GB2413277A - Body support suited to kneeling posture - Google Patents

Abstract

A device 41 is used to support an upper part of the human body when it is in a kneeling position. The device comprises two side frame elements 42, a knee pad (16) to support the user's knees or lower legs while kneeling, and a chest pad 14 to support the user's horizontally-extending thorax and/or abdomen. The chest pad 14 is preferably pivotably mounted to the side frame elements 42 to accommodate shifts in the user's weight. Handles 12 are provided on each side frame element 42, which the user may grasp to support part of her or his body weight while lowering himself on to, or raising himself from the device. The device may easily be dismantled or folded for storage or transport, and is of particular use for gardeners.

Description

1 241 3277

BODY SUPPORT

The present invention relates to a device for supporting an upper part of the human body when it is in a kneeling position. More particularly, but not exclusively, it relates to a device to support the weight of a person kneeling to work at or near ground level, for example while gardening, and to ease their return to an upright position.

In the course of gardening, particularly during weeding and planting-out, it is usual to kneel on both knees adjacent an area to be worked on and to lean over the area. It is known to provide "kneelers" to cushion damaged knees, or merely for comfort. In some cases, an infirm gardener may have problems entering or leaving a kneeling position, and so kneelers have been provided with raised handles, allowing a gardener to take much of her or his weight on her or his arms during kneeling down or standing up.

Similar problems will attend on those working in similar postures on jobs such as laying flooring, painting skirting boards, installing low level electrical sockets or cabling, and so forth. While these problems will largely be described herein in terms of gardening, it should be understood that the problems and their solutions may apply equally to any other situation involving working for any length of time in such a posture. These problems apply equally to male and female gardeners, etc. For simplicity, any references herein to "he" or "his" should be understood also to include "she" or "her", and so forth.

Even if a kneeler is provided, the gardener or the like will still need to lean over the area being worked on, with a generally horizontal back and his centre of gravity disposed well forwards. Even if one arm and hand is used to support the gardener's upper body weight, this will put his back, particularly the lumbar region, under stress. This may cause fatigue and back pain in even the fittest of gardeners, while for those with existing injuries such as slipped discs, damaged vertebrae, sciatica or other neuromuscular problems associated with the back, such a posture is highly unsuitable. The stress and strain on the gardener's back is even higher as he attempts to straighten up before returning to a standing position.

It is hence an object of the present invention to provide a device to support a body weight of a person kneeling to work at or near ground level which reduces stresses on the body, particularly the back, and ideally which eases the stresses involved with kneeling down and standing up from a kneeling posture.

According to the present invention, there is provided a device adapted to support a body weight of a person kneeling to work at or near ground level, comprising first rest means adapted to receive and support the knees or lower legs of the person, second rest means above, in use, said first rest means and adapted to receive and support a generally horizontally extending thorax and/or abdomen of the person, and handle means graspable so that the person may support a substantial proportion of his body weight thereon while lowering himself on to or raising himself from the device.

Preferably, the device is dismantleable or foldable into a more compact configuration for transportation or storage.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the device is provided with frame means comprising a first frame element disposable on a ground surface and a second frame element mounted pivotably thereto, to which the second rest means is mounted.

The first rest means may then be mounted to the first frame element.

The handle means may be mounted to the second frame element.

The second rest means may be pivotably mounted to the second frame element.

Preferably, the second frame element is pivotable between an in-use disposition in which it extends generally upwardly from the first frame element, and a stored disposition in which it extends generally in contact therewith.

The frame means may be provided with holding means to maintain the second frame element in its in-use disposition.

Said holding means may comprise prop or stay means extending between the first and second frame elements.

Alternatively, said holding means may comprise stop means adapted to limit pivoting movement of the second frame element.

Preferably, the second frame element is selectably dimensionally adjustable to accommodate persons of differing stature.

Advantageously, the second frame element comprises two sections moveable telescopically, one with respect to the other, and selectably operable locking means to hold them in a desired relative disposition.

Preferably, the device is provided with stabilising means adapted to oppose toppling of the device.

The stabilising means may comprise stabiliser elements extending outwardly from the first frame element.

