KNEELING PAD DEVICE

Abstract

The device has a kneeling pad (10) formed of an elastomeric material, the kneeling pad being connected to a cord (14). The cord has a remote end housed in a reel (12) into which the cord is capable of being retracted. The reel has can be attached to an item of clothing, such as the user's belt (24). The device ensures that when worn, knee protection is available to the wearer at all times negating the need for the user to remember to carry a kneeling pad between tasks. Easy availability also increases the likelihood of the kneeling pad being used for ad-hoc tasks therefore helping to reduce cumulative effects of minor stress on the knees.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a kneeling pad device and to a kit incorporating such a device.

BACKGROUND

When kneeling regularly to carry out building work, gardening or other low-level manual tasks, knees can become painful or damaged. Two common options for protecting the knees are (i) knee pads, and (ii) a kneeling pad.

(i) Knee pads, usually provided as a pair, attach to the user's knees, usually by means of straps passing behind the leg above and below the knee joint. Many examples of knee pads are known including the following:

Chinese Utility Model CN 202311272-U (Univ Dezhou) relates to a knee pad characterized in that knee pad sheets, connected together by zips, are sealed on four sides to form a bag. Some of the knee pad sheets are provided with a hanging ring. Other knee pad sheets are provided with elastic bands, the upper ends of which are provided with fixing clips. The knee pad is difficult to slip due to the fixing clips.

Japanese patent publication JP 2009127133-A (Hayakawa Yoshimasa) discloses a knee pad causing no reduction in adsorptive power at a flexible fastener part even when a wearer works with his (her) knees bent on the ground. The knee pad includes a knee pad body, a suspender string attached its upper end and the end of which is connected to the belt of trousers or the like to be suspended. Tying strings are attached to both ends of the knee pad body, the ends of which can be tied with each other. The suspender string is connected to the belt of the trousers or the like while the knee pad body is attached to the knee pad, and the pair of tying strings are bound together on the back side of the knee.

Although knee pads have the advantage that they are worn and are therefore always available, they are often uncomfortable to wear for prolonged periods of time. They ride up on clothing, promote clammy joints, can cause rashes, and are often ill-fitting. They are generally only worn for specific tasks and not general tasks.

(ii) Kneeling pads on the other hand are not attached to the user's knees but are loose and placed in a desired position on the ground or floor by the user. They may be of such a size as to support just one knee or both knees. The Applicant is aware of the following examples of kneeling pads.

British patent publication GB2462598-A (Bateman) describes a knee support which comprises a platform with an upper surface with at least one shaped recess and a pad suitable for kneeling, and a lower surface with casters that are partially covered by a guard.

International patent publication WO03045205-A (Kinchen) describes a protective cushion which includes an outer shell enclosing a pad comprising high-density foam. The cushion provides protection to a user's knees, such as while praying or meditating. The outer shell of the cushion is water-resistant, stain-resistant, and able to withstand excessive wear and tear. The cushion can be foldable and portable with a carrying handle provided for this purpose.

A kneeling pad offers freedom from the potential discomfort of wearing knee pads. However, kneeling pads do require the user to remember to take the kneeling pad with them to undertake the tasks they plan on performing, which requires that they must premeditate the need for the kneeling pad and carry it from task to task. This is not always practical when carrying other tools and because the requirement to kneel during a task is not always known in advance the kneeling pad is not always remembered or immediately to hand when required.

(iii) Other devices purporting to make kneeling tasks more comfortable are known. The Applicant is aware of the following examples.

United States patent publication US 2003101514-A1 (Roberson) shows an adjustable, ergonomically sound apparatus for the human body to assume many positions such as kneeling, sitting or lying. The main components of the invention comprise adjustable cushions with adjustable supports for the knees, ankles, feet, toes, buttocks, back legs and head. This apparatus is portable and allows the user to assume the positions of kneeling, sitting and laying for long periods of time on a mobile basis without the pain, discomfort and lasting damage associated with going long periods of time in these positions without proper supports.

United States patent publication US 2007257523-A1 (Westfall) shows a multi-functional mobile seat platform which is practical and affordable for any person of ordinary skill to use and to enjoy pain relieving conditions while working on or near the ground or floor.

None of these other proposals provide a solution to the disadvantages of kneeling pads while being lightweight and retaining convenience, portability and enabling largely hands-free use.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome these aforementioned disadvantages.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

To overcome limitations of, and provide an alternative to existing knee protection, according to a first aspect the invention provides a device comprising a kneeling pad formed of an elastomeric material, the kneeling pad being connected to a cord, the cord having a remote end housed in a reel into which the cord is capable of being retracted, the reel having attachment means for attaching the reel to an item of clothing.

