KNEE SUPPORT

Abstract

A knee support comprising a supportive pad enclosed in a fabric cover, configured to the user through the use of fasteners. The knee support is compressible and flexible so that it conforms to the shape of the anatomical area just below the knee and to the shin, can be easily worn over or under clothing, and does not interfere with the poses and exercise routines of floor or hard surface exercises. The knee support can be pulled up over the kneecap, or partially over the kneecap, when needed without having to release the fastener. A behind-the-knee pad, which can be used by itself or in combination with the knee support, is also disclosed. A method for supporting the knee when the user is engaging in floor, mat or other hard surface exercises, and a method for preventing hyperextension of the knee, is also disclosed.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/898,939, filed on Nov. 1, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/944,224, filed on Feb. 25, 2014. The entire teachings of the above application(s) are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to exercise equipment—specifically to equipment for use in yoga and other mat, hard surface or floor exercises where the practitioner places weight or pressure on the knees.

Yoga is a popular form of exercise in the United States. Yoga practitioners (yogis) have increased in number to over 16 million Americans. Many yogis state that they practice yoga to improve flexibility, strength, cardiovascular capacity, and mental health. Others use yoga as a source of stress relief.

To practice yoga, the yogi must engage in various poses (asanas) which can, at times, place a significant amount of strain or pressure on the knees. For many, especially those with previous knee injuries, this pain can detract from their enjoyment of yoga, or even deter them from practicing altogether. Traditional yoga mats do not provide sufficient cushioning for the knees, and as a result, the yogi is forced to look elsewhere for relief. Furthermore, in the increasingly popular practice of paddle board yoga, knee support is not available because the use of a traditional yoga mat and/or blanket is not feasible. Support for the front of the knee is particularly useful in such asanas as table, cat/cow, thread-the-needle, anjaneyasana (low lunge), garbhasana (child's pose), arhda mandalasana (half circle), and parighasana (gate). Back of the knee support is useful in any floor exercises which require an extended leg, including yoga asanas such as paschimottanasana (seated forward fold), janu sirshasana (head-to-knee), and ardha baddha konasana (half bound angle pose), to name a few, to prevent against hyperextension of the knee.

Currently, most yogis use a blanket, towel, or other type of cushioning material which they move on and off the mat, as needed. Within the flow of class, it is oftentimes difficult to place the blanket or cushioning material in the right position to provide optimal support for the knee. The blanket and cushion must be placed in proper position for both knees, and in time to continue the practice of yoga, which is especially difficult during vinyasa flow classes. Current wearable options comprise bulky props or stifling braces, neither of which provide optimal cushioning and comfort. These solutions inhibit the yogi's range of motion or force him/her to constantly take the prop or brace on and off. Therefore, a solution that provides comfort and optimal cushioning to the knee while still providing the yogi with a full range of motion throughout his/her yoga practice is desirable. The knee support and/or the behind-the-knee pad allow the user to participate in floor exercises or other hard surface exercises even if a mat is not readily available. This invention will allow more people to practice yoga comfortably and easily, without fear of knee pain or discomfort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present knee support is placed on the leg below the kneecap and, when worn, lifts the patellar tendon of the user to relieve stress and pressure on the user's knees. The knee support comprises a supportive pad enclosed in a fabric cover. The shape of the supportive pad can vary, including a concave, flat, or convex top, but ideally will abut the lateral limits of the user's knee or sides of the knee, and remain thin enough so that the user can enjoy a full range of motion, and wear it underneath clothing, if desired.

The supportive pad can have a concave top, designed to fit the shape of the patellar tendon. The shoulders of the concave shape rest higher on the knee than the middle, which cups the bottom of the kneecap. The bottom of the kneepad may be convex or straight, and stretch for a short length over the shin of the user. The pad can be flexible to fit the shape of the front (shin) and sides of the leg of the user. The pad can be constructed from any material, including cotton, air, gel, foam, or memory foam to provide a supportive cushion to the user.

The fabric cover which houses the supportive pad can be constructed from a number of materials including, for example, cloth, polyester, microfiber, neoprene, and temperature regulating materials. A pocket may also be installed on the fabric cover where the user may insert the supportive pad, an additional supportive pad, an ice pack, or a heat pack. Or, the user may simply strap an extra pad over the existing supportive pad for additional cushion or support.

