Abstract:
Protective pad assemblies, which are worn on knees, elbows, shins, hips, and shoulders, and combinations thereof, are disclosed. Garments that accommodate the protective pad assemblies are also disclosed.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This claims priority to U.S. Application No. 61/586,220, filed Jan. 13, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to protective equipment and garments that accommodate such protective equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to protective pad assemblies worn on knees, elbows, shins, hips, and shoulders in military and non-military applications. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Articulation protection for knees, elbows, shins, hips, shoulders, and the like that is an integral part of a garment is desirable. First, it allows the wearer to have a better fitting pad than an externally mounted pad, which is outside and separate from the garment. In addition to this advantage, internal pads save the wearer a step as the pad is already in place. Such internal pads set in a pocket on the inner portion of knee or elbow of the garment are known. However, this configuration requires the wearer to remove the garment to change the pad. 
         [0004]    Accordingly. it would be desirable to provide a protective pad assembly that is removable and replaceable without requiring the wearer to remove the garment. The protective pad assemblies of the present invention are directed toward these, as well as other, important ends. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The invention relates generally to protective pad assemblies and garments that accommodate them, which provide protection and comfort to the user while being easily removed and replaced without requiring the user to remove the garment. The protective pad assembly has two protective pads and an optional comfort pad. The two protective pads are configured to be inserted into a pocket of a garment such that one of the protective pads is external to the pocket and the other protective pad is internal to the pocket. The outer protective pad is durable and generally stiff to prove protection to the wearer. The outer protective pad is exposed to the harsh abrasion, for example, when kneeling or on elbows. In addition to providing protection to the wearer, the inner protective pad is stiff enough and permanently connected to the outer protective pad at one end to secure the protective pad assembly within the pocket of the garment. If present, the optional comfort pad, which is generally made of a less durable material than either of the protective pads, is protected from abrasion, giving the garment a longer life span. In addition, since the protective pad assembly is removable from the pocket of the garment from the outside. the wearer may remove or replace the protective pad assembly while still wearing the garment. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention is directed to protective pad assemblies, comprising:
   an inner protective pad having, a proximal end and a distal end; and
       an outer protective pad having a proximal end and a distal end;   wherein said inner protective pad and said outer protective pad are permanently connected at said proximal ends; and   wherein said inner protective pad and said protective stiff pad are configured to accommodate an outer portion of a pocket.   
       
 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, the invention is directed to garments, comprising
   a pocket comprising an inner portion and an external portion; and
       a protective pad assembly, comprising:
           an inner protective pad having a proximal end and a distal end;   an outer protective pad having a proximal end and a distal end;   wherein said inner protective pad and said outer protective pad are permanently connected at said proximal ends; and   wherein said inner protective pad and said protective stiff pad are configured to accommodate at least a portion of said external portion of said pocket; and   
           wherein said inner protective pad fits within said pocket; and   wherein said external portion of said pocket is sandwiched between at least a portion of said inner protective pad and at least a. portion of said external protective pad.   
       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a cross-section of one embodiment of the protective pad assembly of the invention with an external protective pad, an inner protective pad, and an optional comfort pad, shown in a pocket of a garment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a front view of a pocket of one embodiment of the garment of the invention that accommodates the protective pad assembly of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a front view of one embodiment of the protective pad assembly of the invention showing an outer protective pad, an inner protective pad, and an optional comfort pad. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a front view of one embodiment of the protective pad assembly of the invention showing an outer protective pad, an inner protective pad, and an optional comfort pad inserted within a pocket with a flap of a garment of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0025]    The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to scale and should be understood to present a representation of the invention, illustrative of the principles involved. Some features of the protective pad assemblies and garments depicted in the drawings have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate explanation and understanding. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings for similar of identical components and features shown in various alternative embodiments. Protective pad assemblies and garments, as disclosed herein, will have configurations and components determined, in part, by the intended application and environment in which they are used. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    As employed above and throughout the disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall he understood to have the following meanings. 
         [0027]    As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
         [0028]    Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention is directed to protective pad assemblies, comprising:
   an inner protective pad having a proximal end and a distal end; and
       an outer protective pad having a proximal end and a distal end;   wherein said inner protective pad and said outer protective pad are permanently connected at said proximal ends; and   wherein said inner protective pad and said protective stiff pad are configured to accommodate an outer portion of a pocket.   
       