The handle means of the device preferably extends generally horizontally from the second frame element in its in-use disposition.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the device is provided with frame means comprising a first frame element disposable on a ground surface and a second frame element extending generally above, in use, the first, to which the second rest means is mounted.

Preferably, the first rest means is mounted to the first frame element.

Advantageously, the second rest means is pivotably mounted to the second frame element.

The handle means may be mounted to the second frame element.

The second frame element may extend generally parallelly to the first.

The first and second frame elements may be connected by a generally upwardly extending third frame element.

Said third frame element preferably extends obliquely between the first and second frame elements.

The frame means may then have a generally Z-shaped profile.

The frame means is preferably separable into a plurality of sections for transportation and/or storage.

The third frame element may comprise two telescopically-connected sections, one mounted to the first frame element and the other mounted to the second frame element.

Said sections may be adjustably connected.

The frame means may comprise paired side portions linked by a plurality of spacer elements extending generally horizontally, in use.

Said spacer elements may optionally be detachably mounted or mountable to each said side portion.

Alternatively, the side portions may have integral spacer elements, the spacer elements of one side portion being engageable with respective spacer elements of the other.

In either embodiment, the second rest means and the first rest means may each comprise cushioned pad means mounted to rigid base means.

Optionally, each cushioned pad means may be detachably mounted to a respective base means.

The device may be provided with storage means for tools and the like.

Said storage means may comprise pouch means mounted, optionally detachably, to the frame means, optionally to the second frame element thereof.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a first, preferred, support device embodying the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second support device embodying the invention; Figures 3A to 3D are scrap plan views of four alternative forms of a base frame section of either the first or the second support device; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a third support device embodying the invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a fourth support device embodying the invention; Figure 6 is a Irontal elevation of a cross-piece isolated from the device shown in Figure 5; Figures 7A, 7B and 7C show in perspective and in separated condition a fifth embodiment of support device; Figure 8A shows in perspective and in separated condition a sixth embodiment of support device; and Figure 8B shows in perspective an underside of a chest pad isolated from the device shown in Figure 8A.

Referring now to the figures, and to Figure 1 in particular, a first support device I has a frame of tubular steel or aluminium, comprising a base frame section 2 disposable on a ground surface and a movable frame section 3 pivotably mounted thereto. 'I'he base frame section 2 is generally U-shaped, with a cross brace extending between the arms of the U. near to an open end thereof. A distal end of each arm of the U forms a longitudinal stabiliser 4, as described in more detail below.

The movable frame section 3 comprises two parallelly-extending lower frame tubes S. each of which is mounted at a first end to a respective arm of the U-shaped base frame section 2 by means of a respective pivot 6. The lower l'rame tubes 5 are linked by a stabilising bar extending horizontally between an end of each remote from the respective pivot 6. Two parallelly-extending upper frame tubes 7 are each held telescopically at a first end within a respective lower frame tube 5. Each upper frame tube 7 is mounted at an end remote from the first to a horizontal crossbar 8.

Each lower frame tube 5 is provided with two corresponding identicallyspaced rows of apertures 9 extending through diametrically-opposed walls thereof. The apertures 9 in each lower frame tube 5 are so aligned that a straight adjustment rod may extend horizontally through two corresponding apertures 9 in each tube 5. Each upper frame tube 7 has a pair of diametrically opposed apertures adjacent its first end, disposed within the corresponding lower frame tube 5. These, too, are so aligned that the adjustment rod may extend therethrough. A fastening knob 10 holds the adjustment rod securely in position. (This arrangement is shown in more detail in Figure 2).

The height of the movable frame section 3 is thus adjustable by releasing the fastening knob and withdrawing the adjustment rod, sliding the upper frame tubes 7 within the corresponding lower frame tubes 5 until the apertures in the upper frame tubes 7 are aligned with a different set of corresponding apertures 9 in the lower frame tubes 5, passing the adjustment rod horizontally through each aligned aperture, and securing it in place once more with the fastening knob 10.

