KNEELING SUPPORT DEVICE AND SYSTEM

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 18/310,081, filed May 1, 2023, to Edward Schoen, titled “Kneeling Support Device,” and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 63/341,138, filed May 12, 2022 to Edward Schoen, titled “ToeKnee Crawler,” the entirety of the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to the field of kneeling support devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a support cushion that easily attaches to the leg from the knees down to the foot. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, this disclosure relates to improvements in kneeling support devices. Generally, people who kneel for long periods of time throughout the day for work and other tasks may experience significant discomfort in the lower leg, ankle, and knee area. Further, blood flow restriction can cause pain to the feet and toes, resulting in a pins and needles type feeling in the extremities. Additionally, numbness can occur due to the increased lower leg pressure and may cause health issues if this process is repeated for several weeks and months at a time.

Typically, knee pads are widely used by landscapers, mechanics, plumbers, housekeepers, and other occupations requiring a kneeling position. Furthermore, existing kneeling devices which a user places on the ground to use, tend to shift around and slide. Further, prior art knee and shin pads can interfere with leg circulation when they are wrapped too tightly around the knee and/or shin. Further, some knee and shin pads are configured to be placed in pockets within the legs of pants. However, a user is limited to only that pair of pants.

Thus, there is a need for a kneeling support device that cushions and supports users who have to kneel for long periods of time throughout the day. Further, there is a need for a kneeling support that attaches to the user and does not slide around but is also not limited to one article of clothing.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that provides users with a support cushion that easily attaches to the leg, from the knees down to the foot. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that offers comfort and relief to the knees, lower leg area, toes and feet while in a kneeling position for extended periods of time. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that can be used while carpet laying, roofing, plumbing, floor tiling or installation, etc. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that alleviates the pressure felt on other areas of the body due to shifting of a user's body weight for balance or a comfortable kneeling position. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that features a lightweight, portable design that can be easily placed and secured on a user's leg and removed. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that utilizes hook and loop fasteners to secure the device to a user's leg.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a kneeling support device. The device is an attachable, comfortable support device that may be applied to the leg of a user and extends from the knees down to the instep of the foot to help reduce the amount of pressure on the feet and toes of a user. The kneeling support device comprises a base component that is configured in a curved contour that wraps around the front of a user's leg and foot. The curved contour of the base component creates a recess on the inner surface of the base component, which contours to a user's leg. The outer surface of the base component comprises at least one padding layer to cushion a user's knees and shins, while kneeling. The end of the base component near the foot comprises a cutout component that curves around a user's foot to provide comfort and support to the toes and feet while kneeling. The base component is approximately 6 inches wide by 22 inches in length and has a varying thickness. Further, the base component comprises a large hook and loop fastener wrap that is secured around a user's calf for adhering the device to a user. In use, the user engages the cutout component around the foot before attaching the hook and loop fastener strap around the calf area to its desired tightness. The device rests on top of the foot and wraps tightly around each side of the foot to keep the device in place. The kneeling support device is then kept in place while in use.

In this manner, the kneeling support device of the present disclosure accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that attaches to a user's leg to provide comfort and support. The device utilizes hook and loop fasteners to secure it to a user's leg. The device can be manufactured of a plastic material.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of this disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

According to one aspect, a kneeling support system that provides a user with comfort and support when kneeling for extended periods of time is described. The kneeling support system includes: a bridge assembly having first and second brackets; a bridge span positioned between the first and second brackets, the bridge span being substantially rigid and having a load-bearing capacity of at least 250 lbs; and a kneeling support device comprising: base component having a length of 14 to 27 in. and a width of 3.5 to 9 in., the base component being sized and shaped to span the distance from the user's knee to the user's talus bone; a recessed cavity on a superior portion of the base component, the recessed cavity being sized and shaped to engage the shin and knee of the user during use; at least one strap coupled to the base component, the at least one strap being configured to secure the kneeling support device to the leg of the user during use; and a padding member comprising a traction component configured to be positioned below a user's knee during use, the traction component having a concave section of the padding member, wherein the traction component is sized and shaped to compressively seat on the bridge span thereby transferring at least a portion of the user's weight onto the bridge assembly during use.

In another aspect, the padding member is formed largely of a polymer foam, and the traction component includes a concave groove to reduce slipping off a 1.5 in. edge of dimensional lumber. In one aspect, each of the first and second brackets include a compression component having a plurality of protrusions operable to align the bracket on dimensional lumber while simultaneously providing a compression fit straddling the dimensional lumber. In some aspects, the kneeling support system further includes: at least one structural support coupled to the base component, wherein the at least one structural support is a fiber-reinforced polymer that increases the rigidity of the base component. In certain aspects, the recessed cavity slopes upwards from the location of the user's knee towards the location of the user's talus bone, thereby engaging a larger percentage of the padding member against the floor during use.

