to even less protection and more discomfort. What is needed is an improved padding for use under a catcher&#39;s shin guard to protect and comfort the catcher&#39;s knee. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In general, this disclosure is directed to protective knee padding for use underneath a leg/shin guard. The protective knee pad may be used with a variety of different sporting equipment including, e.g., under a shin guard of a baseball catcher. The knee pad may prevent, reduce, and/or eliminate bruising and discomfort during sporting activity. In some applications, the knee pad may reduce the risks of acquiring exercise-related patellar tendonitis as compared to if the shin guard is used without the knee padding. 
         [0007]    In one example, a shin guard knee pad is describe. The shin guard knee pad includes a foam pad defining a front surface configured to be positioned against a rigid shin guard and a back surface configured to be positioned against a knee of a wearer. According to the example, the foam pad includes a continuous sheet of memory foam adapted to conform to contours of the knee of the wearer during use. 
         [0008]    In another example, a shin guard system is described that includes a rigid shin guard and a foam pad. According to the example, the foam pad is positioned against the rigid shin guard, and the foam pad defines a surface configured to be positioned against a knee of a wearer. The example further states that the foam pad includes a continuous sheet of memory foam adapted to conform to contours of the knee of the wearer during use. 
         [0009]    In another example, a method is described that includes positioning a back surface of a foam pad against a knee of a wearer, the foam pad including a continuous sheet of memory foam. The method further includes conforming the continuous sheet of memory foam to contours of the knee of the wearer, and attaching a front surface of the foam pad to a rigid shin guard. 
         [0010]    The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a front view of an example shin guard knee pad according to the disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2A  is a back view of another example shin guard knee pad according to the disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2B  is a front view of the example shin guard knee pad of  FIG. 2A  according to some examples of the disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides some practical illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes are provided for selected elements, and all other elements employ that which is known to those of ordinary skill in the field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the noted examples have a variety of suitable alternatives. 
         [0016]    In general, this disclosure is directed to an improved knee pad for use by a baseball catcher. The knee pad can be positioned between the catcher&#39;s knee and a shin guard that provides an outer layer of hard, reinforced plastic. Accordingly to some embodiments, the improved knee pad provides increased comfort and protection, prevents, reduces, and/or eliminates bruising and discomfort, and/or protects a catcher&#39;s knee from the dangers of blunt force, flying projectiles and fast moving objects that are routinely encountered during the course of a normal baseball game or practice. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a front view of an example shin guard knee pad  100  in accordance with the disclosure. The knee pad  100  generally has a front surface  102  that normally faces away from the knee and toward the shin guard, and a back surface (not shown) facing toward and in contact with the knee. The knee pad  100  has a top edge  104 , a bottom edge  106 , and two side edges  108 . In some cases the knee pad  100  is preferably contoured to fit around the knee. For example, in some cases the knee pad  100  has a winged configuration as shown in  FIG. 1 , in which the knee pad  100  narrows toward the bottom edge, and is widest near the top and middle of the knee pad. The wider portion of the knee pad  100  may be positioned around the knee of a wearer with the wings extending about opposing sides of the knee. In such an application, the bottom edge  106  of the knee pad  100  can extending down toward the shin of the wear and, in some examples, cover at least a portion of the shin of the wearer (e.g., an upper portion of the shin, the entire shin). 
         [0018]      FIG. 2A  is a back view of another example shin guard knee pad  200  in accordance with the disclosure.  FIG. 2A  shows the back surface  201  of the knee pad  200 , while  FIG. 2B  is a front view, showing the front surface  202  of the knee pad  200 . As illustrated, in some cases the knee pad  200  narrows toward the top edge  204  and bottom edge  206 , and is widest between the side edges  208  near the middle of the knee pad  200 . Of course other shapes and configurations are contemplated and the invention is not necessarily limited to any particular design. 
         [0019]    In some cases the knee pad (e.g., shin guard knee pad  100  and  200 ) includes a foam pad (not shown in the figures) wrapped in a durable, moisture-wicking material (also not shown). For example, the foam pad may be wrapped in a cotton-polyester blend material. Other materials are also possible. In some embodiments the pad is also or alternatively wrapped with an outer material layer  110  ( FIG. 1 ). In some cases the outer material layer  110  may be denim, which makes the knee pad flexible yet rigid. 
