GB2405325A

GB2405325A - Kneeling device with removable handles

Info

Publication number: GB2405325A
Application number: GB0320120A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alice Joyce Gentles; Frederick Gentles
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-08-28
Filing date: 2003-08-28
Publication date: 2005-03-02
Also published as: GB0320120D0; GB0418990D0; GB2405327B; GB2405327A

Abstract

A kneeling device comprising a rectangular platform or cushion (10) having four sides and two ends produced from a resilient material, has at least one handle capable of releasably interlocking with the end of the platform. The kneeler may have a handle (14) at each end which interlocks (18) with a corresponding form shaped in the platform. The handles may be made of metal or plastic and may be tubular and may be adjustable for height. The platform may have formed or moulded depressions (12) therein to suit a users knees. The depressions may take the form of releasable inserts (24). The platform may have a separate base. The device may be supplied as a kit of parts.

Description

DESCRIPTION

KNEELING DEVICE

The present invention relates to a kneeling device to assist people in kneeling on the floor for prolonged periods of time.

Knccling directly on a floor surface has always presented a number of problems such as damaging the skin surrounding the knee and it is often painful even if performed for short periods of time. A number of people have to kneel for long periods of time in order to carry out their jobs, such as gardeners, joiners, painters and decorators, maintenance engineers, and dressmakers. Indeed, most religious services require kneeling for prolonged periods of time during prayer or worship.

Whilst kneeling for short periods of time is not necessarily a problem for some people, a growing number of individuals now have knee problems such as deteriorated cartridge around the knee joint and beneath the knee cap and this renders kneeling a painful experience and one which is often avoided. Kneeling for prolonged periods of time can also result in joints becoming stiffened and therefore resuming a standing position from a kneeling position can often be difficult if not painful, and this is especially so in individuals suffering from knee problems, the infirm and the elderly. In-order to address these problems, a number of kneeling devices have been developed, although these are associated with a number of problems.

U.S. 6,415,441 discloses a knee protection device for removing pressure from the knees of the person who is kneeling and comprises a ridged panel having an inner - 2 surface and a outer surface which is removably secured to an individual's leg. Whilst this device may be appropriate for fit and able individuals, the procedure of putting the device around the leg is time consuming and the movement of the individual would be hampered by attachments of such a device. Furthermore, the individual has to be of a flexible disposition in order to elevate him or herself into a standing position.

U.S. 4,850,069 discloses a kneeling for household or garden use in the form of a platform with upstanding handles which may be collapsed for storage. CA 2,175 857 also discuses a kneeling with collapsable handles which may further be used as a stool in an upturned configuration. Whilst these devices have collapsable handles which would assist an individual assuming the standing position from the kneeling position, the handles although collapsable can result in a cumbersome device which cannot be used for kneeling when the handles have been collapsed. Further more, the platforms are uni torm in their shape and therchore the pressure of the individual upon kneeling on such a platform would result in the greatest pressure being applied through the knee cap. This may be problematic in a number of situations were an individual has knees which are damaged or suffering from disease.

U.S. 2003/0019007 discloses a knee cushion support for placing on top of a surface in an area beneath the knees. The knee cushion comprises a cushion with depressions for receiving the knees of a user whilst in the kneeling position and two small handles protruding from the cushion to facilitate grasping and transportation of the knee cushion. While the depressions in the cushion would allow for the weight of the individual to be evenly spread around the knee area (as opposed to being directed towards the knee cap), the handles provide little if no actual function for assisting an individual in assuming a standing position from a kneeling position or vice versa.

US 4, 7987264 discloses a kneeling for facilitating kneeling which comprises a rigid plastic platform with foam inserts placed in the cavities on the platform and two handles extending vertically from either end of the platform. The handles are fixed into the rigid platform making the device cumbersome and not lending itself to be stored easily. Furthermore, the cavities within the rigid plastic platform would only permit an individual to have his or her knees at a set distance away from one another and furthermore may prove hazardous should the knee be held snugly in place in the rigid platform and an individual turns his or her body to one side suddenly as this may result in ripping of cartilage within the knee or straining of ligaments surrounding the knee.

It is an object of the present invention to address one or more of the problems associated with the prior art devices. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a kneeling device which allows the pressure exerted by the weight of the individual to be displaced equally on the kneeling device. It is yet a further object of the present invention, to provide a kneeling device with handles to assist the individual Irom assuming the kneeling position and standing position easily and which may be removable not only for storage, but also so the device may be used independently of handles. - 4

In accordance the present invention, there is provided a kneeling device comprising a generally rectangular cuboidal platform formed from a resi liens material and having four sides and two ends, and at least one handle capable of releasably interlocking with part of the platform. The present invention thereby allows a user to use the platform independently of the handle or handles if they wish and also provides for a device which can be easily stored. The handle(s) allows the individual to assume the standing or kneeling position easily as the weight of the body can be transl'erred to the handle(s) prior to placing the knees on the platform.

At least one handle may be capable of releasably interlocking with one side of the platform. Preferably, the handle is capable of releasably interlocking with one end ol'the platform. The handle may comprise a cavity which substantially conforms to the dimensions of the ends of the platform. Preferably, the device comprises two handles. A number of means may be employed for interlocking the handles to the ends of the platform such as interference between the ends of the platform and the cavity. Alternatively, a means of positively locking the handles in place on the platform may be employed.

The device as described hereinabove, preferably has depressions provided in the platform in order to accommodate the user's knees. The depressions may be capable of receiving one or more pads. Preferably, the pads may be releasably attached to the depressions. It will be evident to one skilled in the art, that such attachments may be by a number of means. For example, the outer surface of the pads which interface with the depressions of the platform may be covered in - 5 Velcro_, provided that the depressions are coated with a suitable material which may accommodate the use of such a material. Alternatively, the pads may additionally comprise male or female members which are received in female or male members which are disposed on the depressions. The pads may be of different sizes in order to accommodate knees of different dimensions. Therefore, the depressions in the platform may be of a standard size, and may allow a number of different pads to be placed within them. Such pads may comprise an exterior shape which substantially conforms to the shape of the depression and a knee receiving part which is of a bespoke size. Furthermore, the pads may be configured in such a manner as to allow the pressure exerted by the weight of the individual on the pad to be displaced around the periphery of the knee and therefore reducing the pressure on the I kneecap. It will be evident, that such a configuration will be appropriate for individuals who have damaged kneecaps.

The height of the handles, may be adjustable in order that the device may be used by a number of individuals of different size or strength. Preferably, the shape of the handles is either semi-circular or rectangular. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that a number of materials may be utilized in producing the handles, provided that the handles can withstand the weight of an individual (even an obese individual). Preferably, the handles arc produced from one or more of the following materials: a plastics material, a metal based material or a carbon based material. In order to utilize cheaper and/or weaker materials, the handles may be constructed out of tubular parts in order to provide extra strength. r - 6

The platform may be produced from a number of materials which are substantially resilient and a number of materials will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Preferably, the platform is produced from a foam or compressed rubber material.

The platform may additionally have a protective covering or material covering its exterior. It will be evident that such protection will ensure that the platform lasts for a reasonable duration of time and will help maintain its appearance. Preferably, the protective covering or material is resistant to one or more of the following: moisture, stains and high temperature. It will be evident that "high temperature" means temperatures which may be experienced from the ambient climate. Preferably, the material of the platform is fire retardant. The protective covering or material may be a plastics material or a woven material. A woven material may be a fabric. Kneeling I devices are commonly used in churches and therefore may be covered in a patterned fabric such as tapestry.

The depressions or pads are preferably configured such as to spread the weight of the individual over the whole of the knee or over the periphery of the knee.

In a preferred embodiment, the depressions are of curved section for snugly receiving the knees of a user. The pressure exerted on the platform by the user may also be used to transfer pressure to the handles in order to assist in the stabilizing of the handles.

The device may additionally comprise a base which extends to part or all of the underside of the device. The base preferably touches the surface on which the device is placed. The base may be produced from a number of materials such as r plastics or metal.

In order to protect the surface on which the device is placed from being damaged (for example from scratches) a protective layer may be provided on the base of the device. Such a protective layer may extend to part or all of the base and may be produced from a number of materials such as plastics, rubber and cork. It will be apparent that such a protective layer may additionally lend itself to preventing the device from slipping on the surface. Additionally, small protrusions may be dispersed on the base in order to further prevent the device from slipping.

Preferably, four protrusions are disposed at each corner of the base. It will be evident that the protrusions may also be disposed at other locations on the base. The protrusions may be produced from a number of materials such as a rubber or plastics or metal material. Protrusions may be of a semi-spherical shape or substantially conical. AItcrnatively, a moving means may be disposed on the base of the device.

Preferably, the moving means assists in the moving of the device whilst in use. More preferably, the moving means comprises castors.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a platform which is produced from a resilient material and which optionally has depressions fommed thereon in order to acconnodate knees and further comprises at least one handle capable of releasably interlocking with one side of the platform. Additionally, the kit of parts may further comprise pads which may be received in the depressions in the platform.

A specific embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Fig. I is a perspective view of one embodiment of a kneeling device in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of pads inserted into the depressions of the kneeling device shown in Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a handle as used in the kneeling device shown in rig. 1.