According to one aspect, a kneeling support system that provides a user with comfort and support when kneeling for extended periods of time is described. The kneeling support system includes: a bridge assembly having first and second brackets; a bridge span positioned between the first and second brackets, the bridge span being substantially rigid and having a load-bearing capacity of at least 250 lbs; and a kneeling support device comprising: a base component having a support member removably coupled to a padding member, the base component having both a superior portion and an inferior portion located between a lateral side and a medial side, an upper end, and a lower end, the outermost opposite edges of the upper and lower ends being 17.5 to 26 in. apart, wherein the padding member is primarily located in the inferior portion and the support member is primarily located in the superior portion of the base component; a cutout located at the lower end of the base component, the cutout having an arch-like shape with a span over 3 in. and a rise of 1 to 7 in.; a recessed cavity in the support member located primarily in the superior portion, the recessed cavity being at least 1.5 in. deep and extending 55-85% of the length from the apex of the cutout to the outermost edge of the upper end, wherein the recessed cavity includes a plurality of ventilation grooves; and a traction component located at the upper end and on the padding member, the traction component forming a concave groove at least 1.8 in. wide by at least 3 in. long by at least 0.2 in. deep at the deepest portion of the concave groove.

In some aspects, the kneeling support system further includes: at least one structural support coupled to the base component substantially along the long axis of the kneeling support device, wherein the at least one structural support increases the rigidity of the base component. In one aspect, the structural support includes a thermoset polymer, a thermoplastic polymer, or a metal. In another aspect, the support system includes a fiber-reinforced polymer. In some aspects, at least one of the first bracket or the second bracket includes a compression component configured to releasably and compressively straddle a piece of dimensional lumber. In an aspect, the compression component includes a plurality of protrusions operable to align the bracket on the dimensional lumber in addition to providing a compression fit on the dimensional lumber. In another aspect, the ventilation grooves comprise a plurality of grooves oriented within 30° of orthogonal to intersecting grooves. In some aspects, both the support member and the padding member are formed largely of closed-cell polyethylene foam, the padding member having a higher density and rigidity than the support member.

According to one aspect, a kneeling support system that provides a user with comfort and support when kneeling for extended periods of time is disclosed. The kneeling support system includes: a bridge assembly having first and second brackets; a bridge span positioned between the first and second brackets, the bridge span being substantially rigid and having a load-bearing capacity of at least 250 lbs; and a kneeling support device comprising: base component having a support member removably coupled to a padding member, the base component being sized and shaped to span the distance from the user's knee to the user's talus bone, the base component having both a superior portion and an inferior portion located between a lateral side and a medial side, an upper end, and a lower end, wherein the padding member is primarily located in the inferior portion and the support member is primarily located in the superior portion of the base component; a cutout located at the lower end of the base component, the cutout having an arch-like shape sized and shaped to mate with and partially envelop the ankle of the user; a recessed cavity in the support member located primarily in the superior portion, the recessed cavity being sized and shaped to engage the shin and knee of the user during use, wherein the recessed cavity includes a plurality of ventilation grooves; at least one strap coupled to the base component, the at least one strap being configured to secure the kneeling support device to the leg of the user during use; a traction component located at the upper end and on the padding member, wherein the traction component is sized and shaped to compressively seat on the bridge span with the user's knee located over the traction component and transferring at least a portion of the user's weight onto the bridge assembly during use; and at least one structural support coupled to the base component substantially along the long axis of the kneeling support device, wherein the at least one structural support increases the rigidity of the base component.

According to some aspects, the bridge span adjusts in length to change the distance between the first bracket and the second bracket. In one aspect, each of the first and second brackets include a compression component having a plurality of protrusions operable to align the bracket on dimensional lumber while simultaneously providing a compression fit straddling the dimensional lumber. In some aspects, the plurality of protrusions reduce contortion of each of the first and second brackets when the bridge assembly bears the weight of the user. In certain aspects, the bridge span, the first bracket, and the second bracket are constructed primarily of an aluminum alloy. In various aspects, the cutout and the recessed cavity are sized and shaped to position the user's knee over the traction component. In one aspect, the recessed cavity slopes upwards from the upper end towards the cutout at the lower end, thereby engaging a larger percentage of the padding member against the floor during use.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS if any are included.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended and/or included DRAWINGS, where like designations denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of the kneeling support device showing the device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a back perspective view of one embodiment of the kneeling support device showing the base component with the hook and loop fasteners in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the kneeling support device showing the hook and loop fasteners securing the device to a user's leg in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the kneeling support device showing the at least one padding layer on the front of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the kneeling support device secured to a user in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of supporting and cushioning a user's knees and shins in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the kneeling support device showing the padding layer;

