Patent Application
20230363472
The present invention relates generally to the field of kneeling support devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a support cushion that easily attaches to the leg from the knees down to the foot. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in kneeling support devices. Generally, people who kneel for long periods of time throughout the day for work and other tasks may experience significant discomfort in the lower leg, ankle, and knee area. Further, blood flow restriction can cause pain to the feet and toes, resulting in a pins and needles type feeling in the extremities. Additionally, numbness can occur due to the increased lower leg pressure and may cause health issues if this process is repeated for several weeks and months at a time.
Typically, knee pads are widely used by landscapers, mechanics, plumbers, housekeepers, and other occupations requiring a kneeling position. Furthermore, existing kneeling devices which a user places on the ground to use, tend to shift around and slide. Further, prior art knee and shin pads can interfere with leg circulation when they are wrapped too tightly around the knee and/or shin. Further, some knee and shin pads are configured to be placed in pockets within the legs of pants. However, a user is limited to only that pair of pants.
Thus, there is a need for a kneeling support device that cushions and supports users who have to kneel for long periods of time throughout the day. Further, there is a need for a kneeling support that attaches to the user and does not slide around but is also not limited to one article of clothing.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that provides users with a support cushion that easily attaches to the leg, from the knees down to the foot. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that offers comfort and relief to the knees, lower leg area, toes and feet while in a kneeling position for extended periods of time. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that can be used while carpet laying, roofing, plumbing, floor tiling or installation, etc. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that alleviates the pressure felt on other areas of the body due to shifting of a user's body weight for balance or a comfortable kneeling position. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that features a lightweight, portable design that can be easily placed and secured on a user's leg and removed. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that utilizes hook and loop fasteners to secure the device to a user's leg.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a kneeling support device. The device is an attachable, comfortable support device that may be applied to the leg of a user and extends from the knees down to the instep of the foot to help reduce the amount of pressure on the feet and toes of a user. The kneeling support device comprises a base component that is configured in a curved contour that wraps around the front of a user's leg and foot. The curved contour of the base component creates a recess on the inner surface of the base component, which contours to a user's leg. The outer surface of the base component comprises at least one padding layer to cushion a user's knees and shins, while kneeling. The end of the base component near the foot comprises a cutout component that curves around a user's foot to provide comfort and support to the toes and feet while kneeling. The base component is approximately 6 inches wide by 22 inches in length and has a varying thickness. Further, the base component comprises a large hook and loop fastener wrap that is secured around a user's calf for adhering the device to a user. In use, the user engages the cutout component around the foot before attaching the hook and loop fastener strap around the calf area to its desired tightness. The device rests on top of the foot and wraps tightly around each side of the foot to keep the device in place. The kneeling support device is then kept in place while in use.
In this manner, the kneeling support device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that attaches to a user's leg to provide comfort and support. The device utilizes hook and loop fasteners to secure it to a user's leg. The device can be manufactured of a plastic material.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a kneeling support device. The device is an attachable, comfortable support device that may be applied to the leg of a user and extends from the knees down to the instep of the foot to help reduce the amount of pressure on the feet and toes of a user. The kneeling support device comprises a base component that is configured in a curved contour that wraps around the front of a user's leg and knee. The outer surface of the base component comprises at least one padding layer to cushion a user's knees and shins while kneeling. The end of the base component near the foot comprises a cutout component that curves around a user's foot to provide comfort and support to the toes and feet while kneeling. In use, the user engages the cutout component around the foot before attaching the hook and loop fastener strap around the calf area to its desired tightness. The device rests on top of the foot and wraps tightly around each side of the foot to keep the device in place. Accordingly, the kneeling support device is then kept in place while in use.
In one embodiment, the kneeling support device supports and cushions a user's knees and legs while kneeling for extended periods of time. Generally, the kneeling support device comprises both a rigid knee shield for covering a substantial part of a front surface of user's knee and a rigid shin shield for covering a substantial part of a user's shin. The kneeling support device can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art. Further, the kneeling support device can be available in multiple sizes, depending on the height and/or size of a user's legs.
In one embodiment, the device comprises a base component that is configured to contour to both a user's legs and knees. Specifically, the base component comprises an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is configured in a curved contour that wraps partially around the front of a user's leg and knee. Specifically, the curved contour of the base component creates a recess on the inner surface of the base component, which contours to a user's leg.
