Knee pad and support platform for kneeling

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kneecap and a supporting platform for kneeling. According to one aspect of the utility model, the protective clothing equipment is provided, and the protective clothing equipment is comfortable and stable and adapts to different types of surfaces. One embodiment of a protective garment apparatus includes a thigh support, a support coupled to the thigh support, and a pad disposed forward of a knee of a wearer.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 383,303, filed November 11, 2022; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 377,597, filed September 29, 2022; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 400,544, filed August 24, 2022; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 390,091, filed July 18, 2022, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to protective clothing and equipment for workers. More specifically, it relates to clothing and equipment that protects the wearer's knees.

[0004] Clothing accessories that attach to the wearer's knees can improve comfort and reduce knee strain. This article presents knee braces that are comfortable, stable, and adaptable to various surface types. Utility Model Content

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a knee brace including a support member, an upper strap, and a lower strap. The upper strap is coupled to the support member and configured to connect to a user's leg above the knee. The lower strap is coupled to the support member and configured to connect the support member to the user's leg below the knee. The knee brace also includes an inner liner that connects to the support member between the support member and the user's knee. The inner liner defines an opening configured to receive the user's patella.

[0006] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a knee brace comprising a flexible fabric body, an upper strap, and a lower strap. The upper strap is coupled to the body and configured to connect to the user's leg above the knee. The lower strap is coupled to the body and configured to connect the body to the user's leg below the knee. The knee brace also includes an inner padding that connects to the body between the body and the user's knee. The inner padding defines an opening configured to receive the user's patella.

[0007] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a support platform for kneeling. The kneeling support platform includes a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, and a rigid bottom. The first panel is formed of a first material. The second panel is formed of a second material. The third panel is formed of 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 convex connectors configured to removably connect to concave connectors of a utility module.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a protective clothing device comprising: an upper support member coupled to a strap configured to connect the upper support member to a user's leg above the knee; an arm extending downward from the upper support member; a support member pivotally coupled to the upper support member via the arm portion; and an inner padding coupled to the support member between the support member and the user's knee. The inner padding defines a centrally located opening configured to receive the user's patella.

[0009] In various embodiments, the protective clothing device includes a strap coupled to a support member. This strap is configured to connect the support member to the user's leg below the knee. In various embodiments, the protective clothing device includes a central padding detachably coupled to an inner padding such that the inner padding is located between the central padding and the user's knee. In various embodiments, the central padding is formed of a material configured to absorb heat from the user's knee. In various embodiments, the protective clothing device includes a shell configured to be mechanically and reversibly coupled to the outside of the support member such that the inner padding is located between the shell and the user's knee. In various embodiments, the protective clothing device includes one or more inserts coupled to the interior of the support member, said inserts being configured to apply a biasing force to a lateral portion of the user's knee.

[0010] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a protective clothing device comprising: a thigh support configured to be connected to the upper part of a wearer's thigh; a support member connected to the thigh support member, the support member including a support strap wrapped around the wearer's lower leg; and interchangeable padding disposed in front of the wearer's knee.

[0011] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description below, and some of these features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description, or will be recognized by practice of the embodiments as described in the included written description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0012] The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and form a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of various embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0013] This application will be more fully understood through the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a top view of a knee brace according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 Side view of the knee brace.

[0016] Figure 3 It is an attachment to the wearer's knee according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 Side view of the knee brace.

[0017] Figure 4 It is an attachment to the wearer's knee according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 Side view of the knee brace.

[0018] Figure 5 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 Rear view of the knee brace.

[0019] Figure 6 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 Rear view of the knee brace.

[0020] Figure 7 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 Rear view of the knee brace.

[0021] Figure 8 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 Rear view of the knee brace.

[0022] Figure 9 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 Rear view of the knee brace.

[0023] Figure 10 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 Side view of the knee brace.

[0024] Figure 11 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 1 Side view of the knee brace.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a front perspective view of another knee brace according to another exemplary embodiment, viewed from the right side.

[0026] Figure 13 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 12 Side view of the knee brace.

[0027] Figure 14 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 12 A top view of the knee brace.

[0028] Figure 15 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 12 Side view of the knee brace.