The fabric cover may also be equipped with a fastener which allows the knee support to be configured and attached to the user. This fastener may extend from the sides of the soft fabric cover and may be tied around the leg, generally at the back of (posterior side of) the knee. Alternatively, the fastener may be a single strap that extends from the fabric cover. The fastener can also be a self-engaging fastening device, such as a hook and loop fastener (such as that sold under the trademark “Velcro™”). Further, the fabric cover itself may act as a fastener when the fabric cover is constructed of an elastic material such as neoprene.

A behind-the-knee pad can be used in addition to, or in isolation from, the knee support. The behind-the-knee pad is comprised of a supportive pad to prevent hyperextension of the knees during forward folds on the floor. The supportive pad may be enclosed in a fabric cover.

The supportive pad of the behind-the-knee pad may vary in size and shape, and is constructed of a material such as cotton, gel, air, foam, or memory foam to provide a supportive cushion to the user. The fabric cover can be equipped with a fastener to allow the behind-the-knee pad to be configured to the user. This fastener can be an extension of the sides of the fabric cover, which may be tied around the leg and secured below the anterior or posterior side of the knee of the user. The fastener can also be a self-engaging fastening device, such as a hook and loop fastener.

In accordance with the above, a knee support comprises a supportive pad, enclosed in a fabric cover. The supportive pad may comprise an extended length between the top and bottom which can be greater than, equal to, or less than the width, and substantially greater than the thickness. The knee support further comprises a fastener extending from the fabric cover configured to encircle the leg with the top below the knee and the pad supporting the leg shin, or the fastener can be the fabric cover itself when the fabric cover is constructed of an elastic material such as neoprene. The knee support is movable from below the knee to a position covering the knee without releasing the fastener and is conformable to the shape of the leg both below the knee and when covering the knee.

The supportive pad is constructed of a compressible material.

The supportive pad generally may have a length between 75 mm and 300 mm, preferably between 110 mm and 250 mm; a width between 75 mm and 230 mm, preferably between 90 mm and 210 mm; a thickness between 5 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 9 mm and 26 mm; and a compressibility between 14 kPa and 103 kPa (2 psi and 15 psi), preferably between 14 kPa and 55 kPa (2 psi and 8 psi).

The supportive pad may have a length and width at least three times greater than the thickness. The supportive pad may be comprised of an extended length between the top and bottom greater than the width and substantially greater than the thickness.

The fabric cover may contain a pocket where the supportive pad, an additional supportive pad, an ice pack, or a heat pack may be inserted. The fabric cover can also be constructed of any number of materials, including a temperature-regulating material, neoprene, or a sweat-wicking material. Additionally, a temperature-regulating or sweat-wicking material may be attached to the fabric cover, if the user desires.

The fastener may be constructed of extensions of the fabric cover which can be tied around the leg and secured below the back (posterior) of the knee of the user. Alternatively, the fastener can be a self-engaging fastening device, such as a hook and loop fastener, elastic or stretchy material. The fastener may also be a single strap. Further, the fastener can be the fabric cover itself when the fabric cover is constructed of an elastic material such as neoprene. In another embodiment, the fabric cover comprises an elastic material, the fabric cover extending below and laterally from the knee pad to form a sock-like sleeve that encircles the leg and fastens to the leg by the tension of the elastic fabric cover. In another embodiment, the fastener is a leg warmer.

The knee support may also configure to a behind-the-knee pad, positioned behind the knee opposite of the knee support. The behind-the-knee pad comprises an additional supportive pad.

The behind-the-knee pad may also be enclosed in an additional fabric cover. Optionally, the additional fabric cover may be equipped with an additional fastener. The additional fastener can be extensions of the additional fabric cover, which can be tied around the leg and secured below the knee of the user. Alternatively, the additional fastener can be a self-engaging fastening device, such as a hook and loop fastener.

The behind-the-knee pad may also consist of a thermal pad, the thermal pad being either a heat pack or a cold pack.

Further disclosed is a method of providing support to the knee while engaging in floor or other hard surface exercises, the method comprises providing a supportive pad configured to the user below the knee, supporting the knee such that the patellar tendon does not come in contact with the floor. This method of knee support may also be utilized in combination with a behind-the-knee pad configured to the user behind the knee, opposite of the knee support. This method provides support to the patellar tendon and prevents hyperextension of the knee joint.

