KNEELING PAD DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a padding device used to reduce pain, improve ergonomics, and facilitate easier bending or resting while kneeling or squatting. The device has a strap portion and a pad portion wherein the pad portion is designed to rest between a user's upper leg and lower leg while in a kneeling or squatting position. The strap portion allows the user to retain the device around their waist in hands-free manner while also allowing for other items to be attached to or situated around the user's waist. The pad portion provides a support for the user to rest their lower back, buttocks, or upper thigh area against the user's heels.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a padding device used to reduce pain, improve ergonomics, and facilitate easier bending or resting while kneeling or squatting. More particularly, the device has a strap portion and a pad portion. Still more particularly, the strap portion allows the user to retain the device around their waist in hands-free manner while also allowing for other items to be attached to or situated around the user's waist. The pad portion provides a support for the user to rest their lower back, buttocks, or upper thigh area against the user's heels.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Ergonomics and injury prevention, generally, have become a focus for employers, employees, and individuals. As science and our knowledge of the body and proper ways of caring or managing our body develops, we have become more and more focused on utilizing our bodies in correct and efficient ways to prevent both short-term and long-term injury, pain, and discomfort. This may include learning proper techniques for movement, lifting items, or other general care for our bodies. This may also include the use of devices to reduce or eliminate pain, discomfort, and damage to the body.

Currently, many devices exist which help to reduce or eliminate joint pain, back pain, or other pain and discomfort when performing tasks. These tasks may be at work, at home, during activities, or at any other time. Some of these devices may include items such as weight belts, cushions for back support, neck pillows, knee pads, or other such known devices that may be used for various purposes. Many of these devices allow a user to attach and detach the device from the user's body or to an existing structure like a chair or other seat or the ground.

The purpose of such devices is typically to provide a more comfortable body position to reduce discomfort, pain, or other damage to the body. For example, knee pads provide an attachable device which allows a user to kneel on a hard or otherwise uncomfortable surface while reducing pain on the knees. Additionally, a weight belt may clip or fasten around a user's waist to provide additional back and abdominal support to reduce the amount of stress, pain, and discomfort on the back while lifting heavy items. These devices are typically designed to specifically target certain areas of the body which may benefit from support or mechanics that reduce or eliminate pain or discomfort.

Repeated kneeling or squatting or other similar activities or movements can create stress and wear on the knees, hips, and back. Additionally, prolonged use of these positions or movements can do further damage. These activities are common in our daily lives but may be far more prevalent in professions such as flooring, roofing, cleaning, landscaping, plumbing, electrical work, farming, gardening, and many other manual professions. The continued wear and tear and damage to the joints and back can create significant pain and discomfort and even force individuals out of work temporarily or permanently. Because of the short- and long-term damage to the joints, tendons, cartilage, and other body parts caused by activities in these professions, it is important to reduce, limit, or prevent any stress, wear and tear, or other damage to these body parts.

What is needed is a device which reduces pain and discomfort to the knees and back when kneeling, crouching, or squatting, or performing any of these movements in a repetitive manner. More specifically, what is needed is a device which provides support for the user to reduce stress and improper motion on the knees and back while kneeling. Still more specifically, what is needed is a device which provides support to the knees and back which may be attached to a user and remains in position when a user kneels and stands repeatedly, and which does not interfere with the user performing other tasks or using or wearing other devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a pad structure to support the knees, back, and joints while performing activities such as squatting or kneeling. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a comfortable position for the user in a squatting or kneeling position wherein the user may be able to withstand longer amounts of time in such positions. Still further, it is an object of the present invention to be removably attachable to the user while the user has other work equipment such as work belts, safety harnesses, or other such equipment. It is another object of the present invention that the user may utilize the device while kneeling or squatting on one knee, both knees, or in a repetitive motion without reducing the user's ability to perform other tasks without having to adjust, hold, or otherwise manipulate the present invention.