[0029] Figure 16 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 12 Side view of the knee brace.

[0030] Figure 17 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 12 Rear view of the knee brace.

[0031] Figure 18 This is a side view of another knee brace according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 19 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 18 Side view of the knee brace.

[0033] Figure 20 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 18 A three-dimensional view of the knee brace viewed from the right side.

[0034] Figure 21 This is a front view of another knee brace according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 22 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 21 Side view of the knee brace.

[0036] Figure 23 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 22 Side view of the knee brace.

[0037] Figure 24 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 22 Front view of the knee brace.

[0038] Figure 25 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 22 A side view of part of the knee brace.

[0039] Figure 26 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 22 Rear view of a portion of the knee brace.

[0040] Figure 27 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 22 Rear view of a portion of the knee brace.

[0041] Figure 28 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 22 A top view of the knee brace.

[0042] Figure 29 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 22 Side view of the knee brace.

[0043] Figure 30 This is a rear view of a portion of another knee brace according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Figure 31 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 30 Side view of the knee brace.

[0045] Figure 32 This is a perspective view of a support platform according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Figure 33 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 32 A perspective view of the bottom panel of the support platform as seen from below.

[0047] Figure 34 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 32 A three-dimensional view of the support platform viewed from above.

[0048] Figure 35 According to an exemplary implementation Figure 32 A detailed perspective view of the recessed part of the support platform. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, one or more embodiments of the knee support are illustrated. The knee support can be worn to improve wearer comfort and protect the knee from injury.

[0050] One or more embodiments described herein include a knee support, a patellar support, and interchangeable padding. The applicant has observed that this combination of elements as illustrated herein provides additional safety to the knee support, facilitates natural knee movement without limitation, and allows for padding replacement to suit different user needs. Furthermore, the interchangeable foam allows workers to replace the foam when it wears out or when it is replaced with foam that provides cooling relief to alleviate discomfort or heat.

[0051] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The illustration shows various aspects of a protective clothing device, shown as a knee brace 110, for protecting and / or supporting a user's knees. The knee brace 110 includes an upper support 120 and a body or support 130.

[0052] Strap 122 is attached to and extends from upper support 120. Strap 122 detachably connects upper support 120 to the user's leg above the knee. Strap 122, connected to the user's thigh, reduces the chance of knee brace 110 shifting upward or downward during use.

[0053] Arm 124 is connected to and extends downward from upper support 120. Arm 124 pivotally connects upper support 120 to support 130, such that support 130 rotates relative to upper support 120 about axis 134. In particular, arm 124 is connected to joint 132, which is rigidly connected to support 130.

[0054] Support strap 136 detachably connects support member 130 to the user's leg below the knee. Outer padding 148 is attached to the outside of support member 130 opposite to the user's knee.

[0055] Reference Figures 3 to 4 When in use, the knee brace 110 has a flexural configuration ( Figure 3 ) and extended configuration ( Figure 4 Actuation between ) . In particular, the upper support 120 rotates relative to the support 130 when the user bends his / her knee.

[0056] Reference Figures 5 to 9 The image shows various aspects of the support 130. One or more side plates 138 are attached to the interior of the support 130. The side plates 138 are configured to apply a biasing force to the lateral portion of the user's knee, thereby biasing the knee brace 110 to maintain a fixed position relative to the knee (e.g., the side plates 138 reduce the amount of displacement experienced by the knee brace 110 relative to the user as the user moves around).

[0057] The central pad 140 is detachably connected to the support 130 and / or the inner pad 142. In various embodiments, the inner pad 142 is positioned between the central pad 140 and the user's knee. In various embodiments, the central pad 140 is formed of a material configured to absorb heat from the user's knee. For example, the central pad 140 includes a cooling pad configured to dissipate a large amount of heat when stored in a cooling zone (e.g., a freezer compartment) and then absorb heat from the user's knee, thereby providing a cooling effect on the knee.

[0058] An inner pad 142 connects to the support 130 between the support 130 and the user's knee. The inner pad 142 defines a centrally located opening 146 surrounded by a central structure 144, and the opening 146 is configured to receive the user's patella. In a specific embodiment, the central structure 144 and the opening 146 form a ring and / or have an annular shape. The shape of the central structure 144 and the opening 146 allows the inner pad 142 and the knee brace 110 to support the user's knee, and particularly the patella.

