Portable Prayer Stool Assembly

The present invention relates generally to portable stools or cushions and, more particularly, to a portable stool for use during prayer.

Adherents of various religions, e.g., Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, routinely participate in prayer as part of their religious worship. For some religions, prayer may be conducted on a daily basis or even multiple times a day. The physical prayer position for many adherents requires them to kneel, placing all of their weight on their knees. Where this is done on a hard and/or cold surface with no cushioning, the user can quickly begin to experience pain, discomfort, and even bruising on the knees, especially where prayer is conducted multiple times a day. As such, adherents of various religions benefit from having a cushioned, comfortable, and raised surface on which they can position their knees during prayer for improved comfort and ease.

There are some known prayer stools that incorporate a multiple cushions, including cushion(s) for a user's buttocks, but these device prevent or inhibit some users from engaging in all prayer positions, particularly those that require the users to drop their buttocks toward the feet of the user. Other known prayer stools that provide a cushion for a user do not efficiently or effectively permit the user to clean and maintain the stool, namely the cushion thereon. Additionally, most known prayer stools also routinely have cushion(s) that move around or become dislodged during use, which can be unsafe and inconvenient for many users. Furthermore, many known prayer stools also do not provide a sufficient guard to protect against the user's knees or legs falling off of the device when the user is engaged in multiple different prayer positions. Lastly, many other known prayer stools are cumbersome and difficult or impractical for users to transport when not in use, which many users find problematic.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

We present a portable prayer stool assembly that enables repeated, safe, comfortable, and effective use when compared to other known stools.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a portable prayer stool assembly that includes a housing with a rear end, a front end opposing the rear end, two opposing side ends each interposing the rear end and front end, a bottom wall, a sidewall of a substantially rigid material, surrounding the bottom wall in an erect orientation relative to an upper surface of the bottom wall to define a height of the sidewall, and with sidewall disposed at each of the two opposing side ends tapering in height as the sidewall spans from the rear end toward the front end of the housing, and defining, with the bottom wall and the sidewall, a cushion receiving cavity. The assembly also includes a cushion member of a deformable material, selectively removably coupled to the housing, disposed within the cushion receiving cavity, and retained by the sidewall.

In accordance with a further feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes the upper surface of the bottom wall having an upper surface area defined and enclosed by the sidewall, wherein the upper surface of the bottom wall is substantially planar at least 75% of the upper surface area.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes the sidewall having a sidewall upper surface spanning around the sidewall, forming the height of the sidewall relative to the bottom wall, and forming a curved shape spanning from the rear end toward the front end of the housing.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the sidewall upper surface is formed into a rounded edge.

In accordance with an exemplary feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes a plurality of feet members coupled to housing and defining a planar support plane, thereby generating a level surface for the housing.

In accordance with a further feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes the sidewall continuously surrounding the bottom wall.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes the sidewall having an outer surface, an inner surface opposing the outer surface of the sidewall, and a plurality of flange members extending from the inner surface of the sidewall, into the cushion receiving cavity, and configured to vertically retain the cushion member.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the plurality of flange members are located proximal to the rear end of the housing and proximal to a sidewall upper surface spanning around the sidewall.

In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the sidewall is disposed at the front end of the housing is a height less than a height of the sidewall disposed at the rear end of the housing.

In accordance with an exemplary feature of the present invention, the sidewall disposed at the front end of the housing is of a uniform height separating the two opposing side ends of the housing.

In accordance with an additional feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes the cushion member having an upper layer of a foam material having an upper layer hardness, a lower layer of a foam material coupled to the upper layer and having a lower layer hardness less than the upper layer hardness, and a cover encapsulating the upper and lower layers.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes the sidewall having an outer surface, an inner surface opposing the outer surface of the sidewall, and a plurality of flange members extending from the inner surface of the sidewall, into the cushion receiving cavity, and vertically retaining the upper layer of the cushion member.

Also in accordance with the present invention, a portable prayer stool assembly is disclosed that includes a housing having a rear end, a front end opposing the rear end, and two opposing side ends each interposing the rear end and front end, having a bottom wall, having a sidewall of a substantially rigid material and surrounding the bottom wall in an erect orientation relative to an upper surface of the bottom wall to define a height of the sidewall, and defining, with the bottom wall and the sidewall, a cushion receiving cavity. The assembly also includes a cushion member having an upper layer of a deformable foam material having an upper layer hardness, a lower layer of a deformable foam material coupled to the upper layer and having a lower layer hardness less than the upper layer hardness, and a cover encapsulating the upper and lower layers, wherein the cushion member is selectively removably coupled to the housing, disposed within the cushion receiving cavity, and retained by the sidewall.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. Also, for purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof relate to the invention as oriented in the figures and is not to be construed as limiting any feature to be a particular orientation, as said orientation may be changed based on the user's perspective of the device. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. As used herein, the term “wall” is intended broadly to encompass continuous structures, as well as, separate structures that are coupled together so as to form a substantially continuous external surface.