The movable frame section 3 is pivotable as a unit between a stowed disposition with the upper and lower frame tubes 5,7 contacting the base frame section 2 and an erect disposition as shown, in which the upper and lower frame tubes 5,7 extend upwardly from the respective pivots 6 at an angle of approximately fifteen degrees to the vertical A stop 11 is provided, mounted to each lower frame tube 5 so as to contact the base frame section 2 when the upper and lower frame tubes S. 7 extend at fifteen degrees to the vertical, inclined towards the longitudinal stabilisers 4 and the open end of the U-shaped base frame section 2. As an alternative to the stops 11 shown, an end of each lower frame tube 5 adjacent the respective pivot 6 may be angled to perform the function of a stop.

The horizontal cross-bar 8 of the movable frame section 3 is bent through roughly a right angle adjacent each end to form a handle 12, each here provided with a ribbed grip. These are to aid the raising from and lowering into a kneeling position if an user of the device.

An upholstered chest pad 13 with a rigid base-board 14 of medium density fibreboard (MDF) or the like is pivotably mounted to the cross-bar 8 by means of two brackets 15, each passing around the cross-bar 8 between the two upper frame tubes 7 An upholstered knee pad 16 on an MDF base-board extends between the arms of the U- shaped base frame section 2, adjacent the closed end of the U. Rubber feet 17 may be mounted to an underside of the base frame section 2, to prevent damage to an underlying surface (e.g. when laying a laminate floor) and/or to prevent the support device 1 slipping on a smooth surface. Rubber stoppers 18 seal any open tube ends to prevent ingress of water, soil or the like.

A second support device 19, shown in Figure 2, is similar to the first 1, except for the alignment of the movable frame section 3 in its erect disposition. The second support device 19 is provided with props 20 to maintain the movable frame section 3 at about fifteen degrees to the vertical, but inclined towards the knee pad 16 and the closed end of the U-shaped base frame section 2.

The props 20 extend between each arm of the base frame section 2 and a respective lower frame tube 5 when the moveable frame section 3 is erect, and are detachable to allow the movable frame section 3 to be stowed adjacent the base frame section 2.

Figure 2 also shows several features of the second support device 19 which are also present in the first support device 1, but are not visible in Figure l, such as the cross-brace 21, extending between the arms of the U-shaped base frame section 2, the stabilising bar 22, extending between the upper, in use, ends of the two lower frame tubes 5, and the adjustment rod 23 extending through corresponding apertures 9 in each lower frame tube 5 and each upper frame tube 7 so as to hold the moveable frame section 3 at a selected telescopic extension. The MDF baseboard 24 of the knee pad 16 is also visible in Figure 2.

Each support device 1, 19 is used in the same manner. The support device 1, 19 may be stored with the movable frame section 3 in its stowed disposition. It is carried to a preferred location, the base frame section 2 is placed on a ground surface adjacent an area to be worked on, and the movable frame section 3 is swung into its erect disposition. For the second support device 19, the props 20 are then fitted into place. If necessary, the upper and lower frame tubes 5, 7 are adjusted so that the movable frame section 3 has an overall height generally corresponding to the user's thigh length.

The user kneels on the knee pad 16, grasping the handles 12 if necessary. The user then bends forward at the hips, again using the handles 12 for support as necessary, until his body is generally horizontal and resting on the chest pad 13, which will swivel about the cross-bar 8 to adopt an optimum alignment. For most users, it will prove most comfortable to rest the thorax on the chest pad l 3, but it is possible to rest the abdomen thereon if desired. A user with a back problem will usually find a posture with his upper or lower rib-cage resting on the chest pad 13 as most comfortable and least stressful to the back, since this puts his body's centre of gravity close to the chest pad 13.

The user is then free to reach down, with both hands, if required, to an area immediately in front of the support device 1, 19 and weed, plant seedlings or carry out equivalent jobs without putting his back or knees under significant strain. Once work adjacent the support device 1, 19 is complete, the user may grasp the handles 12 once more, raise his body from the chest pad 13 to an upright position, and stand up from the knee pad 16. The support device 1, 19 is then moved to another location and reused, or folded and taken away, as preferred.