         [0020]    In examples in which the knee pad includes a foam pad wrapped in an outer layer of material, the outer layer of material can be secured to the foam pad using a variety of different techniques. In the example of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an outer material layer (e.g., outer material layer  110  in  FIG. 1 ) is wrapped around a foam pad to form a pocket around the foam pad. The outer material layer is double side folded along the peripheral edge of the knee pad and then secured with stitching  112 . Stitching  112  follows the peripheral edge of the knee pad along the folded outer material layer. In some examples, stitching  112  is approximately ¼ inch wide, although other stitching thicknesses are possible. Further, while an outer layer of material is secured with stitching in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in other examples, other mechanical fixation elements can be used and the disclosure is not limited in this respect. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, the knee pad includes a fastener for attaching the knee pad to the inside of a catcher&#39;s shin guard, or some other fastening or positioning device for positioning the knee pad  100  between the catcher&#39;s knee and the shin guard. As will be described in greater detail below, shin guard knee pad  200  in the example of  FIG. 2B  includes fastener  220  for attaching the knee pad to the inside of a catcher&#39;s shin guard. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments the pad itself comprises a “memory” foam. For example, the pad may be formed from a high-density polyurethane with one or more additional constituents for increasing viscosity and/or density. The material may be referred to as a visco-elastic polyurethane foam. In some cases the foam pad is firmer when cooler, and becomes somewhat pliable when warmed, allowing it to mold to a warm human body. In some embodiments the foam pad may react to heat generated by a catcher&#39;s knee and leg and mold to the knee in a few minutes. Any particular type of foam padding exhibiting one or more desired characteristics may be used. In some embodiments the foam pad comprises Econoline Memory Foam available from Medco Sports Medicine, 500 Fillmore Avenue, Tonawanda, N.Y. 14150. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the foam pad is a solid, continuous sheet of foam without a hole for the patella. In some cases the foam pad is between about 5 inches long and about 12 inches long from a top edge to a bottom edge (e.g., top edge  104  to bottom edge  106 , or top edge  204  to bottom edge  206 ) such as, e.g., about 7 inches long, or about 9.5 inches long. In some cases the foam pad has a maximum width between about 3 inches and about 9 inches (e.g., between side edges  108  or side edges  208 ) such as, e.g., about 5 inches, or about 6 inches. Other lengths and widths are also contemplated. For example, the knee pad may be provided in several sizes to accommodate different sized knees. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, the foam pad has a thickness of approximately one inch, although other thicknesses are possible depending upon the properties of the particular foam material used, as well as, for what specific use the pad is being utilized. For example, during a baseball game the catcher position requires the catcher to be very mobile and be able to make quick, instinctive movements in every direction without restrictions from his protective equipment. At the same time, the equipment should provide stability, protection and as much comfort as possible. Accordingly, when the foam pad is designed for use in these applications, the foam pad may be sized so the thickness of the foam pad will not prohibit mobility and stabilization. In general, a thicker foam pad provides less mobility and stability for a catcher than a comparatively thinner foam pad. Therefore, in some embodiments, a foam pad according to the disclosure has a thickness of approximately 1 inch or less than approximately 1 inch. In other embodiments, the foam pad may be thicker than 1 inch such as, e.g., between approximately 1¼ inches and 1½ inches. A comparatively thicker foam pad may provide increased comfort and protection, for example, during baseball practice when a catcher may be required to repetitively and quickly drop to their knees for an extended amount of time. 
         [0025]    Some embodiments generally position the knee pad between the catcher&#39;s knee and the knee portion of the shin guard (e.g., a rigid plastic shin guard), thus providing a layer of padding to protect the knee from the shin guard. Accordingly, the knee pad can in some cases be considered an “insert” as it is inserted between the knee and shin guard. Referring to  FIG. 2B , in some embodiments the knee pad  200  includes a fastener  220  for attaching the knee pad  200  to the interior surface of a catcher&#39;s shin guard. In some cases the fastener  220  comprises a hook and loop fastener (e.g., a strip of Velcro), with one portion stitched or otherwise attached to the front surface  202  of the knee pad  200  and another portion attached to the interior surface of the shin guard. Of course other fasteners (e.g., adhesive, snaps, etc.) are also contemplated and embodiments of the invention are not limited to the use of hook and loop fasteners. For example, in some cases the knee pad may be permanently fixed to or integral with the shin guard. 
         [0026]    Embodiments may provide improved functionality in several aspects compared to conventional knee pads. In particular, in some cases knee pads according to embodiments of the disclosure cushion, comfort and protect the patella, patellar tendon and/or tibial plateau from the constant stresses and blunt traumas associated with playing the catcher position in baseball. For example, in some cases the foam pad comprises memory foam that conforms to the intricate contours of every individual knee, primarily focusing on a wrapping effect of the medial and lateral condoyles and the tibial plateau notch to achieve stability and protection. Eliminating the knee hole present in past designs decreases pressure on the patella and patellar tendon, and can also protect the tibial plateau when (e.g., throwing) in a kneeling position. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments the foam pad comprises a high density foam, which provides a sturdier and more stable configuration than other traditional foam products. In addition, in some cases the catcher&#39;s body heat makes the foam pad slightly pliable, allowing the sport-specific actions and movements of a catcher to be uninhibited unlike past knee pads. In addition, the foam pad may return to its original shape and maintain an initial level of support after repeated use. For example, in some cases the memory foam does not have the break-down qualities common to traditional accessory support padding. This allows embodiments to maintain original injury prevention characteristics when used over time. 
         [0028]    Embodiments may also provide one or more advantages over traditional knee pads and pad accessories for catcher shin guards. For example, exemplary knee pads may prevent, reduce, and/or eliminate bruising and discomfort while also potentially reducing the risks of acquiring exercise-related patellar tendonitis. Accordingly, exemplary knee pads can provide a greater level of comfort for catchers when forced to be in a squatting or kneeling position, while also protecting the catcher from the dangers of blunt force, flying projectiles and fast moving objects that are normally encountered during the course of a baseball game or practice. In addition, some embodiments require little or no “break-in” time for a knee pad, in some cases because the user&#39;s body heat encourages the conforming effect of the memory foam. Thus, an exemplary knee pad can enhance the protective nature of current shin guards by providing a knee pad that contours to the individual user. Accordingly, a knee pad according to embodiments of the invention can be used to increase and improve the comfort and protective qualities of current shin guards on the market. In some cases the knee pad may also be used in addition to and in conjunction with existing padding on a catcher&#39;s shin guard. 
         [0029]    It is thus believed that shin guard knee pads according to some embodiments can increase the useful life of a catcher&#39;s knees by reducing inflammation, protecting the knee from injury and providing comfort through padding that is contoured to an individual catcher&#39;s knees. Accordingly, the knee pads described herein may extend the career of a professional catcher and may make the most difficult position in baseball more enjoyable for players of every age. 
         [0030]    Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.