# US 10,441,008 B2 · Protection device

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- Number: US 10,441,008 B2
- Document ID: US10441008B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/122,016
- Filed: 2015-02-27
- Published: 2017-01-19
- Granted: 2019-10-15
- Earliest claimed: 2014-02-28
- Applicants: Victoria Hamilton
- Inventors: Victoria Hamilton
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10441008B2

## CPC

- A41D 13/065: {Knee protectors}
- A41D 13/0005: {Joints}
- A41D 13/08: Arm or hand (protective gloves A41D19/015 {; protectors for the hands of players or sportsmen A63B71/14})
- A41D: OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES

## Abstract

The present invention provides body part protectors which comprise multiple discrete and optionally removable/replaceable shock absorbing elements. The body part protectors of this invention offer superior protection to body parts such as knees and elbows as compared to other devices and/or those devices which comprise single shock absorbing elements.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A device for protecting a joint, said device comprising:
a body part contact portion;
a surface contact portion; and
a plurality of discrete shock absorbing elements disposed between the body part contact portion and the surface contact portion;
wherein the shock absorbing elements are circumferentially arranged around a vertical axis located in the centre of the surface contact portion;
wherein the shock absorbing elements comprise springs;
wherein the body part contact portion and the surface contact portion comprise a plurality of shock absorbing element housings, each shock absorbing element being associated with at least one shock absorbing element housing;
wherein the device comprises a plurality of flexible members extending between the body part contact portion and the surface contact portion and configured to prevent the shock absorbing elements from breaking free of the housings, each shocking absorbing element being associated with at least one of the flexible members wherein the plurality of flexible members are flexible cords designed to be fed through each of the plurality of the discrete shock absorbing elements.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the joint is a knee joint or an elbow joint.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein in use, there is no shock absorbing element located directly under an apex of the joint or the shock absorbing elements are circumferentially arranged around the joint.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein one or more of the discrete shock absorbing elements is capable of removal from the device.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing elements are each independently removable or interchangeable.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the body part contact portion and the surface contact portion define ports for releasably receiving the shock absorbing elements.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing elements are capable of being arranged or distributed in a plurality of configurations.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing elements are capable of being alternated, replaced or interchanged with shock absorbing elements of low, medium or high stiffness, deformability, spring rate or compression properties.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a fastening for releasably securing the device to or around a joint to be protected.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the surface contact portion or body part contact portion comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of:
(i) a hard or resilient material or materials;
(ii) metal;
(iii) plastic;
(iv) rubber;
(v) wood;
(vi) fabric;
(vii) composite materials; and
(viii) any combination of (i) to (vii).

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the body part contact portion comprises a cradle which accommodates, houses or fits against or around or at least partially encloses the joint to be protected.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the body part contact portion comprises a layer of padding or wadding that, in use, cushions the joint.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the surface contact portion comprises a solid or continuous component.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the surface contact portion comprises a substantially flat or planar surface for contact with a surface.

### Claim 15 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, wherein the surface contact portion comprises a sole or surface protecting layer.

### Claim 16 (depends on 15)

The device of claim 15, wherein the sole or surface protecting layer increases the grip of the device on a surface.

### Claim 17 (depends on 1)

The device of claim 1, further comprising a flexible sheath disposed between the body part contact portion and the surface contact portion, the sheath being adapted to protect the shock absorbing elements from the ingress of debris.