WO2024019977A1

WO2024019977A1 - Knee wear and protection

Info

Publication number: WO2024019977A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/027917
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lourdes E. GARCIA; Abigale C. HALUSKA; Todd Andrew Zeilinger; Sara D. LINGINFELTER; Michael Heggen Inouye; Jesse J. Brown; Samuel L. LOMBARDI; Seth J. ISRAEL; Magdalena A. MEISSNER; Kyle C. Anderson; Joseph R. WORPLE; Anna E. Newton; Bennett Richard BISHOP
Original assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
Priority date: 2022-07-18
Filing date: 2023-07-17
Publication date: 2024-01-25

Abstract

A protective clothing equipment is provided that is comfortable, stabilizing, and compatible with varying types of surfaces. One embodiment of the protective clothing equipment includes a thigh support, a brace coupled to the thigh support, and padding disposed in front of the knee of the wearer.

Description

KNEE WEAR AND PROTECTION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U. S. Provisional Application No. 63/383,303, filed on November 11, 2022, to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/377,597, filed on September 29, 2022, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/400,544, filed on August 24, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/390,091, filed on July 18, 2022, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure is directed generally to protective clothing equipment for workers. The present disclosure relates specifically to clothing equipment that protect the knees of the wearer.

[0003] Clothing accessories that attach to the knee of the wearer can be worn to improve comfort for the wearer and absorb trauma to the knees. Provided herewith is a knee pad that is comfortable, stabilizing, and compatible with varying types of surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] One embodiment of the invention related to a kneepad including a brace, an upper strap and a lower strap. The upper strap is coupled to the brace and configured to coupled to a leg of a user above the knee. The lower strap is coupled to the brace and configured to couple the brace to the leg of the user below the knee. The kneepad further includes internal padding coupled to the brace between the brace and the knee of the user. The internal padding defines an aperture configured to receive a patella of the user.

[0005] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a kneepad including a flexible fabric body, an upper strap, and a lower strap. The upper strap is coupled to the body and configured to coupled to a leg of a user above the knee. The lower strap is coupled to the body and configured to couple the body to the leg of the user below the knee. The kneepad further includes internal padding coupled to the body between the body and the knee of the user. The internal padding defines an aperture configured to receive a patella of the user. [0006] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a support platform for kneeling. The support platform for kneeling includes a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, and a rigid bottom. The first panel is formed form a first material. The second panel is formed from a second material. The third panel is formed from a third material. The second panel is positioned between the first panel and the third panel. The third panel is positioned between the second panel and the rigid bottom. The rigid bottom includes a plurality of male couplers configured to removably couple with female couplers of a utility module.

[0007] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a protective clothing equipment including an upper support coupled to a strap configured to couple the upper support to a leg of a user above the knee, arms extending downward from the upper support, a brace pivotally coupled to the upper support via the arms, and internal padding coupled to the brace between the brace and the knee of the user. The internal padding defines a centrally-located aperture configure to receive the patella of the user.

[0008] In various embodiments, the protective clothing equipment includes a strap coupled to the brace. The strap is configured to couple the brace to a leg of the user below the knee. In various embodiments, the protective clothing equipment includes a central padding detachably coupled to the internal padding such that the internal padding is between the central padding and the knee of the user. In various embodiments, the central padding is formed from a material configured to absorb heat from the knee of the user. In various embodiments, the protective clothing equipment includes a shell configured to mechanically and reversibly couple to an exterior of the brace such that the internal padding is between the shell and the knee of the user. In various embodiments, the protective clothing equipment includes one or more inserts coupled to an interior of the brace, the one or more inserts configured to exert a biasing force against a lateral portion of the knee of the user.

[0009] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a protective clothing equipment including a thigh support configured to couple to the upper thigh of the wearer, a brace coupled to the thigh support, the brace including support straps wrapped around the calf of the w earer, an interchangeable padding disposed in front of the knee of the wearer.

