Kneeling Support Device and System

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.

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.

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.

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.

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,illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the kneeling support deviceof the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, the kneeling support deviceis an improved kneeling support devicethat provides a user with comfort and support when kneeling for extended periods of time. Specifically, the deviceis an attachable, comfortable support devicethat may be applied to the legof a userand extends from the kneesdown to the instep of the footto help reduce the amount of pressure on the feetand toesof a user. The kneeling support devicecomprises a base componentconfigured in a curved contour to the shape of a user's legand knee.

Further, the outer surfaceof the base componentcomprises at least one padding layerto cushion a user's kneesand shins, while kneeling. The endof the base componentnear the footcomprises a cutout componentthat curves around a user's footto provide comfort and support to the toesand feetwhile kneeling. In use, the userengages the cutout componentaround the footbefore attaching the hook and loop fastener straparound the calf area to its desired tightness. The devicerests on topof the footand wraps tightly around each sideof the footto keep the devicein place. Accordingly, the kneeling support deviceis then kept in place while in use. The cutout componentis sized and shaped to fit and engage the ankle near the talus bone of userand near the top of foot. The cutout componentmay have a generally arch-shaped topography. The cutout componentmay 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 devicesupports and cushions a user's kneesand legswhile kneeling for extended periods of time. Generally, the kneeling support devicecomprises both a rigid knee shieldfor covering a substantial part of a front surface of user's kneeand a rigid shin shieldfor covering a substantial part of a user's shin. The rigid knee shieldand the rigid shin shieldcan 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 devicecan be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art. Further, the kneeling support devicecan be available in multiple sizes, depending on the height and/or size of a user's legs.

As shown in, the endof the base componentnear the footarea comprises a cutout componentthat curves around a user's footto provide comfort and support to the toesand feetwhile kneeling. In use, the cutout componentis engaged around a user's footbefore attaching the rest of the base component. Thus, once the deviceis in position, the cutout componentrests on topof the footand wraps tightly around each sideof the foot.

Further, the base componentcomprises securing componentson either side. The securing componentsact to secure the base componentaround a user's legand knee. The securing componentsinclude buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, or other suitable fasteners operable to temporarily attach the base componentaround a user's legand knee. In one embodiment, hook and loop fastenersare used to secure the devicearound a user's calf. In another embodiment, hook and loop fastenersare used to secure the devicearound a user's calf, knee, and ankle. Generally, any suitable number of hook and loop fastenerscan be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

Generally, the hook and loop fastenersallow the userto set a specific tightness to the devicearound their leg. Thus, if another userwears the device, or if the size of the user's leggrows or increases, the length of the hook and loop fastenerscan be adjusted again via the hook and loop fasteners. Thus, the hook and loop fastenerscan be secured around a user's legto any desired tightness as is known in the art.

As shown in, the devicecomprises a base componentthat is configured to contour to both a user's legsand knees. Specifically, the base componentcomprises an outer surfaceand an inner surface. The inner surfaceis configured in a curved contour that wraps partially around the front of a user's legand knee. Specifically, the curved contour of the base componentcreates a recesson the inner surfaceof the base component, which contours to a user's leg. Recesshas a depth of at least 1″ (e.g., 1″+, 1.5″+, 2″+, 2.5″+, etc.) in various embodiments. The recessruns the entirety of a portion of the length of the base component, for example, 100%, 70-100%, 55-85%, 65-75%, 30-80%, or 40-75% of the length from the apex of the cutout componentto the top end of the base component.

Furthermore, the outer surfacecomprises multiple layers. Generally, the multiple layers comprise padding layersand support and cushioning layers. In one embodiment, the outer surfacecomprises a protective barrier layer. The multiple padding and cushioning layersare flexible and conform to a user's kneeand leg. The protective barrier layeris a hard plastic layer that is generally shaped to fit the outer-facing region of the kneeand shin. The protective barrier layeris typically not flexible and may stay straight as a userbends a knee. The protective barrier layermay be detachable from the multiple padding and cushioning layersand protects a userfrom abrasions, scratches, and discomfort. Further, the multiple layerscan 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 layercan comprise a shell, a covering or a jacket placed over the layersas necessary for field or work conditions. The protective barrier layercan 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 layercan be any suitable color or design depending on the use of the deviceand 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, such as around the kneeas desired. Further, while the aforesaid deviceis designed for use in work or field conditions, it is also noted that the devicemay be used domestically in a house or apartment for userswho have knee conditions which require padding during normal household chores, such as cleaning floors or gardening.

As shown in, the kneeling support deviceis secured over a garment, such as overall pants, leggings, work pants, etc., or other types of garments. Further, a usermay also wish to use the devicewhile wearing shorts or a short skirt, for example. Here, the kneeling support devicecan be secured directly around a user's legsand knees.

Generally, the kneeling support devicemay be used in a variety of applications. For example, the kneeling support devicemay shield and protect a userwhile they are kneeling on a hard surface and installing new carpeting, landscaping, roofing, etc., or while standing on a ladder and leaning their kneesand shinson the ladder.

In yet another embodiment, the kneeling support devicecomprises a plurality of indicia. The base componentof the devicemay include advertising, trademark, other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the base component, or any other indiciaas is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indiciaas 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.

illustrates a flowchart of the method of supporting and cushioning a user's knees and shins. The method includes the steps of at, 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, engaging the cutout component around a user's foot. Further, the method comprises at, positioning the base component around a user's shin and knee. Finally, the method comprises at, securing the device to a user's leg via hook and loop fasteners.

depict various views of non-limiting embodiments of kneeling support device. Base componentof kneeling support deviceincludes a padding layercoupled to a support layer(padding layerdiscussed herein shares all or some of the features of padding layer, and vice versa, according to various different embodiments). In some embodiments, padding layeris releasably coupled to support layeror other elements of base component(e.g., using hook and loop fasteners, compression fittings, or other releasable fastening devices). When a userwears kneeling support device, the user's kneeis positioned near the knee endand their ankle is located in or below cutoutat base end. Base componentmay be constructed primarily of a foam polymer. In some embodiments, one or both of support layerand padding layerare 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 layerand padding layermay be partially or fully constructed using closed-cell polyethylene foam. Padding layermay have a higher density or higher rigidity than support layer, for example, a closed-cell polyethylene foam of padding layeris 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(different foams or different materials may have different ranges and ratios of density). Both the support layerand padding layermay be substantially constructed using closed-cell polyethylene foam where padding layerhas a higher density than support layer. 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 layerprovides structure for the base component, proper legfitment to improve operability during use, and physical comfort as the recessconforms or fits the user's legduring use (see). The density of padding layeroffers a tough surface that can endure abuse during rugged construction conditions, increases the rigidity of base component, and provides a uniform surface engaging the floor and distributing the user'sweight more evenly.

Grip memberis located on the outer surfaceor underside of base component. For example, when base componentincludes a padding layer, grip memberis located on the underside of padding layerto provide increased grip of objects located below userwhen kneeling (e.g., joistshown in). Grip membermay have a generally concave shape. Grip membermay 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 (seedepicting a joist). For example, grip membermay be wider than a 1.5″ dimensional lumber edge to allow the grip memberto better engage a joistof dimensional lumber and reduce the odds the userwill slip off the joist. As another example, grip memberis over 2.5″ wide, which can accommodate joistsmade 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 membermay 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 memberengage the object below and reduce slippage. Grip membermay have a textured surface, a contoured surface, a concave shape, or other gripping feature. Grip membermay be constructed of multiple layers and be constructed of the same or different materials than base component, support layer, or padding layer. In some embodiments, padding layeris thicker than padding layerto retain sufficient thickness due to reduced thickness at the thinnest portion of a concave grip member.

Grip memberis located at least at the upper end to allow gripping pressure to increase beneath the weight under kneeof user. Grip membermay be located within the first 4″ to 8″ of the knee end, for example, near padding knee endlocated on padding layeror near support layer knee endif base componenthas a unibody construction or otherwise omits or incorporates padding layerinto support layer. Grip membermay be positioned with knee placementsituated directly below kneeduring use with drip memberextending above and below knee placementby several inches (e.g., 1″, 2″, 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″, and so forth). In some embodiments, grip memberruns up to one quarter, one half, three-quarters, or the full distance from the knee end(e.g., padding knee endor support layer knee end) to the base endor padding ankle end.

During use, the kneeof useris positioned in recessto be directly over the knee placement. Knee placementis positioned to direct the pressure from kneeonto the object below (e.g., a joist) and increase the conformal grip of grip memberon the object. In some embodiments, the base componentand recessare sized and shaped so the kneeis positioned above the knee placement. Grip membermay be sized and shaped in conjunction with recessand cutoutto guide userin proper kneeplacement over grip member'sknee placementby engaging cutoutinto the ankle of usernear the talus bone (e.g., top of footarea) and bringing the recessto engage with the legand shin, thereby placing the kneein line with knee placementand allowing strapsto secure base componentin the correct position on the leg.

Kneeling support deviceincludes a flashlightcoupled to base componentin certain embodiments. Flashlightcan be an off-the-shelf flashlight, a custom flashlight, or another light source. Flashlight cavityis a cavity deep enough to securely hold flashlightin place during normal use (e.g., compression fit) but also allow for the removal of flashlightto replace batteries, recharge, and so forth. Flashlight fastenermay be added to help secure flashlightin the flashlight cavity. Flashlight fastenercan be an among a variety of fasteners, including hook-and-loop fasteners, clasp(s), latch(es), and so forth.

Kneeling support deviceincludes at least one structural support memberin various embodiments. Structural support member(s)operate to increase strength and rigidity of the base component. If base componentis too flexible, the kneeling support devicewill bend or contort when spanning a distance (e.g., bridging the distance between joists), applying most of the load near the middle or shinarea, or other use cases. Structural support member(s)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)are tubular rods of fiberglass or another fiber-reinforced polymer. Many different shapes and sizes of structural support member(s)will increase rigidity and performance, and many different placement locations are contemplated herein. Whileshows structural support member(s)embedded inside support layerin structural support cavity, the structural support member(s)can be located elsewhere on, around, or inside kneeling support deviceto provide sufficient increases in rigidity. Structural support member(s)run generally parallel to the long axis of base componentin numerous embodiments.

Akin to the discussion of strapelsewhere herein, kneeling supportincludes at least one strapto secure the base componentto the leg. For example, an upper strapA passes via feed through pairA while a lower strapB passes via feed through pairB, thereby allowing straps(i.e.,A &B) to secure around legfor use. Each straphas a first endand a second endthat fastens to first end. For example, first endand second endmay include hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., where second endincludes a longer section of loops than hooks on first endto make strapsadjustable around different legdiameters). Access ports(e.g., upper access portA and lower access portB) allow userto thread or unthread strapsin or out of feed through pairswhile padding layerremains coupled in place to support layer. The access portsallow for replacement of damaged strapsor installment of different sizes or types of straps.

illustrates non-limiting embodiments of kneeling support devicepositioned on a joistas discussed above. Base componentincludes vent groovesaccording to various embodiments. Vent groovesmay include an upper sectionand lower section. Vent groovesinclude a plurality of grooves or contours encouraging air flow and ventilation to draw heat and sweat away from leg. The plurality of grooves of vent groovesmay be substantially parallel to each other or may intersect each other. For example, the plurality of grooves of vent groovesmay 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 sectionand lower sectionhave differing groove patterns than the main section of vent grooves. Vent groovesmay be patterned on recess, for example, by injection molding a polymeric foam into a base componentor support layerform having vent groovesincluded in the injection form.

Base componentincludes a bull nosesection of the padding layerin some embodiments. Bull nosemay be constructed of the same material as padding layerand may improve durability by having more of the knee endsurface being the material of padding layerrather than the material of the support layer. Bull nosealso helps to properly orient and align padding layerwhen being coupled to support layer. For example, the hook-and-loop fastenersandofcan be aligned and positioned if padding layerincludes a bull noseas shown in.

depict a profile and plan view of non-limiting embodiments of kneeling support device. Vent groovesin some or all sections may extend to the medial and lateral edges of base component. For example,show the central portion of vent groovesextending all the way from the lateral edge to the medial edge of the support layer. In contrast, the vent groovesshown inextend less far and are contained within the recess. Vent groovescan vary in length, pattern, depth, and proximity to achieve improved ventilation and heat control during use.

illustrate non-limiting embodiments of kneeling support device. Padding layercan removably couple to support layerusing a variety of different coupling or fastening mechanisms (e.g., compression fittings, hook-and-loop, snaps, plugs, clasps, and so forth). For example, hook layercan couple with loop layerto form a releasably coupled connection between padding layerand support layer.

Structural support cavitiesfor housing structural support member(s)can be embedded in support layeras depicted in, but they can be placed elsewhere as well. For example, structural support cavitiescan be accessible from the knee endas shown in, which can allow structural support member(s)to be replaced from the outside of base component. Structural support cavitieslocated in padding layercan supplement or can be used instead of structural support cavities.

In numerous embodiments, the base componentvaries in thickness along the recess. The thickness below the kneemay be less than the thickness near above the apex of the cutout, causing the recessto slope upwards. The thickness of base componentabove the apex of cutoutmay be 1.5 to 6 times thicker than the thickness of base componentbelow the knee(e.g., 1.5-3 times thicker, 2-3 times thicker, 2-5 times thicker, and so forth). The userfeels less pressure and discomfort as the recessslopes upwards, the foot is provided more room, and the padding layer/engages fully with the floor.

Kneeling support deviceis sized and shaped to fit the legof user. The width of base componentcan be: 3.5″-9″, 3″-10″, 5″-8″, 5.5″-6.5″, and other widths that cover the legwithout impeding the user'sability to walk. The length of base componentcan be: 14″-27″, 12″-36″, 18″-25″, 20″-26″, 20″-28″, 21″-23″, 21″-25″, or other lengths that cover the legwithout impeding the user'sability 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).

depict various views of non-limiting embodiments of bridge assembly. Kneeling support deviceoperates together with bridge assemblyand functions as a kneeling support system. The disclosed kneeling support system is not limited to including only the kneeling support deviceoperating together with the bridge assembly. Bridge assemblyfits onto joists, dimensional lumber, engineered wood, engineered “I” joists, or other features, thereby allowing userto kneel with kneeling support deviceon the bridge assemblyin addition to the nearby joists or features. Bridge assemblyincludes a bridge spancoupled to and between a first bracketand a second bracket. Bridge spanincludes an adjuster, which can be any of a variety of adjusters to allow tubular or U-shaped metal to slidingly adjust and lock in place. Adjustermay be a bolt assembly, a pin, a wingnut and bolt, a lever, or any of numerous locking adjusting mechanisms.

First bracketand second bracketare sized and shaped to fit over and onto joists. Joistscan be any among a wide variety of joists including dimensional lumber, engineered wood, engineered “I” joists, and so forth. In some embodiments, first bracketand second bracketare sized and shaped to fit over and onto joiststhat are 1.5″ edges of dimensional lumber or other wood. Wedge alignersoperate to compressively fit onto joistsand help align each of first and second bracketsandto reduce movement of bridge assemblyduring use. A plurality of wedge alignersmay be employed, for example, having at least two wedge alignersper side and may be spaced in an alternating fashion as shown in. The flush gapis the minimum distance between opposing wedge alignersand where a joistwill sit flush against the top of the bracket/. Flush gapmay be 1.5″ and offer no compression of wood for joist. If the flush gapis 1.3″, then a 1.5″ joistwill be compressed approximately 0.1″ on each side at each wedge aligner. Brackets/are difficult to pull off of joistif wedge alignerscompress joistsa significant percentage, so flush gapis 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 gapis wider than flush gapand the angle of wedge aligners is determined by the measurements for the wedge length, mouth gap, and flush gap.