Salat Buddy Prayer Aid

Abstract

A compact, portable prayer aid is provided for assisting worshippers with performing the mandatory Islamic prayers. The aid relieves pressure from the knees, legs, and ankles, by shifting weight away from the lower body and onto the lower back and buttocks. The aid includes a seat, a base, and at least one support structure. Said support structures are designed to form a built-in storage area for storing items during prayer. An alternate embodiment includes collapsible legs for easy transport. A second alternate embodiment includes shock absorbers, a compass for geographic directional support, and a sensor and a screen for counting and displaying the number of units performed. A third alternate embodiment includes foldable legs. A fourth alternate embodiment provides adjustable legs to accommodate for different heights and reduced knee flexion capabilities. A fifth alternate embodiment includes detachable, adjustable legs comprised of smaller sectional pieces.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to seats and stools for assistance with kneeling, particularly related to providing support for worshippers during the Islamic ritual prayers.

The Islamic faith requires its followers to perform five daily prayers as an act of ritual worship. The prayers consist of a certain number of units, ranging from two to four, comprised of various physical rituals, including standing, bowing, prostrating, and kneeling. Each of the five prayers contains between 2-4 kneeling rituals, with short kneeling rituals between every two prostrations and long kneeling rituals after every two prayer units. The Islamic prayer requires fluid movements, particularly when transitioning between the prostrating, kneeling, and standing positions. A degree of flexibility is required particularly for the kneeling stages, where worshippers must sit in a kneeling position, resting the weight of their bodies on their knees, shins, and ankles, for several minutes. The Islamic prayer also requires congregational worshippers to stand closely together in straight lines while performing, generally with the heels and shoulders in line for adjoining worshippers; there can be no extra space in between worshippers during the prayer.

Flexion, the action of bending a limb or joint, plays an important role in the flexibility of a worshipper during the Islamic prayer. Flexion of the knee joint ranges from 0 degrees, where the knee is fully extended, to approximately 155 degrees, where the knee is fully bent and the calf comes into contact with the back of the thigh. The Islamic prayer requires worshippers to draw upon optimum flexion during the kneeling stage when worshippers rest their body weight on their knees, lower legs, and ankles

Many Muslim worshippers are unable to physically perform the kneeling and prostrating rituals due to old age or leg, knee, or ankle injuries, including conditions such as arthritis or joint pain which prevent optimum flexion of the knee, and are resigned to perform the prayer while seated in a chair. However, using a chair is not an ideal solution. When performing the Islamic prayer while seated in a chair, Muslim worshippers cannot physically perform all the mandatory rituals and stages of the prayer, including the kneeling and prostrating stages; they can only mimic the general motions of kneeling and prostrating. They are thus unable to get the full spiritual experience derived from performing the various rituals. Moreover, chairs pose an interference to neighboring worshippers by breaking up the prayer lines and encroaching on the space of neighboring worshippers. Worshippers praying while seated in a chair also miss out on the feeling of unity and community that is meant to be derived from standing together with other worshippers while performing congregational prayers. Worshippers who can perform those prayer rituals other than the kneeling and prostrating rituals are still forced to use a chair because no other option exists and are consequently unable to participate in the other rituals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, called the Salat Buddy™ Prayer Aid (the phrase Salat Buddy is a trademark of Amanath, LLC), allows worshippers with reduced flexion capability to participate in all of the Islamic prayer rituals, assists them with performing the prostrating and kneeling rituals to their maximum capacity, while simultaneously allowing those worshippers to remain a part of the congregation. The present invention is designed to assist Muslim worshippers in performing the daily Islamic prayers by relieving the stress and pressure normally placed on a Muslim worshipper's knees, legs, and ankles during the prostrating and kneeling stages of the prayers, without the use of a chair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an Islamic prayer aid according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a worshipper using the present invention during the standing ritual of the Islamic prayer.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a worshipper using the present invention during the prostrating and kneeling rituals of the Islamic prayer.