[0010] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description included, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0011] The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which:

[0013] FIG. l is a top view of a kneepad, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of the kneepad of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a side view of the kneepad of FIG. 1 attached to the knee of a wearer, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of the kneepad of FIG. 1 attached to the knee of a wearer, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the kneepad of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the kneepad of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the kneepad of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the kneepad of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the kneepad of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a side view of the kneepad of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0023] FIG. 11 is a side view of the kneepad of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view from the right of another kneepad, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a side view of the kneepad of FIG. 12, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a top view of the kneepad of FIG. 12, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a side view of the kneepad of FIG. 12, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 16 is a side view of the kneepad of FIG. 12, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 17 is a rear view of the kneepad of FIG. 12, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 18 is a side view of another kneepad, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 19 is a side view of the kneepads of FIG. 18, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 20 is a perspective view from the right of the kneepads of FIG. 18, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 21 is a front view of another kneepad, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 22 is a side view of the kneepad of FIG. 22, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 23 is a side view of the kneepad of FIG. 22, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 24 is a front view of the kneepad of FIG. 22, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 25 is a side view of a portion of the kneepad of FIG. 22, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0038] FIG. 26 is a rear view of a portion of the kneepad of FIG. 22, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 27 is a rear view of a portion of the kneepad of FIG. 22, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 28 is a top view of the kneepad of FIG. 22, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 29 is a side view of the kneepad of FIG. 22, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 30 is a rear view of a portion of another kneepad, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 31 is a side view of the kneepad of FIG. 30, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a support platform, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 33 is a perspective view from below of the bottom panel of the support platform of FIG. 32, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 34 is a perspective view from above of the support platform of FIG. 32, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 35 is a detailed perspective view of a recess of the support platform of FIG. 32, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Referring generally to the figures, one or more embodiments of knee supports are shown. Knee supports can be worn to improve comfort for the wearer and protect the knees from trauma.

[0049] One or more embodiments described herein include a knee brace, a patella brace and an interchangeable padding. Applicant has observed this combination of elements as shown herein provides additional security to the knee support, promotes natural movement of the knee without limiting range, and permits replacing the padding to accommodate different user needs. Further, the interchangeable foam allows workers to replace the foam when it wears down or exchange it for a foam that provides cooling relief to alleviate discomfort or heat.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, various aspects of a device a protective clothing equipment for protecting and/or supporting knees of users, shown as kneepad 110, are shown. Kneepad 110 includes upper support 120 and a body or brace 130.

[0051] Strap 122 is coupled to and extends from upper support 120. Strap 122 detachably couples the upper support 120 to a leg of a user above the knee. Strap 122 coupling to the thigh of the user reduces the chance that kneepad 110 will shift up or down during use.

[0052] Arms 124 are coupled to and extend downward from upper support 120. Arms 124 pivotally couple upper support 120 to brace 130 such that brace 130 rotates with respect to upper support 120 around axis 134. In particular, arms 124 are coupled to joints 132, which are rigidly coupled to brace 130.

[0053] Support straps 136 detachably couple brace 130 to a leg of a user below the knee. Exterior padding 148 is coupled to an exterior of brace 130 facing away from the knee of the user.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 3-4, in use kneepad 1 10 actuates between a flexed configuration (FIG. 3) and an extended configuration (FIG. 4). In particular, upper support 120 rotates with respect to brace 130 as the user flexes his/her knee.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 5-9, various aspects of brace 130 are shown. One or more side plates 138 are coupled to an interior of brace 130. Side plates 138 are configured to exert a biasing force against a lateral portion of the knee of the user, thereby biasing the kneepad 110 to retain a fixed position with respect to the knee (e.g., the side plates 138 reduce an amount of shifting the kneepad 110 undergoes with respect to the user when the user is walking around). [0056] Central padding 140 is detachably coupled to brace 130 and/or internal padding 142. In various embodiments, internal padding 142 is positioned between central padding 140 and the knee of the user. In various embodiments, central padding 140 is formed from a material configured to absorb heat from the knee of the user For example, central padding 140 includes a cooling pad configured to expel large amounts of heat when stored in a cooled area (e.g., a freezer), and then absorb heat from the knee of the user, thereby providing a cooling effect on the knee. [0057] Internal padding 142 is coupled to brace 130 between the brace 130 and the knee of the user. Internal padding 142 defines a centrally-located aperture 146 surrounded by a central structure 144, and the aperture 146 is configured to receive the patella of the user. In a specific embodiment, the central structure 144 and aperture 146 form a ring and/or have an annular shape. The shape of the central structure 144 and aperture 146 allow for internal padding 142 and kneepad 110 to cradle the knee and specifically the patella of the user.

[0058] In various specific embodiments, the central structure 144 has a first dimension defined between opposing sides of the central structure 144 and aperture 146 has a second dimension defined between opposing sides of aperture 146. In a specific embodiment, the first dimension is greater than the second dimension. In various specific embodiments, the first dimension of central structure 144 is between 1/8 and 3 inches, and specifically between 1/2 and 2 inches. In various specific embodiments, the second dimension of aperture 146 is less than 3 inches and specifically less than 2 inches.