 
         [0033]    In certain embodiments, the protective pad assembly further comprises a comfort pad. In preferred embodiments, the comfort pad is softer than said inner protective pad, said outer protective pad, or both, as measured by Shore hardness. The comfort pad may be made a wide variety of materials that are soft and provide a cushioning effect to the wearer. Suitable materials include, for example, foam materials, rubber materials, animal skins, and combinations thereof. 
         [0034]    In certain embodiments, said comfort pad is releasably connected to said inner protective pad. In certain embodiments, said comfort pad is releasably connected to said pocket. 
         [0035]    In certain embodiments, said inner protective pad and said outer protective pad are permanently connected at said proximal ends using at least one connector selected from the consisting of molded connection, stitching, grommet, lacing, nut and bolt, tape, staple, adhesive, cable tie, zipper, and combinations thereof. 
         [0036]    In certain embodiments, said inner protective pad and said outer protective part are releasably connected at said distal ends. In certain embodiments, said inner protective pad and said outer protective part are releasably connected at said distal ends using at least one connector selected from the consisting of hook-and-loop, buttons, snaps, magnets, releasable lacing, nut and bolt, zipper, and combinations thereof. 
         [0037]    In certain embodiments, said inner protective pad is releasably connected to said pocket. In certain embodiments, said outer protective pad is releasably connected to said pocket. 
         [0038]    In certain embodiments, said inner protective pad and said outer protective pad are substantially the same size. In certain embodiments said inner protective pad and said outer protective pad are shaped to accommodate a body part of a user, such as, for example, an elbow, knee, shin, hip, or shoulder. In certain preferred embodiments, the inner protective pad and said outer protective pad are shaped in x and y directions to provide a compound curve. 
         [0039]    In certain embodiments, said inner protective pad and said outer protective pad are constructed of the same material. In certain embodiments, said inner protective pad and said outer protective pad are constructed of different materials. The inner protective pad and the outer protective pad may be constructed of metals (such as aluminum, tin, and the like), plastics, (such as polyvinyl chlorides, polyesters, acrylics, methacrylics, polycarbonates, polyaramids, and the like), composites, and the like. The materials may be reinforced with reinforcing fibers. 
         [0040]    In another embodiment, the invention is directed to garments, comprising:
   a pocket comprising an inner portion and an external portion; and
       a protective pad assembly, comprising:
           an inner protective pad having a proximal end and a distal end;   an outer protective pad having a proximal end and a distal end;   wherein said inner protective pad and said outer protective pad are permanently connected at said proximal ends; and   wherein said inner protective pad and said protective stiff pad are configured to accommodate at least a portion of said external portion of said pocket; and   
           wherein said inner protective pad fits within said pocket; and   wherein said external portion of said pocket is sandwiched between at least a portion of said inner protective pad and at least a portion of said outer protective pad.   
       
 
         [0049]    Preferably, the pocket is the general shape of the protective pad assembly. The pocket may be made of any suitable fabric or material. In certain embodiments, the external portion of the pocket is made of a fabric or material that has some degree of stretch to permit easy insertion and removal of the protective pad assembly, as well as securely positioning and maintaining the protective pad assembly in place in the pocket. It is preferable that the outer portion of the pocket is not made of a fabric or material that is too flexible, as insertion, positioning, and maintaining the position of the protective pad assembly may be unduly difficult. 
         [0050]    In certain embodiments, said pocket is located on at least one elbow portion of said garment, at least one knee portion of said garment, at least one shin portion of said garment, at least one hip portion of said garment, at least one shoulder portion of said garment, or a combination thereof. 
         [0051]    In certain embodiments, said external portion of said pocket comprises at least one opening for releasably connecting said inner protective pad or said outer protective pad or both to said external portion of said pocket. 
         [0052]    In certain embodiments, said garment further comprises a cover flap. In certain embodiments, said garment further comprises a cover flap that at least partially covers said pocket. 
         [0053]    In certain embodiments, said garment is pants, a shirt, a coat, overalls, coveralls, or a combination thereof. 
         [0054]    A preferred embodiment of a protective pad assembly  2  in accordance with the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1 . The protective pad assembly  2  is shown within a pocket  20  having an internal portion  22 , an external portion  24 , and optional flap  26 . Outer protective pad  4  is permanently connected (molded) to the inner protective pad  6  at their proximal ends  5  and  7 . respectively. Optional comfort pad  8  is shown connected to the inner protective pad  6 . The outer protective pad  4  is releasably connected via connector  9  to the inner protective pad  6  at their distal ends  10  and  11 , respectively. The external portion  24  of the pocket  20  is sandwiched between the outer protective pad  4  and the inner protective pad  6  and held in place by connector  9 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of a pocket  20  of one embodiment of the garment of the invention that accommodates the protective pad assembly (not shown). The external portion of the pocket has holes  27   a,    27   b.  Optional flap  26  is shown partially covering the external portion  24  of the pocket  20 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 3  shows a front view of the protective pad assembly  2  of the invention showing an outer protective pad  4 , an inner protective pad  6 , an optional comfort pad  8 , and optional connectors  9   a,    9   b.    
         [0057]      FIG. 4  is a front view of one embodiment of the protective pad assembly of the invention showing an outer protective pad  4 , an inner protective pad  6 , and an optional comfort pad  8  inserted within a pocket  20  with a flap  26  of a garment of the invention. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , with the protective pad assembly  2  inserted within the pocket  20 , only the outer protective pad  4  is exposed. In this embodiment, the connectors  9   a,    9   b  attach the inner protective pad  6  to the outer protective pad  4  through the external portion  24  of the pocket  20 . 
         [0058]    When ranges are used herein for physical properties, such as molecular weight, or chemical properties, such as chemical formulae, all combinations, and subcombinations of ranges specific embodiments therein are intended to be included. 
         [0059]    The disclosures of each patent, patent application, and publication cited or described in this document are hereby incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. 
         [0060]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.