KNEE AND SHIN PROTECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 120 to U.S. application Ser. No. 18/828,053, filed Sep. 9, 2024, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to protective systems, and more particularly, to a knee and shin protection system.

BACKGROUND

Protective equipment is commonly utilized in a variety of occupational and recreational fields to reduce the risk of strain or injury to a user. Such equipment is often designed to shield vulnerable areas of the body, particularly joints like the knee, which are susceptible to impact and abrasion during physical activities. Knee and pads are commonly used when individuals are required to maintain prone, i.e., “hands and knees” or “on all fours”, positions for extending amounts of time—tiling, flooring, etc.

Conventional protective systems, such as traditional knee pads, typically employ a protective surface attached to a user's leg with one or more straps. However, these conventional approaches can exhibit certain shortcomings. For instance, the protective surface is often a single, rigid component that may not adequately cover both the knee and surrounding areas of the leg as a user bends or kneels. Furthermore, common strapping methods can restrict natural movement and may fail to keep the protective surface properly aligned with the knee, causing the pad to shift and potentially compromise protection and comfort.

Therefore, there is a long-felt need for an improved knee and shin protection system that offers more consistent coverage, maintains proper alignment throughout a user's range of motion, and enhances comfort and stability.

SUMMARY

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a knee and shin protection system is provided. In an embodiment, the system comprises an inner shin plate configured to be positioned against and secured to a user's lower leg via a strap. An outer shell, which includes a lower shell portion and a pivotally connected upper shell portion, is attached to the inner shin plate. This configuration allows the inner shin plate to remain fixed relative to the user's lower leg, while the upper shell portion pivots to remain aligned with the user's knee as the leg bends.

In some embodiments, the system is designed to be ambidextrous, capable of being configured for either a left or right leg from a single set of manufactured components. This is achieved by a selective attachment mechanism between the lower shell portion and the inner shin plate, which allows the inner shin plate to be tilted to a specific angle. By providing multiple attachment apertures on the lower shell portion, the tilt can be set for a right or left leg orientation, thereby improving ergonomic fit while reducing manufacturing costs and inventory complexity.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a pivot connection between the upper and lower shell portions that provides both flexibility and stability. The lower shell portion is configured to nest at least partially within the upper shell portion, allowing for free rotation during movement. However, when a kneeling force is applied, this geometry restricts further rotation, causing the two portions to form a substantially linear and firm platform. This provides a stable surface for the user to rest upon, enhancing comfort during extended use.

Further embodiments may include a shin pad with sufficient depth to create a functional offset between the inner shin plate and the user's leg, eliminating the need for separate spacer components and simplifying the overall design. To enhance user convenience, a quick-release securement system may be utilized. In such an embodiment, a buckle can be removably attached to the inner shin plate using post fasteners that engage corresponding keyhole apertures, allowing a user to set a desired strap tightness once and subsequently attach and detach the system without further adjustment. To enhance simplicity,

In other aspects, the disclosure provides for a simplified and modular construction that further enhances manufacturability. Certain embodiments utilize a design wherein the inner shin plate serves as a primary chassis for attaching user-interface components, such as the shin pad and the entire securement strap assembly. This modularity streamlines the assembly process. Furthermore, the design consolidates functionality by integrating features into fewer components; for example, by providing a shin pad with sufficient depth to create the necessary anatomical offset, the system eliminates the need for separate, rigid spacer elements. This reduction in the total number of unique parts can lead to lower material costs, faster assembly times, and increased overall structural integrity.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure will become readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the present disclosure, in view of the drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a knee and shin protection and alignment system in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a back perspective view of the system of FIG. 1 for left leg;

FIG. 4 is a back perspective view of the system of FIG. 1 for right leg;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the system of FIG. 1 showing the spacer and the alignment;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the system of FIG. 1 in use on a leg;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of protecting a knee using the system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 8A-8D are perspective views of a further aspect of a knee and shin protection and alignment system in accordance with the disclosure;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective exploded views of the system shown in FIGS. 8A-8D;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view an outer shin plate of the system shown in FIGS. 8A-8D;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are top plan views of the outer shin plate of the system shown in FIGS. 8A-8D, showing left-right orientations of an inner shin plate attached thereto; and,

FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective views illustrating an alternative strap configuration of the system shown in FIGS. 8A-8D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.