[0059] Aperture 146 has a depth defined between an inward facing (i.e., toward a user knee) surface of central structure 144 and brace 130. In various specific embodiments, the depth of aperture 146 is less than the first dimension. Tn various specific embodiments, the depth of aperture 146 is less than the second dimension.

[0060] The central structure 144 not only helps to increase point of contact around the patella, but it also helps to ensure that the patella is not sliding laterally while working. In various embodiments central padding 140 and/or internal padding 142 are coupled to brace 130 via a detachably coupling mechanism, such as Velcro®. In various embodiments, central padding 140 defines a “horse-shoe” shape to allow for patella tracking and to encourage natural knee biomechanics.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 10-11, in various embodiments kneepad 110 includes a shell 170 detachably coupled to brace 130 (e.g., mechanically, and reversibly coupled to brace 130). In various embodiments, shell 170 includes an external hard cap formed from a harder material (e g , a shock-absorbing plastic) and an internal soft cap for flexibility. In various embodiments, shell 170 is configured to couple to various attachments, such as creepers, and/or shell 170 is compatible with concrete knee board sliders. [0062] Referring to FIG. 12-17, kneepads 210, 212 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Kneepads 210, 212 are substantially the same as kneepad 110 except for the differences discussed herein.

[0063] Kneepad 210 is configured to be coupled to a right knee of a user, and kneepad 212 is configured to be coupled to a left knee of a user. Kneepad 210 includes strap 236 to couple to a right leg of a user, such as around the right knee, and kneepad 212 includes strap 237 to couple to let leg of a user, such as around the left knee. In various embodiments, kneepad 210 and kneepad 212 are mirror images of each other.

[0064] Kneepad 210 and/or kneepad 212 includes interior padding 242 coupled to shell 270. In various embodiments, interior padding 242 is suspended away from shell 270 (e.g., see FIG. 14), thereby providing flexibility for interior padding 242 to be deformed during use for greater comfort for the user.

[0065] Kneepad 210 includes a lower shell 280, coupled to a bottom of shell 270. In various embodiments, shell 280 is flexibly coupled to shell 270 (e.g., via fabric that folds and bends) and/or shell 280 is rotatably coupled shell 270. Referring to FIGS. 15-16, the flexible and/or rotatable coupling of shell 270 and lower shell 280 permits greater comfort and protection for the user as the user moves between different positions like kneeling (FIG. 15) or standing (FIG. 16). [0066] Kneepad 210 and/or kneepad 212 include interior padding 242, which defines an interior aperture 246 (FIG. 17). In various embodiments, aperture 246 is configured to receive the knee cap of the user. In various embodiments, interior padding 242 is removable, which facilitates the user being able to wash interior padding 242.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 18-20, kneepad 310 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Kneepad 310 is substantially the same as kneepad 110 or kneepad 210 except for the differences discussed herein.

[0068] Kneepad 310 includes strap 322, which couples kneepad 310 to a leg of a user above the knee of the user, and strap 336, which couples kneepad 310 to a leg of a user below the knee of the user. In various embodiments, strap 336 is wider than other straps, thereby reducing discomfort to the user (e.g., strap 336 digs in to the leg of the user less than straps that are not as wide). In various embodiments, strap 322 and/or strap 336 are formed from a tacky or slip resistant material, such as silica, to reduce how much strap 322 and/or strap 336 slide across the leg of the user during use.

[0069] Shell 370 is coupled to the body of kneepad 310 via gusset 326. In a specific embodiment, gusset 326 is formed from a flexible fabric. In various specific embodiments, gusset 326 is formed from one of Spandex, Lycra, or Elastane. In other specific embodiments, gusset 326 is formed from another flexible fabric. Gusset 326 helps prevent or reduce debris getting between shell 370 and the interior padding. Gusset 326 also permits greater freedom and flexibility for the user moving between kneeling and standing up. In various embodiments, the gusset 326 forms an accordion-like shape (e.g., gusset 326 has enough material to fold into one or more bends during use).

[0070] In various embodiments, shell 370 includes a body portion and a sliding insert 372 coupled to the body portion of shell 370. Sliding insert 372 is formed from a slick material, allowing a user to slide while kneeling. In various specific embodiments, the slick material is a polymer material. In various specific embodiments, the slick material is one of ultra high molecular weight (“UHMW”) polyethylene or acetal. In other words, the sliding insert 372 allows for movement of the kneepad 310 relative to a surface and/or ground when the user is kneeling. In a specific embodiment, sliding insert 372 is formed from a polymer material. In various embodiments, the shell 370 or the body generally has a first coefficient of friction and the sliding insert has a second coefficient of friction. In various specific embodiments, the second coefficient of friction of the sliding insert 372 is less than the first coefficient of friction of the remaining portion of shell 370. In various embodiments, sliding insert 372 has a polygonal shape allowing a user to slide in multiple directions (i.e., side to side/laterally and/or forward and back). In various specific embodiments, sliding insert 372 has a curved shape to accommodate various knee and/or leg angles. In other words, sliding insert 372 is shaped such that there is reduced contact with the body portion of shell 370.