The present invention is a kneeling pad device. The present invention is useful for activities including, but not limited to, flooring, roofing, cleaning, landscaping, gardening, painting, masonry, and other manual tasks that require an individual to kneel for extending periods of time or repetitively kneel and stand. Many of these activities require an individual to work close to the ground with their hands. In order for an individual to work with their hands on the floor, they must bend, squat, or kneel to be able to reach the ground, resulting in pressure and stress on the knees, joints, and back. During these activities, the present invention provides a cushion, pad, or other structure or support so that the user may kneel, squat, or crouch down while resting with the pad portion between their lower leg region and upper leg region.

The device has a strap portion with an attachment portion. The strap portion allows the user to wrap and position the device around the body. The attachment portion allows the user to attach or adhere the device to the body or itself. The pad portion is designed to provide support for the knees, joints, and back when in use. The pad portion is retained around the back side of the user and provides a rest point between the user's upper legs, buttocks, or lower back and the user's feet or lower legs. The pad portion is structured so when the user kneels, squats, or performs a similar movement, the pad portion provides support and stability by its positioning between the user's upper leg region and lower leg region. The support provided by the pad portion reduces the pressure and stress on the knees, joints, and back.

The device may be formed using various types of materials. In an embodiment of the device, the pad portion is in a softer, cushion form. The softer, cushion form may be preferable for squatting, kneeling, or crouching for longer, continuous periods of time. Alternatively, the pad portion may be a firmer, support form. The firmer form may be preferable for repeated squatting, kneeling, or crouching to provide structure and durability for repeated and long-term use. Additionally, the device may be a combination of both firm and soft materials to provide benefits of both forms. In an embodiment, the pad portion has a top portion and a bottom portion wherein when the device is in use, the top portion is in contact with the upper leg portion and the bottom portion is in contact with the lower leg portion. The top portion may form to the user's upper leg portion. Additionally, the bottom portion may form to the user's lower leg portion. In another embodiment, the pad portion is formed using two panels made of a hard foam material. One or both of the panels has a groove section cut into the panel or panels to allow the strap portion to traverse between the panels. The panels are adhered together, securing the strap portion in place between the panels.

The pad portion may be encased in a covering. The covering may be made of a material such as a canvas, nylon, cotton, polyester, duck cloth, or other such material or combination of materials. The covering may be designed to retain therein the panel or panels of the pad portion. Additionally, the covering is designed to provide durability to reduce wear and tear during use. The type of material used as a covering may be selected based on the desired traits of such a material. For example, a cotton or polyester material may be used for additional comfort or softness, while a canvas or duck cloth material may be used to provide additional durability, moisture resistance, and/or odor resistance.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the device has an adjustable strap portion to fit around the user's waist and secure the pad portion in the desired location. The strap portion may be used in conjunction with other equipment including, but not limited to, a work belt, a safety harness, or other such items that may be located around the waist region of the user. The strap portion is removably attached around the user's waist with a fastener such as a clip, buckle, loop, Velcro, or other fastening structure. The fastener of the present invention may be offset on the strap portion to ensure that the fastener does not contact or interfere with the fasteners of other work equipment like a work belt also located around the user's waist.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the kneeling pad device.

FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the kneeling pad device showing the offset fastener of the strap.

FIG. 3 is a first side perspective view of the kneeling pad device.

FIG. 4 is an end perspective view of the kneeling pad device depicting an embodiment of the device wherein the strap portion traverses between two panels.

FIG. 5 is a first side perspective view of the kneeling pad device depicting an embodiment of the device wherein the device is formed in as a wedge shape.

FIG. 6 is a second side perspective view of the kneeling pad device showing a portion of a panel in the partially open cover.

FIG. 7 is a back view of the kneeling pad device in use wherein the user is kneeling on both knees.

FIG. 8 is a back view of the kneeling pad device in use wherein the user is kneeling on one knee.