It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects. Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary.

It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “preferably,” “possibly,” or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that specific component or feature is not required to be included or to have that characteristic.

It should be understood that use of “or” in the present application is with respect to a non-exclusive arrangement, unless stated otherwise. The term “and/or” is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly,” “about,” “around,” and “essentially,” and is intended to encompass variations inherent in manufacturing and assembly tolerances. The term “approximately” is intended to mean values within ten percent of a specified value, unless the context dictates otherwise.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and their conjugates are used in an open-ended fashion, and should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . ” This disclosure also expressly contemplates embodiments that are described by the more restrictive transitional phrases “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.” For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrase “consisting essentially of” shall mean that the addition of any other components would not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed subject matter. The phrase “consisting of” shall mean excluding more than trace elements of other components.

While certain embodiments may describe a specific tilt angle, such as a tilt of at least one degree, this value is provided as an example. It is contemplated that any other suitable angle or range of angles that provides an ergonomic fit for a user may be utilized. The optimal angle may vary based on the specific anatomy of the user, the intended application, and the materials used.

The protective shell portions and other structural components may be described as being made from a polymeric material, but this is intended to be exemplary. The components may be fabricated from any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material, including, but not limited to, other plastics, carbon fiber, fiberglass, composite materials, metals such as aluminum or titanium, or even wood, depending on the desired balance of weight, durability, and cost. Similarly, the pads may be fabricated from any suitable cushioning material, such as open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, gel, or an inflatable bladder. The components may be manufactured using any suitable process, including injection molding, thermoforming, CNC machining, casting, or 3D printing. Those in the art will understand that any suitable material, now known or hereafter developed, may be used in forming the present invention described herein.

The primary use case described is for general knee protection; however, this is not intended to be limiting. The disclosed system may be used in a wide variety of applications. Exemplary occupational fields include construction, flooring installation, plumbing, electrical work, automotive mechanics, tiling, landscaping, etc.

First Embodiment

Referring now to the drawings wherein reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-7 depicts different views of a knee protection and alignment system and method of use in accordance with a first embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that system 101 overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional protective systems.

In the contemplated embodiment, system 101 includes a lower shin guard 103 pivotally attached to an upper knee guard 105 via hinges 107. The lower shin guard 103 is further attached to a shin anchor 119 that lines the inside of the lower shin guard.

A calf strap 111 is attached to the shin anchor 119 and is configured to wrap around the calf or lower leg 109 and secure to the opposite side via a slip buckle 113 and post 115. Lower shin guard 103 with the inner shin anchor 119 rests in front of the upper lower leg 109 and upper knee guard 105 rests in front of the lower upper leg 117 or knee.

In the contemplated embodiment, the lower shin guard 103 is raised away from and offset to the right or left side via spacer 121 to ensure the alignment of the lower shin guard 103 and the upper knee guard 105.

In the contemplated embodiment, the shin anchor 119, straps to the shin and is tilted by one degree in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction depending on the left leg or right leg, and facilitates each of the knee protection and alignment system 101 to be tilted by one degree towards the mid-line of the body, and to line up the knee protection and alignment system 101, whilst being strapped firmly in place without needing to tighten beyond comfort therewith.

In the contemplated embodiment, the shin anchor 119 is firmly strapped to the lower leg, and the rest of the system is attached to it via two (2) binding posts.

Upper knee guard 105 has a cushion ring attached to the interior surface thereof. A bladder is attached to the cushion ring and is configured to rest in front of the patella of the knee. Lower shin guard 103 has a pad attached to the interior surface thereof.

In use, system 101 is attached to the leg of a person around the calf or upper lower leg 109. A first system is used for a first leg and a second system is used for a second leg. The use is similar for each leg so only one is discussed. Calf strap 111 is passed around upper lower leg 109 and fasted to post 115 via slip buckle 113 so that lower shin guard 103 is in front thereof and upper knee guard 105 is in front of the knee or lower upper leg. The person walks or kneels upper knee guard 105 pivots with respect to lower shin guard 103 via hinges 107. Pad softens contact between upper lower leg and the interior surface of the shin anchor 119. The cushion ring contacts the knee while the bladder provides impact protection to the knee.