[0071] Strap 350 extends from one side of shell 370, around the knee of the user, to the other side of the shell 370. Strap 350 thereby permits the user to selectively customize how tightly coupled the shell 370 is against their knee. In other words, strap 350 is an adjustable strap that allows the user selectively moves a position (i.e., changes a distance) of shell 370 relative to the user’s knee by tightening or loosening strap 350. In various embodiments, strap 350 is wrapped through a cinch coupled to the side of the kneepad 310 to allow for further adjustability of kneepad 310 relative to the knee of the user.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 21-29, kneepad 410 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Kneepad 410 is substantially the same as kneepad 110, kneepad 210, or kneepad 310 except for the differences discussed herein.

[0073] In various embodiments, kneepad 410 includes a shell 470 that includes a sliding insert 472. Sliding insert 472 is formed from a slick material, allowing a user to slide while kneeling. In a specific embodiment, sliding insert 472 is formed from a polymer material. In various specific embodiments, the sliding insert 472 is one of ultra high molecular weight (“UHMW’j polyethylene or acetal. In various embodiments, sliding insert 472 has a polygonal shape allowing a user to slide in multiple directions (i.e., side to side/laterally and/or forward and back). In a specific embodiment, the shape of sliding insert 472 is an irregular hexagon.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 30-31, a portion of kneepad 510 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Kneepad 510 is substantially the same as kneepad 110, kneepad 210, kneepad 310, or kneepad 410 except for the differences discussed herein. In particular, the straps and at least some of the padding are shown flattened on a surface.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 32-34, various aspects of a support platform 610 are shown. Support platform 610 is configured to provide a board for a user to kneel on.

[0076] Support platform 610 includes several layers, including top panel 620, second panel 640 immediately below top panel 620, third panel 650 immediately below second panel 640, and bottom panel 630 immediately below third panel 650. In various embodiments, top panel 620 is formed from first material and is a compressible layer. In a specific embodiment, top panel 620 is formed from a foam, such as a rubbery foam, such as 0.5 inches of foam. In a specific embodiment, top panel 620 is formed from Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (“NBR”) foam. Applicant has observed that the rubbery foam is compressibly elastic and distributes pressure and/or forces exerted on the kneecap of the user.

[0077] In various embodiments, second panel 640 is formed from a second material such as relatively soft foam, such as 0.5 inches of soft foam. In a specific embodiment, second panel 640 is formed from polyethylene foam or polyurethane foam. Applicant has observed that the soft foam allows the knee to sink in, thereby cradling and supporting the knee. In various embodiments, third panel 650 is formed from a third material such as relatively stiff foam, such as 0.5 inches of stiff foam. In a specific embodiment, third panel 650 is formed from polyethylene foam or polyurethane foam. Applicant has observed that stiff foam prevents the user from bottoming out and the knee feeling bottom panel 630. As will be generally understood, stiffness is the extent that a material resists deformation when a force is applied. Second panel 640 has a first stiffness and third panel 650 has a second stiffness. In various specific embodiments, the first stiffness is less than the second stiffness.

[0078] Bottom panel 630 is rigid and includes one or more recessed portions that extend upward, toward third panel 650. The recessed portions act as handles 632 (e.g., one handle on each side of ends of bottom panel 630 along a longitudinal axis). Bottom surface 631 of bottom panel 630 includes one or more couplers, shown as male couplers 634, and a latch 638. Thus, bottom panel 630 is configured to detachably couple to corresponding female couplers, such as on a movable cart or tray (e.g., a four-wheel dolly with female couplers that receive the male couplers 634 of bottom panel 630). In other words, bottom panel 630 includes a plurality of male couplers 634 configured to removably couple with female couplers of utility module that is part of a modular storage system.

[0079] In various embodiments, male couplers 634 and/or latch 638 are compatible with the coupling mechanism(s) described in International Patent International Patent Publication No. WO 2017/191628, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0080] In various embodiments, one or more of the projections extending upward from bottom panel 630 (e.g., male couplers 634) include a protective coating 636 configured to protect the projections from damage.

