Knee pad

Abstract

A protective pad includes a knee pad portion having a first lateral side and a second lateral side. A calf pad portion includes a first pair of loops and a second pair of loops. A first strap includes a first end coupled with the second lateral side of the knee pad portion and a second end. The first strap extends through the first pair of loops on the calf pad portion. A second strap includes a first end coupled with the second lateral side of the knee pad portion and a second end. The second strap extends through the second pair of loops on the calf pad portion. A first buckle is secured to the second end of the first strap and configured to be secured to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion. A second buckle is secured to the second end of the second strap and configured to be secured to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 781,576, filed Apr. 1, 2025, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] In general, the present application relates to laborer equipment and, in particular, relates to a knee pad for helping to protect the knee of a user.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Knee pads are well known for protecting the knees while working or playing sports. Knee pads can make a user more comfortable while kneeling on a surface, such as the ground or a floor.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In accordance with an implementation of the present application, a protective pad includes a knee pad portion having a first lateral side and a second lateral side. A calf pad portion includes a first pair of loops and a second pair of loops. A first strap includes a first end coupled with the second lateral side of the knee pad portion and a second end. The first strap extends through the first pair of loops on the calf pad portion. A second strap includes a first end coupled with the second lateral side of the knee pad portion and a second end. The second strap extends through the second pair of loops on the calf pad portion. A first buckle is secured to the second end of the first strap and configured to be secured to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion. A second buckle is secured to the second end of the second strap and configured to be secured to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion.

[0005] In accordance with another implementation of the present application, a protective pad includes a knee pad portion having a first lateral side and a second lateral side and configured to cover a knee of a user and extend below the knee to cover at least a portion of the shin, and a calf pad portion. A first strap includes a first end coupled with the second lateral side of the knee pad portion and a second end. A second strap includes a first end coupled with the second lateral side of the knee pad portion and a second end. The first and second straps are coupled to the calf pad portion and overlap one another at the calf pad portion. A first buckle is secured to the second end of the first strap and configured to be secured to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion. A second buckle is secured to the second end of the second strap and configured to be secured to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The application may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:

[0007] FIG. 1A is front view of an exemplary knee pad.

[0008] FIG. 1B is a rear view of the knee pad.

[0009] FIG. 2 in an enlarged front view of a calf pad for the knee pad.

[0010] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a buckle for the knee pad.

[0011] FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the buckle.

[0012] FIG. 3C is a section view of the buckle taken along line 3C-3C of FIG. 3B.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a strap of the knee pad secured to the buckle.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the knee pad in a first step of securing to the user.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the knee pad in a second stop of securing to the user.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the user with the knee pad secured thereto.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] With reference to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. However, the inclusion of like elements in different views does not mean a given embodiment necessarily includes such elements or that all embodiments of the invention include such elements. The examples and figures are illustrative only and not meant to limit the invention, which is measured by the scope and spirit of the claims.

[0018] FIGS. 1A-1B are perspective views of an example protective pad 10 in accordance with the present invention in a first condition unsecured / unattached to a user. The protective pad 10 includes a knee pad section or portion 12 and a calf pad section or portion 22 coupled to the knee pad portion.

[0019] The knee pad portion 12 has a centerline 13 defining a lateral first side 36 (right as shown) and a second lateral side 38 (left as shown). The knee pad portion 12 also includes a front-facing side 37 and a rear-facing side 39. The front-facing side 37 is intended to face away from the user's knee and at least a portion of the shin when in use. The rear-facing side 39 is intended to face towards and engage the user's knee when in use. To this end, the rear-facing side 39 is contoured to provide an ergonomic fit with the user's knee and shin.

[0020] First and second straps 14, 16 are secured to the knee pad portion 12. In particular, the first strap 14 has a first end 60 secured to the second lateral side 38 of the pad portion 12 and a second, free end 62 coupled to a first buckle 18. The second strap 16 has a first end 64 secured to the second lateral side 38 of the knee pad portion 12 and a second, free end 66 coupled to a second buckle 20. The first ends 60, 64 of the first and second straps 14, 16, respectively, are secured to vertically (as shown) spaced-apart portions of the second lateral side 38 relative to the centerline 13. The first ends 60, 64 can be cut at an angle or otherwise secured to the second lateral side 38 such that the first and second straps 14, 16 extend at an angle α relative to one another and cross over one another at an intersection area indicated generally at 19.

[0021] Turning to FIG. 2, the calf pad portion 22 is generally rectangular or square and includes a vertical (as shown) centerline 27 and a horizontal (as shown) centerline 29. Other shapes for the calf pad portion 22 are contemplated. The calf pad portion 22 includes first loops 28, 30 and second loops 32, 34 defined by strips of material 28a, 30a, 32a, 34a. The strips 28a, 30a, 32a, 34a are secured, e.g., sewn, or integrally formed with the calf pad portion 22 to define the loops 28, 30, 32, 34 as receiving spaces between the strips and the calf pad portion.

[0022] To this end, in one example the strips 28a, 30a extend parallel to one another and are angled relative to the centerlines 27, 29, with their ends being secured to the calf pad portion 22 generally at the centerlines. Similarly, the strips 32a, 34a extend parallel to one another and are angled relative to the centerlines 27, 29, with their ends being secured to the calf pad potion 22 generally at the centerlines. As shown, the ends of the strip 32a are secured to first ends of the strips 28a, 30b and the ends of the strip 34a are secured to second ends of the strips 28a, 30b. In this manner, the strips 28a, 30a, 32a, 34a collectively form a diamond or rhombus with each vertex thereof being positioned on one of the centerlines 27, 29. Other orientations for the strips 28a, 30a, 32a, 34a are contemplated.

[0023] Returning to FIG. 1A, the first strap 14 passes through the loops 28 and 30 and the second strap 16 passes through the loops 32, 34. The strips 28a, 30a, 32a, 34a can be formed from resilient material that can be stretched to accommodate the straps 14, 16 while providing a prescribed degree of compression thereon. In this manner, the calf pad portion 22 and, more specifically, the loops 28, 30, 32, 34 are arranged to maintain the first and second straps 14, 16 crossed over one another at the intersection area 19. It will be appreciated that the calf pad portion 22 can include other structure or features for connection to the strap 14, 16. Regardless, the calf pad portion 22 is configured to be coupled to the straps 14, 16 for maintaining a desired relationship therebetween, e.g., a crossed over relationship.

[0024] The knee pad portion 12 and the calf pad portion 22 can be formed of any one or more materials that are sufficiently durable to protect the knee of the user while being elastically deformable sufficient to provide cushioning to the user's knee / shin while in use. For example, the knee pad portion can be formed from a hard shell outer section (on the front-facing side 37) and a cushioned inner section (on the rear-facing side 39). More specifically, the knee pad portion 12 can be formed from Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) foam with an inner neoprene liner. It will be appreciated, however, that any suitable material(s) can be employed for the knee pad portion 12 or the calf pad portion 22.

[0025] A flap 26 extends laterally from the first lateral side 36, i.e., opposing the straps 14, 16 on the second lateral side 38, and has a length generally parallel to the centerline 13. Rivets 24 are provided along the length of the flap 26. Alternatively or additionally, the flap 26 is omitted (not shown) and the rivets 24 are provided directly along the length of the first lateral side 36. In one example, the flap 26 is pivotably attached to the first lateral side 36 of the knee pad portion 12 and movable relative to the knee pad portion. Although a pair of rivets 24 is shown, it will be appreciated that more rivets can be provided along the flap 26 and / or directly along the first lateral side 36. In any case, each rivet 24 includes a shaft 21 and a head 23 that is wider / larger than the shaft.

[0026] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an example buckle40 representative of the buckles 18, 20. As shown in FIG. 3A, the buckle 40 extends along a centerline 70 from a first end 72 to a second end 74. The centerline 70 can be curved (as shown in FIG. 3C) or straight (not shown). The buckle 40 includes a base 80 and a tab or tongue 82 extending from the base to the second end 74. The base 80 has a generally square or rectangular shape. The tab 82 is curved relative to the base 80 and narrows in a direction extending away from the base. The buckle 40 also includes a first side 76 and a second side 78.

[0027] Elongated slots or openings 42, 44, 46 are provided in the base 80. In one example, each slot 42, 44, 46 is generally oval and extends transverse, e.g., perpendicular to the centerline 70. The slots 42, 44, 46 extend parallel to one another and entirely through the base 80 from the first side 76 to the second side 78.

[0028] An opening 48 extends through the tongue 82 from the first side 76 to the second side 78. The opening 48 includes a first portion 50 positioned closer to the openings 42, 44, 46 and a second portion 52 positioned closer to the second end 52. The first portion 50 has a generally frustoconical shape that narrows in a direction extending away from the first end 72. The second portion 52 extends from the first portion 50 and is generally curved, e.g., semi-circular or horseshoe-shaped. The opening 48 is generally centered along the centerline 70 with the second portion 52 being narrower in a direction perpendicular to the centerline than the first portion 50.

[0029] Projections 100, 102, 104 extend from the base 80 between the openings 42, 44, 46. In one example, the projections 100, 102, 104 are arranged in rows that traverse, e.g., extend perpendicular to, the centerline 70. The projections include first projections 100 extending away from the base 80 on the first side 76 thereof and between the openings 42, 44 (FIG. 3A). Second projections 102 extend away from the base 80 on the second side 78 thereof (see FIGS. 3B-3C) and between the openings 42, 44. Third projections 104 extend away from the base 80 on the second side 78 thereof and between the openings 44, 46.

[0030] Each projection 100, 102, 104 includes a ramped surface 108 extending transverse to centerline 70 (as viewed in FIG. 3C) and a normal surface 110 extending perpendicular to the centerline (as viewed in FIG. 3C). The ramped surfaces 108 of the first projections 100 face towards the second end 74 of the buckle 40. The ramped surfaces 108 of the second projections 102 face towards the first end 72 of the buckle 40. The ramped surfaces 108 of the third projections 104 face towards the second end 74 of the buckle 40. It will be appreciated that the ramped surfaces 108 on any of the projections 100, 102, 104 could face the opposite direction than that shown.

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates one example method for securing the second end 62 of the first strap 14 to the buckle 18. It will be appreciated that the second end 66 of the second strap 16 is secured to the buckle 20 in the same manner. The second end 62 of the first strap 14 is first run along the second side 78 of the buckle 40 and fed over the second and third projections 102, 104 and upwards (as shown) through the first opening 42.

[0032] The second end 62 is then fed over the first projections 100 and downwards (as shown) through the second opening 44. The second end 62 is then fed over the third projections 104 and between the third projections and the portion of the first strap 14 adjacent thereto, then upwards (as shown) through the third opening 46. The second end 62 is then pulled or tensioned in the manner T towards the knee pad 10, which automatically tightens the second end around the projections 100, 102, 104 and base 80 of the buckle 18. The straight surfaces 108 facilitate movement of the second end 62 in the tightening direction. The normal surfaces 110 prevent reverse movement of the second end 62 back through the openings 42, 44, 46 (the direction opposite the tightening direction).

[0033] The terminal portion of the second end 62 can then be folded back over itself and stitched to the remainder of the second end as indicated at S. This stitched end is thicker than the third opening 46 and thereby prevented from being pulled back through the third opening during use of the protective pad 10. It will be appreciated that the second end 62 can be fed through the openings 42, 44, 46 and over the projections 100, 102, 104 in any manner that automatically tightens the second end 62 and securely fastens it to the base 80.

[0034] To put the protective pad 10 on, and referring to FIG. 5, the user U places the rear side 39 of the knee pad portion 12 at the front of their knee K and wraps the straps 14, 16 behind their knee in the manner generally indicated at W. This wrapping automatically aligns the calf pad portion 22 with the rear of the knee above the calf C. It will be appreciated that the straps 14, 16 can be attached to the knee pad portion 12 such that the wrapping W occurs in either the right-to-left direction (as shown) or the left-to-right direction (not shown).

[0035] Turning to FIG. 6, each buckle 18, 20 is then positioned over the rivet 24 nearest thereto such that the rivets extend through the first portions 50 of the respective openings 48 with the heads 23 of the rivets extending to the first sides 76 of the buckle. The user U can then pull each buckle 18, 20 rearwards until the shafts 21 of the rivets move into the second portions 52 of the respective openings 48, which securely holds the rivets in place. It will be appreciated that if the straps 14, 16 are formed from a resilient material the straps can be under tension when pulled behind the leg and, thus, once the rivets 24 are positioned within the first portions 50 the tensioned strap can naturally pull rearwards to help assist the user U in securing the rivets within the second portions 52.

[0036] The user U can then pull rearward on the terminal end of each strap 14, 16 in the manner to draw more of the strap through the respective buckle 18, 20. This shortens the length of the strap 14, 16 between the calf pad portion 22 and the respective buckle 18, 20 to thereby tighten both pad portions 12, 22 against the user's leg to the desired tightness. Since the terminal end of each strap 14, 16 lengthens with increased tightness, the protective pad 10 can include one or more loops 120 positioned along the length of each strap 14, 16 for retaining the free terminal ends of the straps after tightening thereof.

[0037] It will be appreciated that when more rivets 24 are provided the user U has a wider range of options and strap 14, 16 angles with which to secure the protective pad 10 to their leg. It will also be appreciated that when the straps 14, 16 are tightened the flaps 26 holding the rivets 23 are drawn rearwards of the user U.

[0038] That said, the protective pad of the present invention is advantageous in that it allows a user to readily adjust the straps to accommodate their particular anatomy and comfort while helping to provide both protection for the knee / shin and comfort on the knee and calf. The crossing straps also provide better fitment and cooperate with the calf pad portion to help reduce irritation as the user moves around during use. The crossing straps and adjustability of the tension therein also helps to maintain the pad portions in place during use and movement of the user. The crossing straps also cooperate with the calf pad portion to advantageously locate the straps away from the bend of the knee of the user. Moreover, positioning the rivets on flaps that are drawn rearward during tightening helps to space the rivets further from the working area / surface of the user, which helps to prevent unwanted contact, such as impingement, scraping, etc., therebetween.

[0039] The following are example embodiments of the innovations:

[0040] Embodiment 1, a protective pad includes a knee pad portion having a first lateral side and a second lateral side, a calf pad portion having a first pair of loops and a second pair of loops, a first strap having a first end coupled with the second lateral side of the knee pad portion and a second end, wherein the first strap extends through the first pair of loops on the calf pad portion, a second strap has a first end coupled with the second lateral side of the knee pad portion and a second end, wherein the second strap extends through the second pair of loops on the calf pad portion, a first buckle is secured to the second end of the first strap and configured to be secured to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion, and a second buckle is secured to the second end of the second strap and configured to be secured to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion.

[0041] Embodiment 2, the protective pad recited in Embodiment 1, wherein the first and second straps extend away from the knee pad portion and cross over one another.

[0042] Embodiment 3, the protective pad recited in Embodiment 2, wherein first and second straps cross over one another at the calf pad portion such that the first and second pairs of loops maintain the first and second strips crossed over with one another.

[0043] Embodiment 4, the protective pad set forth in Embodiment 1, wherein the knee pad portion comprises Styrene-butadiene rubber foam.

[0044] Embodiment 5, the protective pad set forth in Embodiment 1, further comprising at least two rivets coupled with the first lateral side of the pad portion for connection to the first and second buckles.

[0045] Embodiment 6, the protective pad set forth in Embodiment 5, wherein each of the first and second buckles includes an opening for receiving one of the at least two rivets for securing the first and second buckles to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion.

[0046] Embodiment 7, the protective pad set forth in Embodiment 6, wherein each of the openings in the first and second buckles includes a first portion for allowing the respective rivet to pass through and a second portion for retaining the respective rivet.

[0047] Embodiment 8, the protective pad set forth in Embodiment 5, further comprising a flap pivotably connected to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion, wherein the at least two rivets extend from the flap.

[0048] Embodiment 9, the protective pad set forth in Embodiment 1, wherein the knee pad portion is configured to extend downward from the knee to cover at least a portion of the shin of the user.

[0049] Embodiment 10, the protective pad set forth in Embodiment 1, wherein the first loops and formed from first strips of material secured to the calf pad portion parallel to one another and the second loops are formed from second strips of material secured to the calf pad portion parallel to one another.

[0050] Embodiment 11, the protective pad set forth in Embodiment 10, wherein the first loops and the second loops maintain the first in second strips in an overlapping manner with one another.

[0051] Embodiment 12, a protective pad includes a knee pad portion having a first lateral side and a second lateral side and configured to cover a knee of a user and extend below the knee to cover at least a portion of the shin, and a calf portion, a first strap has a first end coupled with the second lateral side of the knee pad portion and a second end, a second strap has a first end coupled with the second lateral side of the knee pad portion and a second end, a first buckle secured to the second end of the first strap and configured to be secured to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion, and a second buckle secured to the second end of the second strap and configured to be secured to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion.

[0052] Embodiment 13, the protective pad set forth in Embodiment 12, wherein the knee pad portion comprises Styrene-butadiene rubber foam.

[0053] Embodiment 14, the protective pad set forth in Embodiment 13, further comprising at least two rivets coupled with the first side of the pad portion for connection to the first and second buckles.

[0054] Embodiment 15, the protective pad set forth in Embodiment 14, wherein each of the first and second buckles includes an opening for receiving one of the at least two rivets for securing the first and second buckles to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion.

[0055] Embodiment 16, the protective pad set forth in Embodiment 15, wherein each of the openings in the first and second buckles includes a first portion for allowing the respective rivet to pass through and a second portion for retaining the respective rivet.

[0056] Embodiment 17, the protective pad set forth in Embodiment 5, further comprising a flap pivotably connected to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion, wherein the at least two rivets extend from the flap.

[0057] Embodiment 18, the protective pad set forth in Embodiment 14, wherein the calf pad portion includes a first pair of loops for receiving the first strap and a second pair of loops for receiving the second straps such that the first and second straps overlap one another at the calf pad portion.

[0058] Embodiment 19, the protective pad set forth in Embodiment 18, wherein the first loops and formed from first strips of material secured to the calf pad portion parallel to one another and the second loops are formed from second strips of material secured to the calf pad portion parallel to one another.

[0059] Embodiment 20, the protective pad set forth in Embodiment 12, further comprising a loop provided on each of the first and second straps for receiving a free end of the respective first and second strap.

[0060] The aforementioned systems, components, (e.g., housing, indicator, among others), and the like have been described with respect to interaction between several components and / or elements. It should be appreciated that such devices and elements can include those elements or sub-elements specified therein, some of the specified elements or sub-elements, and / or additional elements. Further yet, one or more elements and / or sub-elements may be combined into a single component to provide aggregate functionality. The elements may also interact with one or more other elements not specifically described herein.

[0061] While the embodiments discussed herein have been related to the protective pad, systems and methods discussed above, these embodiments are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to limit the applicability of these embodiments to only those discussions set forth herein.

[0062] The above examples are merely illustrative of several possible embodiments of various aspects of the present invention, wherein equivalent alterations and / or modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, systems, circuits, and the like), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component, such as hardware, software, or combinations thereof, which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated implementations of the invention. In addition although a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Also, to the extent that the terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in the detailed description and / or in the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

[0063] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0064] In the specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify a quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as “about” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Moreover, unless specifically stated otherwise, a use of the terms “first,”“second,” etc., do not denote an order or importance, but rather the terms “first,”“second,” etc., are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0065] As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and / or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur-this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be.”

[0066] The best mode for carrying out the invention has been described for purposes of illustrating the best mode known to the applicant at the time and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using devices or systems and performing incorporated methods. The examples are illustrative only and not meant to limit the invention, as measured by the scope and merit of the claims. The invention has been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon the reading and understanding of the specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differentiate from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A protective pad, comprising:a knee pad portion having a first lateral side and a second lateral side;a calf pad portion having a first pair of loops and a second pair of loops;a first strap having a first end coupled with the second lateral side of the knee pad portion and a second end, wherein the first strap extends through the first pair of loops on the calf pad portion;a second strap having a first end coupled with the second lateral side of the knee pad portion and a second end, wherein the second strap extends through the second pair of loops on the calf pad portion;a first buckle secured to the second end of the first strap and configured to be secured to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion; anda second buckle secured to the second end of the second strap and configured to be secured to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion.

2. The protective pad recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second straps extend away from the second lateral side of the knee pad portion and cross over one another.

3. The protective pad recited in claim 2, wherein first and second straps cross over one another at the calf pad portion such that the first and second pairs of loops maintain the first and second strips crossed over with one another.

4. The protective pad set forth in claim 1, wherein the knee pad portion comprises Styrene-butadiene rubber foam.

5. The protective pad set forth in claim 1, further comprising at least two rivets coupled with the first lateral side of the pad portion for connection to the first and second buckles.

6. The protective pad set forth in claim 5, wherein each of the first and second buckles includes an opening for receiving one of the at least two rivets for securing the first and second buckles to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion.

7. The protective pad set forth in claim 6, wherein each of the openings in the first and second buckles includes a first portion for allowing the respective rivet to pass through and a second portion for retaining the respective rivet.

8. The protective pad set forth in claim 5, further comprising a flap pivotably connected to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion, wherein the at least two rivets extend from the flap.

9. The protective pad set forth in claim 1, wherein the knee pad portion is configured to extend downward from the knee to cover at least a portion of the shin of the user.

10. The protective pad set forth in claim 1, wherein the first loops and formed from first strips of material secured to the calf pad portion parallel to one another and the second loops are formed from second strips of material secured to the calf pad portion parallel to one another.

11. The protective pad set forth in claim 10, wherein the first loops and the second loops maintain the first in second strips in an overlapping manner with one another.

12. A protective pad, comprising:a knee pad portion having a first lateral side and a second lateral side and configured to cover a knee of a user and extend below the knee to cover at least a portion of the shin;a calf pad portion;a first strap having a first end coupled with the second lateral side of the knee pad portion and a second end;a second strap having a first end coupled with the second lateral side of the knee pad portion and a second end, wherein the first and second straps are coupled to the calf pad portion and overlap one another at the calf pad portion;a first buckle secured to the second end of the first strap and configured to be secured to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion; anda second buckle secured to the second end of the second strap and configured to be secured to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion.

13. The protective pad set forth in claim 12, the knee pad portion comprises Styrene-butadiene rubber foam.

14. The protective pad set forth in claim 12, further comprising at least two rivets coupled with the first lateral side of the pad portion for connection to the first and second buckles.

15. The protective pad set forth in claim 14, wherein each of the first and second buckles includes an opening for receiving one of the at least two rivets for securing the first and second buckles to the first lateral side of the knee pad portion.

16. The protective pad set forth in claim 15, wherein each of the openings in the first and second buckles includes a first portion for allowing the respective rivet to pass through and a second portion for retaining the respective rivet.

17. The protective pad set forth in claim 14, further comprising a flap pivotably connected to the first side of the knee pad portion, wherein the at least two rivets extend from the flap.

18. The protective pad set forth in claim 14, wherein the calf pad portion includes a first pair of loops for receiving the first strap and a second pair of loops for receiving the second straps such that the first and second straps overlap one another at the calf pad portion.

19. The protective pad set forth in claim 18, wherein the first loops and formed from first strips of material secured to the calf pad portion parallel to one another and the second loops are formed from second strips of material secured to the calf pad portion parallel to one another.

20. The protective pad set forth in claim 12, further comprising a loop provided on each of the first and second straps for receiving a free end of the respective first and second strap.

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