FIG. 7B illustrates an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the kneeling support device showing various components;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the kneeling support device showing placement on a joist;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate side and plan views of one embodiment of the kneeling support device showing ventilation grooves;

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate perspective and side views of one embodiment of the kneeling support device showing coupling of the padding layer; and

FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate plan, side, and perspective views of one embodiment of the kneeling support system showing the bridge assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed aspects and applications of the disclosure are described below in the following drawings and detailed description of the technology. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. In the drawings and detailed description, like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the disclosure and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that provides users with a support cushion that easily attaches to the leg, from the knees down to the foot. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that offers comfort and relief to the knees, lower leg area, toes, and feet while in a kneeling position for extended periods of time. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that can be used while carpet laying, roofing, plumbing, floor tiling or installation, etc. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that alleviates the pressure felt on other areas of the body due to shifting of a user's body weight for balance or a comfortable kneeling position. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that features a lightweight, portable design that can be easily placed and secured on a user's leg and removed. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a kneeling support device that utilizes hook and loop fasteners to secure the device to a user's leg.

The present disclosure, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel kneeling support device. The device is an attachable, comfortable support device that may be applied to the leg of a user and extends from the knees down to the instep of the foot to help reduce the amount of pressure on the feet and toes of a user. The kneeling support device comprises a base component that is configured in a curved contour that wraps around the front of a user's leg and foot. The outer surface of the base component comprises at least one padding layer to cushion a user's knees and shins, while kneeling. The end of the base component near the foot comprises a cutout component that curves around a user's foot to provide comfort and support to the toes and feet while kneeling. Further, the base component comprises a large hook and loop fastener wrap that is secured around a user's calf for adhering the device to a user. The present disclosure also includes a novel method of supporting and cushioning a user's knees and shins. The method includes the steps of providing a kneeling support device comprising a base component that is configured to wrap around the front of a user's leg and foot. The method also comprises engaging the cutout component around a user's foot. Further, the method comprises positioning the base component around a user's shin and knee. Finally, the method comprises securing the device to a user's leg via hook and loop fasteners.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the kneeling support device 100 of the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, the kneeling support device 100 is an improved kneeling support device 100 that provides a user with comfort and support when kneeling for extended periods of time. Specifically, the device 100 is an attachable, comfortable support device 100 that may be applied to the leg 104 of a user 112 and extends from the knees 106 down to the instep of the foot 108 to help reduce the amount of pressure on the feet 108 and toes 110 of a user 112. The kneeling support device 100 comprises a base component 102 configured in a curved contour to the shape of a user's leg 104 and knee 106.

Further, the outer surface 114 of the base component 102 comprises at least one padding layer 116 to cushion a user's knees 106 and shins 118, while kneeling. The end 120 of the base component 102 near the foot 108 comprises a cutout component 122 that curves around a user's foot 108 to provide comfort and support to the toes 110 and feet 108 while kneeling. In use, the user 112 engages the cutout component 122 around the foot 108 before attaching the hook and loop fastener strap 124 around the calf area to its desired tightness. The device 100 rests on top 126 of the foot 108 and wraps tightly around each side 128 of the foot 108 to keep the device 100 in place. Accordingly, the kneeling support device 100 is then kept in place while in use. The cutout component 122 is sized and shaped to fit and engage the ankle near the talus bone of user 112 and near the top of foot 126. The cutout component 122 may have a generally arch-shaped topography. The cutout component 122 may have a span of 2″-6″, 3″-5″, 2.75″-5.5″, or 3″-4″, and have a rise of 1″-10″, 1″-8″, 1″-7″, 2″-6″, 4″-6″, or 3″-5″.

Generally, the kneeling support device 100 supports and cushions a user's knees 106 and legs 104 while kneeling for extended periods of time. Generally, the kneeling support device 100 comprises both a rigid knee shield 130 for covering a substantial part of a front surface of user's knee 106 and a rigid shin shield 132 for covering a substantial part of a user's shin 118. The rigid knee shield 130 and the rigid shin shield 132 can be separate components secured together in use or can be an integral one-piece component, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. The kneeling support device 100 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art. Further, the kneeling support device 100 can be available in multiple sizes, depending on the height and/or size of a user's legs 104.

