Technology ID
TAB-2827

Occupational Health: Wearable Kneel-Sit Support Device for Manual Labor and Heavy Industry Applications

E-Numbers
E-261-2013-0
Lead Inventor
Wurzelbacher, Steven (CDC)
Co-Inventors
Johnston, Ova (CDC)
Hudock, Stephen (CDC)
Applications
Occupational Safety and Health
Non-Medical Devices
Medical Devices
Consumer Products
Therapeutic Areas
Ophthalmology
Oncology
Neurology
Infectious Disease
Immunology
Geriatrics
Endocrinology
Dental
Cardiology
Development Stages
Pre-Clinical (in vitro)
Development Status
  • In situ data available (on-site)
  • Prototype
Lead IC
CDC
ICs
CDC
This CDC-developed technology describes a novel ergonomic device that supports a portion of the worker's weight while kneeling, relieving the knee pressure and pain common to many manual labor occupations. Unfortunately, many of the devices that have been used in the past to relieve pressure on the knees are bulky, heavy, and of questionable durability.

This device relieves pressure from the knees while kneeling, is easily portable, is attachable to the body, and can be moved automatically by the user without the user having to pick up the device and manually move it to a new position. The device is nonflammable and durable, so that it can be used in heavy industry and on horizontally constrained and uneven surfaces, and is comfortable to use while kneeling, thereby improving worker productivity.
Commercial Applications
  • Knee pain, low-back pain alleviation and prevention
  • Improved workplace ergonomics
  • Osteoarthrosis concerns, geriatric medicine applications and for aging populations in the workforce
  • Occupations such as shipbuilding, welding, mining, plumbing, carpet and floor installation, construction, repair services, and auto body repair in which people must spend a considerable amount of time kneeling or squatting
Competitive Advantages
  • Comfortable; relieves pressure from the knees while kneeling, increasing on-the-job comfort and worker productivity
  • Device is extremely portable
  • Easily attaches to a user's lower leg; allows for unhindered movement and ambulation
  • Device automatically moves with the user; no manual readjustments or manipulations are required
  • Durable and nonflammable
  • Ideal for heavy industry applications; can be used on horizontally constrained and uneven surfaces
Licensing Contact:
Mitzelfelt, Jeremiah
jeremiah.mitzelfelt@nih.gov