FIG. 4 is a back view of a worshipper using the present invention during the kneeling ritual of the Islamic prayer.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention where the aid is collapsible.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 5, depicting the embodiment being collapsed.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention including a compass for directional support, a sensor for counting the number of prayer units performed, a screen for displaying the directional orientation and the number of prayer units performed, and shock absorbers.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention including foldable legs.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention including vertically adjustable legs.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a vertically adjustable leg of the embodiment from FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a vertically adjustable leg of the embodiment from FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention including detachable, adjustable legs.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the seat and bottom base of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a view of one of the legs of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present Salat Buddy™ Prayer Aid invention provides for a portable, collapsible stool for aiding Muslim worshippers during performance of the Islamic ritual prayers.

The present invention discloses the Salat Buddy™ Prayer Aid for supporting the weight of a worshipper during the prostrating and kneeling rituals of the Islamic prayer. When transitioning between the prostrating and kneeling positions, the Salat Buddy™ provides support to a worshipper by allowing the worshipper to shift pressure from his knees, legs, and ankles by resting his weight on the aid instead of on his knees, legs, and ankles, which is the normal manner of performing the prayer. The Salat Buddy™ can support up to several hundred pounds and can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. The Salat Buddy™ allows worshippers with compromised knee flexion capability to actively perform the prayer rituals instead of mimicking the rituals while seated in a chair.

Referring to FIG. 1, the prayer aid 10 comprises a generally pentagonal seat portion 11 and a generally rectangular base 12, connected via support structures 13 and 14. The design of the support structures 13 and 14 form a built-in storage area 15 without affecting the functionality of the aid. The seat 11 is cushioned and molded in a split shape for maximum worshipper comfort. The cushioning also helps alleviate any pressure on worshippers' lower backs and on male worshippers' prostrates. The tip of the seat 11 is pointed and curved downward to allow a worshipper to smoothly and easily lean back and rest onto the aid 10 when transitioning between different prayer rituals. A worshipper begins the Islamic prayer in the standing ritual, shown in FIG. 2, then moves into the bowing ritual, followed by the prostrating and kneeling rituals shown in FIG. 3. When transitioning from a prostrating position into a seated kneeling position, a worshipper places his body weight on his knees, legs, and ankles. The aid 10 relieves pressure from the worshipper's knees and ankles by shifting the pressure of the worshipper's weight away from his knees, legs, and ankles onto his buttocks and lower back as he rests on the aid during the kneeling stages of the prayer. This relieving of pressure allows the worshipper to complete the essentials of the prayer even with compromised flexion of the knees. The narrow silhouette of the Salat Buddy™ aid 10 also makes the aid unobtrusive during congregational use by allowing a worshipper to easily place the aid 10 between his legs within his allowed prayer space, as shown in FIGS. 2-4. This is particularly useful during congregational prayers, as it allows a worshipper to comply with the mandatory logistical and spatial formalities and easily perform the various mandatory rituals of the Islamic prayer. The narrowness and shape of the aid 10 allows a worshipper to keep his feet planted on either side of the aid 10 throughout the entirety of the prayer for quick and easy transitions between different stages of the prayer. The narrow shape also prevents intrusion into the space of neighboring worshippers.

The beam-shaped support structure 13 provides for easy handling and grasping of the aid 10. A second support structure can be beam-shaped like support structure 13 or rectangular like support structure 14, as shown in FIG. 1. A storage area 15 is defined within the confines and structure of the aid described above. This storage area 15 is built into the internal infrastructure of the unique Salat Buddy™ aid 10 described above and allows a worshipper to store items 16 typically associated with the Islamic prayer in an unobtrusive manner so as not to take up surrounding prayer space and disturb neighboring worshippers. Such items typically include a rosary, a compact copy of the Quran, a prayer scarf for female worshippers, or a prayer cap for male worshippers. The storage area 15 can also be used for storing items such as cells phones and water bottles during the prayer. The Salat Buddy™ aid 10 may also contain shock absorbers 16 and 17, placed at the top ends of support structures 13 and 14, to provide additional ease and support to a worshipper during use of the aid 10.