It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is that upper knee guard 105 is not rigidly attached to lower shin guard 103 so that when the person bends the knee upper knee guard 105 remains in front of the knee or lower upper leg while lower shin guard 103 remains in front of upper lower leg 109. Hinges 107 allow upper knee guard 105 to pivot and therefore remain in a position to protect the knee.

In reference to FIGS. 1-6, it can be said that in one aspect, the disclosure provides knee protection system 101, the system including: shin anchor 119 configured to be positioned against lower leg 109; lower shin guard 103 attached to shin anchor 119 such that shin anchor 119 lines at least a portion of an interior of lower shin guard 103; upper knee guard 105 pivotally and directly attached to lower shin guard 103 via at least one hinge, e.g., hinge 107, upper knee guard 105 being configured to pivot relative to lower shin guard 103 as a user's knee bends; and, calf strap 111 attached to shin anchor 119 and configured to secure shin anchor 119 and the attached lower shin guard 103 to lower leg 109.

Referring now to FIG. 7 a method of protecting a knee is depicted. Method 701 includes attaching a lower shin guard with the shin anchor to the lower leg of a person 703, allowing the lower shin guard to protect the lower leg and the upper knee guard attached thereto to protect the knee 705, bending the leg with the lower shin guard attached 707, and allowing the lower shin guard to remain fixed to the lower leg and the upper knee guard to move with the upper leg 709.

Second Embodiment

Adverting now to FIGS. 8A through 11B, which generally depict a second embodiment of a knee and shin protection and alignment system, e.g., system 200. Unlike, system 101, shown in FIGS. 1-6, system 200 is optimized for efficient manufacturability and comfort of extended use by an operator (See FIGS. 5 and 6, where a system of the disclosure is being worn). System 101 provides for a pair of orientation-specific, e.g., left leg and right leg, knee and shin protection pads, meaning that at least some of the components must be manufactured separately, thereby increasing the overall cost. System 200 resolves this problem, as described herebelow, while removing excess components, and providing greater comfort to the wearing due to certain component removal.

In reference to FIGS. 8A-8D, system 200 may include a pivotably connected outer shell that includes a lower shell portion, e.g., outer shin plate 202, and an upper shell portion, e.g., knee plate 204, a lower pad, e.g., shin pad 208, an upper pad, e.g., knee pad 210, and a securement system, e.g., calf strap 216.

More specifically, system 200 comprises a lower protective assembly and an upper protective member, e.g., knee plate 204 and outer shin plate 202. The lower protective assembly includes an outer support structure, which may be a rigid or semi-rigid exoskeleton, e.g., outer shin plate 202, and an inner support structure, e.g., inner shin plate 206. Knee plate 204 is pivotally connected to outer shin plate 202. A cushioning member, which can be a foam pad, a gel-filled bladder, or a combination thereof, e.g., shin pad 208, is associated with inner shin plate 206 and designed to be removably affixed thereto. Similarly, an upper cushioning member, e.g., knee pad 210, is associated with knee plate 204, also designed to be removably affixed thereto. A securement mechanism, such as a flexible band or strap, e.g., calf strap 216, is configured to secure the system to a user's leg, as generally illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. In some embodiments, the securement mechanism includes one or more fastening devices, which may be clips, clasps, or buckles, e.g., first strap buckle 212 and second strap buckle 214.

Referring now to the exploded views of FIGS. 9A and 9B, outer shin plate 202 comprises first side 218 and second side 220. In some embodiments, first side 218 includes first attachment extension 222 having aperture 226, and second side 220 includes second attachment extension 224 having aperture 228. These attachment extensions are configured to connect with knee plate 204 via fasteners, e.g., rivets 268 and 270, which pass through corresponding apertures, e.g., first rivet aperture 264 and second rivet aperture 266, on knee plate 204. This arrangement creates a pivotal connection. As best seen in FIG. 9B, the geometry is such outer shin plate 202 nests partially within knee plate 204, allowing for rotation during movement but creating a stable, substantially linear platform under the load of kneeling.

