US20130145514A1

US20130145514A1 - Kneepad cap

Info

Publication number: US20130145514A1
Application number: US13/316,482
Authority: US
Inventors: Matthew D. Noble
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Custom LeatherCraft Mfg LLC
Priority date: 2011-12-10
Filing date: 2011-12-10
Publication date: 2013-06-13

Abstract

A kneepad cap includes an upper portion with a curved front portion with a first curve radius. A center portion is attached to the upper portion. The center portion includes a first platform portion and curved side portions having a second curve radius. A lower portion is attached to the center portion. The lower portion includes a curved back portion having a third curve radius.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field
The embodiments relate to kneepads, and in particular to kneepad caps for kneepads with stability and swivel/rocking elements.
2. Description of the Related Art
Protective kneepads are used by in many different fields for protection or to provide comfort to individuals. For example, kneepads are used when kneeling on hard or rough surfaces or to reduce blunt force trauma. Various kneepad 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

One embodiment provides a kneepad cap including an upper portion with a curved front portion with a first curve radius. A center portion is attached to the upper portion. The center portion includes a first platform portion and curved side portions having a second curve radius. A lower portion is attached to the center portion. The lower portion includes a curved back portion having a third curve radius.
Another embodiment provides a kneepad cap for a kneepad. The kneepad cap includes a first portion with a first curved portion having a first curve radius. A second portion is attached to the first portion. The second portion includes a second curved portion having a second curve radius. The first curve radius is larger than the second curve radius.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction with the drawings, illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a kneepad cap;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side cut-away view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 shown in a stabile state on a surface; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a side cut-away view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 shown in a forward rocked state on a surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.
The description may disclose several preferred embodiments of kneepad caps, as well as operation and/or component parts thereof. While the following description will be described in terms of kneepad caps and kneepads for clarity and to place the invention in context, it should be kept in mind that the teachings herein may have broad application to all types of systems, devices and applications.
One embodiment of the invention provides a kneepad cap including an upper portion with a curved front portion with a first curve radius. A center portion is attached to the upper portion. The center portion includes a first platform portion and curved side portions having a second curve radius. A lower portion is attached to the center portion. The lower portion includes a curved back portion having a third curve radius. The stable platform portion of the kneepad cap provides a user of a kneepad including the kneepad cap embodiments to maintain their position via the flat platform being in contact with a surface (e.g., the ground). The front curved portion allows a user of the kneepad cap embodiments to rotate or rock forward as the front curved portion rotates the user forward, which expands the forward working distance of the user without the user having to reposition to another position on the surface.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a kneepad system 100 including kneepad cap 105 and a kneepad 120 including attachment, cushioning and strapping elements. In one embodiment of the invention, the kneepad cap 105 includes an upper portion 110, a center portion including sections 130 and 140 and a lower portion 150. In one embodiment of the invention, the kneepad cap 105 is surrounded by a first perimeter portion 106 and a second perimeter portion 108, wherein a molded groove or channel 107 is formed. In one example, the kneepad cap is attached to the kneepad 120 via stitching within the channel 107. The molded groove or channel 107 where the stitching attaches the kneepad cap 105 to an outer surface of kneepad 120 protects the stitching from abrasion for longer product life.
In one embodiment of the invention, the upper portion 110 includes a front curved portion having a larger radius of curvature than the bottom section of the lower portion 150 as well as each of the sides of the first section 130 and the second section 140. In one embodiment of the invention, the kneepad cap 105 is made of molded polyurethane. In other embodiments of the invention, the kneepad cap 105 may be made of other similar materials to polyurethane. In one example, gel materials may be employed along with the kneepad cap 105 for additional comfort. In one embodiment of the invention, the upper portion 110, the first section 130, the second section 140 and the lower portion 150 are integrally molded as a single device.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the kneepad cap 105 according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, the curve of the front curved portion of the upper portion 110 ranges from 40-75 degrees; the curve of the sides 235 of the first section 130, the sides 245 of the second section 140, and the sides 255 of the lower portion 150 ranges from 20-30 degrees; and the curve of the bottom of the lower portion 150 ranges from 20-35 degrees. In one example, the front curved portion of the upper portion 110 provides the kneepad cap 105 to be able to rock or rotate forward and back similar to the movement of the legs of a rocking chair. In one example, the first section 130, the second section 140 and the lower portion 150 each have a platform (e.g., flat or near flat) portion that provides stability to a user when pressed against a ground surface. In one example, the upper portion 110 includes a platform portion 205.
In one embodiment of the invention, the first section 130 includes a recessed portion 210. In one example, the recessed portion 210 may include an applied emblem, logo, etc. In another example, the recessed portion 210 may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) element used for retail purposes (e.g., security, checkout, inventory, etc.). In one embodiment of the invention, a groove or channel 260 is formed between the upper portion 110 and the first section 130.
In one embodiment of the invention, a groove or channel 265 is formed between the second section 140 and the first section 130. In one embodiment of the invention, a groove or channel 270 is formed between the lower portion 150 and the second section 140. In one example, the channels 260, 265 and 27 provide additional flexibility for the kneepad cap 105 when forced against non planar surfaces or when a user wearing the kneepad cap 105 with a kneepad 120 bends by allowing for flexing of the upper portion 110, first section 1130, second section 140 and lower portion 150.
FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the kneepad cap 105 according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, the upper portion 110 includes structural support joints 310 and 311 that are formed during a molding process. In one embodiment of the invention, the first section 130 includes formed structural support joints 330 and 335, and the second section 140 includes formed structural support joints 340 and 345, where the structural support joints 330, 335, 340 and 345 are formed during a molding process. In one embodiment of the invention, the lower portion 150 includes structural support joints 350 and 355 that are formed during a molding process. In one example, the structural support joints 310, 330, 340, 350 and 355 add strength to the kneepad cap 105. In one example, the rear portion 312 of the recessed portion 210 extends into an opening in the rear of the kneepad cap 105.
FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the kneepad cap 105 according to one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the upper portion 110 has a larger radius of curvature than that of the sides of the first section 130, the sides of the second section 140 and the sides and back of the lower portion 150.
FIG. 5 illustrates a side cut-away view of the kneepad cap 105 shown in a stabile state on an example surface 505 (e.g., ground, a planar surface, etc.). As shown, the surface 510 of the upper portion 110 is raised off of the example surface 505 due to the radius of curvature of the upper portion 110. The surface 530 of the first section 130, the surface 540 of the second section 140 and the surface 550 of the lower portion 150 are parallel with the example surface 505. In this stable state of use of the kneepad cap 105, stability is achieved based on the surfaces 530, 540 and 550 being in contact with the example surface 505 due to their respective platform portions.
FIG. 6 illustrates a side cut-away view of the kneepad cap 105 shown in a forward rocked state on an example surface 505 rocked/rotated in the direction of arrow 610. IN the forward rocked state, the user of a kneepad including the kneepad cap 105 may rock forward to extend the distance for which the user can complete tasks. The rocking ability of the kneepad cap 105 may also provide an added comfort in mobility for users. Combined the stability state of the platform portions of the kneepad cap 105 combined with the rocking mobility of the kneepad cap 105 provides multiple functionality for the users wearing a kneepad with the kneepad cap 105 embodiments.
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.
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.
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.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An kneepad cap comprising:

an upper portion including a curved front portion with a first curve radius;

a center portion coupled to the upper portion, the center portion including a first platform portion and curved side portions having a second curve radius; and

a lower portion coupled to the center portion, the lower portion including a curved back portion having a third curve radius.

2. The kneepad cap of claim 1, wherein the second curve radius and the third curve radius are each smaller than the first curve radius.

3. The kneepad cap of claim 2, wherein the center portion including a first section and a second section, wherein the first platform portion comprises a portion of the first section and a portion of the second section.

4. The kneepad cap of claim 3, wherein the lower portion including a second platform portion.

5. The kneepad cap of claim 4, wherein the first platform portion and the second platform portion provide stability when coupled to a surface.

6. The kneepad cap of claim 5, wherein the curved front portion provides rocking functionality for the kneepad cap.

7. The kneepad cap of claim 1, further comprising a first perimeter portion and a second perimeter portion, wherein a groove is formed between the first perimeter portion and the second perimeter portion.

8. The kneepad cap of claim 3, wherein the portion of the first section including a recessed portion.

9. The kneepad cap of claim 3, wherein a first channel is formed between the first section and the second section.

10. The kneepad cap of claim 9, wherein a second channel is formed between the second section and the lower portion.

11. The kneepad cap of claim 3, wherein the upper portion, the center portion and the lower portion are integrally molded.

12. The kneepad cap of claim 1, wherein the upper portion including a third platform portion.

13. A kneepad cap for a kneepad, the kneepad cap comprising:

a first portion including a first curved portion having a first curve radius; and

a second portion coupled to the first portion, the second portion including a second curved portion having a second curve radius,

wherein the first curve radius is larger than the second curve radius.

14. The kneepad cap of claim 13, further comprising:

a third portion coupled between the first portion and the second portion, the third portion including a first platform portion and curved side portions having a third curve radius.

15. The kneepad cap of claim 14, wherein the second curve radius and the third curve radius are each smaller than the first curve radius.

16. The kneepad cap of claim 15, wherein the third portion including a first section and a second section, wherein the first platform portion comprises a portion of the first section and a portion of the second section.

17. The kneepad cap of claim 16, wherein the first platform portion provides stability when coupled to a surface.

18. The kneepad cap of claim 17, wherein the first curved portion provides rocking functionality for the kneepad cap.

19. The kneepad cap of claim 1, further comprising a first perimeter portion and a second perimeter portion, wherein a groove is formed between the first perimeter portion and the second perimeter portion.

20. The kneepad cap of claim 14, wherein the first portion, the second portion and the third portion are integrally molded.