FIG. 5 discloses an alternate embodiment of the present invention, where the aid 20 is collapsible. The seat 21 can be cushioned and molded in a split shape for maximum worshipper comfort. The seat 21 may also be cushioned to alleviate any pressure on worshippers' lower backs and on male worshippers' prostrates. The seat 21 is connected to support structures 23, 24, and 25 via hinge 30, screws 26, and screw 28, respectively. The base 22 is connected to support structures 24 and 25 via screws 27 and 29, respectively. Support structure 23 connects with the base 22 via bracket 31, where it locks into place. Support Structures 23, 24, and 25 form a built-in storage area 32 for storing prayer items, such as rosary beads, copies of the Quran, and prayer scarves and caps, as well as personal items such as cell phones and water bottles. As shown in FIG. 6, the aid 20 can be collapsed into a flattened position by disconnecting support structure 23 from the bracket 31, folding it under the seat 21 at hinge 30, and pivoting the aid 20 upward at screws 26-29 to collapse onto base 22.

FIG. 7 discloses a second alternate embodiment 40 of the present invention including a compass 45 for immediate geographical support, a sensor 46 for tracking the number of prayer units performed, and a display screen 47 for displaying the number of prayer units performed or the current direction. Worshippers are required to face the direction of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, when performing the Islamic prayers; a compass will ensure that a worshipper is always facing the correct direction wherever the Salat Buddy™ aid is being used. The compass 45 can be embedded within support structures 43 or 44, or in the bottom base 42 to allow a worshipper to confirm the proper geographic direction at all times and make any adjustments to orientation during the prayer. Alternatively, the compass can be embedded in the back of support structure 44 or in the front of support structure 43, as shown in FIG. 7. Support structures 43 and 44 and bottom base 42 form a built-in storage area 48 where a worshipper may store prayer or personal items. The aid 40 can also include shock absorbers 49, 50, and 51, embedded between the seat 41 and support structures 43 and 44, to provide additional support and easier transition for a worshipper.

Each Islamic prayer is comprised of at least two units and can contain a maximum of four units to be performed. The prayers can last for various durations, depending on the number and length of Quranic verses a worshipper chooses to recite and the worshipper's recitation pace and speed. Worshippers can easily lose track of the number of prayer units performed and the number of units remaining to fulfill the requirements of the prayer being performed. A sensor coupled to a screen displaying the number of units performed will help a worshipper keep track of his performance without actively trying to remember and track the number of units performed.

As shown in FIG. 7, the aid 40 contains a sensor 46 embedded in the seat 42 to detect the number of prayer units performed by counting the number of times the worshipper rests on the aid during the kneeling ritual. The sensor is linked to a screen 47, located on the bottom base 42, which displays a number count. The count can display the number of units performed by comparing the worshipper's rest count to a pre-programmed set of numbers. For example, to complete one unit of any Islamic prayer, a worshipper must perform one kneeling ritual; to complete two units of prayer, a worshipper must perform three total kneeling rituals; to complete three units of prayer, a worshipper must perform four total kneeling rituals; to complete four units of prayer, a worshipper must perform six total kneeling rituals. Accordingly, if the sensor 46 detects that the worshipper has rested on the aid one time, the screen 47 will display the number “1,” indicating that the worshipper has performed one unit. If the sensor 46 detects that the worshipper has rested on the aid three times, the screen 47 will display the number “2,” indicating that the worshipper has performed two units. If the sensor 46 detects that the worshipper has rested on the aid four times, the screen 47 will display the number “3,” indicating that the worshipper has performed three units. If the sensor 46 detects that the worshipper has rested on the aid six times, the screen 47 will display the number “4,” indicating that the worshipper has performed four units. Alternatively, the screen 47 can display simply the number count of times the worshipper has rested on the aid, leaving it to the worshipper to calculate the number of units performed.

The screen 47 can also be programmed to display the geographical direction in which the aid 40 is oriented, allowing the worshipper to adjust the orientation until the aid 40 is facing the proper direction, i.e. northeast for U.S. worshippers.