As shown in FIG. 2, the end 120 of the base component 102 near the foot 108 area comprises a cutout component 122 that curves around a user's foot 108 to provide comfort and support to the toes 110 and feet 108 while kneeling. In use, the cutout component 122 is engaged around a user's foot 108 before attaching the rest of the base component 102. Thus, once the device 100 is in position, the cutout component 122 rests on top 126 of the foot 108 and wraps tightly around each side 128 of the foot 108.

Further, the base component 102 comprises securing components 124 on either side. The securing components 124 act to secure the base component 102 around a user's leg 104 and knee 106. The securing components 124 include buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, or other suitable fasteners operable to temporarily attach the base component 102 around a user's leg 104 and knee 106. In one embodiment, hook and loop fasteners 124 are used to secure the device 100 around a user's calf. In another embodiment, hook and loop fasteners 124 are used to secure the device 100 around a user's calf, knee 106, and ankle. Generally, any suitable number of hook and loop fasteners 124 can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

Generally, the hook and loop fasteners 124 allow the user 112 to set a specific tightness to the device 100 around their leg 104. Thus, if another user 112 wears the device 100, or if the size of the user's leg 104 grows or increases, the length of the hook and loop fasteners 124 can be adjusted again via the hook and loop fasteners 124. Thus, the hook and loop fasteners 124 can be secured around a user's leg 104 to any desired tightness as is known in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the device 100 comprises a base component 102 that is configured to contour to both a user's legs 104 and knees 106. Specifically, the base component 102 comprises an outer surface 114 and an inner surface 300. The inner surface 300 is configured in a curved contour that wraps partially around the front of a user's leg 104 and knee 106. Specifically, the curved contour of the base component 102 creates a recess 302 on the inner surface 300 of the base component 102, which contours to a user's leg 104. Recess 302 has a depth of at least 1″ (e.g., 1″+, 1.5″+, 2″+, 2.5″+, etc.) in various embodiments. The recess 302 runs the entirety of a portion of the length of the base component 102, for example, 100%, 70-100%, 55-85%, 65-75%, 30-80%, or 40-75% of the length from the apex of the cutout component 122 to the top end of the base component 102.

Furthermore, the outer surface 114 comprises multiple layers. Generally, the multiple layers comprise padding layers 116 and support and cushioning layers. In one embodiment, the outer surface 114 comprises a protective barrier layer 304. The multiple padding and cushioning layers 116 are flexible and conform to a user's knee 106 and leg 104. The protective barrier layer 304 is a hard plastic layer that is generally shaped to fit the outer-facing region of the knee 106 and shin 118. The protective barrier layer 304 is typically not flexible and may stay straight as a user 112 bends a knee 106. The protective barrier layer 304 may be detachable from the multiple padding and cushioning layers 116 and protects a user 112 from abrasions, scratches, and discomfort. Further, the multiple layers 116 can be flexible, resilient, and/or water-resistant, and may be made of natural or synthetic materials, such as foams, sponges, gels, or other compressible materials known to those of skill in the art.

In one embodiment, the optional protective barrier layer 304 can comprise a shell, a covering or a jacket placed over the layers 116 as necessary for field or work conditions. The protective barrier layer 304 can manufactured of various materials, such as polycarbonate, polyethylene, PVC, ABS, etc., or other hard plastic materials known to those skilled in the art. The protective barrier layer 304 can be any suitable color or design depending on the use of the device 100 and can even be camouflaged for hunters, such as green camouflage for bush or field hunting or brownish/grayish for duck hunting.

Additionally, extra padding and/or layers can be added to selected portions of the base component 102, such as around the knee 106 as desired. Further, while the aforesaid device 100 is designed for use in work or field conditions, it is also noted that the device 100 may be used domestically in a house or apartment for users 112 who have knee conditions which require padding during normal household chores, such as cleaning floors or gardening.

As shown in FIG. 5, the kneeling support device 100 is secured over a garment 500, such as overall pants, leggings, work pants, etc., or other types of garments 500. Further, a user 112 may also wish to use the device 100 while wearing shorts or a short skirt, for example. Here, the kneeling support device 100 can be secured directly around a user's legs 104 and knees 106.

Generally, the kneeling support device 100 may be used in a variety of applications. For example, the kneeling support device 100 may shield and protect a user 112 while they are kneeling on a hard surface and installing new carpeting, landscaping, roofing, etc., or while standing on a ladder and leaning their knees 106 and shins 118 on the ladder.