[0059] In various embodiments, the central structure 144 has a first dimension defined between opposite sides of the central structure 144, and the aperture 146 has a second dimension defined between opposite sides of the aperture 146. In various embodiments, the first dimension is larger than the second dimension. In various embodiments, the first dimension of the central structure 144 is between 1 / 8 inch and 3 inches, and particularly between 1 / 2 inch and 2 inches. In various embodiments, the second dimension of the aperture 146 is less than 3 inches, and particularly less than 2 inches.

[0060] The orifice 146 has a depth defined between the inward-facing (i.e., towards the user's knee) surface of the central structure 144 and the support 130. In various embodiments, the depth of the orifice 146 is less than a first dimension. In various embodiments, the depth of the orifice 146 is less than a second dimension.

[0061] The central structure 144 not only helps increase the contact points around the patella, but also helps ensure that the patella does not slide laterally during operation. In various embodiments, the central liner 140 and / or the inner liner 142 are connected via a mechanism that is detachably linked, such as... It is connected to the support 130. In various embodiments, the central pad 140 defines a "horseshoe" shape to allow patellar tracking and promote natural knee biomechanics.

[0062] Reference Figures 10 to 11 In various embodiments, the knee brace 110 includes a housing 170 detachably coupled to the support 130 (e.g., mechanically and reversibly coupled to the support 130). In various embodiments, the housing 170 includes an outer hard cover formed of a rigid material (e.g., shock-absorbing plastic) and an inner soft cover for flexibility. In various embodiments, the housing 170 is configured to attach to various attachments, such as crawlers, and / or the housing 170 is compatible with concrete knee plate slides.

[0063] Reference Figures 12 to 17The illustration shows knee braces 210, 212 according to an exemplary embodiment. Except for the differences discussed herein, knee braces 210, 212 are substantially the same as knee brace 110.

[0064] Knee brace 210 is configured to connect to the user's right knee, and knee brace 212 is configured to connect to the user's left knee. Knee brace 210 includes a band 236 for connecting to the user's right leg, such as around the right knee, and knee brace 212 includes a band 237 for connecting to the user's left leg, such as around the left knee. In various embodiments, knee brace 210 and knee brace 212 are mirror images of each other.

[0065] Knee brace 210 and / or knee brace 212 include an inner liner 242 coupled to housing 270. In various embodiments, the inner liner 242 is suspended away from housing 270 (e.g., see...). Figure 14 This provides flexibility for the internal padding 242 to deform during use, thus making the user more comfortable.

[0066] The knee brace 210 includes a lower housing 280 coupled to the bottom of the housing 270. In various embodiments, the housing 280 is flexibly coupled to the housing 270 (e.g., via folded and bent fabric), and / or the housing 280 is rotatably coupled to the housing 270. See reference. Figures 15 to 16 When the user is in different positions, such as kneeling ( Figure 15 ) or standing ( Figure 16 When moving between the housing 270 and the lower housing 280, the flexible and / or rotatable connection provides the user with greater comfort and protection.

[0067] Knee pads 210 and / or 212 include an inner liner 242, the inner liner 242 defining an internal opening 246. Figure 17 In various embodiments, the opening 246 is configured to receive the user's kneecap. In various embodiments, the inner liner 242 is removable, which allows the user to clean the inner liner 242.

[0068] Reference Figures 18 to 20 The illustration shows a knee brace 310 according to an exemplary embodiment. Except for the differences discussed herein, knee brace 310 is substantially the same as knee brace 110 or knee brace 210.

[0069] The knee brace 310 includes a strap 322 and a strap 336, the strap 322 connecting the knee brace 310 to the user's leg above the knee, and the strap 336 connecting the knee brace 310 to the user's leg below the knee. In various embodiments, the strap 336 is wider than other straps, thereby reducing user discomfort (e.g., the strap 336 sinks less into the user's leg compared to a less wide strap). In various embodiments, the strap 322 and / or the strap 336 are formed of an adhesive or non-slip material, such as silica, to reduce the degree to which the strap 322 and / or the strap 336 slips on the user's leg during use.

