Athletic knee protector with bowed leaf spring structure
US4643176A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 1985 |
| Grant date | Feb 17, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2005/0139
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A bowed leaf spring hinge structure is supported on pads attached to the thigh and shin of the wearer and is spaced laterally from the lateral side of the knee to protect the knee of an athlete against injury from lateral forces and impacts such as are likely to occur in football. The bowed leaf spring hinge structure absorbs such forces and impacts and redistributes them at locations spaced substantially above and below the knee proximate the strong bones of the leg. In one form of the invention, and anti-migration strap engages the outwardly flaring calf immediately below the knee to prevent the device from sliding downwardly on the leg.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.