In yet another embodiment, the kneeling support device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 502. The base component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, trademark, other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the base component 102, or any other indicia 502 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 502 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be knee, support, cushion, or brand related.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of supporting and cushioning a user's knees and shins. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a kneeling support device comprising a base component that is configured to wrap around the front of a user's leg and foot. The method also comprises at 602, engaging the cutout component around a user's foot. Further, the method comprises at 604, positioning the base component around a user's shin and knee. Finally, the method comprises at 606, securing the device to a user's leg via hook and loop fasteners.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8, 9A, and 9B depict various views of non-limiting embodiments of kneeling support device 100. Base component 102 of kneeling support device 100 includes a padding layer 716 coupled to a support layer 705 (padding layer 116 discussed herein shares all or some of the features of padding layer 716, and vice versa, according to various different embodiments). In some embodiments, padding layer 716 is releasably coupled to support layer 705 or other elements of base component 102 (e.g., using hook and loop fasteners, compression fittings, or other releasable fastening devices). When a user 112 wears kneeling support device 100, the user's knee 106 is positioned near the knee end 740 and their ankle is located in or below cutout 122 at base end 120. Base component 102 may be constructed primarily of a foam polymer. In some embodiments, one or both of support layer 705 and padding layer 716 are primarily constructed of a closed-cell foam, an open cell foam, gel foam, memory foam, or other material providing compression capabilities. One or both of support layer 705 and padding layer 716 may be partially or fully constructed using closed-cell polyethylene foam. Padding layer 716 may have a higher density or higher rigidity than support layer 705, for example, a closed-cell polyethylene foam of padding layer 716 is 1.1-3.5 times, 2-6 times, 5-10 times, 8-25 times, 1.1-9.5 times, or 1.1-25 times denser than a closed-cell polyethylene foam of support layer 705 (different foams or different materials may have different ranges and ratios of density). Both the support layer 705 and padding layer 716 may be substantially constructed using closed-cell polyethylene foam where padding layer 716 has a higher density than support layer 705. Many elements of base component may be constructed of injection molded foam, machined or cut foam, or other methods of shaping foam parts. The density of support layer 705 provides structure for the base component 102, proper leg 104 fitment to improve operability during use, and physical comfort as the recess 302 conforms or fits the user's leg 104 during use (see FIGS. 2 and 8). The density of padding layer 716 offers a tough surface that can endure abuse during rugged construction conditions, increases the rigidity of base component 102, and provides a uniform surface engaging the floor and distributing the user's 112 weight more evenly.

Grip member 750 is located on the outer surface 114 or underside of base component 102. For example, when base component 102 includes a padding layer 716, grip member 750 is located on the underside of padding layer 716 to provide increased grip of objects located below user 112 when kneeling (e.g., joist 850 shown in FIG. 8). Grip member 750 may have a generally concave shape. Grip member 750 may be sized and shaped to fit a particular intended object, for example, the 1.5″ edge of dimensional lumber, engineered wood or joists, engineered “I” joists, and so forth (see FIG. 8 depicting a joist 850). For example, grip member 750 may be wider than a 1.5″ dimensional lumber edge to allow the grip member 750 to better engage a joist 850 of dimensional lumber and reduce the odds the user 112 will slip off the joist 850. As another example, grip member 750 is over 2.5″ wide, which can accommodate joists 850 made from 2×_dimensional lumber and numerous engineered “I” joists, but not larger 4×_dimensional lumber and larger engineered “I” joists (e.g., 3.5″ wide joist tops).

The grip member 750 may be constructed of a durable and semi-rigid material that is also flexible and conformal (e.g., a foam, polymer, closed-cell foam, etc.) to help grip member 750 engage the object below and reduce slippage. Grip member 750 may have a textured surface, a contoured surface, a concave shape, or other gripping feature. Grip member 750 may be constructed of multiple layers and be constructed of the same or different materials than base component 102, support layer 705, or padding layer 716. In some embodiments, padding layer 716 is thicker than padding layer 116 to retain sufficient thickness due to reduced thickness at the thinnest portion of a concave grip member 750.

