| abstract |
A joint protector used for protecting an extremity of a person. The protector is predominantly used as a knee and elbow protector. The protector comprises a generally cylindrical elastic member having an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper opening and a lower opening. The elastic member is of a size such that when the extremity is slipped through the upper and lower openings the elastic member snugly encloses the extremity and joint and is held firmly in place thereon. A pocket enclosure is provided that is located intermediate the outer surface and the inner surface at a location in the elastic member that overlies the joint when the elastic member is slipped over the extremity. A cushioning assembly is provided for cushioning the joint upon impact. The cushioning assembly is located and secured in the pocket enclosure, the pocket enclosure substantially conforming to the shape of the cushioning assembly. The cushioning assembly has an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface being closest to the extremity and joint being protected. The cushioning assembly preferably also includes a central cushioning pad portion having a silicon gel cushioning insert on the interior surface of the pad. The assembly additionally has a top cushioning flap, a bottom cushioning flap, a right side cushioning flap, and a left side cushioning flap radiating from and integral with the central portion. The interior surface of the central portion is shaped to substantially conform to the contour of the joint when snugly covering the joint. n When the protector is slipped over the persons extremity the interior surface of the central pad cushioning portion of the cushioning assembly and, preferably, the silicon gel cushioning insert over lay the joint of the person and the coaction of the cylindrical elastic member, and all of the cushioning flaps causes the cushioning assembly to surround and conform to the contour of the joint to provide protection against both direct and oblique impacts to the joint. n Preferably each cushioning flap has a plurality of apertures that penetrate completely through the cushioning flap. This has the effect of increasing the flexibility of the cushioning flap members as well as their porosity to sweat and the like. n Additionally, the pocket enclosure may include an opening to permit the foam protective element assembly to be removed, which would permit the elastic sleeve to be washed. |