FIG. 8 discloses a third alternate embodiment of the present invention, where the aid 60 is lightweight, collapsible, and includes foldable legs. The seat 61 is supported by two sets of u-shaped legs 62 and 63, pivotally connected via brackets 64 and 65 to the underside of seat 61. The legs 62 and 63 can be placed in an open or folded position as shown, employing a mechanism similar to that used in a folding table. When the legs 62 and 63 are folded, the aid 60 becomes compact and can be easily stored or transported. A storage area made from netting or mesh-like material may be attached to the bottom ends of legs 62 and 63. When the legs 62 and 63 are opened and locked into place, the netting 66 expands to form a storage area 67. The seat 61 and legs 62 and 63 can be made from a lightweight material, such as a sturdy plastic or light metal. The seat 61 can be cushioned for maximum comfort and to help relieve the pressure on a worshipper's lower back.

FIG. 9 discloses an alternate embodiment of the present invention where the aid 70 includes adjustable legs. The seat 71 and the base 72 are connected via three adjustable support structures, each containing outer and inner housings. Support structures 73, 74, and 75 can be adjusted according to a worshipper's desired height and knee flexion capability and restrictions by depressing spring-loaded levers 82, 83, and 84, attached to inner housings 76, 77, 78.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, inner housings 76, 77, and 78 each contain a set of retractable pins 79, 80, and 81. The outer housings of legs 73, 74, 75 each contain a set of apertures 86, 87, 88, respectively, for receiving pins 79, 80, and 81. Levers 82, 83, and 84 control the refraction and release of pins 79, 80, and 81. When the levers are depressed, pins 79, 80, 81 retract into inner housings 76, 77, and 78, and the legs 73, 74, 75 can be vertically adjusted and positioned at the desired height. When the levers 82, 83, and 84 are released, pins 79, 80, 81 are released into receiving apertures 86, 87, and 88, causing legs 73, 74, 75 to lock into position at the selected height. The adjustability of the support structures allows for worshippers with compromised knee flexion ranges to set the seat at a height most suitable to their personal needs and flexion capabilities. This feature is useful for elderly worshippers or worshippers with lower body injuries and is particularly helpful for worshippers who are engaged in rehabilitative activities for knee, leg, or ankle injuries, who can decrease the height of the aid as their flexion capability increases. The seat 71 can be cushioned and molded in a split shape for maximum worshipper comfort. The cushioning also helps alleviate any pressure on worshippers' lower backs and on male worshippers' prostrates.

FIG. 12 discloses yet another embodiment of the present invention where the aid 90 includes adjustable, detachable legs. As shown in FIG. 13, the underside of seat 91 contains three apertures 96, 97, and 98 for receiving the top ends of legs 93, 94, and 95, respectively. The base 92 contains three peg-like protrusions 99, 100, and 101, for connecting to the bottom ends of legs 93, 94, and 95, respectively. As shown in FIG. 14, legs 93, 94, and 95 are comprised of smaller sectional pieces such as 93a and 93b. Each sectional piece comprises a peg-like protrusion at the top end and a peg-shaped aperture at the bottom end. Thus, the height of the legs 93-95 can be adjusted by adding or removing one or more sectional piece according to a worshipper's preference. To dismantle the aid 90, the legs 93-95 can be easily detached from apertures 96-98 and protrusions 99-101. The seat 91 can then be attached to the base 92 for easy storage and portability by inserting protrusions 99-101 into apertures 96-98. This embodiment can be made from various materials, including wood, plastic, or metal.

Claims

1. A compact, portable stool for aiding and supporting a worshipper during the prostrating and kneeling rituals of the Islamic prayer comprising:

a seat portion;

a bottom base; and

at least one support structure connecting said top and bottom base;

wherein said stool relieves pressure placed on said worshipper's knees, legs, and ankles during said prostrating and kneeling rituals by shifting said worshipper's weight from the knees, legs, and ankles, to said seat portion and accommodating for compromised knee flexion capability.

2. The stool of claim 1, wherein said seat is cushioned and molded into a split seat to provide comfort for said worshipper and to alleviate any pressure placed on said worshipper's lower back while resting on said stool.

3. The stool of claim 2, wherein said at least one support structure comprises a first support structure and a second support structure.

4. The stool of claim 3, wherein said first and second support structures are designed to form a built-in storage area for storing prayer and personal items during performance of said prayer rituals.