Grip member 750 is located at least at the upper end to allow gripping pressure to increase beneath the weight under knee 106 of user 112. Grip member 750 may be located within the first 4″ to 8″ of the knee end 740, for example, near padding knee end 742 located on padding layer 716 or near support layer knee end 744 if base component 102 has a unibody construction or otherwise omits or incorporates padding layer 716 into support layer 705. Grip member 750 may be positioned with knee placement 752 situated directly below knee 106 during use with drip member 750 extending above and below knee placement 752 by several inches (e.g., 1″, 2″, 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″, and so forth). In some embodiments, grip member 750 runs up to one quarter, one half, three-quarters, or the full distance from the knee end 740 (e.g., padding knee end 742 or support layer knee end 744) to the base end 120 or padding ankle end 720.

During use, the knee 106 of user 112 is positioned in recess 302 to be directly over the knee placement 752. Knee placement 752 is positioned to direct the pressure from knee 106 onto the object below (e.g., a joist) and increase the conformal grip of grip member 750 on the object. In some embodiments, the base component 102 and recess 302 are sized and shaped so the knee 106 is positioned above the knee placement 752. Grip member 750 may be sized and shaped in conjunction with recess 302 and cutout 122 to guide user 112 in proper knee 106 placement over grip member's 750 knee placement 752 by engaging cutout 122 into the ankle of user 112 near the talus bone (e.g., top of foot 126 area) and bringing the recess 302 to engage with the leg 104 and shin 118, thereby placing the knee 106 in line with knee placement 752 and allowing straps 760 to secure base component 102 in the correct position on the leg 104.

Kneeling support device 100 includes a flashlight 790 coupled to base component 102 in certain embodiments. Flashlight 790 can be an off-the-shelf flashlight, a custom flashlight, or another light source. Flashlight cavity 792 is a cavity deep enough to securely hold flashlight 790 in place during normal use (e.g., compression fit) but also allow for the removal of flashlight 790 to replace batteries, recharge, and so forth. Flashlight fastener 794 may be added to help secure flashlight 790 in the flashlight cavity 792. Flashlight fastener 794 can be an among a variety of fasteners, including hook-and-loop fasteners, clasp(s), latch(es), and so forth.

Kneeling support device 100 includes at least one structural support member 770 in various embodiments. Structural support member(s) 770 operate to increase strength and rigidity of the base component 102. If base component 102 is too flexible, the kneeling support device 100 will bend or contort when spanning a distance (e.g., bridging the distance between joists), applying most of the load near the middle or shin 118 area, or other use cases. Structural support member(s) 770 are constructed of strong and rigid materials like thermoset polymers, thermoplastic polymers, metal, polymers, fiber-reinforced polymers, and so forth. In some embodiments, structural support member(s) 770 are tubular rods of fiberglass or another fiber-reinforced polymer. Many different shapes and sizes of structural support member(s) 770 will increase rigidity and performance, and many different placement locations are contemplated herein. While FIG. 7B shows structural support member(s) 770 embedded inside support layer 705 in structural support cavity 772, the structural support member(s) 770 can be located elsewhere on, around, or inside kneeling support device 100 to provide sufficient increases in rigidity. Structural support member(s) 770 run generally parallel to the long axis of base component 102 in numerous embodiments.

Akin to the discussion of strap 124 elsewhere herein, kneeling support 100 includes at least one strap 760 to secure the base component 102 to the leg 104. For example, an upper strap 760A passes via feed through pair 762A while a lower strap 760B passes via feed through pair 762B, thereby allowing straps 760 (i.e., 760A & 760B) to secure around leg 104 for use. Each strap 760 has a first end 765 and a second end 766 that fastens to first end 765. For example, first end 765 and second end 766 may include hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., where second end 766 includes a longer section of loops than hooks on first end 765 to make straps 760 adjustable around different leg 104 diameters). Access ports 764 (e.g., upper access port 764A and lower access port 764B) allow user 112 to thread or unthread straps 760 in or out of feed through pairs 762 while padding layer 716 remains coupled in place to support layer 705. The access ports 764 allow for replacement of damaged straps 760 or installment of different sizes or types of straps 760.

FIG. 8 illustrates non-limiting embodiments of kneeling support device 100 positioned on a joist 850 as discussed above. Base component 102 includes vent grooves 800 according to various embodiments. Vent grooves 800 may include an upper section 802 and lower section 804. Vent grooves 800 include a plurality of grooves or contours encouraging air flow and ventilation to draw heat and sweat away from leg 104. The plurality of grooves of vent grooves 800 may be substantially parallel to each other or may intersect each other. For example, the plurality of grooves of vent grooves 800 may intersect each other generally orthogonally at right angles or intersect each other at any angle between 1° and 180°. In some embodiments, the pattern of intersecting grooves in one or both of upper section 802 and lower section 804 have differing groove patterns than the main section of vent grooves 800. Vent grooves 800 may be patterned on recess 302, for example, by injection molding a polymeric foam into a base component 102 or support layer 705 form having vent grooves 800 included in the injection form.