Additionally disclosed is a method of providing support to the knee while a leg is fully extended when engaging in floor exercises, the method comprising providing the behind-the-knee supportive pad configured to the user behind the knee. This method supports the knee such that it prevents hyperextension of the knee joint.

In another embodiment, a kit comprises a fabric cover with a pocket configured to receive a supportive pad and a thermal pad. The thermal pad and the supportive pad are interchangeable, and the thermal pad may be used in isolation. The thermal pad may be an ice pack, or the thermal pad may be a heat pack.

Additionally, a method of providing support to the knee is disclosed, the method comprising providing support to the knee by providing a fabric cover with a pocket configured to receive a supportive pad and a thermal pad. The thermal pad and the supportive pad are interchangeable, and the thermal pad may be used in isolation. The method provides support to the knee such as to relieve pain or pressure.

The thermal pad may be an ice pack, or the thermal pad may be a heat pack.

The fabric cover can comprise a thickness between 1 mm and 6 mm.

In another embodiment, a knee support can comprise a supportive pad, the supportive pad comprising length and width, each substantially greater than thickness. A fastener extends from the supportive pad and is configured to encircle the leg with the top of the knee support below the knee and the pad supporting the leg shin. The knee support is movable from below the knee to a position covering the knee without releasing the fastener, and the supportive pad is conformable to the shape of the leg both below the knee and when covering the knee.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example knee support with fabric extensions.

FIG. 2 illustrates a frontal view of an example knee support configured to the user.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of an example knee support configured to the user.

FIG. 4A illustrates a frontal view of an example knee support with a hook and loop fastener.

FIG. 4B illustrates a rear view of an example knee support with a hook and loop fastener.

FIG. 4C illustrates a rear view of an example knee support with a hook and loop fastener where the fastener is threaded through a ring and the distal end of the fastener attaches at any point along the length of the fastener.

FIG. 4D illustrates a frontal view of an example knee support where the fabric cover is elastic, extends below the knee pad, is constructed to form a sock-like structure open at both ends, is slipped over the leg and is “fastened” or secured to the leg by the tension of the elastic fabric cover.

FIG. 4E illustrates a rear view of an example knee support where the fabric cover is elastic, extends below the knee pad, is constructed to form a sock-like structure open at both ends, is slipped over the leg and is “fastened” or secured to the leg by the tension of the elastic fabric cover.

FIG. 5 illustrates a knee support with an additional pocket configured to receive an additional supportive pad.

FIG. 6 illustrates an additional supportive pad that can be placed behind the knee support and held in place by threading the knee support fasteners through the button holes of the additional supportive pad and secured.

FIG. 7A illustrates a behind-the-knee pad in isolation configured to the user.

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of the behind-the-knee pad of FIG. 7A with fasteners tied around the front (anterior) of the knee.

FIG. 7C illustrates the behind-the-knee pad configured to the user in conjunction with the knee support.

FIG. 7D illustrates a side view of the behind-the-knee pad in conjunction with the knee support of FIG. 7C.

FIG. 7E illustrates the behind-the-knee pad and the knee support in use with the user's back (posterior) of knee supported by the behind-the-knee pad.

FIG. 8A illustrates a frontal view of an example knee support with a leg warmer fastener.

FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of an example knee support with a leg warmer fastener.

FIG. 8C illustrates a side view of an example knee support with a leg warmer fastener in conjunction with a behind-the-knee pad.

FIG. 8D illustrates a rear view of an example knee support with a leg warmer fastener in conjunction with a behind-the-knee pad.

FIG. 8E illustrates an example knee support with a leg warmer fastener in conjunction with a behind-the-knee pad being used on the floor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A description of example embodiments of the invention follows.

FIG. 1 represents an example embodiment of the knee support. The supportive pad 100 can be constructed of any material, such as cotton, air, gel, or foam, which will provide a supportive cushion to the user, contoured to the leg. In one embodiment, the supportive pad is constructed of a closed cell foam. In another embodiment, the supportive pad is constructed of a memory foam. The firmness of the supportive pad is measured by the “compression deflection.” Compression deflection and “compressibility,” used herein, refer to the weight needed to compress 1 square inch of material by 25%. The pressure needed to compress the material is measured in kilopascals (kPa).