5. The stool of claim 4, further comprising at least two shock absorbers placed between said seat portion and said first and second support structures for said worshipper's additional lower back and prostrate support.

6. The stool of claim 5, further comprising a compass for detecting the proper directional orientation of said worshipper according to the mandates of the Islamic faith.

7. The stool of claim 6, further comprising a sensor for counting the number of prayer units performed and a screen coupled to said sensor for displaying said directional orientation and said number of prayer units performed.

8. A collapsible stool for aiding and supporting a worshipper during the prostrating and kneeling rituals of the Islamic prayer, comprising:

a seat portion;

a bottom base; and

at least two support structures connected to said seat portion 2 and bottom base via

a set of screws;

wherein said stool can be collapsed into a flattened position by folding said support structures along said screws for easy storage and transport; and

wherein said stool relieves pressure placed on said worshipper's knees, legs, and ankles during said prostrating and kneeling rituals by shifting said worshipper's weight from the knees, legs, and ankles, to said seat portion and accommodating for compromised knee flexion capability.

9. The stool of claim 8, wherein said seat is cushioned and molded into a split seat to provide comfort for said worshipper and to alleviate any pressure placed on said worshipper's lower back while resting on said stool.

10. The stool of claim 9, wherein said support structures are designed to form a built-in storage area for storing prayer and personal items during performance of said prayer rituals.

11. A compact, traveling stool for aiding and supporting a worshipper during the prostrating and kneeling rituals of the Islamic prayer, comprising:

a seat portion;

a first u-shaped support structures; and

a second u-shaped support structure;

wherein said first and second support structures are pivotally connected to the underside of said seat portion and can be positioned in an open position or folded position; and

wherein said stool relieves pressure placed on said worshipper's knees, legs, and ankles during said prostrating and kneeling rituals by shifting said worshipper's weight from the knees, legs, and ankles, to said seat portion and accommodating for compromised knee flexion capability.

12. The stool of claim 11, wherein said seat portion is cushioned and molded into a split seat to provide comfort for said worshipper and to alleviate any pressure placed on said worshipper's lower back while resting on said stool.

13. The stool of claim 12, further comprising a netting or mesh-like material connected to the bottom ends of said first and second support structures, said netting or mesh-like material expanding to form a storage area when said first and second support structures are positioned in an open position, and collapsing when said u-shaped structures are positioned in a folding position.

14. A compact, portable, adjustable stool for aiding and supporting a worshipper during the prostrating and kneeling rituals of the Islamic prayer comprising:

a seat portion;

a bottom base;

at least two support structures each comprising outer and inner tubular housings, wherein said inner tubular housings each include a set of retractable pins and said outer tubular housings each include a set of apertures for receiving said retractable pins; and

at least two adjustment levers for controlling retraction of said retractable pins;

wherein said adjustment levers can be depressed to retract said pins to allow for vertical adjustment of said support structures and released to insert said pins into said apertures to lock said support structures into a desired position; and

wherein said stool relieves pressure placed on said worshipper's knees, legs, and ankles during said prostrating and kneeling rituals by shifting said worshipper's weight from the knees, legs, and ankles, to said seat portion and accommodating for compromised knee flexion capability.

15. A compact, portable, adjustable stool for aiding and supporting a worshipper during the prostrating and kneeling rituals of the Islamic prayer comprising:

a seat portion;

a bottom base; and

at least two detachable legs comprised of multiple sectional pieces, wherein each sectional piece contains a peg-like protrusion and a peg-shaped aperture, and wherein said sectional pieces can be added or removed to adjust the length of said detachable legs according to a worshipper's preference;

wherein said stool relieves pressure placed on said worshipper's knees, legs, and ankles during said prostrating and kneeling rituals by shifting said worshipper's weight from the knees, legs, and ankles, to said seat portion and accommodating for compromised knee flexion capability.

16. The stool of claim 15 wherein said seat portion includes at least two peg-shaped apertures and said bottom base includes at least two peg-like protrusions, and wherein said apertures on said seat portion and protrusions on said bottom base can be connected to store said stool while disassembled.