Base component 102 includes a bull nose 810 section of the padding layer 716 in some embodiments. Bull nose 810 may be constructed of the same material as padding layer 716 and may improve durability by having more of the knee end 740 surface being the material of padding layer 716 rather than the material of the support layer 705. Bull nose 810 also helps to properly orient and align padding layer 716 when being coupled to support layer 705. For example, the hook-and-loop fasteners 1010 and 1020 of FIG. 10A can be aligned and positioned if padding layer 716 includes a bull nose 810 as shown in FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict a profile and plan view of non-limiting embodiments of kneeling support device 100. Vent grooves 800 in some or all sections may extend to the medial and lateral edges of base component 102. For example, FIGS. 9A and 9B show the central portion of vent grooves 800 extending all the way from the lateral edge to the medial edge of the support layer 705. In contrast, the vent grooves 800 shown in FIGS. 8 and 10A extend less far and are contained within the recess 302. Vent grooves 800 can vary in length, pattern, depth, and proximity to achieve improved ventilation and heat control during use.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate non-limiting embodiments of kneeling support device 100. Padding layer 716 can removably couple to support layer 705 using a variety of different coupling or fastening mechanisms (e.g., compression fittings, hook-and-loop, snaps, plugs, clasps, and so forth). For example, hook layer 1010 can couple with loop layer 1020 to form a releasably coupled connection between padding layer 716 and support layer 705.

Structural support cavities 772 for housing structural support member(s) 770 can be embedded in support layer 705 as depicted in FIG. 7B, but they can be placed elsewhere as well. For example, structural support cavities 772 can be accessible from the knee end 740 as shown in FIG. 10A, which can allow structural support member(s) 770 to be replaced from the outside of base component 102. Structural support cavities 1030 located in padding layer 716 can supplement or can be used instead of structural support cavities 772.

In numerous embodiments, the base component 102 varies in thickness along the recess 302. The thickness below the knee 106 may be less than the thickness near above the apex of the cutout 122, causing the recess 302 to slope upwards. The thickness of base component 102 above the apex of cutout 122 may be 1.5 to 6 times thicker than the thickness of base component 102 below the knee 106 (e.g., 1.5-3 times thicker, 2-3 times thicker, 2-5 times thicker, and so forth). The user 112 feels less pressure and discomfort as the recess 302 slopes upwards, the foot is provided more room, and the padding layer 116/716 engages fully with the floor.

Kneeling support device 100 is sized and shaped to fit the leg 104 of user 112. The width of base component 102 can be: 3.5″-9″, 3″-10″, 5″-8″, 5.5″-6.5″, and other widths that cover the leg 104 without impeding the user's 112 ability to walk. The length of base component 102 can be: 14″-27″, 12″-36″, 18″-25″, 20″-26″, 20″-28″, 21″-23″, 21″-25″, or other lengths that cover the leg 104 without impeding the user's 112 ability to walk. In various embodiments, the kneeling support device is sufficiently long and rigid to span joists spaced apart (e.g., 12″ on center, 16″ on center, or 24″ on center).

FIGS. 11A-11C depict various views of non-limiting embodiments of bridge assembly 1100. Kneeling support device 100 operates together with bridge assembly 1100 and functions as a kneeling support system. The disclosed kneeling support system is not limited to including only the kneeling support device 100 operating together with the bridge assembly 1100. Bridge assembly 1100 fits onto joists, dimensional lumber, engineered wood, engineered “I” joists, or other features, thereby allowing user 112 to kneel with kneeling support device 100 on the bridge assembly 1100 in addition to the nearby joists or features. Bridge assembly 1100 includes a bridge span 1130 coupled to and between a first bracket 1110 and a second bracket 1120. Bridge span 1130 includes an adjuster 1132, which can be any of a variety of adjusters to allow tubular or U-shaped metal to slidingly adjust and lock in place. Adjuster 1132 may be a bolt assembly, a pin, a wingnut and bolt, a lever, or any of numerous locking adjusting mechanisms.