In one embodiment, the outer surface comprises multiple layers. Generally, the multiple layers comprise padding layers and support and cushioning layers. In one embodiment, the outer surface comprises a protective barrier layer. The multiple padding and cushioning layers are flexible and conform to a user's knee and leg. The protective barrier layer is a hard plastic layer that is generally shaped to fit the outer-facing region of the knee and shin. The protective barrier layer is typically not flexible and may stay straight as a user bends a knee. The protective barrier layer may be detachable from the multiple padding and cushioning layers and protects a user from abrasions, scratches, and discomfort. Further, the multiple layers can be flexible, resilient, and/or water-resistant, and may be made of natural or synthetic materials, such as foams, sponges, gels, or other compressible materials known to those of skill in the art.
In one embodiment, the optional protective barrier layer can comprise a shell, a covering, or a jacket placed over the layers as necessary for field or work conditions. The protective barrier layer can manufactured of various materials, such as polycarbonate, polyethylene, PVC, ABS, etc., or other hard plastic materials known to those skilled in the art. The protective barrier layer can be any suitable color or design depending on the use of the device and can even be camouflaged for hunters, such as green camouflage for bush or field hunting or brownish/grayish for duck hunting.
Additionally, extra padding and/or layers can be added to selected portions of the base component, such as around the knee as desired. Further, while the aforesaid device is designed for use in work or field conditions, it is also noted that the device may be used domestically in a house or apartment for users who have knee conditions which require padding during normal household chores, such as cleaning floors or gardening.
In one embodiment, the end of the base component near the foot area comprises a cutout component that curves around a user's foot to provide comfort and support to the toes and feet while kneeling. In use, the cutout component is engaged around a user's foot before attaching the rest of the base component. Thus, once the device is in position, the cutout component rests on top of the foot and wraps tightly around each side of the foot.
In one embodiment, the base component comprises securing components on either end. The securing components act to secure the base component around a user's leg and knee. The securing components include buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, or other suitable fasteners operable to temporarily attach the base component around a user's leg and knee. In one embodiment, hook and loop fasteners are used to secure the device around a user's calf. In another embodiment, hook and loop fasteners are used to secure the device around a user's calf, knee and ankle. Generally, any suitable number of hook and loop fasteners can be utilized as is known in the art.
In one embodiment, the hook and loop fasteners allow the user to set a specific tightness to the device around their leg. Thus, if another user wears the device, or if the size of the user's legs grows or increases, the length of the hook and loop fasteners can be adjusted again via the hook and loop fasteners. Thus, the hook and loop fasteners can be secured around a user's leg to any desired tightness as is known in the art.
In one embodiment, the kneeling support device is secured over a garment, such as overall pants, leggings, work pants, etc., or other types of garments. Further, a user may also wish to use the device while wearing shorts or a short skirt, for example. Here, the kneeling support device can be secured directly around a user's legs and knees.
In one embodiment, the kneeling support device may be used in a variety of applications. For example, the kneeling support device may shield and protect a user while they are kneeling on a hard surface and installing new carpeting, landscaping, roofing, etc., or while standing on a ladder and leaning their knees and shins on the ladder.
In yet another embodiment, the kneeling support device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of supporting and cushioning a user's knees and shins is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a kneeling support device comprising a base component that is configured to wrap around the front of a user's leg and foot. The method also comprises engaging the cutout component around a user's foot. Further, the method comprises positioning the base component around a user's shin and knee. Finally, the method comprises securing the device to a user's leg via hook and loop fasteners.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that provides users with a support cushion that easily attaches to the leg, from the knees down to the foot. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that offers comfort and relief to the knees, lower leg area, toes, and feet while in a kneeling position for extended periods of time. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that can be used while carpet laying, roofing, plumbing, floor tiling or installation, etc. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that alleviates the pressure felt on other areas of the body due to shifting of a user's body weight for balance or a comfortable kneeling position. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that features a lightweight, portable design that can be easily placed and secured on a user's leg and removed. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that utilizes hook and loop fasteners to secure the device to a user's leg.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel kneeling support device. The device is an attachable, comfortable support device that may be applied to the leg of a user and extends from the knees down to the instep of the foot to help reduce the amount of pressure on the feet and toes of a user. The kneeling support device comprises a base component that is configured in a curved contour that wraps around the front of a user's leg and foot. The outer surface of the base component comprises at least one padding layer to cushion a user's knees and shins, while kneeling. The end of the base component near the foot comprises a cutout component that curves around a user's foot to provide comfort and support to the toes and feet while kneeling. Further, the base component comprises a large hook and loop fastener wrap that is secured around a user's calf for adhering the device to a user. The present invention also includes a novel method of supporting and cushioning a user's knees and shins. The method includes the steps of providing a kneeling support device comprising a base component that is configured to wrap around the front of a user's leg and foot. The method also comprises engaging the cutout component around a user's foot. Further, the method comprises positioning the base component around a user's shin and knee. Finally, the method comprises securing the device to a user's leg via hook and loop fasteners.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Further, the outer surface 114 of the base component 102 comprises at least one padding layer 116 to cushion a user's knees 106 and shins 118, while kneeling. The end 120 of the base component 102 near the foot 108 comprises a cutout component 122 that curves around a user's foot 108 to provide comfort and support to the toes 110 and feet 108 while kneeling. In use, the user 112 engages the cutout component 122 around the foot 108 before attaching the hook and loop fastener strap 124 around the calf area to its desired tightness. The device 100 rests on top 126 of the foot 108 and wraps tightly around each side 128 of the foot 108 to keep the device 100 in place. Accordingly, the kneeling support device 100 is then kept in place while in use.