With reference to Fig. 1, there is provided a kneeling device for assisting an individual to kneel on a surface the device comprising a platform 10 produced from a resilient material and having two depressions 12 formed thereon. A respective handle 14 is disposed at each end of the platform 10. The handle 14 is produced from a plastics or metal material and is capable of releasably interlocking with one end of the platform 16.

With reference to Fig. 2, the kneeling device further comprises pads 24 which may be inserted into the depressions 12 ofthe platform 10.

With reference to Fig. 3, the handle 14 comprises an aperture 20 which an individual may place their finecrs through in order to hold the device. One side of the handle 14 defines a cavity 18 which has a ledge 22 formed at its bottom edge.

In use, the platform 10 of the device allows the individual to place their knees in the depressions 12 so as to spread the weight of the individual over the whole or periphery ol' the knee and thereby allow kneeling to be comfortable. To this end, the platform 10 is made from a resilient material on which it will be comfortable to r kneel. Two detachable handles 14 are also provided, the cavities 18 being dimensioned to allow each end 16 of the platform 10 to be releasably interlocked in the cavity 18 of a respective one of the handle 14. Therefore, the device may be used with or without the handles 14. This will suit a number of applications such as easy storage of the device and allowing different individuals with different needs to use the device. For example, one individual may only require the platform, whilst another individual may require the handles in order to assist in kneeling An individual can use the device with two handles 14 releasable interlocked with the platform 10, which are gripped in order to allow the individual to push themselves up from a kneeling position to a standing position or allow them to use their arms assist in kneeling. When an individual is kneeling on the device, the pressure exerted on the platform 10 is also exerted on the ledge 22 of the handle and this therefore stabilises the handle when an individual is attempting to stand.

I'he depressions 12 can have pads 24 inserted in them in order to accommodate a bespoke size of knee or to introduce a different resilient material should a different type of support be required to the material from which the platform is produced.

In most cases, it is sufficient for there to be simply an interference fit between the ends of the platform 10 and the recesses 18 of the handles 14. However, in other cases it may be preferred to provide some means of positively locking the handles in place on the platform. I' -

Claims

1. A kneeling device comprising a generally rectangular cuboidal platform formed from a resilient material and having four sides and two ends, and at least one handle capable of releasably interlocking with part of the platform.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one handle is capable of releasably interlocking with one side of the platform.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one handle is capable of releasably interlocking with one end of the platform.

4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the handle comprises a cavity which substantially conforms to the configuration of the ends of the platforms.

5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises two handles.

6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the platform has two depressions formed therein lor accommodating the knees of a user.

7. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the depressions can receive one or more pads.

8. A device as claimed in claim or 7 wherein the depressions are laterally spaced apart in one of the sides of the platform and are of curved cross-section for snugly receiving the knees of a user.

9. A device as claimed in claims 7 or 8, wherein the pads can be releasably attached to the depressions.

10. A device as claimed in claim 7 or 9, wherein the pads are of different sizes in order to accommodate knees of different dimensions.

11. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the height of the handles is adjustable.

12. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the shape of the handles is either semi-circular or rectangular.

13. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the handles are produced from one or more of the following materials: a plastics material, a metal based material or a carbon based material.

14. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the handles are tubular.

15. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the platform is produced from a foam or compressed rubber material.

16. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the platform has a protective covering or material covering the exterior.

17. A device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the protective covering or material is resistant to one or more of the following: moisture, stains and high temperature.

18. A device as claimed in claims 16 or 17, wherein the protective covering or material is a plastics material or a woven material.

19. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises a base. - 12

20. A device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the base has a protective layer disposed thereon.

21. A device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the protective layer is produced from one or more of the following materials; plastics, rubbers or cork.

22. A device as claimed in claims 19 to 21, wherein castors are disposed on the base of the device to allow the device to be moved whilst in use

23. A device as claimed in claims 19 to 21, wherein protrusions are disposed on the base to prevent the device from slipping.

24. A device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the protrusions are disposed at each corner of the base.

25. A device as claimed in claim 23 or 24, wherein the protrusions are produced from one or more of the following materials: a rubber, a plastics or a metal material.

26. A device as claimed in claims 7 to 25, wherein the depressions or pads are configured such as to spread the load of' the person over the whole Blithe knee or over the periphery of the knee.

27. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pressure exerted on the platform by an individual is also transferred to the handles and assists in stabilizing the handles.

28. A kit of' parts for producing a kneeling device comprising a platform which is produced from a resilient material and has a pair of depressions formed therein to accommodate knees, and two handles capable of releasably interlocking - 13 with the sides of the platform.

29. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 287 wherein the kit additionally comprises pads which can be received in the depressions in the platform.

30. A kneeling device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying figures.