The shape of the pad may vary, but in the example embodiment the pad has a concave top 104 and a convex bottom 105. The concave top 104 sits below the kneecap; whereas, the shoulders on the top of the pad 102 and 103 sit higher, towards the middle of the knee on the lateral sides of the knee. The concave design, seen in FIG. 2, illustrates how the pad cups the kneecaps 201. In an alternative embodiment, the supportive pad can have a flat top, or a convex top.

The supportive pad's size can vary. The pad can be longer than it is wide, or it can be wider than it is long, depending on the needs of the user. The thickness can vary according to the needs of the user, and the knee support is designed to be worn comfortably under or over clothing. The preferred length of the supportive pad is between 75 mm and 300 mm, but ideally between 110 mm and 250 mm. The preferred width of the supportive pad is between 75 mm and 230 mm, but ideally between 90 mm and 210 mm. The preferred thickness of the supportive pad is between 5 mm and 30 mm, but ideally between 9 mm and 26 mm. The knee support allows the user to enjoy a full range of motion when wearing the knee support, and the length extends a short distance over the shin of the leg. The supportive pad may be flexible to allow the user to form the top part of the supportive pad to the shape of the lower knee, and to form the pad to the shape and contour of the shin. The flexible nature of the pad allows the user to easily shape the pad to his or her leg through minimal force. Utilizing a flexible pad which conforms to the shape of the knee will allow the user an unrestricted range of motion, including allowing him or her to roll onto the sides of his or her knee with ease. Further, the supportive pad can be flexible such that it can easily slide between a position below the knee to a position on, around or just above the knee without the need to release the fastener. The ability of the knee support to be mobile around the knee allows the user to quickly engage in different positions, for example for yoga, without wasting time removing the knee support and re-attaching it at a different position on the leg.

The soft fabric cover can be constructed of any number of materials, such as cloth, polyester, microfiber, neoprene and temperature regulating materials, ideally creating a soft texture. The fabric cover can further comprise a thickness between 1 mm and 6 mm. As seen in FIG. 5, a pocket 500 may be installed in the fabric cover, and can be closed by any means necessary, including through the use of a hook and loop fastener (such as that sold under the trademark “Velcro™”) or a zipper. This pocket may be configured to receive a supportive pad or an additional supportive pad 501, which can increase the thickness of the knee support. Or, the pocket may be configured to receive a thermal pad, such as an ice pack or a heat pack. As seen in FIG. 5, the additional supportive pad 501 shares a shape with the supportive pad in the knee support, but may be of a smaller size, depending on the needs of the user.

The knee support may also utilize a fastener to configure the knee support to the user. The fastener may be constructed from any number of materials. An example of fabric fasteners are illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1 soft fabric extensions 101 extend from the sides of the fabric cover. These extensions can be configured to the user, below the back (posterior) of the knee 301, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The width of the fabric extending from the pad may or may not taper from proximal to distal ends. The fastener, forming a single loop about the leg, is designed to comfortably and securely hold the supportive pad in place; however, the yogi may easily slide the supportive pad temporarily over the knee cap for comfort in asanas such as ustrasana (camel pose) or kapotasana (pigeon pose) and other postures when desired.

In one embodiment, the knee support does not include a fabric cover. Accordingly, the knee support can comprise a supportive pad, the supportive pad comprising a length and width, each substantially greater than the thickness. The fastener can attach directly to the supportive pad and be configured to encircle the leg, with the concave top of the knee support below the knee and the pad supporting the leg shin. The knee support is movable from below the knee to a position covering the knee without releasing the fastener. The supportive pad can also be conformable to shape of the leg both below the knee and when covering the knee.

FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of the knee support with an alternative embodiment of the fastener. In FIG. 4A, the fastener is a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro™, but any self-engaging device which configures the knee support to the user may be used. One face of the fastener 403 is attached to the fabric cover of the knee support. The other face 404, seen in FIG. 4B, is attached to a neoprene or elastic band 401. In a similar embodiment, the fastener is a hook and loop fastener as shown in FIG. 4C (rear view) where the fastener 405 is attached to one side of the fabric cover of the knee support. The fastener passes through a ring 406 attached to the opposite side of the fabric cover and the distal end of the fastener can be secured at any point along the length of the fastener. In this way the fastener's length can be adjusted to fit legs of varying circumferences. The neoprene or elastic band is preferably between 125 mm and 300 mm in length. The neoprene or elastic band is wrapped around the leg, below the knee, and the hook and loop fastener secures the knee support to the user.