First bracket 1110 and second bracket 1120 are sized and shaped to fit over and onto joists 1190. Joists 1190 can be any among a wide variety of joists including dimensional lumber, engineered wood, engineered “I” joists, and so forth. In some embodiments, first bracket 1110 and second bracket 1120 are sized and shaped to fit over and onto joists 1190 that are 1.5″ edges of dimensional lumber or other wood. Wedge aligners 140 operate to compressively fit onto joists 1190 and help align each of first and second brackets 1110 and 1120 to reduce movement of bridge assembly 1100 during use. A plurality of wedge aligners 1140 may be employed, for example, having at least two wedge aligners 1140 per side and may be spaced in an alternating fashion as shown in FIG. 11C. The flush gap 1150 is the minimum distance between opposing wedge aligners 1140 and where a joist 1190 will sit flush against the top of the bracket 1110/1120. Flush gap 1150 may be 1.5″ and offer no compression of wood for joist 1190. If the flush gap 1150 is 1.3″, then a 1.5″ joist 1190 will be compressed approximately 0.1″ on each side at each wedge aligner 1140. Brackets 1110/1120 are difficult to pull off of joist 1190 if wedge aligners 1140 compress joists 1190 a significant percentage, so flush gap 1150 is designed to compress up to 10%, up to 15%, up to 20%, up to 30%, or up to 40% depending on the wood and the embodiment. Mouth gap 1152 is wider than flush gap 1150 and the angle of wedge aligners is determined by the measurements for the wedge length 1154, mouth gap 1152, and flush gap 1150.

Bridge assembly 1100 may be constructed primarily of metal, polymer, or composite materials. Bridge assembly 1100 is primarily an aluminum alloy constructed of U-shaped or similar structural components. An aluminum alloy bridge assembly 1100 can be cast aluminum, machined aluminum, or a combination of the two. In some embodiments, wedge aligners 1140 increase the structural integrity of brackets 1110/1120 by operating as buttresses that limit deflection of the U-shaped brackets 1110/1120 while under weight or experiencing other forces. The bridge assembly 1100 has sufficient strength to bear the weight of the user 112 and some work tools or materials. The bridge assembly 1100 can have a load-bearing capacity of at least: 150 lbs, 250 lbs, 300 lbs, 350 lbs, 400 lbs, 450 lbs, and so forth. The bridge assembly 1100 can come in different load-bearing capacities, for example, a light weight version of bridge assembly 1100 with a lower load-bearing capacity than a heavier version of bridge assembly 1100.

User 112 positions bridge assembly 1100 on joists 1190, which allows user 112 to utilize joists 1190 and the orthogonal bridge span 1130 to kneel on with kneeling support device 100. Having bridge assembly 1100 provides a more comfortable and safer working environment for user 112 while kneeling on joists 1190 with kneeling support device 100. Having access to an orthogonally positioned bridge span 1130 reduces the odds of user 112 losing balance and punching a hole into the ceiling sheetrock attached to the bottom of joist 1190.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “kneeling support device”, “support device”, “kneeling device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the kneeling support device 100 of the present disclosure.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the kneeling support device 100 of the present disclosure can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the disclosure, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the kneeling support device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-11C are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the kneeling support device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the kneeling support device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the kneeling support device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

It will be understood that implementations of the kneeling support device and system include but are not limited to the specific components disclosed herein, as virtually any components consistent with the intended operation of various kneeling support device and system may be utilized. Accordingly, for example, it should be understood that, while the drawings and accompanying text show and describe particular kneeling support device and system implementations, any such implementation may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, grade, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and/or the like consistent with the intended operation of kneeling support device and system.

The concepts disclosed herein are not limited to the specific kneeling support device and system shown herein. For example, it is specifically contemplated that the components included in particular kneeling support device and system may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations that can readily be formed into shaped objects and that are consistent with the intended operation of the kneeling support device and system. For example, the components may be formed of: rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other like materials; glasses (such as fiberglass), carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, any combination therefore, and/or other like materials; elastomers and/or other like materials; polymers such as thermoplastics (such as ABS, fluoropolymers, polyacetal, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polysulfone, and/or the like, thermosets (such as epoxy, phenolic resin, polyimide, polyurethane, and/or the like), and/or other like materials; plastics and/or other like materials; composites and/or other like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, spring steel, aluminum, and/or other like materials; and/or any combination of the foregoing.

Furthermore, kneeling support device and system may be manufactured separately and then assembled together, or any or all of the components may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another. Manufacture of these components separately or simultaneously, as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, may involve 3-D printing, extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, and/or the like. If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupled or removably coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener, any combination thereof, and/or the like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the particular material(s) forming the components.

In places where the description above refers to particular kneeling support device and system implementations, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied to other implementations disclosed or undisclosed. The presently disclosed kneeling support device and system are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.