Inner shin plate 206 comprises first side 236 and second side 238. Each side may include a plurality of apertures, e.g., plurality of apertures 240 on first side 236 and plurality of apertures 242 on second side 238. These apertures are configured to receive attachment hardware for the securement mechanism. For instance, first strap buckle 212 and second strap buckle 214 can be attached to inner shin plate 206. In an exemplary embodiment, each buckle is attached using a combination of a permanent fastener, e.g., rivet 262 engaging rivet apertures 252 or 258, and a removable fastener system. The removable system may comprise one or more protrusions, e.g., post fasteners 260, configured to engage corresponding slots, e.g., key hole apertures or tear drop apertures 250 or 256. This allows for a user to adjust calf strap 216 once and subsequently use the keyhole feature for quick attachment and detachment. Shin pad 208 and knee pad 210 are configured to be affixed to the interior-facing surfaces of inner shin plate 206 and knee plate 204, respectively.

With specific reference to FIGS. 10, 11A and 11B, the ambidextrous tilt or orientation tilt, is shown. As seen in FIG. 10, outer shin plate 202 includes lower central aperture 230, first upper off-center aperture 232, and second upper off-center aperture 234. As seen in FIG. 11A, inner shin plate 206 includes a corresponding lower central aperture 246 and upper central aperture 244. To assemble, lower central aperture 246 of inner shin plate 206 is aligned with lower center aperture 230 of outer shin plate 202 and pivotally connected with a fastener, e.g., rivet 274. A second fastener, e.g., rivet 272, is then used to connect upper central aperture 244 of inner shin plate 206 to one of the upper off-center apertures of outer shin plate 202.

If rivet 272 is placed through first upper off-center aperture 232, inner shin plate 206 is tilted relative to the center line CL1 of outer shin plate 202 along a first tilt line, e.g., first tilt line TL1, thereby creating a right-leg orientation. If rivet 272 is placed through second upper off-center aperture 234, inner shin plate 206 is tilted along a second tilt line, e.g., second tilt line TL2, creating a left-leg orientation. This allows a single set of components to be configured for either leg, while ensuring that the entire user-facing assembly, including the shin pad and strap system, is ergonomically angled for comfort and a secure fit. TL1 and TL2 both are approximately at least one degree relative to CL1, preferably approximately at least two degrees.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, an alternative configuration for the securement mechanism of system 200 is shown. Here, the buckle system is replaced with a direct surface fastening system to simplify construction and reduce component count. As shown in the open state in FIG. 12A, calf strap 216, which may be a semi-flexible or elastic material to ensure a taut fit, includes a fastening portion at its distal end, e.g., second releasable surface fastener 278. A corresponding fastening portion, e.g., first releasable surface fastener 276, is disposed on a surface, preferably an external surface, of inner shin plate 206. As shown in the secured state in FIG. 12B, to fasten the system, calf strap 216 is wrapped around a user's leg, and second releasable surface fastener 278 is brought into direct contact with first releasable surface fastener 276, thereby creating a firm and adjustable closure without the need for separate buckle hardware. It should be appreciated that one or more of the terminating ends of calf strap 216 may be configured with a releasable surface fastener, and one or more of the sides (e.g., sides 236, 238, of inner shin plate 206), may be configured with a releasable surface fastener.

Releasable surface fastener is intended to broadly describe any system where two surfaces are designed to engage and disengage repeatedly without significant degradation. While this includes conventional hook-and-loop fasteners, the term also encompasses other advanced and specialized systems. For instance, the fastener could be a mushroom-head type fastener, such as the 3M™ Dual Lock™ system, where arrays of stiff, mushroom-shaped plastic stems interlock with an audible snap to form a strong, rigid connection. Other alternatives include low-profile micro-hook systems that offer a softer feel and reduced thickness, or other future variations that rely on engineered surface textures for releasable engagement. Additionally, other analogs that carry or produce the same intended function, e.g., magnets, snaps, etc., are also contemplated by “releasable surface fastener.”

In operation, a user or manufacturer first configures system 200 for a specific leg by selecting either first upper off-center aperture 232 or second upper off-center aperture 234 for the placement of rivet 272, thereby establishing the desired tilt of inner shin plate 206. The user then secures the system by wrapping calf strap 216 around their lower leg and engaging the buckle system. As the user walks or bends their knee, the pivotal connection between knee plate 204 and outer shin plate 202 allows the upper assembly to move with the user's upper leg, while the lower assembly remains securely anchored to the lower leg. When the user kneels, the nested arrangement of outer shin plate 202 within knee plate 204 restricts further pivot, creating a firm and stable platform that distributes pressure across the user's knee and shin.