FIG. 4D and FIG. 4E show still another embodiment of the knee support. As shown the supportive pad is contained in an elastic soft covering. The fabric cover extends below the knee pad, is constructed to form a sock-like structure, or a sock-like sleeve, open at both ends, is slipped over the leg and is “fastened” or secured to the leg by the tension of the elastic fabric cover.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an example knee support wherein the fastener is a leg warmer. The support pad 801 may be inserted within or underneath the fabric cover. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the fastener is a leg warmer, made of a soft cloth material, such as nylon, cotton, or wool, may be expandable, as with knit or spandex material, or may use an elastic band to wrap around the leg of the user.

FIG. 5 may also represent a kit comprising a fabric cover 500 with a pocket configured to receive a supportive pad 501 and a thermal pad 502. The supportive pad and the thermal pad may be interchangeable, and either may be used in isolation. The thermal pad may be either a cold pack or a heat pack.

The kit in FIG. 5 may be used by first inserting the supportive pad 501 into the pocket of the fabric cover and configuring the fabric cover with the supportive pad to the user below the knee for use during floor or mat exercises. As used herein, the term “floor,” refers not only to a floor, but to any hard surface where a person may place pressure in their knees or body while performing an exercise routine. A hard surface can include, for example, floors, exercise mats placed on the floor, and paddle boards. After exercise, the supportive pad 501 may be exchanged for the thermal pad 502. The fabric cover and thermal pad, attached to the user, may then be pulled up to cover the knee of the user. The single strap facilitates the movement of the fabric cover and thermal pad from below the knee to on top of the knee. Alternatively, if the pocket of the kit in FIG. 5 is worn in combination with a thermal pad 502, the kit may provide pain or pressure relief to the user when he or she is performing mat or floor exercises.

The supportive pad 501 in FIG. 5 is designed to be thin enough that the user may still wear the fabric cover and the supportive pad 501 or thermal pad 502 comfortably under clothing, providing relief to the user both while engaging in floor or mat exercises, and while the user is engaged in other day-to-day activities. In the configuration where the supportive pad is comprised of closed cell foam material, the supportive pad can be thoroughly submersed in water and will retain all of its characteristics, such as support, conformability, light weight, etc.

When configured to the user, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 7C-7E, the knee support provides support to a user performing floor, mat or other hard surface exercises. It operates by lifting the patellar tendon off the ground or surface when the user is applying pressure to his or her knees.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a behind-the-knee pad. The behind-the-knee pad may be used in combination with, or in isolation from, the knee support. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrates use of the behind-the-knee pad 700 in isolation. The behind-the-knee pad can be constructed of any material, such as foam, gel, or air, the pressure of the air being adjustable, which will provide a supportive cushion to the user. In an example embodiment, the foam is a memory foam. Alternatively, the pad may be a thermal pad, such as a heat pack or a cold pack. Ideally, the behind-the-knee pad is cylindrical in shape, but can take any shape to provide support to the user. The supportive pad may be enclosed in a fabric cover (as it is here), which may be equipped with fasteners 701 as shown in FIG. 7B which allow the pad to be configured to the user. The fabric cover may be equipped with a pocket in which an additional supportive pad or a thermal pad, such as an ice pack or a heat pack, may be inserted. The fastener can be constructed from any number of materials. In FIG. 7B, the fastener is constructed from fabric extensions 701 of the fabric cover. The fastener is wrapped around the leg and secured in front (anterior) of the knee 702 of the user. In alternative embodiments, the fastener may be a self-engaging fastening device, such as a hook and loop fastener.