As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the housing or to-and-from the front end and rear end of the housing. The term “vertical” should be understood to mean in a direction from the bottom wall to the upper end or surface of the sidewall.

The invention described herein provides a portable prayer stool assembly that overcomes known disadvantages of those known devices and methods of this general type and that significantly improves the ease and convenience of prayer as part of users' religious worship. The present invention comprises a slightly raised and cushioned surface that curtails the weight, pain, and/or pressure imposed on a user's knees during prayer. Beneficially, this improves the ease and convenience of prayer, particularly where it is conducted with great frequency. Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a portable prayer stool, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Referring now to, the present invention is a cushioned and portable prayer stool assembly (referred to herein as “stool” for brevity) comprising a cushion memberdisposed within and coupled to a housing(which is structural body shape, sized, and configured to retain the cushion member). The housingis specially configured to retain the cushion memberin a manner that permits the user to safely and repeatedly utilize the stool with the user comfortably and effectively. The housingincludes a rear end, a front endopposing the rear end, two opposing side ends,each interposing the rear endand front end, and a bottom wall. The housingis preferably of a substantially rigid, yet durable and slightly flexible material, such as polymeric material, e.g., ABS, polystyrene, high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”), etc. or a wood or metal material. Said another way, the housingwill not elastically bend when the user applies weight through the cushion memberonto the housing. Preferably, the material composition of the housingshould be lightweight to make portability and transportation much easier and convenient. The length and width of the housingmust be sufficient to accommodate, at a minimum, a user's knees and upper shins. The length and width of the cushion memberis proportionately sized and shaped to fit within the housing.

The housingincludes a sidewallthat surrounds the bottom wallin an erect orientation relative to an upper surfaceof the bottom wallto define a height of the sidewall. The sidewallcan be seen be seen beneficially disposed at each of the two opposing side ends,tapering in height as the sidewallspans from the rear endtoward the front endof the housing, thereby providing a structurally conducive assembly reducing the likelihood of impacting the user's legs while in prayer and preventing free movement of the cushion memberduring use. The housing, namely the sidewalland bottom wall, define a cushion receiving cavityfor the cushion member. The sidewall, although sloping or tapering in height, is high enough to exceed the height of the cushion memberwhen disposed within the cavity. In one embodiment, however, the cushion memberis exceeds the height of the sidewallat and near (within approximatelyin ormm) the front endof the housing(as best seen in), thereby providing cushion for the user's legs when extending over the front endof the housing. The cavityis preferably of a shape corresponding to the shape of the cushion member, namely a lower layerof the cushion member. In one embodiment, the cavityis sized to be slightly less than a size of the lower layer, thereby enabling a compressively retained configuration with the housing.

In one embodiment, the sidewallis disposed at the front endof the housingis a height less than a height of the sidewalldisposed at the rear endof the housing, thereby providing one end that prevents the cushion memberfrom inadvertently becoming dislodged from the housingand another end that provides a safe and comfortable access and resting point for the user's legs. Additionally, the sidewalldisposed at the front endof the housingcan be seen of a uniform height separating the two opposing side ends,of the housing, also providing a safe and comfortable access and resting point for the user's legs.

The upper surfaceof the bottom wallincludes an upper surface area defined and enclosed by the sidewall, wherein the upper surfaceof the bottom wallis substantially planar at least 75% of the upper surface area. Said another way, the entire upper surfaceis substantially planar (without any raises surfaces that would cause the cushion memberto be angled and not level when coupled to the housing), with the exception retention protrusions-formed in housing, wherein “n” represents any number greater than one. The cushion membercan also be seen having preformed cutouts or shapes and sizes corresponding to the shape and size of the retention protrusions-With reference to,, and, the assemblyalso includes a plurality of feet members-coupled to housingand defining a planar support plane, thereby also generating a level surface for the housingand the cushion member. The plurality of feet members-are preferably spaced on opposing sides of the housingand is included at four corners of the housing. The plurality of feet members-may be coupled to the housingwith one or more fasteners or adhesive. The plurality of feet members-may have a high viscosity double-sided adhesive tape adhered to a vulcanizate material composition. The plurality of feet members-are a non-slip feature which substantially reduces or prevents the housingfrom slipping or sliding during use.

