Kneeling pad device

Abstract

The device has a kneeling pad ( 10 ) formed of an elastomeric material, the kneeling pad being connected to a cord ( 14 ). The cord has a remote end housed in a reel ( 12 ) into which the cord is capable of being retracted. The reel has can be attached to an item of clothing, such as the user's belt ( 24 ). The device ensures that when worn, knee protection is available to the wearer at all times negating the need for the user to remember to carry a kneeling pad between tasks. Easy availability also increases the likelihood of the kneeling pad being used for ad-hoc tasks therefore helping to reduce cumulative effects of minor stress on the knees.

1 . A device comprising a kneeling pad formed of an elastomeric material, said kneeling pad being connected to a cord, said cord having a remote end housed in a reel into which said cord is capable of being retracted, said reel having attachment means for attaching said reel to an item of clothing. 
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said attachment means comprises a clip for attaching said reel to a belt worn by a user. 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said cord is releasably connected to said kneeling pad in such a manner that tension on the cord beyond a threshold limit causes said cord to disconnect from said kneeling pad in a replaceable manner. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein said cord carries a plug and said kneeling pad comprises at least one socket, into which said plug is a press fit. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a safety release that will separate the kneeling pad from the cord when the kneeling pad is inadvertently caught or snagged on an obstacle. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein said safety release is constituted by said cord being releasably connected to said kneeling pad in such a manner that tension along the cord beyond a threshold limit causes said cord to disconnect from said kneeling pad in a replaceable manner. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said elastomeric material comprises polyethylene-vinyl acetate foam. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said kneeling pad has a weight and said reel comprises a return mechanism having a spring force sufficient to overcome the weight of said kneeling pad. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein said kneeling pad is of generally planar configuration and said at least one socket is formed in an edge face of said kneeling pad. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein said plug has a conical configuration.