As is clear from Figure I in particular, there is a risk that the support device 1, 19 might topple forwards if the user rests his weight too far forwards, or if he were to push too hard or in a forwards direction on the handles 12. The longitudinal stabilisers 4 therefore extend forwardly from the base frame section 2, as shown in Figure 3A, their length being a compromise between stability and the possibility that they might encroach on the area to be It is also possible that lateral stability of the support device 1,19 might be endangered, for example should a user work on an area offset from his body axis, should the support device 1,19 be placed on uneven, sloping or soft ground, or should the user lower or raise himself using only one handle 12. To reduce such risks, the straight longitudinal stabilisers 4 shown in Figure 3A may be replaced with outwardly-splayed stabilisers 25 as shown in Figure 3B.

The splayed stabilisers 25 may be curved, as shown, or may be straight but extend at an angle to the arms of the U-shaped base frame section 2. Figure 3C shows a further arrangement, wherein lateral stabilisers 26 extend transversely to the longitudinal stabilisers 4. In this case, two lateral stabilisers 26 are mounted to the base frame section 2 adjacent the cross-brace 21; these may instead be mounted to a distal end of each longitudinal stabiliser 4. Further lateral stabilisers 26 may also be provided if desired. Figure 3D shows another solution to this problem, in which round flat rigid pads 27 are mounted beneath each longitudinal stabiliser 4 to increase both lateral and longitudinal stability.

As well as "swept-back" handles 12 as shown, it may instead be possible to employ handles 12 extending forwardly from the cross-bar 8. In the first support device 1, this might require longer longitudinal stabilisers 4 to ensure stability, but in the second support device 19 the weight of the user would still be safely supported above a point well within the base frame section 2. It is also envisaged that the handles 12 could extend in a plane above or below that of the cross-bar 8, if desired.

The chest pad 13 and knee pad 16 are each covered in a waterproof material that is easy to wipe clean, such as a vinyl-coated fabric, although other materials may be employed where the risk of soiling is lower than it would be when used in a garden. It is desirable, however, that the chest pad 13 and the knee pad 16 are each detachable from their respective base- boards 14, 24 to aid more thorough cleaning. Mated zones of hook and loop repositionable fastening fabric or popper fastenings are particularly suitable for this purpose.

If desired, a tool bag may be suspended from the support device 1,19, the stabilising bar 22 of the movable frame section 3 being particularly convenient for this purpose For example, a length of fabric material may be looped over the stabilising bar 22 and fastened to itself with poppers or hook and loop repositionable fastening fabric, the length of fabric material being provided with a plurality of pouches or pockets adapted to hold gardening tools and bulbs, etc. or the corresponding tools and/or supplies for other work.

Figure 4 shows a third support device 31, of simpler construction than the first and second support devices l, 19 described above. The frame of the third support device 31 is generally Z-shaped, comprising a lower frame section 32 and an upper frame section 33.

The lower frame section 33 comprises a pair of substantially identical tubular steel lower side elements 34, spaced apart by three horizontal lower cross-pieces 35. A main portion of each lower side element 34 extends horizontally, in use, forming with the lower cross-pieces 35 a base for the device 31, while a transverse portion 36 of each lower side element 34 extends obliquely upwardly, forming an acute angle (here, of about forty-five degrees) with the main portion thereof.

The upper frame section 33 comprises a pair of substantially identical tubular steel upper side elements 37, spaced apart by a horizontal upper cross-piece 38. A main portion of each upper side element 37 extends horizontally, in use, while a transverse portion 39 of each extends obliquely downwardly, forming an acute angle with the main portion thereof, substantially identical to the corresponding angle of the lower frame section 32.

The transverse portions 39 of the upper frame section 33 are received telescopically within the corresponding transverse portions 36 of the lower frame section 32. They are here fastened together by means of a spring-loaded pin arrangement mounted to each transverse portion 39 of the upper frame section 33, cooperating with one of a series of apertures 40 located in each transverse portion 36 of the lower frame section 32. This arrangement allows the third support device 31 to be adjusted in height. For storage, the upper and lower frame sections 32, 33 are separable and may be nested together, for example with the upper frame section 33 inverted. Other fastening arrangements may be used, such as that shown for the first and second support devices 1, 19 above.