With reference toand, the sidewallincludes a sidewall upper surfacespanning around the sidewall, forming the height of the sidewallrelative to the bottom wall, and can also be seen forming a curved shape proximal to the front endand spanning from the rear endtoward the front endof the housing, wherein “proximal” is defined (unless otherwise indicated) aa being at or near (e.g., within approximately 75 mm) a referencing structure or surface. The sidewall upper surfaceis preferably formed into a rounded edge that also inhibits increased pressure applied to the user's legs or shins when resting on the assemblyand cushion. The sidewallpreferably and continuously surrounds the bottom wall, but in other embodiments, the sidewallmay be formed with slots or other holes, but still forms a “wall” for each side of the cushion member. The shape of the sidewallmay also be curvilinear.

The sidewallalso includes an outer surface, an inner surfaceopposing the outer surfaceof the sidewall, and a plurality of flange members-extending from the inner surfaceof the sidewall, into the cushion receiving cavity, and configured to vertically retain the cushion memberwhile placed inside the cavity. The plurality of flange members-project approximately 6-10 mm from the inner surfaceor otherwise a length that extends slightly over the cushion memberwhile inside of the cavity. The plurality of flange members-are preferably of a uniform radial length. The plurality of flange members-are preferably located proximal to the rear endof the housingand proximal to a sidewall upper surfacespanning around the sidewall.

The cushion memberis of a deformable material, is selectively removably coupled to the housing, disposed within the cushion receiving cavity, and is retained by the sidewall. With reference toand, the cushion memberis preferably formed with an upper layerof a foam material having an upper layer hardness, a lower layerof a foam material coupled to the upper layerand having a lower layer hardness less than the upper layer hardness, and a coverencapsulating the upper and lower layers,. The upper layeris indirectly and vertically retained (when a coveris utilized) by the plurality of flange members-thereby inhibiting dislodging of the cushion member. In preferred embodiments, only the lower layerhas the preformed cutouts or shapes for the retention protrusions-One of the retention protrusions, namely protrusionis formed from a handle member(best seen in).

The coveris preferably of a fabric material composition, e.g., cotton, linen, nylon, polyester, canvas, faux silk, velvet, wool, etc. Preferably, the coveris soft enough to not irritate a user's skin, i.e., the skin on a user's knees during use. The covermay also house a cushioning deformable material providing support and cushioning to a user's knees during use. In preferred embodiments, the stuffing may consist of wool, hair, feathers, polyurethane foam (medium density and/or high density), polyester staple fiber, non-woven material, dry fast open cell foam, closed cell foam, fabric backed sew foam, or even paper torn into fragments. The upper layeris of foam material, e.g., polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, or polymeric foam material having a density of 25-300 kg/mand a hardness range of approximately 15-70 shore C. The upper layermay have dimensions of approximately 452×350×30 mm in size and is also of a foam material the same or similar to the lower layer. When foam is utilized, which is preferred due to its resiliency and support properties, the foam material may also be a closed-cell foam. The lower layermay have dimensions of approximately 452×350×20 mm in size (i.e., slightly larger in thickness than the upper layer) and having a density of 100 kg/mand a hardness range of approximately 38 shore C. The cushion memberis operably configured to be disposed within the housingsuch that the cushion memberdoes not slide, dislodge, or come out of place when a user's weight is placed on it during use.

With reference to, another feature of the stool assemblyis its stackable configuration. In one embodiment, the sidewallhas a receiving port, e.g., ports,, formed on corners of the housing, particularly disposed on an upper edge of the sidewallwhere the side wall and rear wallintersect. The stackable configuration enables multiple portable prayer stool assemblies to be stackable with respect to one another. The receiving port(s) are designed to receive a support member, e.g., support member, disposed on the bottom surfaceof the bottom wallof the housing. In this way, the support member of an upper stool assembly is operably configured to fit into, in a snug configuration, and be received by, the receiving port of the lower stool assembly. Beneficially, this feature conserves space and provides for improved convenience and ease of use.

The stool assemblyis also operably configured to be used in conjunction with a carrying case. The carrying case is of a size and dimension proportional to that of the stoolto beneficially enable the stoolto snugly fit within the carrying case. In an exemplary embodiment, the dimensions of the carrying case are 500×390×120 mm. Preferably, the carrying case is of a material composition capable of withstanding daily wear and tear and capable of sustaining the weight of the stoolduring transport, storage, and/or use. In a preferred embodiment, the carrying case is of an Oxford cloth material composition, i.e., a cotton, weave structure fabric. The carrying case is operably configured to improve the user's ease and convenience of carrying, storing, and/or transporting the carrying case.

Although a specific order of executing the process steps has been discussed above and claimed, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more steps or blocks shown or described as occurring in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process steps can be combined into a single process.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, 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 above-described features.