Integrated Knee and Toe Protector for Kneeling Work

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional knee pads do not provide protection for the toe portion of a shoe, leading to pain and damage to the user's knee and shoe when kneeling down for work.

Innovation Solution

A protector device that includes a knee pad with adjustable straps, a slidingly adjustable support, an ankle strap, a foot support with straps, and a rigid toe protector that extends past the user's toes to prevent contact with the ground.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional knee pads are used, then the user's knee is protected, but the user's shoe and toe are not protected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of knee and shoeVSAvoidstructure of protector device

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple protective functions into a single integrated device. The knee pad, toe protector, and shoe protection components are merged into one unified protector device that simultaneously protects the knee, toe, and shoe, eliminating the need for separate protective equipment for each body part.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protector device is designed to perform multiple protective functions simultaneously. It protects the knee from direct impact, extends protection to the toe area, and shields the shoe from damage, making it a universal protective device for both the user and their equipment during kneeling activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a rigid toe protector is added to protect the shoe and toe, then protection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of toe and shoeVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid toe protector is merged with the knee pad structure rather than being a separate component. The toe protector is integrated into the overall design, sharing structural elements and attachment mechanisms with the knee pad, thereby reducing the total number of discrete parts while maintaining comprehensive protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated structure serves multiple protective purposes simultaneously. The same rigid components that protect the toe also provide structural support for the knee pad and shield the shoe, allowing a single structural element to fulfill multiple protective functions and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12232550B1Foot and knee protector and method of use

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 MORRIS MARK

AI summary

A foot and knee protector device includes a support extending from a first end to a second end; a knee pad attached to the support and having one or more straps to secure around a leg of a user; a foot support attached to the support and having one or more straps to secure around a foot of the user; and a toe protector attached to the support via an extension, the toe protector extending past an end of the user's foot; the knee pad and the toe protector protect the user when in a kneeling position, the toe protector preventing the end of the user's foot or boot from coming into contact with a ground surface.