Knieschoner

Abstract

Knee pad (100) for a user (101) for keeping a patella (102) of the user (101) free, the knee pad (100) comprising a cushion structure (103) with a user surface (A) facing the user and with a floor support surface (B) opposite the user surface (A), wherein a receiving area (111) is formed with a recess (106) in the user surface (A), wherein the recess (106) forms a receiving volume (V), wherein the receiving area (111) forms an oval shape such that a weight force (F) can be transferred from a body area surrounding the patella of the user (101) to the receiving area (111) and the patella (102) can be kept free in the receiving volume (V), wherein the recess (106) extends between the user surface (A) and the floor support surface (B), and wherein the recess (106) tapers in a step-like manner.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a knee pad for a user to keep a patella free and a method for its production. Background of the invention

[0002] For many manual tasks such as laying flooring, painting, bricklaying, and similar work, the user kneels on the floor to perform the task. Over time, this can lead to significant strain and pain in the user's knee. Knee pads can provide relief by cushioning the support surface and thus making kneeling more comfortable and medically acceptable. However, even the long-term use of standard knee pads does not completely relieve the knee. Compared to kneeling without knee pads, they simply lengthen the time until pain sets in. After this time, pain sets in, and the knee can also become damaged.

[0003] US 1 486 308 A discloses a knee pad designed to keep the patella free or relieve pressure. A padding is shown for supporting a user's knee.

[0004] US 2004 / 0 111 780 A1 discloses a knee pad consisting of a shell and a removable cushioning pad. The shell encompasses a knee area and a shin area. A non-flowable gel is provided in the padding. The outer surface of the shell is provided with a plurality of ribs surrounding a recessed portion to direct pressure and shock from the ground to the outer parts of the knee.

[0005] EP 3 160 277 B1 discloses a knee stabilizer for sports purposes which has a through hole.

[0006] US 7,114,188 B1 discloses a knee pad designed to stabilize the wearer's patella. A patella stabilizer is arranged on the inside of the knee pad body. In combination with the knee pad body, the patella stabilizer prevents the wearer's patella from shifting during use. The patella stabilizer preferably comprises a patella support portion, a patellar tendon recess, and a tibial support portion. The patella stabilizer tapers at the patellar tendon recess to ensure that the wearer's weight is not applied to the patellar tendon during use.

[0007] US 5 090 055 A discloses a knee protection pad suitable for use in the industrial workplace and comprising a one-piece, elastic, flexible polyurethane foam pad and an adjustable strap designed to encircle the calf and thereby firmly secure the pad to the wearer's leg.

[0008] US 5,524,292 A discloses a knee pad unit for protecting a person's knee in a kneeling position, comprising an outer plastic shell and a plurality of inflatable pneumatic tubes mounted within the shell. The shell has two outer rails with a front portion formed in a curved configuration to allow rocking. The plurality of inflatable tubes comprise a central ring for supporting the knee and rear tubes for supporting the upper leg.

[0009] US 2014 / 0 304 900 A1 discloses a removable body padding comprising a padded insert having an outer perimeter and a protective cap attached to the padded insert with a cap perimeter within the outer perimeter of the padded insert. The protective cap has a protruding portion extending from a remainder of the protective cap. Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention is based on the object of providing a knee pad which relieves the knee in such a way that the user does not experience any medical discomfort.

[0011] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, a knee pad for a user is described for keeping a patella of the user free, wherein the knee pad has a cushioning structure with a user surface facing the user and with a ground support surface opposite the user surface, wherein a receiving area is formed with a depression in the user surface, wherein the depression forms a receiving volume, wherein the receiving area forms an oval shape such that a weight force from a body area circumferentially around the patella of the user can be transferred to the receiving area and the patella can be kept free in the receiving volume.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method is described for producing a knee pad for a human user in order to keep a patella of the user free, the method comprising i) providing a cushioning structure with a user surface facing the user and with a ground support surface opposite the user surface; and ii) forming a receiving area in the user surface with a recess to receive the patella; wherein the recess forms a receiving volume, and wherein the receiving area has an oval shape such that a weight force from a body region circumferentially around the patella of the user can be transferred to the receiving area and the patella can be kept free in the receiving volume.According to another aspect of the invention, the method further comprises forming an elongated recess in the cushion structure such that the elongated recess opens toward the depression and is adapted to receive a shin region of the user adjacent to the patella.

[0014] In the context of the present application, the term "patella" generally refers to the user's kneecap. In particular, however, this term does not refer to the pure bony structure, but rather to the entire area of ​​a knee lying in front of the knee joint, including the tissue in which a kneecap can be located externally. In this respect, the patella is to be understood in the context of the present application as a three-dimensional structure that forms a volume. A user usually has two legs, each having a knee and a shinbone, with each knee having a patella. In principle, "patella" can refer to either the left or the right patella. According to some embodiments, however, a knee pad can also be specifically adapted to either the left or the right knee.Furthermore, in one embodiment, the knee pad can also be adapted to different body measurements of a user, for example, body height, weight or (pathological) changes of the knee.

[0015] In the context of the present application, the term "oval" refers to a planar, rounded-convex shape, for example, semi-oval. In one embodiment, an oval shape can be elliptical. In particular, the recess in the receiving area has elliptical cross-sections located in corresponding cross-sectional planes parallel to the base support surface. Alternatively, the cross-sectional planes in which the elliptical cross-sections lie can have an angle to the base support surface, for example, between 0° and 30°.

[0016] In the context of the present application, a "recess" means a hollow volume in a material, in particular in the receiving area of ​​the cushioning structure, which extends from a surface, in particular the user surface. Such a volume can, for example, have a substantially oval base and a simple or complex geometric structure.

[0017] In the context of the present application, the term "cushioning structure" can be understood as a structure made of a material that, on the one hand, feels soft to the user, but, on the other hand, has suitable mechanical properties for absorbing force with minimal deformation. The cushioning structure can be integral or monolithic (i.e., in a single block) or formed from multiple material components. In an embodiment explained later, the cushioning structure can, for example, have a layered construction made up of multiple layers arranged one above the other.

[0018] The term “receiving area” refers to a support surface on which a knee area surrounding the patella rests on the padding structure, allowing weight to be transferred to the padding structure. Since the user only touches the receiving area with an area around the patella, no force is exerted on the patella. It has been found that with conventional knee pads, despite padding, discomfort can arise from pressure on the patella. The knee pad according to the invention can ensure complete relief for the patella. This is achieved in particular by the fact that, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving area has an oval shape that mimics the shape of the knee area around the patella.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cushioning structure in the user surface has an elongated recess which is designed to accommodate a shin region of the user adjacent to the patella, the elongated recess opening towards the depression.

[0020] In particular, the receiving area has an oval shape with an elliptical cross-sectional area. The cross-sectional area lies in a plane that is approximately parallel to a ground support plane in which the ground support surface is formed. The elliptical cross-sectional area is defined by a longer major axis and a shorter minor axis. The elongated recess is particularly aligned with the major axis. In other words, an extension of the major axis extends along the longitudinal extent of the elongated recess.

[0021] The adjacent elongated recess also allows the transition between the knee and shin to be kept clear. This further relieves pressure on the user's knee and also protects the shin.

[0022] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the recess extends between the user surface and the floor support surface, and furthermore, the recess tapers substantially conically from the user surface towards the floor support surface. In other words, the receiving volume can, for example, have a conical shape, into which the knee fits particularly well. At the same time, a conical taper offers sufficient stability for the knee, as well as a sufficiently large surface area of ​​the receiving region to evenly absorb the user's weight force while keeping the patella free. The receiving region is formed by the wall around the recess, so that, in other words, the receiving region is formed in a contact area between the knee area surrounding the patella and the wall, and force from the user is introduced into the cushion structure there.A conical support volume also has the advantage that the knee pad is suitable for different knee sizes and diameters. For example, a larger knee won't penetrate the support volume as deeply as a smaller knee. In both cases, however, it ensures that the patella remains free while the weight force is evenly distributed across the support area.

[0023] According to the invention, the recess extends between the user surface and the floor contact surface and tapers in a stepped manner. The resulting steps can have the same or different step heights. This can advantageously lead to the user's weight being absorbed either evenly or unevenly across the depth of the recess, thus relieving pressure on the knee. Furthermore, the steps can have rounded edges, which can increase wearing comfort. A stepped receiving volume also has the advantage that the knee pad is suitable for different knee sizes or diameters. For example, a larger knee does not penetrate as deeply into the receiving volume as a smaller knee. The receiving area is formed accordingly at the step on which a knee area of ​​the user surrounding the patella rests and transfers force into the corresponding step in the padding structure.In both cases, however, it can be ensured that the patella is kept free while the weight force is evenly transferred to the receiving area and the other receiving areas.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the depression extends through the entire padding structure, so that the depression forms a through-hole. This has the advantage of ensuring that the patella is kept free and does not come into contact with the padding structure even under extreme load or when the padding structure is deformed. Furthermore, the design of the depression as a through-hole contributes to better ventilation of the knee. This can also help prevent an irritated knee. A knee pad according to this embodiment can also be used for a variety of different knees, thus enabling economical production and use.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the elongated recess has a stepped shape, a polygonal shape, in particular a rectangular shape, or a substantially semicircular shape in a cross-sectional view. This preferably ensures that the portion of the user's weight force transmitted via the shinbone is absorbed evenly. In particular, the shinbone can be relieved, while force is transmitted via an area surrounding the shinbone. Furthermore, an ergonomic accommodation of the shinbone area adjacent to the patella can be ensured, which can contribute to further relieving the user. Likewise, a knee pad according to this embodiment can be suitable for different body sizes without requiring further adjustment.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cushioning structure further comprises ventilation holes, wherein the ventilation holes are formed as through holes that are arranged at least partially radially around the recess and open toward it. Ventilation holes according to one embodiment can be useful to prevent the user's knee from heating up during extended wear, as they can enable air circulation.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the knee pad further comprises a shell element configured to accommodate the padding structure, wherein the shell element consists of or comprises a hard plastic, a metallic material, or a hard rubber. Particularly on construction sites, but also in other work environments, sharp objects may sometimes be found on the floor. In order to protect the knee from injury, but also to protect the padding structure from wear, it may be necessary to provide a shell element. Preferably, the shell element is made of a material that is resistant to moisture, in particular to liquids such as oil, acids, or alkalis, as well as to metallic and other pointed or sharp objects.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the knee pad further comprises a releasable fastening mechanism detachably attached to the padding structure or to the shell element, wherein the fastening mechanism is configured such that the padding structure can be detachably fastened to a user's knee having a patella. According to one embodiment, the fastening mechanism can be an elastic band, for example with a fastener (e.g., snap fastener, Velcro, or plug-in fastener), which is fastened around the leg.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the padding structure comprises or consists of one of the following materials: polyethylene, in particular polyethylene foam, cellular foam, memory foam, rubber, rubber-like material, polyurethane, polychloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate, foam, nylon. The material is preferably resistant to wear and moisture, in particular also to liquids such as oil, acids, or alkalis. According to a further embodiment, the material is also resistant to pointed or sharp objects. This has the advantage of protecting the user and, at the same time, can extend the service life of the knee pad. According to one embodiment, the padding structure can comprise memory foam, which consists primarily of polyurethane as well as additional chemicals that increase viscosity and density.Memory foam is also often referred to as "viscoelastic" polyurethane foam or low-rebound polyurethane foam (LRPu). Memory foam has open foam bubbles (or "cells") that form a matrix, allowing air to move through the matrix. Memory foam (e.g., high-density) softens in response to body heat and conforms to a warm body within minutes. Using memory foam in the padding structure can have the advantage of allowing the knee pad to conform to the user, further increasing comfort and protecting the knee, especially the patella.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cushioning structure is manufactured from a single piece (monolithic) (for example, cut or cast from a single piece), or the cushioning structure has a plurality of layers arranged one above the other between the user surface and the floor support surface. According to one embodiment of the invention, the layers are glued together. According to one embodiment, the layers could, for example, consist of different materials and have different layer thicknesses. In particular, the layers can be designed with different hardnesses. For example, upper layers on the user surface can be softer than lower layers on the floor support surface, or vice versa. In this way, the knee pad can be advantageously individually adapted and the stability of the cushioning structure can be controlled.For example, a bottom layer with a floor support surface can be replaced if damaged by peeling it off and gluing a new layer on top. Layers can typically have a thickness, i.e., an extension between two planes that are approximately parallel to a floor support plane, of 0.1 cm to 4 cm, in particular of 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm.

[0031] Accordingly, in one exemplary embodiment, the layers can also be releasably attached to one another, for example, using a hook-and-loop fastener, so that individual layers with different materials and opening diameters of the recess can be exchanged. Thus, a knee pad or cushioning structure can be assembled according to a modular principle.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, each layer has a further receiving area with a further depression forming a further receiving volume, wherein the further receiving area has an oval shape such that the weight force from the body area surrounding the user's patella can be transferred to the further receiving area and the patella can be kept free in the further receiving volume. In other words, each layer contributes to absorbing part of the user's weight force and at the same time keeping the patella free. For example, the inner diameter of the further depression in the further receiving area can be smaller than the inner diameter of the depression in the receiving area of ​​a layer that is closer to the user surface.This allows a portion of the weight force from a knee area directly adjacent to the patella to be absorbed by the deeper, deeper support area, while another portion of the weight force from a knee area further away from the patella can be absorbed by the upper support area. This allows the entire weight force to be transferred more gently from the user's knee to the padding structure, while simultaneously ensuring that the patella remains in contact with the recesses of the layers.

[0033] This invention is a knee pad for commercial and private use. The knee pad can be worn as an insert in a knee pocket of trousers or fastened over trousers. An egg-shaped (oval) opening (modeled after a kneecap) exposes the kneecap (patella), ensuring freedom of movement. The opening completely relieves pressure on the kneecap, preventing it from touching the knee pad. This means that the kneecap rests pressure-free in the knee pad. The knee only rests around the kneecap. The knee pad also features an ergonomically designed shin support. A stepped structure and rounded steps distribute the weight and load evenly across the entire surface of the knee pad. The knee pad is closed and reinforced at the base to achieve puncture resistance according to the EN 14404 standard.The outer shell is made of a reinforced material. When inserted into a knee pocket, the knee pad adapts to the knee and shin. This secures the knee pad in place and prevents it from slipping. Ventilation holes spaced horizontally across the knee pad ensure ventilation of the knee. The stepped cutout ensures maximum stability with maximum freedom of movement. According to a third aspect of the invention, trousers for a user are described, comprising a pocket for receiving a knee pad, in particular a knee pad according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0034] In the context of the present application, the term "trousers" is understood to mean an item of clothing for a person, which has two legs that have a pocket in an area that covers a user's knee. However, trousers can also be understood to mean another item of clothing, for example so-called chaps or a work apron. The pocket is preferably sized to completely accommodate a knee pad. In an exemplary embodiment, the pocket can also be closed, for example by means of a flap with a hook and loop fastener, snap fastener, or zipper. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the knee pad can also be attached directly to the trousers, for example by means of a hook and loop fastener, snap fastener, or zipper.

[0035] It should be noted that embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to different subject matter. In particular, some embodiments of the invention are described with device claims, and other embodiments of the invention are described with method claims. However, it will immediately become clear to those skilled in the art upon reading this application that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, in addition to a combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter, any combination of features belonging to different types of subject matter is also possible.

[0036] Before exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawing, some technical considerations in connection with the invention are presented below.

[0037] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following exemplary description of currently preferred embodiments. The individual figures of the drawings in this document are to be considered merely schematic and not to scale. Short description of the drawing Fig. 1 shows a knee pad in an isometric view according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of a knee pad with a conical recess, according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a knee pad with a stepped recess and ventilation holes, according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of a knee pad with rounded steps, according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic anterior view of a knee in the acquisition volume. Fig. 6 shows an anterior view of a knee with a knee pad according to an embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a knee pad according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 8 shows a transverse sectional view of a knee pad according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed description

[0038] It should be noted that in the following detailed description, features or components of different embodiments that are identical or at least functionally equivalent to the corresponding features or components of another embodiment are provided with the same reference numerals or with reference numerals whose last two digits are identical to the reference numerals of corresponding identical or at least functionally equivalent features or components. To avoid unnecessary repetition, features or components already explained with reference to a previously described embodiment will not be explained in detail later.

[0039] Furthermore, it should be noted that the embodiments described below represent only a limited selection of possible embodiments of the invention. In particular, it is possible to combine the features of individual embodiments in a suitable manner, so that a multitude of different embodiments can be considered as obviously disclosed to those skilled in the art with the embodiments explicitly presented here.

[0040] It should also be noted that spatial terms such as "front" and "back," "top" and "bottom," "left" and "right," etc., are used to describe the relationship of one element to another element or elements as illustrated in the figures. Accordingly, the spatial terms may apply to orientations that are different from the orientations illustrated in the figures. However, it should be understood that all such spatial terms refer to the orientations illustrated in the drawings for convenience of description and are not necessarily limiting, since the particular device, component, etc. illustrated, when in use, may assume orientations that are different from those illustrated in the drawings.

[0041] The invention or embodiments of the invention described in this document can be summarized in illustrative terms as follows: Fig. 1 shows a knee pad 100 in an isometric view according to an exemplary embodiment. The cushioning structure 103, which has a substantially U-shape, has a receiving area 111 with a recess 106 in the user surface A, wherein the recess 106 forms a receiving volume V. The receiving area 111 forms an oval, egg-shaped shape such that a weight force F from a body region surrounding the patella 102 of the user 101 can be transferred to the receiving area 111 and the patella 102 can be kept free in the receiving volume V. Furthermore, the cushioning structure 103 has an elongated recess 104 in the user surface A, which is designed such that a shin region 105 of the user 101 adjacent to the patella 102 can be received, wherein the elongated recess 104 opens towards the recess 106.

[0042] The user 101 (see Fig. 3) only contacts the receiving area 111 with a knee area surrounding the patella, which absorbs the weight force F. The cushioning structure 103 further has an elongated recess 104, which receives the shin area 105 of the user 101. The elongated recess 104 opens towards the depression 106. The cushioning structure 103 also has a fastening mechanism 110. The fastening mechanism 110 has cuts that extend from the ground support surface B to the user surface A through the cushioning structure 103. Through these cuts (or slits), for example, an elastic fastening band can be passed as part of the fastening mechanism 110, which serves to fasten the cushioning structure 103 to a knee of the user 101 having the patella 102.

[0043] Fig. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of a knee pad 100 with a conical recess 106, according to an exemplary embodiment. The recess 106 extends between the user surface A and the floor support surface B, and the recess 106 tapers conically from the user surface A toward the floor support surface B.

[0044] Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a knee pad 100 with a receiving area 111, in which a stepped depression 106 is formed, and with ventilation holes 108, according to an exemplary embodiment. The depression 106 extends between the user surface A and the floor support surface B, and the depression 106 tapers in a step-like manner from the user surface A towards the floor support surface B. At each step of the receiving area 111, on which a knee area of ​​the user 101 rests, a portion of the weight force F is absorbed. Furthermore, the padding structure 103 has ventilation holes 108, wherein the ventilation holes 108 are formed as through holes that are arranged at least partially radially around the depression 106 and open towards it. The ventilation holes 108 ensure that air can circulate and thus the knee of the user 101 can be cooled and does not overheat.This further contributes to protecting the knee and the patella 102. The ventilation holes 108 are formed at an angle with respect to the user surface A and the floor contact surface B. This can have the advantage of allowing better air circulation.

[0045] Each step of the receiving area 111 is designed to absorb the weight of a knee area of ​​the user 101 surrounding the patella 102. During this time, the patella 102 is exposed within the receiving volume V. Since the patella 102 has no contact with the cushioning structure 103, no force is transmitted through it. This protects the patella 102. Furthermore, the recess 106 extends through the entire cushioning structure 103, so that the recess 106 forms a through-hole. This ensures that the patella 102 has no contact with the cushioning structure 103. This also contributes to the ventilation of the knee.

[0046] Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of a knee pad 100 with rounded steps, according to an exemplary embodiment. A knee area around the patella 102 rests in the receiving area 111 and in the further receiving area 112, while the patella 102 is exposed in the receiving volume V formed by the stepped depression 106, i.e., has no contact with the padding structure 103. A portion of the weight force F of the user 101 is transferred to each of the receiving areas 111, 112; no force acts on the patella 102. Each layer 109 forms a step, with the layers 109 forming smaller further receiving areas 112 with corresponding depressions 106, starting from the user surface A and moving toward the ground contact surface B. In this way, it can be ensured that a further receiving area 112 of a layer 109 located closer to the floor support surface B can also reliably absorb a weight force F of a user 101 and at the same time keeps the patella 102 free.

[0047] Fig. 5 shows a schematic anterior view of a knee of a user 101 in the recording volume V. The recording volume V is schematically represented two-dimensionally by means of a dashed ellipse, which represents a cross-sectional plane of the oval-shaped recording area 111 and its recess 106. It is clear that a patella 102 can be exposed in the oval recess 106 in the recording volume V, while the knee area around the patella 102 is not exposed and the knee area can thus transmit a weight force F of a user 101. This is achieved in particular by the fact that, according to the invention, the recording area 111 has an oval shape, which is modeled on the shape of the patella 102.

[0048] Fig. 6 shows a schematic anterior view of a knee with a knee pad 100 according to an embodiment. The cushioning structure 103 has the receiving area 111 with the recess 106, which tapers in a step-like manner. Furthermore, the cushioning structure 103 has an elongated recess 104, which receives the shin region 105 of the user 101. The elongated recess 104 is formed in layers 109 that are closest to the user interface A. The recess 104 opens towards the recess 106, so that the transition between the shin region 105 and the knee region surrounding the patella 102 is also relieved. The patella 102 is exposed in the receiving volume formed by the recess 106. The cushioning structure 103 also has a fastening mechanism 110. The fastening mechanism 110 has cutouts which extend from the floor support surface B to the user surface A through the cushion structure 103.For example, an elastic fastening band can be passed through these incisions as a fastening mechanism 110, which serves to fasten the cushion structure 103 to a knee of the user 101 having the patella 102.

[0049] Fig. Figure 7 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a knee pad 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The recess 106 in the receiving area 111 is stepped, and the elongated recess 104 opens into the recess 106.

[0050] Fig.8 shows a transverse sectional view of a knee pad according to an exemplary embodiment. The elongated recess 104 has a stepped shape in the cross-sectional view. Thus, for example, a portion of the weight force F, which is transmitted to the padding structure via a shin region 105, can be transmitted via an area surrounding the shin bone. The shin bone itself can thus be relieved of stress. This can further increase wearing comfort. The stepped shape also allows the knee pad 100 to be adapted to different shin sizes.

[0051] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements, and "a" does not exclude a plurality. Also, elements described in connection with different embodiments may be combined. It should also be noted that reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. REFERENCE SYMBOL: A user interface B Floor support surface F weight force V Recording volume V' additional recording volume 100 knee pads 101 users 102 Patella 103 Upholstery structure 104 elongated recess 105 Shin area 106 Deepening 107 shell element 108 ventilation holes 109 shift 110 Fastening mechanism 111 Recording area 112 additional recording area

Claims

[1] Knee pad (100) for a user (101) for keeping a patella (102) of the user (101) free, the knee pad (100) having a cushion structure (103) with a user surface (A) facing the user and with a floor support surface (B) opposite the user surface (A), wherein a receiving area (111) is formed with a recess (106) in the user surface (A), wherein the recess (106) forms a receiving volume (V), wherein the receiving area (111) forms an oval shape such that a weight force (F) can be transferred from a body area surrounding the patella of the user (101) to the receiving area (111) and the patella (102) can be kept free in the receiving volume (V), wherein the recess (106) extends between the user surface (A) and the floor support surface (B), and wherein the recess (106) tapers in a step-like manner. [2] Knee pad (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cushioning structure (103) in the user surface (A) has an elongated recess (104) which is designed such that a shin region (105) of the user (101) adjacent to the patella (102) can be accommodated, wherein the elongated recess (104) opens towards the depression (106). [3] Knee pads (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (106) extends between the user surface (A) and the floor support surface (B), and wherein the recess (106) tapers substantially conically from the user surface (A) towards the floor support surface (B). [4] Knee pad (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (106) extends through the entire cushion structure (103) such that the recess (106) forms a through-hole. [5] Knee pad (100) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the elongated recess (104) has a step shape, a polygonal shape, in particular a rectangular shape, or a substantially semicircular shape in a cross-sectional view. [6] Knee pads (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cushion structure (103) further comprises ventilation holes (108), wherein the ventilation holes (108) are formed as through holes which are arranged at least partially radially around the recess (106) and open towards it. [7] Knee pad (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a shell element (107) configured to receive the cushioning structure (103), wherein the shell element (107) consists of or comprises a hard plastic, a metallic material, or a hard rubber. [8] Knee pad (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a releasable fastening mechanism (110) which is releasably attached to the cushioning structure (103) or to the shell element (107), wherein the fastening mechanism (110) is designed such that the cushioning structure (103) is releasably attachable to a knee of the user (101) having the patella (102). [9] Knee pad (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cushioning structure (103) comprises or consists of one of the following materials: polyethylene, in particular polyethylene foam, cellular foam, memory foam, rubber, rubber-like material, polyurethane, polychloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, foam, nylon. [10] Knee pad (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cushioning structure (103) is made in one piece, or has a plurality of layers (109) arranged one above the other between the user surface (A) and the floor support surface (B). [11] Knee pad (100) according to claim 10, wherein the layers are glued together. [12] Knee pad (100) according to one of claims 10 and 11, wherein each layer has a further receiving area (112) with a further recess (106) forming a further receiving volume (V'), wherein the further receiving area (112) forms an oval shape such that the weight force (F) can be transferred from the body area surrounding the patella of the user (101) to the further receiving area (112) and the patella (102) can be kept free in the further receiving volume (V'). [13] Trousers for a user (101), comprising a pocket to accommodate a knee pad, in particular a knee pad (100) according to claims 1 to 12. [14] A method of manufacturing a knee pad (100) for a human user (101) to keep a patella (102) of the user (101) free, the method comprising: Providing a cushion structure (103) with a user surface (A) facing the user and with a floor support surface (B) opposite the user surface (A); and Forming a receiving area (111) in the user surface (A) with a recess (106) to receive the patella (102); wherein the recess (106) forms a receiving volume (V), and wherein the receiving area (111) forms an oval shape such that a weight force (F) can be transferred from a body area surrounding the patella of the user (101) to the receiving area (111) and the patella (102) can be kept free in the receiving volume (V), wherein the recess (106) extends between the user surface (A) and the floor support surface (B), and wherein the recess (106) tapers in a step-like manner.

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