Generally, the kneeling support device 100 supports and cushions a user's knees 106 and legs 104 while kneeling for extended periods of time. Generally, the kneeling support device 100 comprises both a rigid knee shield 130 for covering a substantial part of a front surface of user's knee 106 and a rigid shin shield 132 for covering a substantial part of a user's shin 118. The rigid knee shield 130 and the rigid shin shield 132 can be separate components secured together in use or can be an integral one-piece component, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. The kneeling support device 100 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art. Further, the kneeling support device 100 can be available in multiple sizes, depending on the height and/or size of a user's legs 104.
As shown in
Further, the base component 102 comprises securing components 124 on either side. The securing components 124 act to secure the base component 102 around a user's leg 104 and knee 106. The securing components 124 include buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, or other suitable fasteners operable to temporarily attach the base component 102 around a user's leg 104 and knee 106. In one embodiment, hook and loop fasteners 124 are used to secure the device 100 around a user's calf. In another embodiment, hook and loop fasteners 124 are used to secure the device 100 around a user's calf, knee 106, and ankle. Generally, any suitable number of hook and loop fasteners 124 can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.
Generally, the hook and loop fasteners 124 allow the user 112 to set a specific tightness to the device 100 around their leg 104. Thus, if another user 112 wears the device 100, or if the size of the user's leg 104 grows or increases, the length of the hook and loop fasteners 124 can be adjusted again via the hook and loop fasteners 124. Thus, the hook and loop fasteners 124 can be secured around a user's leg 104 to any desired tightness as is known in the art.
As shown in
Furthermore, the outer surface 114 comprises multiple layers. Generally, the multiple layers comprise padding layers 116 and support and cushioning layers. In one embodiment, the outer surface 114 comprises a protective barrier layer 304. The multiple padding and cushioning layers 116 are flexible and conform to a user's knee 106 and leg 104. The protective barrier layer 304 is a hard plastic layer that is generally shaped to fit the outer-facing region of the knee 106 and shin 118. The protective barrier layer 304 is typically not flexible and may stay straight as a user 112 bends a knee 106. The protective barrier layer 304 may be detachable from the multiple padding and cushioning layers 116 and protects a user 112 from abrasions, scratches, and discomfort. Further, the multiple layers 116 can be flexible, resilient, and/or water-resistant, and may be made of natural or synthetic materials, such as foams, sponges, gels, or other compressible materials known to those of skill in the art.
In one embodiment, the optional protective barrier layer 304 can comprise a shell, a covering or a jacket placed over the layers 116 as necessary for field or work conditions. The protective barrier layer 304 can manufactured of various materials, such as polycarbonate, polyethylene, PVC, ABS, etc., or other hard plastic materials known to those skilled in the art. The protective barrier layer 304 can be any suitable color or design depending on the use of the device 100 and can even be camouflaged for hunters, such as green camouflage for bush or field hunting or brownish/grayish for duck hunting.
Additionally, extra padding and/or layers can be added to selected portions of the base component 102, such as around the knee 106 as desired. Further, while the aforesaid device 100 is designed for use in work or field conditions, it is also noted that the device 100 may be used domestically in a house or apartment for users 112 who have knee conditions which require padding during normal household chores, such as cleaning floors or gardening.
As shown in
Generally, the kneeling support device 100 may be used in a variety of applications. For example, the kneeling support device 100 may shield and protect a user 112 while they are kneeling on a hard surface and installing new carpeting, landscaping, roofing, etc., or while standing on a ladder and leaning their knees 106 and shins 118 on the ladder.
In yet another embodiment, the kneeling support device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 502. The base component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, trademark, other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the base component 102, or any other indicia 502 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 502 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be knee, support, cushion, or brand related.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “kneeling support device”, “support device”, “kneeling device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the kneeling support device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the kneeling support device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the kneeling support device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/341,138, which was filed on May 12, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63341138 | May 2022 | US |