The design of system 200, as depicted in FIGS. 8A-12B, is particularly advantageous for streamlined and cost-effective manufacturing. A key aspect of this efficiency lies in the ambidextrous nature of the core components, which allows a single set of parts to be assembled for either a left or right leg orientation. This eliminates the need for separate tooling, molds, and inventory for distinct left and right versions of the protective system, thereby reducing overall production costs and logistical complexity.

The configuration for a selected leg orientation is achieved through a specific method of assembly, best illustrated by reference to FIGS. 10 and 11A. The method comprises pivotally attaching inner shin plate 206 to outer shin plate 202 at a lower attachment point, for instance by aligning lower central aperture 246 with lower center aperture 230. A manufacturer or user then selectively secures an upper aperture 244 of inner shin plate 206 to one of the upper apertures on outer shin plate 202 using a fastener, such as rivet 272. Specifically, the step of securing upper aperture 244 to first upper off-center aperture 232 establishes a tilt angle for a right leg configuration. Conversely, the step of securing upper aperture 244 to second upper off-center aperture 234 establishes a different tilt angle for a left leg configuration. This simple, deliberate selection in the assembly process dictates the final ergonomic fit of the system from the same base components.

The combination of these features provides a system with significant advantages over conventional designs. The ambidextrous tilt mechanism not only reduces manufacturing costs by allowing for a universal component set but also enhances user comfort by aligning the entire inner shin plate 206 assembly with the natural angle of the user's leg. The deep shin pad 208 provides the necessary offset for proper knee alignment without requiring additional rigid parts, further simplifying the construction. This, combined with the dual-function nesting pivot that offers both articulation during movement and rigidity when kneeling, results in a system that ensures continuous, stable, and comfortable protection. The optional quick-release buckle system further improves usability by allowing for rapid and consistent securing of the device.

With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, to further improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs, buckles 212 and 214 (See FIGS. 8A-8D) may be eliminated and replaced with surface release fasteners, allowing strap 216 to be directly attached to inner shin plate 206.

EXAMPLES

The following provides a detailed description of certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that these embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any way.

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a knee and shin protection system. An embodiment of the system may comprise an inner shin plate configured to be positioned against a user's lower leg, an outer shell, and a strap. The outer shell can include a lower shell portion and an upper shell portion that is pivotally connected to the lower shell portion. The lower shell portion is attached to the inner shin plate, and the strap is configured to secure the inner shin plate to the user's lower leg. In some embodiments, the lower shell portion is configured to nest at least partially within the upper shell portion. This arrangement may allow for pivotal movement during user motion, but can restrict further rotation when a force is applied, such as when kneeling, thereby forming a substantially linear and stable platform. The outer shell portions may also comprise angled first, second, third, and fourth sides, which can be configured to conform to the curvature of a user's leg and knee for an improved fit.

In some embodiments, the system is designed to be ambidextrous. The lower shell portion may comprise a plurality of apertures, such as a center lower aperture, a first upper off-center aperture, and a second upper off-center aperture, which interact with corresponding apertures on the inner shin plate. In another aspect of the disclosure, a method for configuring the system for a selected leg orientation is provided. This method may comprise a first step of pivotally attaching a lower aperture of the inner shin plate to the central lower aperture of the lower shell portion. The method may further comprise a second step of selectively securing an upper aperture of the inner shin plate to one of the first upper off-center aperture or the second upper off-center aperture. This selective securing step thereby establishes a desired tilt angle of the inner shin plate relative to the lower shell portion. For example, securing to the first upper off-center aperture can configure the system for a right leg orientation, while securing to the second upper off-center aperture can configure the system for a left leg orientation.