The kneeling pad being attached to a retractable reel ensures that when worn, knee protection is available to the wearer at all times negating the need for the user to remember to carry a kneeling pad between tasks. Easy availability will also increase the likelihood of the kneeling pad being used for ad-hoc tasks therefore helping to reduce cumulative effects of minor stress on the knees. Embodiments of the device are portable when worn and largely hands-free in use, they are lightweight and can be carried with little awareness that it is being worn. Embodiments of the device are comfortable in use and avoid the potential discomfort of traditional knee pads.

The kneeling pad is preferably of generally planar configuration. For example, the kneeling pad will usually have a length of from 5 to 15 inches, a width of from 5 to 10 inches and a thickness of from 0.5 to 3 inches. It is preferably formed of elastomeric foam material, especially polymeric elastomeric foam material. The resilience of the elastomeric material is preferably more than 30%, especially more than 50%. High density fire-resistant foam material, such as high density polyethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane foam, especially fire-resistant EVA foam material is preferred. It is also desirable for the kneeling pad to have anti-microbial properties, especially for use in public buildings or hospitals. Microban (Trade Mark) impregnated materials or copper surface coated materials can be employed for such kneeling pads.

The cord of the device has a remote end housed in a reel into which the cord is capable of being retracted. Usually, the reel comprises a rotatable spool supported within a housing. The cord is wound around the spool. As the cord is pulled out of the reel, a return mechanism, such as a coil spring, is tensioned such that when the cord is released it is retracted into the reel and wound back onto the spool. The return mechanism is preferably automatic, although the use of a reel having a releasable cord lock is also possible. Retractable reels are known for a variety of uses, but have not previously been proposed for use with a kneeling pad. An example of a known retractable reel is shown in International patent publication WO 9200873-A (Deweaver) which describes a retractable leash which may be attached to an arm, leg or waist of a rider for attaching the rider to a vehicle or craft, such as a surf board or the like and which automatically adjusts the length of the connection between the craft and the rider. When the rider falls from the craft to which the free end of the cord is attached, the cord is unwound from the reel tightening the coil spring. When the rider remounts the craft the excess cord is rewound into the reel by the relaxing coil spring, thus minimizing the length of exposed cord between the rider and craft to that set by a slidable stopper.

The cord of the reel may be formed of a natural or synthetic material, and will usually have a circular cross-section. Nylon or Teflon (Trade Mark) are suitable materials for the cord.

The attachment means for attaching the reel to an item of clothing may comprise a clip on the reel, such as a lobster clip or belt clip, for attaching the reel to a belt worn by a user.

Preferably the device has a safety release that will separate the kneeling pad from the cord in the event that the kneeling pad is inadvertently tugged by or caught in or caught on anything foreign. Thus, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cord is releasably connected to the kneeling pad, ideally in such a manner that tension on the cord beyond a threshold limit causes the cord to disconnect from the kneeling pad in a replaceable manner. For example, the cord may carry a plug and the kneeling pad may comprise at least one socket, into which the plug is a press fit. The plug attaches the cord to the high density foam kneeling pad such that it will pull free when pulled with sufficient force.

Preferably the kneeling pad is replaceable and available in alternative sizes to accommodate different kneeling requirements. Thus, according to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a kit including a device comprising a first kneeling pad formed of an elastomeric material, the kneeling pad being releasably connected to a cord, the cord having a remote end housed in a reel into which the cord is capable of being retracted, the reel having attachment means for attaching the reel to an item of clothing, the kit further including at least one further elastomeric kneeling pad having different dimensions to that of the first kneeling pad.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows the device of FIG. 1, attached to a user's belt, with the kneeling pad in its retracted position;

FIG. 3 shows the device of FIG. 2 where the user is in the process of moving into a work position;

FIG. 4 shows the device of FIG. 2, where the kneeling pad is in use;

FIG. 5 shows the device of FIG. 2, where the user is in the process of rising from a the work position; and

FIG. 6 shows the kneeling pad of a second embodiment of a device according to the invention, showing a method of attachment of the kneeling pad to a cord, with the cord attached;

FIG. 7 shows a cross section of part of the kneeling pad of FIG. 6 with the cord detached.

FIG. 8 shows the kneeling pad of FIG. 6 with the cord detached; and

FIG. 9 shows a cross section of part of the kneeling pad of FIG. 6 with the cord attached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, a foam kneeling pad 10 having dimensions of 13 by 7 by 0.75 inches and formed of high density fire-resistant EVA foam material is attached to a retractable Teflon cord 14 housed in a reel 12 worn on a belt. The cord automatically retracts through a spring loaded mechanism of the reel. In this embodiment, the free end of the cord 14 is tied through a hole 20 adjacent one corner of the kneeling pad 10.

