Knee Sling with Adjustable Straps for Tree Climbing Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing knee support devices for hunters and linemen, such as strapped pads and knee pads, cause discomfort, fatigue, and noise due to bulkiness, pressure points, and abrasive contact with trees or poles.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sling assembly with adjustable strap assemblies that form a closed loop with a climbing saddle or harness, allowing the sling to shape into a serpentine M-shape under user weight, creating convex knee pockets for comfortable support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If knee pads with elastic bands are worn to support knees against the tree, then knee support is provided, but pressure points and constriction occur causing discomfort and binding sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The sling is divided into multiple functional segments: the main sling body that contacts the knees, the tree contact portion on the back side, and the strap assemblies that connect to the saddle. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function without creating pressure points - the knees are supported by the distributed area of the sling rather than concentrated elastic bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional knee pad worn on the leg to a three-dimensional suspended system that utilizes the vertical dimension. The sling is positioned in space between the knees and the tree, creating a volumetric support structure that distributes forces across multiple points and surfaces, eliminating the constriction problem of flat knee pads.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If strapped pads are attached to the tree to cushion knees, then knee comfort is improved, but the pads become bulky and work for only a single position
Solution Approach 1:
The sling is designed as a dynamic system with adjustable strap assemblies that allow the user to modify the configuration based on different positions and tree diameters. The flexible material and adjustable connections enable the sling to adapt to various hunting positions and tree sizes, eliminating the single-position limitation of fixed pads.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sling assembly serves multiple functions: it supports the knees, contacts the tree for positioning, connects to the saddle for suspension, and provides adjustment capability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate knee pads and position-specific equipment, reducing overall complexity while improving comfort.
3Strength
If knee pads with hard exterior shells are used, then structural support is provided, but they become noisy when scrubbing against the tree
Solution Approach 1:
The sling is constructed from flexible material that provides the necessary structural support through its tension and geometry rather than through a rigid shell. This flexible construction eliminates the scrubbing noise generated by hard shells against the tree while maintaining the strength needed to support the user's weight and knees.
4Ease of manufacture
If the sling length is fixed, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot accommodate different diameter trees or posts
Solution Approach 1:
The strap assemblies incorporate length adjustment devices that allow the sling to dynamically adapt to different tree diameters. The user can modify the effective length of the straps to match the specific tree or post being used, providing versatility across different hunting conditions while maintaining a relatively simple fixed-length base construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A saddle or harness is worn by a user when tethered to a tree or pole to suspend the user. A knee sling is releasably attachable to the saddle or harness to extend forwardly along the user's thighs and to wrap about the user's knees such that when the user leans the wrapped knee sling into the tree or pole with knees spaced the knee sling flexes to receive the tree or pole into the space between the knees and the sling further conforms to form convex knee pockets on laterally opposite sides of the tree or pole for supporting the user's knees in straddled relation to the tree or pole. The knee sling is adjustable in length to adjust for different size trees or poles.