FIGS. 7C, 7D, and 7E show the behind-the-knee pad used in conjunction with the knee support. FIG. 7C shows the behind-the-knee pad 700 on the back (posterior) of the user's knee with the knee support fastener 703. In this embodiment the knee support fastener utilizes a hook and loop fastener 704 for the fastening mechanism. FIG. 7D shows a side view of the user's knee with the behind-the-knee pad 700 and the knee support 705 secured to the user's knee. FIG. 7E shows the behind-the-knee pad 700 and the knee support 705 configured to the user with the user's back (posterior) of knee supported by the behind-the-knee pad 700. With the user's leg extended in this position, the behind-the-knee pad is useful in preventing hyperextension of the knee joint.

FIGS. 8C-8E illustrate the behind-the-knee pad used in conjunction with the knee support with a leg warmer fastener. In this example embodiment, the behind-knee-pad 802 may attach to the knee support via a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro™ 803, or any means suitable for attaching the behind-the-knee pad to the knee support. When in the use, the behind-the-knee pad may prevent the user from hyperextending their knee, as illustrated in FIG. 8E.

FIG. 6 shows an additional supportive pad 600 that can be placed on top of or directly in back of the knee support and secured to the user by threading the knee support fasteners through the button holes 601 of the additional supportive pad. This additional supportive pad can increase the support and comfort of the user if needed. In yet another embodiment the knee support can consist of the outer fabric configured as a pocket, into which one or more supportive pads can be placed. This modular concept allows the user to adjust the thickness of the supportive padding to suit his or her needs. The open portion of the pocket may be closed with a hook and loop fastener, a zipper or any other means of closure. The fastener may be constructed of extensions of the fabric cover that can be tied around the leg and secured below the back (posterior) of the knee of the user. Alternatively, the fastener can be a self-engaging fastening device, such as a hook and loop fastener, elastic, or neoprene.

When worn, the behind-the-knee pad of 7A-7E will prevent the user from hyperextending his or her knee when the user is seated on the floor and the leg is fully extended. The behind-the-knee pad provides a soft cushion which will prevent the user from placing undue pressure on the posterior of the knee when stretching or bending with the leg fully extended.

Alternatively, if the pocket of the kit in FIG. 5 is worn in combination with a heat or ice pack, the kit may provide pain or pressure relief to the user when he or she is performing mat or floor exercises.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A knee support comprising:

a supportive pad enclosed in a fabric cover, the supportive pad comprising: length and width, each substantially greater than thickness;

a fastener extending from the fabric cover and configured to encircle the leg with the top of the knee support below the knee and the pad supporting the leg shin;

the knee support being movable from below the knee to a position covering the knee without releasing the fastener; and

the supportive pad being conformable to the shape of the leg both below the knee and when covering the knee.

2. The knee support of claim 1, wherein the supportive pad is constructed of a compressible material having a compressibility between 14 kPa and 103 kPa (2 psi and 15 psi).

3. The knee support of claim 2, wherein the supportive pad comprises:

a length between 75 mm and 300 mm;

a width between 75 mm and 230 mm; and

a thickness between 5 mm and 30 mm.

4. The knee support of claim 2, wherein the supportive pad comprises:

a length between 110 mm and 250 mm;

a width between 90 mm and 210 mm;

a thickness between 9 mm and 26 mm; and

a compressibility between 14 kPa and 55 kPa (2 psi and 8 psi).

5. The knee support of claim 1, wherein the supportive pad comprises a concave top.

6. The knee support of claim 1, wherein the supportive pad comprises length and width, each at least three times greater than the thickness.

7. The knee support of claim 1, wherein the supportive pad comprises an extended length between the top and bottom greater than the width.

8. The knee support of claim 1, wherein the fabric cover contains a pocket configured to receive the supportive pad.

9. The knee support of claim 1, wherein the fabric cover contains a pocket configured to receive an additional supportive pad.

10. The knee support of claim 1, wherein the fabric cover is constructed of a temperature-regulating material, or a temperature-regulating material is attached to the fabric cover.

11. The knee support of claim 1, wherein the fabric cover is constructed of a sweat-wicking material, or a sweat-wicking material is attached to the fabric cover.

12. The knee support of claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises fabric extensions of the fabric cover to be tied around the leg and secured below the knee of the user.

13. The knee support of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a self-engaging fastening device.

14. The knee support of claim 13, wherein the self-engaging fastening device is a hook and loop fastener.

15. The knee support of claim 1, wherein the fabric cover comprises an elastic material, the fabric cover extending below and laterally from the knee pad to form a sock-like sleeve that encircles the leg and fastens to the leg by the tension of the elastic fabric cover.