FIG. 1 shows the device not being worn, detailing the kneeling pad 10, the cord 14 in the fully retracted position and reel 12 incorporating a belt clip 22.

In the position shown in FIG. 2, the kneeling pad 10 is next to the reel 12 attached to a belt 24 on the user's left hip, and the cord is in the fully retracted position within the reel 12. In this position the kneeling pad is not obstructing the user from other tasks and it is within easy reach.

In the position shown in FIG. 3 the user is dropping to their knee whilst they place the kneeling pad 10 on the floor. The cord 14 is seen being extended from the reel 12 against the spring force of the reel.

In FIG. 4, the cord 14 is extended whilst the user's body weight holds the kneeling pad 10 in place as the user performs their task. The user's hands 26 are free whilst they perform their task, the pad is held in place by the user's knee or knees 28, as shown at 16.

In the position shown in FIG. 5, the user is beginning to stand up following their task. As the user's weight lifts from the kneeling pad 10, the cord 14 is automatically retracted into the reel 12 by the spring force of the reel, which in turn draws the kneeling pad back to the reel as shown at 18 until the cord is fully retracted. The user's hands 26 are free when the cord and pad are retracting. The fully retracted position can be seen in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 6 to 9 show an embodiment in which the cord carries a plug that when inserted into a socket in high density foam kneeling pad will hold fast for a light weight attachment but will pull free under sufficient force when pulled. Specifically, a plug 50 with a conical section 56 is provided on the free end of the cord 58.

FIG. 6 shows the plug 50 inserted into one of two blind sockets 54 in an edge face 60 of the kneeling pad 52, the socket 54 being the same diameter of the narrow vertex end of the conical section 56.

FIG. 7 shows in cross-section the plug 50 prior to insertion into the socket 54 within the high density foam of the kneeling pad 52.

FIG. 8 shows the plug 50 being inserted in the direction 62 into the socket 54 within the high density foam of the kneeling pad 52. When inserted into the socket 54, the kneeling pad material encapsulates the plug 50 using the natural elasticity of the high density foam to exert pressure on and around the plug 50, thereby holding the plug 50 in place.

FIG. 9 shows in cross-section the plug 50 inserted into the socket 54 within the high density foam kneeling pad 52. The conical area 56 of the plug 50 causes the foam of the kneeling pad 52 to exert pressure around the plug 50 creating an attachment that can be broken with sufficient pressure by pulling cord 58. If the plug 50 is pulled outward with sufficient force it will dislodge from the socket 54. In this example the plug 50 is attached to the cord 58 for pulling the plug 50 free from the kneeling pad 52, in the event that the pad 52 is caught or snagged on an obstacle.

The elastomeric material of which the kneeling pad 52 is formed, together with the dimensions of the blind sockets 54 and of the plug 50, are so chosen that the force required to remove the plug 50 from the socket 54 is greater than the force required to pull the cord from its reel. Consequently, the kneeling pad can be pulled down into its in-use position (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 in respect of the first embodiment) without risk that the kneeling pad will become detached from the cord.

Claims

1. A device comprising a kneeling pad formed of an elastomeric material, said kneeling pad being connected to a cord, said cord having a remote end housed in a reel into which said cord is capable of being retracted, said reel having attachment means for attaching said reel to an item of clothing.

2. (canceled)

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said attachment means comprises a clip for attaching said reel to a belt worn by a user.

4. (canceled)

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said cord is releasably connected to said kneeling pad in such a manner that tension on the cord beyond a threshold limit causes said cord to disconnect from said kneeling pad in a replaceable manner.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said cord carries a plug and said kneeling pad comprises at least one socket, into which said plug is a press fit.

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising a safety release that will separate the kneeling pad from the cord when the kneeling pad is inadvertently caught or snagged on an obstacle.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein said safety release is constituted by said cord being releasably connected to said kneeling pad in such a manner that tension along the cord beyond a threshold limit causes said cord to disconnect from said kneeling pad in a replaceable manner.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein said elastomeric material comprises polyethylene-vinyl acetate foam.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein said kneeling pad has a weight and said reel comprises a return mechanism having a spring force sufficient to overcome the weight of said kneeling pad.

15. The device of claim 6, wherein said kneeling pad is of generally planar configuration and said at least one socket is formed in an edge face of said kneeling pad.

16. The device of claim 6, wherein said plug has a conical configuration.