[0070] The housing 370 is attached to the body of the knee brace 310 via corner inserts 326. In some embodiments, the corner inserts 326 are formed of a flexible fabric. In various embodiments, the corner inserts 326 are formed of one of spandex, Lycra, or elastic fibers. In other embodiments, the corner inserts 326 are formed of another flexible fabric. The corner inserts 326 help prevent or reduce debris from entering between the housing 370 and the inner padding. The corner inserts 326 also allow for greater freedom and flexibility of movement between kneeling and standing positions. In various embodiments, the corner inserts 326 are formed in an accordion-like shape (e.g., the corner inserts 326 have sufficient material to fold into one or more bends during use).

[0071] In various embodiments, the housing 370 includes a body portion and a sliding insert 372 coupled to the body portion of the housing 370. The sliding insert 372 is formed of a smooth material, thereby allowing the user to slide while kneeling. In various specific embodiments, the smooth material is a polymer material. In various specific embodiments, the smooth material is one of ultra-high molecular weight (“UHMW”) polyethylene or acetal. In other words, the sliding insert 372 allows the knee brace 310 to move relative to a surface and / or the ground when the user is kneeling. In specific embodiments, the sliding insert 372 is formed of a polymer material. In various embodiments, the housing 370 or 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 rest of the housing 370. In various embodiments, the sliding insert 372 has a polygonal shape, thereby allowing the user to slide in multiple directions (i.e., side to side / lateral and / or back and forth). In various specific embodiments, the sliding insert 372 has a curved shape to accommodate various knee and / or leg angles. In other words, the sliding insert 372 is shaped to reduce contact with the body portion of the housing 370.

[0072] A strap 350 extends from one side of the housing 370 around the user's knee to the other side of the housing 370. Thus, the strap 350 allows the user to selectively customize the degree of fit between the housing 370 and their knee. In other words, the strap 350 is an adjustable strap that allows the user to selectively move the position (i.e., change the distance) of the housing 370 relative to the user's knee by tightening or loosening the strap 350. In various embodiments, the strap 350 is wrapped around a tie attached to the side of the knee brace 310 to allow further adjustability of the knee brace 310 relative to the user's knee.

[0073] See Figures 21 to 29 The illustration shows a knee brace 410 according to an exemplary embodiment. Except for the differences discussed herein, knee brace 410 is substantially the same as knee brace 110, knee brace 210, or knee brace 310.

[0074] In various embodiments, the knee brace 410 includes a housing 470, which includes a sliding insert 472. The sliding insert 472 is formed of a smooth material, allowing the user to slide while kneeling. In specific embodiments, the sliding insert 472 is formed of a polymer material. In various specific embodiments, the sliding insert 472 is one of ultra-high molecular weight (“UHMW”) polyethylene or acetal. In various embodiments, the sliding insert 472 has a polygonal shape, allowing the user to slide in multiple directions (i.e., side-to-side / lateral and / or back-and-forth). In specific embodiments, the sliding insert 472 has an irregular hexagonal shape.

[0075] Reference Figures 30 to 31 This image shows a portion of a knee brace 510 according to an exemplary embodiment. Except for the differences discussed herein, knee brace 510 is substantially identical to knee brace 110, knee brace 210, knee brace 310, or knee brace 410. In particular, the straps and at least some of the padding are shown to be flat on the surface.

[0076] Reference Figures 32 to 34 The image shows various aspects of the support platform 610. The support platform 610 is configured to provide a board for the user to kneel on.

[0077] The support platform 610 includes several layers, including a top panel 620, a second panel 640 immediately below the top panel 620, a third panel 650 immediately below the second panel 640, and a bottom panel 630 immediately below the third panel 650. In various embodiments, the top panel 620 is formed of a first material and is a compressible layer. In a specific embodiment, the top panel 620 is formed of foam, such as rubber foam, such as 0.5-inch foam. In a specific embodiment, the top panel 620 is formed of nitrile rubber (“NBR”) foam. The applicant has observed that rubber foam has compressible elasticity and disperses pressure and / or force applied to the user's kneecap.

[0078] In various embodiments, the second panel 640 is formed of a second material, such as a relatively soft foam, for example, a 0.5-inch soft foam. In a specific embodiment, the second panel 640 is formed of polyethylene foam or polyurethane foam. The applicant has observed that the soft foam allows the knee to sink, thereby supporting and stabilizing the knee. In various embodiments, the third panel 650 is formed of a third material, such as a relatively hard foam, for example, a 0.5-inch hard foam. In a specific embodiment, the third panel 650 is formed of polyethylene foam or polyurethane foam. The applicant has observed that the hard foam prevents the user from bottoming out and the knee from feeling the bottom panel 630. As will generally be understood, stiffness is the degree to which a material resists deformation when a force is applied. The second panel 640 has a first stiffness, and the third panel 650 has a second stiffness. In various specific embodiments, the first stiffness is less than the second stiffness.

[0079] The bottom panel 630 is rigid and includes one or more recessed portions extending upward toward the third panel 650. These recessed portions act as handles 632 (e.g., one handle on each side of the end of the bottom panel 630 along its longitudinal axis). The bottom surface 631 of the bottom panel 630 includes one or more connectors shown as convex connectors 634 and latches 638. Thus, the bottom panel 630 is configured to be detachably coupled to corresponding concave connectors, such as those on a movable trolley or tray (e.g., a four-wheeled cart with concave connectors receiving the convex connectors 634 of the bottom panel 630). In other words, the bottom panel 630 includes a plurality of convex connectors 634 configured to be removably coupled to concave connectors of utility modules as part of a modular storage system.

[0080] In various embodiments, the convex connector 634 and / or latch 638 are compatible with the coupling mechanism described in International Patent Publication No. WO2017 / 191628, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0081] In various embodiments, one or more of the protrusions extending upward from the bottom panel 630 (e.g., the convex connector 634) include a protective coating 636 configured to protect the protrusions from damage.

[0082] In various embodiments, the support platform 610 includes one or more support members 639 extending from one or more sides of the support platform 610. In use, the support members 639 help reduce and / or eliminate back-and-forth swaying of the support platform 610 caused by the downward protrusion of the convex connector 634. For example, as shown, the support platform 610 includes four support members, two of which extend on the opposite side of a handle 632, and the other two extend on the opposite side of another handle 632.

[0083] The top panel 620 includes one or more recesses configured to receive objects such as tools and / or supplies. In various embodiments, the top panel 620 includes a square recess 622 and a longer, narrower recess 624 extending over a large portion of the width of the top panel 620. In various embodiments, one or more recesses are configured to receive one or more containers, including supplies. Figure 35 ).

[0084] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that this application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0085] In view of this specification, further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this specification is to be interpreted as illustrative only. The constructions and arrangements shown in the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be changed or varied. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be changed or reordered. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may also be made in terms of the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0086] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is not intended to interpret any method described herein as requiring its steps to be performed in a particular order. Therefore, no particular order is intended to be inferred where a method claim does not actually describe the order in which its steps are followed, or where the claims or specification do not otherwise specify that the steps will be limited to a particular order. Furthermore, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more parts or elements, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one. As used herein, “rigid connection” means two parts are connected such that these parts move together in a fixed positional relationship when subjected to forces.

[0087] The various embodiments of this disclosure relate to any combination of any features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this application or a future application. Any feature, element, or component of any exemplary embodiment of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element, or component of any other embodiment of the other embodiments discussed above.

[0088] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "joint" refers to the direct or indirect engagement of two components. Such engagement may be inherently static or inherently movable. Such engagement may be achieved by the two components and any other intermediate components forming a single integral body, or by the two components being attached to each other or by the two components being attached to any other component. Such engagement may be inherently permanent, or alternatively inherently removable or detachable.

[0089] Although the present application describes specific combinations of features in the appended claims, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any features described herein, whether or not such combinations are currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this application or a future application. Any feature, element, or component of any exemplary embodiment of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element, or component of any other embodiment of the other embodiments discussed above.

[0090] In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths, and radii, shown in the figures are drawn to scale. Actual measurements of the figures will reveal the relative dimensions, angles, and scales of the various exemplary embodiments. The various exemplary embodiments extend to a wide range of absolute and relative dimensions, angles, and scales that can be determined from the figures. The various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that can be determined from the figures. Furthermore, actual dimensions not explicitly stated in this specification can be determined by combining the scale of the dimensions measured in the figures with the explicit dimensions stated in this specification.

Claims

1. A knee brace, characterized in that, The knee brace includes: Support components; An upper strap, which is connected to the support member, is configured to connect to the user's leg above the knee; A lower strap, the lower strap being connected to the support member, the lower strap being configured to connect the support member to the user's leg below the knee; and An inner liner, which is connected to the support between the support and the user's knee, defines an opening configured to receive the user's patella.

2. The knee brace according to claim 1, characterized in that, The knee brace also includes a central pad that is detachably connected to the inner pad and is positioned between the inner pad and the support member.

3. The knee brace according to claim 2, characterized in that, The central padding is made of a material configured to absorb heat from the user's knees.

4. The knee brace according to claim 1, characterized in that, The knee brace also includes a housing attached to the outside of the support member, such that the support member is positioned between the housing and the inner padding.

5. The knee brace according to claim 4, characterized in that, The housing includes a body portion and a sliding insert coupled to the body portion, the sliding insert being configured to allow the knee brace to slide relative to a surface when the user is kneeling.

6. The knee brace according to claim 5, characterized in that, The body portion of the housing has a first coefficient of friction, and the sliding insert has a second coefficient of friction, wherein the second coefficient of friction is less than the first coefficient of friction.

7. The knee brace according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper and lower bands are made of anti-slip material.

8. The knee brace according to claim 7, characterized in that, The anti-slip material is silicon dioxide.

9. The knee brace according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support includes a corner liner formed of flexible fabric that moves between an extended position when the user is kneeling and a folded position when the user is standing.

10. A knee brace, characterized in that, The knee brace includes: The body of the flexible fabric; An upper strap, which is connected to the body, is configured to connect to the user's leg above the knee; A lower strap, the lower strap being connected to the body, the lower strap being configured to connect the body to the user's leg below the knee; and An inner liner is attached to the body between the body and the user's knee, and the inner liner defines an opening configured to receive the user's patella.

11. The knee brace according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the user is kneeling, the flexible fabric allows the body to stretch, and when the user is standing, the flexible fabric allows the body to fold into one or more bends.

12. The knee brace according to claim 10, characterized in that, The knee brace also includes a housing attached to the body, wherein the housing is an external hard cover.

13. The knee brace according to claim 12, characterized in that, The housing includes a sliding insert positioned along a portion of the outer hard cover, the sliding insert being configured to allow the knee brace to slide relative to the surface when the user is kneeling.

14. The knee brace according to claim 12, characterized in that, The knee brace also includes an adjustable strap that is attached to one side of the housing and extends from the one side of the housing around the user's knee to the other side of the housing.

15. The knee brace according to claim 14, characterized in that, The adjustable strap allows the user to selectively move the position of the shell relative to the user's knee by tightening or loosening the adjustable strap.

16. A support platform for kneeling, characterized in that, The support platform includes: A first panel, the first panel being formed of a first material; The second panel is formed of a second material; A third panel, said third panel being formed of a third material; and Rigid bottom; The second panel is positioned between the first panel and the third panel, and the third panel is positioned between the second panel and the rigid bottom. The rigid bottom includes a plurality of convex connectors configured to removably connect to the concave connectors of the utility module.

17. The support platform for kneeling according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first panel is a compressible layer configured to distribute the force applied to the first panel when a user kneels on the support platform.

18. The support platform for kneeling according to claim 16, characterized in that, The second material has a first stiffness, and the third material has a second stiffness, wherein the first stiffness is less than the second stiffness.

19. The support platform for kneeling according to claim 16, characterized in that, The rigid bottom also includes one or more recessed portions along the side of the rigid bottom, the one or more recessed portions being configured to serve as handles.

20. The support platform for kneeling according to claim 16, characterized in that, The rigid bottom also includes one or more support members extending along the side of the support platform, wherein when the support platform is coupled to the utility module, the one or more support members engage with the utility module to resist movement of the support platform relative to the utility module.

Images