[0081] In various embodiments, support platform 610 includes one or more supports 639, which extend from one or more sides of support platform 610. In use, supports 639 help reduce and/or eliminate male couplers 634 causing support platform 610 to rock back and forth due to male couplers 634 projecting downward. For example, as shown support platform 610 includes four supports, two of which extend on opposing sides of one handle 632 and the other two extend on opposing sides of the other handle 632.

[0082] Top panel 620 includes one or more recesses configured to receive objects, such as tools and/or supplies. In various embodiments, top panel 620 includes a square-shaped recess 622, and a longer and narrowed recess 624 that extends across most of the width of top panel 620. In various embodiments, the one or more recesses are configured to receive one or more containers that include supplies (FIG. 35).

[0083] It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for description purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting. [0084] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0085] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more component or element, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one. As used herein, "rigidly coupled" refers to two components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when acted upon by a force.

[0086] Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to any combination of any of the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be utilized alone or in combination with any of the features, elements or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

[0087] For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0088] While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

[0089] In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A kneepad comprising: a brace; an upper strap coupled to the brace, the upper strap configured to couple to a leg of a user above the knee; a lower strap coupled to the brace, the lower strap configured to couple the brace to the leg of the user below the knee; and internal padding coupled to the brace between the brace and the knee of the user, the internal padding defining an aperture configured to receive a patella of the user.

2. The kneepad of claim 1, further comprising a central padding detachably coupled to the internal padding, the central padding positioned between the internal padding and the brace.

3. The kneepad of claim 2, wherein the central padding is formed from a material configured to absorb heat from the knee of the user.

4. The kneepad of claim 1, further comprising a shell coupled to an exterior of the brace such that the brace is positioned between shell and the internal padding.

5. The kneepad of claim 4, wherein the shell includes a body portion and a sliding insert coupled to the body portion, the sliding insert configured to allow for sliding movement of the kneepad relative to a surface when the user is kneeling.

6. The kneepad of claim 5, wherein the body portion of the shell has a first coefficient of friction and the sliding insert has a second coefficient of friction, and wherein the second coefficient of friction is less than the first coefficient of friction.

7. The kneepad of claim 1, wherein the upper strap and the lower strap are formed from a slip resistant material.

8. The kneepad of claim 7, wherein the slip resistant material is silica.

9. The kneepad of claim 1, the brace comprising a flexible gusset, the flexible gusset moves between a stretched position when a user is kneeling and a folded position when a user is standing.

10. A kneepad compri sing : a flexible fabric body; an upper strap coupled to the body, the upper strap configured to couple to a leg of a user above the knee; a lower strap coupled to the body, the lower strap configured to couple the body to the leg of the user below the knee; and internal padding coupled to the body between the body and the knee of the user, the internal padding defining an aperture configured to receive a patella of the user.

11. The kneepad of claim 10, wherein, when a user kneels the flexible fabric allows the body to stretch and wherein, when the user stands the flexible fabric allows the body to fold into one or more bends.

12. The kneepad of claim 10, further comprising a shell coupled to the body, wherein the shell is an external hard cap.

13. The kneepad of claim 12, wherein the shell includes a sliding insert positioned along a portion of the external hard cap, the sliding insert configured to allow for sliding movement of the kneepad relative to a surface when the user is kneeling.

14. The kneepad of claim 12, further comprising an adjustable strap coupled to and extending from one side of the shell, around the knee of the user to the other side of the shell.

15. The kneepad of claim 14, wherein the adjustable strap allows the user to selectively move a position of the shell relative to the knee of the user by tightening or loosening the adjustable strap.

16. A support platform for kneeling comprising: a first panel formed from a first material; a second panel formed from a second material; a third panel formed from a third material; and a rigid bottom; wherein the second panel is positioned between the first panel and the third panel and wherein the third panel is positioned between the second panel and the rigid bottom; and wherein the rigid bottom includes a plurality of male couplers configured to removably couple with female couplers of a utility module.

17. The support platform of claim 16, wherein the first material is a compressible elastic material configured to distribute a force applied to the first panel when a user kneels on the support platform.

18. The support platform of claim 16, wherein the second material has a first stiffness and the third material has a second stiffness, and wherein first stiffness is less than the second stiffness.

19. The support platform of claim 16, the rigid bottom further comprising one or more recessed sections along sides of the rigid bottom, the one or more recessed sections configured to be used as handles.

20. The support platform of claim 16, the rigid bottom further comprising one or more supports extending along a side of the support platform, wherein, when the support platform is coupled to the utility module, the one or more supports engage with the utility module to resist movement of the support platform relative to the utility module.