An upholstered knee pad 16 with a base board of MDF or the like is mounted to an upper surface of two of the lower cross-pieces 35 of the lower frame section 32. (The knee pad 16 is here shown with a broken outline to reveal the structure of the lower frame section 32 therebeneath). Each lower side element 34 is sealed at an end remote from the respective transverse portion 36 by a rubber stopper 18.

An upholstered chest pad 13 with a rigid base-board 14 of MDF or the like is pivotably mounted to the upper cross-piece 3X of the upper frame section 33 by means of two brackets passing therearound.

An end of each upper side element 37 of the upper frame element 33 remote from the corresponding transverse portion 39 forms a horizontallyextending handle 12, each here provided with a rubber grip.

Rubber feet or pads (not shown) may be provided on an underside of the lower frame section 32 to protect an underlying floor surface.

Thus, as for the first and second support devices 1, 19, a user places the assembled third support device 31 in a desired location, and kneels on the knee pad 16, grasping the handles 12 for support il necessary. The user then bends forwards at the hips, again using the handles 12 for support if desired, until his body is generally horizontal and resting on the chest pad 13, which swivels about the upper cross-piece 38 to adopt an optimum alignment. The user is then free to reach down with both hands to work on an area immediately in front of the device 31, without putting back or knees under significant strain. Once work is complete, the user may grasp the handles 12 once more, raise his body from the chest pad 13 to an upright position, and stand up from the knee pad 16.

A fourth support device 41 is shown in Figure 5. This has an overall appearance very similar to the third support device 31, above, except that its generally 7,-shaped frame is not separable into upper and lower frame sections 32, 33. Instead, it comprises two substantially identical tubular steel Z-shaped side elements 42, spaced apart by three horizontallyextending, in use, lower cross-pieces 45 and a horizontally-extending, in use, upper cross- piece 48.

An upholstered knee pad 16 with a base-board of MDF or the like is mounted to an upper surface of two of the lower cross-pieces 45. (As for Figure 4, the knee pad 16 is shown in Figure 5 with a broken outline to reveal the structure therebeneath). An upholstered chest pad 13 (omitted from Figure 5 for clarity) mounted to a rigid base-board 14 of MDF or the like is pivotably mounted to the upper cross-piece 48 by means of two brackets 15 (not visible). Handles 12 provided with rubber grips terminate an upper horizontally-extending end of each 7,-shaped side element 42.

The cross-pieces 45, 48 may each be welded at each end to the respective Z-shaped side elements 42, producing a support device 41 with a one-piece frame which, however, cannot be reconfigured into a more compact form. While this may be used exactly as described for the third support device 31, it is less convenient to transport and store, particularly when being transported to and stocked by wholesalers, retailers and the like, before it reaches the user.

Therefore, preferably, the cross-pieces 45, 48 are not welded to the Zshaped side elements 42, but instead have the form shown in Figure 6. Each elongate cross- piece 45, 48 has a part- cylindrical bracket 50 at either end, which is dimensioned to fit around a respective tubular Z-shaped side element 42. The fourth support device 41 may thus be supplied broken down into: the two Z-shaped side elements 42; the knee pad 16 and its two associated lower cross- pieces 45; the third of the lower cross-pieces 45; and the upper cross- piece 48 with the chest pad 13 mounted pivotably thereto. This would make for a much more compact package than To assemble the device 41, a respective end of a tubular 7,-shaped side element 42 is inserted into a respective part-cylindrical bracket 50, which is slid therealong until it reaches a desired position. Indicia or raised or lowered formations may be provided on the Z-shaped side elements 42 to indicate or define correct positions for the brackets 50.

Alternatively, the part-cylindrical brackets 50 may be resiliently deformable, such that the respective tubular Z-shaped side elements 42 may be forced through a mouth 51 of each bracket 50 and gripped tightly therewithin.

In a fifth embodiment, shown in Figures 7A, 7B and 7C, there are provided two Z-shaped side elements, 52 and 53, each having three arms 54, 55, 56 and 57, 58, 59 projecting towards the other of the side elements. Each arm 54, 55, 56 attached to one of the Z-shaped side elements 52 is hollow ended and dimensioned to receive as a *iction fit the end of the corresponding arm 57, 58, 59 of the other Z-shaped side element 53.