16. The knee support of claim 1, wherein the fastener is a leg warmer.

17. The knee support of claim 1, wherein the fabric cover comprises a thickness between 1 mm and 6 mm.

18. The knee support of claim 1, in combination with a behind-the-knee pad configured to be positioned on the posterior side of the knee, opposite the knee support.

19. The knee support in combination with the behind-the-knee pad of claim 18, wherein the behind-the-knee pad comprises an additional supportive pad enclosed in an additional fabric cover, and the additional fabric cover is equipped with an additional fastener configured to encircle the leg.

20. The knee support in combination with the behind-the-knee pad of claim 19, wherein the additional fastener comprises fabric extensions of the additional fabric cover to be tied around the leg and secured below the knee of the user.

21. The knee support in combination with the behind-the-knee pad of claim 19, wherein the additional fastener comprises a self-engaging fastening device.

22. The knee support in combination with the behind-the-knee pad of claim 21, wherein the self-engaging fastening device is a hook and loop fastener.

23. A knee support comprising:

a supportive pad enclosed in a fabric cover, the supportive pad comprising: a length between 75 mm and 300 mm; a width between 75 mm and 230 mm; a thickness between 5 mm and 30 mm; a compressibility between 14 kPa and 103 kPa (2 psi and 15 psi); and

a fastener extending from the fabric cover and configured to encircle a leg and to fasten the knee support to the user below the knee with the pad supporting the leg shin.

24. A method of providing support to a knee while engaging in floor or hard surface exercises, the method comprising:

providing a supportive pad configured to the user below the knee, the supportive pad comprising: a length and width substantially greater than the thickness;

a fastener extending from the fabric cover and configured to encircle the leg with the top of the knee support below the knee and the pad supporting the leg shin;

moving the supportive pad from below the knee to a position covering the knee without releasing the fastener;

the supportive pad conforming to the shape of the leg both below the knee and when covering the knee.

25. A method of providing support to a knee while engaging in floor or hard surface exercises, the method comprising:

providing a supportive pad configured to the user below the knee, the supportive pad comprising: a length between 75 mm and 300 mm; a width between 75 mm and 230 mm; a thickness between 5 mm and 30 mm; and a compressibility between 14 kPa and 103 kPa (2 psi and 15 psi).

supporting the knee such that the patellar tendon does not come in contact with the floor.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the method of providing support to a knee further comprises:

providing a behind-the-knee pad configured to be positioned on the posterior side of the knee, opposite of the knee support; and

supporting the back of the knee to prevent hyperextension of the knee joint.

27. A method of providing support to a knee while extending a leg and engaging in floor or hard surface exercises, the method comprising:

providing a supportive pad configured to the user on the posterior side of the knee, the supportive pad comprising a thermal pad; and

supporting the back of the knee to prevent hyperextension of the knee joint.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the thermal pad is a heat pack.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the thermal pad is a cold pack.

30. A kit comprising:

a supportive pad;

a thermal pad;

a fabric cover with a pocket configured to interchangeably receive each of the supportive pad and the thermal pad; and

a fastener extending from the fabric cover and configured to encircle the leg with the fabric cover with the supportive pad or thermal pad below the knee.

31. The kit of claim 30, wherein the thermal pad is an ice pack.

32. The kit of claim 30, wherein the thermal pad is a heat pack.

33. A method comprising:

providing a fabric cover with a pocket configured to interchangeably receive each of a supportive pad and a thermal pad;

configuring the fabric cover and the supportive pad to the user below the knee while engaging in floor or hard surface exercises;

interchanging pads and configuring the fabric cover and the thermal pad to the knee of the user for thermal treatment after exercise.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the thermal pad is an ice pack.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein the thermal pad is a heat pack.

36. A knee support comprising:

a supportive pad, the supportive pad comprising: length and width, each substantially greater than thickness;

a fastener extending from the supportive pad and configured to encircle the leg with the top of the knee support below the knee and the pad supporting the leg shin;

the knee support being movable from below the knee to a position covering the knee without releasing the fastener; and

the supportive pad being conformable to the shape of the leg both below the knee and when covering the knee.