Furthermore, any of the foregoing embodiments may include various cushioning elements. In some aspects, a shin pad is attached to an interior surface of the inner shin plate, and a knee pad is attached to an interior surface of the upper shell portion. The shin pad may be designed with sufficient depth to provide a functional offset between the inner shin plate and the user's leg. In certain embodiments, both the shin pad and the knee pad are removably affixed to their respective surfaces. The system may have a pair of surface release fasteners allowing the strap to be directly and removably secured to one or more of respective sides of the inner shin plate. The system may also incorporate a securement mechanism that includes at least one buckle attached to the inner shin plate for engagement with the strap. In a particular aspect, this buckle can be fixedly attached on one side via a rivet and removably attached on another side via a post fastener configured to engage a corresponding keyhole aperture, providing a convenient quick-release functionality. This quick-release buckle system can be integrated into any of the previously described system configurations.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a knee protection and alignment system may comprise a lower shin guard, an upper knee guard attached thereto via one or more hinges, and a shin anchor attached to an interior of the lower shin guard. The system can include a pad on an interior surface of the lower shin guard and a cushion ring on an interior surface of the upper knee guard. For enhanced impact protection, a bladder may be attached within the cushion ring. A calf strap, attached to the shin anchor, can be used to hold the system to a user's leg, and may be secured via a buckle and post arrangement. To improve anatomical alignment, the system may be configured such that the shin anchor is tilted by an angle, for example, by approximately at least one degree.

Thusly, the embodiments and aspects shown and described are merely exemplary and various alternatives, combinations, omissions, of specific components, or foreseeable alternative components, understood by one having ordinary skill in the art, are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the claims.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

• • 101 . . . Knee and shin protection system
  • 103 . . . Lower shin guard
  • 105 . . . Upper knee guard
  • 107 . . . Hinges
  • 109 . . . Upper of lower leg or calf of user/operator
  • 111 . . . Calf strap
  • 113 . . . Slip buckle
  • 115 . . . Post
  • 117 . . . Lower of lower leg or calf of user/operator
  • 119 . . . Inner shin anchor
  • 121 . . . Left or right side spacer
  • 200 . . . Knee and shin protection system
  • 202 . . . Outer shin plate
  • 204 . . . Knee plate
  • 206 . . . Inner shin plate
  • 208 . . . Shin pad
  • 210 . . . Knee pad
  • 212 . . . First strap buckle
  • 214 . . . Second strap buckle
  • 216 . . . Calf strap
  • 218 . . . First side (of outer shin plate)
  • 220 . . . Second side (of outer shin plate)
  • 222 . . . First attachment extension (of first side of outer shin plate)
  • 224 . . . Second attachment extension (of second side of outer shin plate)
  • 226 . . . Aperture (of first attachment extension)
  • 228 . . . Aperture (of second attachment extension)
  • 230 . . . Lower center aperture (of outer shin plate)
  • 232 . . . First upper off-center aperture (of outer shin plate)
  • 234 . . . Second upper off-center aperture (of outer shin plate)
  • 236 . . . First side (of inner shin plate)
  • 238 . . . Second side (of inner shin plate)
  • 240 . . . Plurality of apertures (of first side of inner shin plate)
  • 242 . . . Plurality of apertures (of second side of inner shin plate)
  • 244 . . . Upper central aperture (of inner shin plate)
  • 246 . . . Lower central aperture (of inner shin plate)
  • 248 . . . Strap loop (of first strap buckle)
  • 250 . . . Keyhole or tear drop apertures (of first strap buckle)
  • 252 . . . Rivet apertures (of first strap buckle)
  • 254 . . . Strap loop (of second strap buckle)
  • 256 . . . Keyhole or tear drop apertures (of second strap buckle)
  • 258 . . . Rivet apertures (of second strap buckle)
  • 260 . . . Post fasteners
  • 262 . . . Rivets
  • 264 . . . First rivet aperture (of knee plate)
  • 266 . . . Second rivet aperture (of knee plate)
  • 268 . . . Rivet
  • 270 . . . Rivet
  • 272 . . . Rivet
  • 274 . . . Rivet
  • 276 . . . Releasable surface fastener (of inner shin plate)
  • 278 . . . Releasable surface fastener (of calf strap)
  • 701 . . . Method
  • 703 . . . Step
  • 705 . . . Step
  • 707 . . . Step
  • 709 . . . Step
  • CL1 . . . Center line (of outer shin plate)
  • CL2 . . . Center line (of inner shin plate)
  • TL1 . . . First tilt line
  • TL2 . . . Second tile line