Handles 60 are provided at the upper ends of each 7,-shaped side member 52, 53.

One pair of connectible arms 54, 57 join the sides at an upper end rearward of the handles 60.

This pair of arms is adapted to support the chest pad 61 which may be attached to them when they are assembled, e.g. by means of clips 62. A view from below is shown as Fig 7B.

The knee pad 64, shown from beneath in Fig 7C, forms a base for the device and may be fixed to two pairs of arms, at front 55, 58 and rear 56, 59 of the base by means of clips 63, 65.

A sixth embodiment of the support device 81, shown in Figures 8A and 8B, comprises two substantially identical generally Z-shaped side elements 65, 66, each connected to a rectangular base board 67. The base board 67 is provided with four first apertures 68, one adjacent each corner, and each side element 65, 66 has two second apertures 69 in a lower arm thereof, alignable with corresponding first apertures 68 adjacent respective opposite sides of the rectangular base board 67. The device 81 is provided with four rubber feet 70, each having an upstanding threaded stud 71, which is insertable through a corresponding first 68 and second aperture 69 and fastenable in position with a nut 72.

A chest pad 73 is mounted to a cross-bar 74, which is mounted horizontally between a respective upper arm of each side element 65, 66. The cross-bar 74 is apertured at each opposite end to receive a bolt 75. The upper arm of each side element 65, 66 is provided with three alternative third apertures 76, through which the respective bolts 75 may be passed to allow three alternative mounting positions for the cross-bar 74 of the chest-pad 73.

The upper arm of each Z-shaped side element 65, 66 is provided with a terminal handle 77.

As shown in Figure 8B, the cross-bar 74 is mounted to the chest pad 73 by means of two loops 78 attached to an underside of the chest pad 73. The chest pad 73 is thus free to pivot about the cross-bar 74, for example as a user shifts her or his weight.

A padded chest cushion (omitted for clarity) is provided, mounted to an upper, in use, surface of the chest-pad 73, and a padded knee-cushion (also omitted for clarity) is mounted to an upper surface of the base board 67.

The Z-shaped side elements 65, 66 and the cross-bar 74 preferably comprise steel or aluminium tubing, while the base board 67 and chest pad 73 preferably comprise sheet aluminium.

The support devices shown are easy to store, carry, erect and fold or dismantle again after use. A user's body is securely and comfortably supported while working bent over an area at or near ground level, reducing or eliminating stress and strain on his back. It enables the user to use both hands to carry out the job. The handles provided allow the user to support his body weight on his arms during the most stressful phases of use, i.e. when kneeling and bending over towards the device or when raising himself therefrom.

Claims (14)

1. A device adapted to support a body weight of a person kneeling to work at or near ground level, comprising first rest means adapted to receive and support the knees or lower legs of the person, second rest means above, in use, said first rest means and adapted to receive and support a generally horizontally extending thorax and/or abdomen of the person, and handle means graspable so that the person may support a substantial proportion of his body weight thereon while lowering himself on to or raising himself from the device.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, provided with frame means comprising a first frame element disposable on a ground surface and a second frame element extending generally above, in use, the first, to which the second rest means is mounted.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second frame element is mounted pivotably to the first frame element.

4. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first and second frame elements are connected by a generally upwardly extending third frame element, optionally extending obliquely between the first and second frame elements.

5. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the frame means comprises two side portions each having a first frame element, a second frame element and a third frame element, and linked one to the other by a plurality of spacer elements extending generally horizontally, in use.

6. A device as claimed in any one ol claims 2 to 5, wherein the first rest means is mounted to the first frame element.

7. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the second rest means is mounted pivotably to the second frame element.

8. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the handle means is mounted to the second frame element.

9. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the second frame element extends generally parallelly to the first.

10. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second rest means and the first rest means each comprise cushioned pad means mounted to rigid base means.

A device as claimed in claim 10, wherein each cushioned pad means is detachably mounted to a respective base means.

12. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, provided with storage means for tools and the like.

13. A support device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, dismantleable or foldable into a more compact configuration for transportation and /or storage.

14. A device substantially as described herein, with reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings.