US20210227984A1

US20210227984A1 - Knee Pad With Rollers

Info

Publication number: US20210227984A1
Application number: US17/160,705
Authority: US
Inventors: Samantha Lee
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-01-28
Filing date: 2021-01-28
Publication date: 2021-07-29

Abstract

A knee pad with rollers includes an upper leg portion with straps configured to adjustably secure the upper leg portion to the wearer's thigh, a knee portion with straps configured to adjustably secure the knee portion over one of the wearer's knees, and at least one flexible connector that connects the upper leg portion to the lower knee portion. Spherical rollers are disposed within sockets on a front face of the lower knee portion. Each spherical roller is configured to freely rotate within its respective socket. The wearer may wear the knee pad with the rollers installed so that they can easily and comfortably maneuver in any direction while supporting themselves on their knees. Additionally, the rollers can be selectively removed in situations where it is desirable to utilize a static or stationary knee supporting surface.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/966,714 filed on Jan. 28, 2020. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to wearable knee pads. More specifically, the present invention provides a knee pad with rollers that provides a comfortable support surface for the wearer's knees and enables movement for the wearer in any direction, wherein the rollers can be selectively removed from the knee pad if the user desires a static or stationary knee support.
Many activities and work projects require an individual to kneel down and support their weight on their knees to access a particular area. For example, gardening, painting, home maintenance, flooring installation, and many other tasks require the individual to kneel down while working. Kneeling even for short periods of time can quickly become uncomfortable. Medical issues with the knee are common, and individuals experiencing such issues can experience extreme discomfort when kneeling to complete a task, to the point where the very act of kneeling may not be possible for them without some kind of additional support. Even individuals with completely healthy knees will experience discomfort and pain after kneeling for extended periods of time.
One way to address these issues is to utilize a padded surface or knee pad to support the knees. While regular padding can provide some additional comfort and pain relief when kneeling for extended periods, there are still drawbacks to this solution. A knee pad often provides only a stationary support for the user. When moving about while completing tasks, the user must constantly shift their weight off their knees, which can become uncomfortable or even painful over time. This may lead the user to forgo a knee pad entirely, which only leads to long term knee issues. In view of the above concerns, it is desirable to provide a knee pad with rollers that allows the user to quickly and easily reposition themselves while still kneeling on the knee pad.
Devices have been disclosed in the known art that relate to mobile knee pads. These include devices that have been disclosed in patent application publications and issued patents. However, the devices have several drawbacks. Some known art devices provide knee pads with wheels. The wheels in these types of devices are typically not adjustable and are difficult to control in terms of direction and orientation. The additional weight and parts added due to wheel and axle components can reduce the overall effectiveness of the knee pad. Further, most wheeled knee pads, skates, and other supports do not provide an option to remove the wheels, which may be desired for particular instances where the user requires a stationary support.
In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing knee pad devices. In this regard the present invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of knee pad devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a knee pad with spherical rollers wherein the same can be utilized to comfortably support a user's weight on their knees while providing for easy motion in any direction.
The knee pad with rollers generally includes an upper leg portion configured to adjustably secure over a thigh of a wearer, a knee portion configured to adjustably secure over a knee of a wearer, and a flexible connector that connects the upper leg portion to the lower knee portion. A plurality of spherical rollers is disposed within a plurality of sockets on a front face of the lower knee portion, such that each roller of the plurality of spherical rollers is configured to freely rotate within its respective socket of the plurality of sockets.
In one embodiment, the knee pad with rollers includes an upper leg portion configured to adjustably secure over a thigh of a wearer via a pair of adjustable upper straps having an upper adjustable fastener, a knee portion configured to adjustably secure over a knee of a wearer via a pair of adjustable lower straps having a lower adjustable fastener, and a pair of flexible connectors that connect the upper leg portion to the lower knee portion. A pair of spherical rollers is disposed within supports that are removably secured within an individual socket of a pair of sockets disposed on a front face of the lower knee portion, wherein each spherical roller of the pair of spherical rollers is configured to freely rotate within its respective support. This allows for removal of the spherical rollers for instances where the user desires a stationary knee support.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent given the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particular pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the knee pad with rollers.

FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of the knee pad with rollers.

FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the knee pad with rollers showing the rollers removed from their respective sockets.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the knee pad with rollers in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the knee pad with rollers. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for providing a comfortable knee support that allows the wearer to maneuver in any direction. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a front perspective view of an embodiment of the knee pad with rollers. In the shown embodiment, the knee pad with rollers includes an upper leg portion 12 configured to adjustably secure over the wearer's thigh or upper leg 50, and a knee portion 11 configured to adjustably secure around the wearer's leg beneath the upper leg portion 12, such that the knee portion 11 is positioned over the wearer's knee. At least one flexible connector connects the upper leg portion 12 to the knee portion 11. In the shown embodiment, the knee pad with rollers includes a pair of flexible connectors 15, 16 that connect the upper leg portion 12 to the lower knee portion 11. The flexibility of the connectors 15, 16 allows the user to easily bend and maneuver their leg while wearing the knee pad with rollers. In some embodiments, the upper leg portion 12 can include a padded material, such as a gel or foam material for example, for additional comfort. Similarly, the lower knee portion 11 can include internal padding of some type to provide a cushioned surface that contacts the wearer's knee.
In the shown embodiment, the knee pad with rollers includes a first upper strap 13 affixed to a first end of the upper leg portion 12 and a second upper strap affixed 14 affixed to a second end of the upper leg portion 12. The first and second upper straps 13, 14 are utilized to secure the upper leg portion 12 around the wearer's thigh or upper leg area. Similarly, the lower knee portion 11 includes a first lower strap 17 and a second lower strap (visible in FIG. 2, annotated as element 23) which are configured to secure the lower knee portion 11 over the wearer's knee. The two distinct sets of upper and lower straps provide multiple adjustment points for the wearer, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
The front face of the knee pad portion 12 includes a plurality of spherical rollers 18. Each spherical roller 18 is disposed within a socket (visible in FIG. 3, annotated as element 31) disposed on the front face of the lower knee portion 12. Each spherical roller 18 is configured to freely rotate within its respective socket. The spherical rollers 18 thus provide a contact surface between the lower knee portion 11 and the floor or ground that allows the wearer to easily move in any desired direction along the floor or ground. In the shown embodiment, the front face of the lower knee portion 11 also includes a plurality of angled ridges 19 projecting outwardly therefrom. The ridges 19 provide additional contact points and grip to the lower knee portion 11, which provides the wearer with additional stability and control over the knee pad with rollers. For example, the user can slow their movement by leaning on the ridges 19, such that the ridges 19 act as a break to slow the rolling spheres 18. Additionally, when the spherical rollers 18 are removed from the lower knee portion 11, the ridges 19 can serve as a non-slip contact surface in those instances where the knee pad wearer wishes to maintain a stationary position.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a side perspective view of an embodiment of the knee pad with rollers. In the shown embodiment, the upper leg portion 12 of the knee pad with rollers includes a first upper strap 13 securable to a second upper strap 14 (visible in FIG. 1) via an adjustable upper fastener 21. The adjustable upper fastener 21 thus secures the upper leg portion 12 to the wearer. Similarly, the knee portion 12 comprises a first lower strap 17 securable to a second lower strap 23 via an adjustable lower strap fastener 22. The adjustable lower fastener 22 thus secures the lower knee portion 11 to the wearer. In the shown embodiment, the adjustable upper and lower strap fasteners 21, 22 are slide buckles. The slide buckles allow the user to pull one of the straps through to tighten or loosen the overall fit of the upper leg portion 12 and the lower knee portion 11. However, in other embodiments, other suitably adjustable fasteners make be utilized, including but not limited to snaps, buttons, clasps, hook and loop material, and the like.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a front perspective view of an embodiment of the knee pad with rollers showing the rollers removed from their respective sockets. Each spherical roller 18 is removably secured within a socket 31 disposed on the front face of the lower knee portion 11. In the shown embodiment, the device includes a pair of spherical rollers 18 removably secured within a pair of sockets 31 positioned above the ridges 19. Other embodiments can include different arrangements of sockets 31. Further, in other embodiments, the upper leg portion 12 can also include spherical rollers for additional movement capabilities.
In the shown embodiment, each spherical roller 18 is installed within a support 32. The support 32 partially encloses the spherical roller 18 and may include bearings or other elements that permit the spherical roller 18 to rotate freely within the support 32. In the shown embodiment, each support 32 is removably securable within one of the sockets 31 via a friction fit or a similar connection therebetween. This allows the spherical rollers 18 to be tightly secured but easily removed from the knee portion 11 if desired, allowing the device to function as a stationary kneepad if the user so chooses.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the knee pad with rollers in use. In operation, the user can secure one kneepad with rollers to each leg. The upper thigh portion 12 provides support and comfort for the wearer's thigh and upper leg, while the flexible connectors 16 permit the wearer to easily bend their legs even with the knee pads being worn. The adjustable upper and lower fasteners allow the wearer to obtain an ideal fit for both the upper leg portion 12 and the lower knee portion 11. When the spherical rollers 18 are installed within the lower knee portion 11, the wearer can easily roll along the floor or supporting surface as they complete a task. This allows the wearer to adjust their current position without constant standing and readjusting. In this way, the task can be completed more quickly, and the wearer improves their overall comfort while also improving their work efficiency.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A knee pad assembly, comprising:

an upper leg portion configured to adjustably secure over a thigh of a wearer;

a knee portion configured to adjustably secure over a knee of a wearer;

a flexible connector that connects the upper leg portion to the lower knee portion.

a plurality of spherical rollers disposed within a plurality of sockets on a front face of the lower knee portion, wherein each roller of the plurality of spherical rollers is configured to freely rotate within its respective socket of the plurality of sockets.

2) The knee pad assembly of claim 1, wherein each spherical roller of the plurality of spherical rollers comprises a support that is removably secured within a socket of the plurality of sockets, such that each spherical roller rotates freely within its respective support.

3) The knee pad assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of ridges extending outwardly from the front side of the knee portion.

4) The knee pad assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper leg portion comprises a padded material.

5) The knee pad assembly of claim 1, wherein the lower leg portion comprises a padded material.

6) The knee pad assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper leg portion comprises a first upper strap affixed to a first end of the upper leg portion, a second upper strap affixed to a second end of the upper leg portion, and an adjustable upper strap fastener configured to secure the first and second upper straps to each other.

7) The knee pad assembly of claim 5, wherein the adjustable upper strap fastener comprises an adjustable slide buckle.

8) The knee pad assembly of claim 1, wherein the knee portion comprises a first lower strap affixed to a first end of the knee portion, a second lower strap affixed to a second end of the knee portion, and an adjustable lower strap fastener configured to secure the first and second lower straps to each other.

9) The knee pad of claim 7, wherein the adjustable lower strap fastener comprises an adjustable slide buckle.

10) A knee pad assembly, comprising:

an upper leg portion configured to adjustably secure over a thigh of a wearer via a pair of adjustable upper straps having an upper adjustable fastener;

a knee portion configured to adjustably secure over a knee of a wearer via a pair of adjustable lower straps having a lower adjustable fastener;

a pair of flexible connectors that connect the upper leg portion to the lower knee portion;

a pair of spherical rollers, each spherical roper disposed within a support that is removably secured within an individual socket of a pair of sockets disposed on a front face of the lower knee portion, wherein each spherical roller of the pair of spherical rollers is configured to freely rotate within its respective support.

11) The knee pad assembly of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of ridges extending outwardly from the front side of the knee portion.

12) The knee pad assembly of claim 10, wherein the upper leg portion comprises a padded material.

13) The knee pad assembly of claim 10, wherein the lower leg portion comprises a padded material.

14) The knee pad assembly of claim 10, wherein the adjustable upper strap fastener comprises an adjustable slide buckle.

15) The knee pad assembly of claim 10, wherein the adjustable lower strap fastener comprises an adjustable slide buckle.