Protective kneepad with memory interior

Abstract

A kneepad includes a shell having multiple resilient layers to provide a cushioning effect on the wearer. The kneepad includes at least one air cavity between the shell and a first resilient layer to accommodate movement of the layers in response to compressive forces applied by the user of the kneepad.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A kneepad comprising:
 a shell including opposed front and rear faces, a first resilient layer generally adjacent the rear face;   a second resilient layer generally adjacent the first resilient layer; the second resilient layer having a rest position;   at least one air cavity between the shell and the first resilient layer to accommodate movement of the second resilient layer; and   the second resilient layer formed of a material having a memory such that the second resilient layer moves from the rest position in response to compressive forces applied by the user of the kneepad and returns to the rest position when the aforementioned compressive forces change.   
     
     
         2 . The kneepad of  claim 1 , wherein the front face of the shell includes at least one protuberance for distribution of compressive forces. 
     
     
         3 . The kneepad of  claim 1 , and further including at least one cushioning gel positioned in a cavity in the rear face of the shell. 
     
     
         4 . The kneepad of  claim 1 , and further including at least one cushioning gel positioned in a cavity in said first resilient layer. 
     
     
         5 . The kneepad of  claim 1  wherein the first resilient layer comprises polyurethane. 
     
     
         6 . The kneepad of  claim 1  and further including at least one gel cushioning material.