1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to protective knee and elbow protectors employed by athletes and the like, particularly adapted to prevent injuries to the knee and the proximal anatomical structure associated therewith.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various knee and elbow protector devices are known in the art. It has been found that by placing a protector element atop the kneecap, injuries sustained in physical activity are reduced. Further, it has been determined by using such devices, the incidence of aggravating a current injury is also reduced. As such, knee and elbow protector devices are beneficial in the sport and athletic arts.
Examples of knee and elbow protector protectors and other protector devices for use during athletic activity are described in the following U.S. Patents:
U.S. Pat. No. 2,641,761 to Schultz discloses a knee brace or stabilizer. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 3,044,075 to Rawlings discloses a protective device to protect the wearer at impact points. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 3,322,873 to Hitchcock discloses a resilient body protector for use over various portions of the body. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 3,670,725 to Gaylord discloses a protective pad to be employed generally with jointed portions of the body. This pad would be placed atop the jointed element to prevent debilitating bedsores and ulceration. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,250,570 to Barlow discloses a protective knee support. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,287,885 to to Applegate discloses a knee brace with a resilient pad for surrounding the patella. There exists no central pad, merely a central opening to receive the extended portion of the patella therethrough. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,354,280 Hayes discloses a contact sport joint protector. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,361 to Leighton discloses a knee and elbow pad and a method of manufacturing the same. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,216 to Wortbeg discloses an impact dissipater to protect bones from impacts or falls. This device is primarily designed to be used proximal the bony region of the hip portion of the body. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,698 to Aleylein discloses a knee orthosis. This device includes a right and a left lateral extension which is integral to the elastic cylindrical element. The device does not include a central foam element nor does it include an upper or lower lateral extension. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,723,322 to Shelby discloses a knee pad. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,303 Atwater discloses a knee protector pad. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,870,956 to Fatool discloses a knee brace. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,837 to Meistrell discloses a knee or elbow protector. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,473 to Valtakwi discloses an athletic outfit having pockets for protective pads. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,229 to Brandt discloses an elastic articular bandage. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,037 to Hess discloses a knee-joint bandage. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,524 to Carg discloses a joint support. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,657 to Valtakwi discloses protective pads for insertion into pockets to protect from impact while playing sports. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,021 to Tsujino discloses protective head gear for wrestlers containing a gel cushioning material. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,452 to Grim discloses a formed resilient orthopedic pad. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,809 to Witzell discloses a below the joint amputation limb protector. PA1 U.S. Pat. No. 327,961 to Decker, U.S. Pat. No. 341,005 to Pratt, U.S. Pat. No. 341,229 to Tsuiino, U.S. Pat. Nos. 360,284, 360,285, 360,286 and 360,287 to Pafet, U.S. Pat. No. 363,147 to Chen, U.S. Pat. Nos. 394,332 and 394,333 to Tsujino.
The following US design patents include pads and protectors for knees and other joints:
All of the forementioned patents are directed to protecting the knee or other body part from a direct impact. The instant invention is directed to a knee and elbow protector having a specific structure that protects the knee from an oblique, non-direct, or proximal impact. None of these references, either singly or in combination, disclose the instant invention and the benefits derived therefrom.