FIG. 9 is a back view of the kneeling pad device in position around the user's waist while other work equipment is also on the user's waist.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A kneeling pad device 10 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-9. The device 10 has a pad portion 30, a strap portion 50, and an attachment portion 70. The pad portion 30 has a plurality of panels 32, an optional covering 34, a top portion 36, a bottom portion 38, a first end 40, and a second end 42. The attachment portion 70 has a fastener 72. The device 10 may be used in conjunction with other equipment 94. The other equipment 94 may include other equipment such as knee pads, work belts, or other such equipment that may be worn or otherwise used while the device 10 is in use.

The pad portion 30 may be formed using one or more panels 32. The plurality of panels 32, which may be a first panel and a side panel spaced from one another, provide the structure, shape, and form of the device 10. The plurality of panels 32 are aligned to provide the desired shape of the device 10. The pad portion 30 may be formed of two opposing panels 32. The panels 32 may be formed of a cushioning material or a stiff material to provide the desired fit, feel, and structure. The pad portion 30 may be fitted with an optional covering 34 to cover the panels 32. The optional covering 34 may be made of a variety of materials designed for the specific purpose of the device 10 to enclose the panels 32 therein. These materials may include, but are not limited to cotton, polyester, canvas, duck cloth, nylon, polyester, wool, linen, or other such natural fabrics or synthetic fabrics, or combination thereof.

The top portion 36 and the bottom portion 38 of the pad portion 30 may be made of the same or different thickness. In one embodiment, the top portion 36 is approximately 10 centimeters (4 inches) inches in thickness and the bottom portion 38 is approximately 10 centimeters (4 inches) in thickness. In the embodiment of the device 10 shown in the drawings is of a rectangular shape but it may not be limited thereto. The rectangle shape of the pad portion 30 provides support between the upper leg portion 90 and the lower leg portion 92. In another embodiment, the top portion 36 may be formed with a thickness greater than that of the bottom portion 38. In this embodiment, the pad portion 30 is formed as a wedge-shape with the bottom portion 38 oriented towards the knee joint of the leg and the top portion 36 oriented towards the buttocks or back. The greater thickness of the top portion 36 as compared to the bottom portion 38 may provide additional support for the user while the device 10 is in use.

The strap portion 50 of the device 10 is joined to the pad portion 30 of the device 10. The strap portion 50 is formed to secure and retain the device 10 to the user. In an embodiment, the strap portion 50 is an elastic band. The strap portion 50 may be made of a material such as a canvas, nylon, leather, or other type of such material as can be used as a strap. The strap portion 50 may be made of a single length of material that can be looped and secured about the user's waist. Alternatively, the strap portion 50 may be made of one or more sections of strap material. The strap portion 50 is connected to the pad portion 30 by securing it between the panels 32 using glue, stitching, or other attachment methods. The strap portion 50 may be connected to the first side 40 and second side 42 of the pad portion 30. In another embodiment, the strap portion 50 may traverse on, around, or through the pad portion 30. When positioning at least a portion of the strap portion 50 between the panels 32, at least one of the panels 32 may be formed with an interior recess that the strap portion 50 may lay while keeping the opposing panels 32 in close proximity to one another when joined together. In yet another embodiment, the strap portion 50 may be connected to the covering 34 of the pad portion 30.

The attachment portion 70 of the device 10 is joined to the strap portion 50. The attachment portion 70 includes a fastener 72 which is arranged for removable placement about a user's waist. The strap portion 50 has a first end 52 and a second end 54. The fastener 72 of the attachment portion 70 may be formed as a buckle, loop, clip, or other such fastening device. The attachment portion 70 is connected to the first end 52 and the second end 54 of the strap portion 50. The fastener 72 may be an offset configuration on the strap portion 50.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict the device 10 formed with a plurality of panels 32 encased in the covering 34 to form the pad portion 30. The strap portion 50 is formed as a single, continuous strap material, which traverses between the plurality of panels 32, extending outward from the first side 40 and second side 42 of the pad portion. The first end 52 and the second end 54 of the strap portion 50 are connected to the attachment portion 70.

FIG. 3 depicts the device 10 with the fastener 72 of the attachment portion 70, unattached. The fastener 72 is designed to be disconnected when the user is attaching the device 10 or removing the device 10 from their body. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the strap portion 50 traverses through the pad portion 30 and the covering 34. The strap portion 50 is adhered to the pad portion 30 inside the covering 34, and may also be sewed to the covering 34. FIG. 2 shows the fastener 72 in an offset arrangement rather than centered on the attachment portion 70.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the device 10 prior to placing the panels 32 into the optional covering 34 if that covering 34 is to be used. In the embodiment depicted, the pad portion 30 is formed with two panels 32, which are secured around the strap portion 50. The strap portion 50 traverses between the attached panels 32.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the device 10 wherein the pad portion 30 is configured in a wedge shape. In this embodiment, the pad portion 30 is formed with the top portion 36 having a greater thickness than the bottom portion 38.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of the device 10 with the pad portion 30 inside the covering 34. The strap portion 50 traverses between the panels 32 and through the covering 34. In this embodiment, the covering 34 surrounds the pad portion 30. The optional covering 34 may be permanently attached, removably attached, or unattached to the pad portion 30. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, the covering 34 surrounds the pad portion 30 and a partial section of the strap portion 50 but is unattached to the pad portion 30.

FIGS. 7-9 depict the device 10 in use by a user. FIG. 7 depicts the device 10 in use with the user in a kneeling position. The user's upper leg portion 90 is in contact with the inner side 44 of the device 10. The user's lower leg portion 92 is in contact with the outer side 46 of the device 10. In the embodiment of the device 10 shown in FIGS. 7-9, the strap portion 50 traverses through the pad portion 30 and the covering 34. The strap portion 50 is wrapped around the user's body and attached in the front of the body with the fastener 72 of the attachment portion 70. FIG. 8 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 7 in use with the user in a one-leg, kneeling position.

FIG. 9 depicts the device 10 attached to the user while the user is standing or moving. The device 10 is designed such that the user may squat or kneel to utilize the device 10 and return to a standing or walking position without readjusting the device 10. FIG. 9 depicts the device 10 with the strap portion 50 retaining the device 10 around the user's body. Additionally, FIG. 9 depicts the device 10 in use without interfering with other equipment 94 such as knee pads and/or a work belt.

The present invention has been described with reference to specific examples and configurations. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A kneeling pad device comprising:

a pad portion having a top portion, a bottom portion, an inner side, and an outer side, wherein the pad portion is formed of a plurality of panels;

a strap portion joined to the pad portion; and

an attachment portion joined to the strap portion, wherein the attachment portion includes a fastener arranged to removable placement about a user's waist.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein there are two opposing panels forming the pad portion.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the panels of the pad portion are formed of a cushioning material.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the panels of the pad portion are formed of a stiff material.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the pad portion is fitted with an optional covering to cover the panels.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the covering is a fabric material selected from canvas, duck cloth, nylon, polyester, or other synthetic fabric.

7. The device of claim 5 wherein the covering is a fabric material selected from cotton, wool, linen, or other such natural fabric.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the attachment portion has a fastener.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the fastener is a clip, buckle, or loop.

10. The device of claim 8 wherein the fastener is in an offset configuration on the strap portion.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein the pad portion is substantially shaped as a rectangle in which the top portion is approximately the same width as the bottom portion.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein the pad portion is substantially shaped as a wedge wherein the top portion is of a larger width than the bottom portion.

13. The device of claim 1 wherein the inner side is designed to contact the user's upper leg region and wherein the outer side is designed to contact the user's lower leg region.

14. The device of claim 1 wherein the inner side of the device may form to the user's upper leg region and the outer side of the device may form to the user's lower leg region.