Knee Protector: 

The Knee Protector reached the finals of the Hammacher Schlemmer invention contest.

DESCRIPTION:

The Knee Protector consists of two kneepads, cushioned on springs with wheels. Unlike conventional kneepads, the Knee Protector prevents the worker's knees from coming into direct contact with the ground.

This wheeled device will absorb shock, eliminating the pain associated with working in a kneeling position. A shoe cover with a wheel mounted to the tip will fit over the front of the worker's shoe. Wearing this cover will allow the worker's foot to be positioned at the same level of his or her knees when kneeling. 

The worker's foot, fitted with this wheel, will not create drag or resistance while using this devise.

APPEALING FEATURES:

WHO WILL USE IT?

A wide variety of tradespeople will use the Knee Protector. Some of these trades include:

  • Carpenters
    •
  • Masons
    •
  • Carpet installers
    •
  • Painters
    •
  • Cement workers
    •
  • Plumbers
    •
  • Cleaning personal
    •
  • Roofers
    •
  • Gardeners
    •
  • Tile setters
    •

Homeowners doing these same types of projects on their own will also benefit from this product.

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT:

Patrick Ferriter identified a need and a problem to be solved that prompted him into the inventing process.

Like most creators of new or improved products, Mr. Ferriter conceived of the Knee Protector as a result of personal experience and the need for such a product.

Marketing Implications: 

The PRIMARY MARKET consists of 1,404,266 special trade contractors.

This includes 161,578 plumbing, heating and air conditioning contractors (with and without payroll); 146,327 masonry, stonework, tile setting and plastering contractors (with and with payroll), plastering contractors (with and without payroll); 38,211 carpentry and floorwork contractors (with and without payroll), 79,890 roofing and sheet metal contractors (with and without payroll). 

Also targeted would be 707,000 professional gardeners and landscapers. Another segment of this market would be the 3,168,000 people employed as cleaners and janitors in the United States.

All of the people working in these trades risk injury, which is classified as a part of the 460,000 disabling injuries that occurred on the job in 1994. These injuries accounted for 14 percent of all worker's compensation claims.

It should be noted that these figures are old and represent Mr. Ferriter's initial look at the market prior to developing the Knee Protector.

The SECONDARY MARKET would consist of men and women who engage in D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself) activities, 84.5 percent of adults surveyed in 1992 considered themselves to be do- it-yourselfers, up from 74.3 percent in 1989.

(Source:  "1992 Consumer Profile," Hardware Age, December 1992)

The TERTIARY MARKET would consist of the international market. Many products today enjoy worldwide distribution. The interdependence of nations, growing import and export trade, and expanding common markets have all tended to draw our world closer together in both buying habits and product utilizations. With more liberal trade policies and increased freedom of travel, the interest in foreign markets will increase. On 1995, the value of U.S. exports totaled $584.74 billion, of which $451.83 billion, or 77 percent, was manufactured goods. 

Using the Knee Protector as an exercise and weight loss device:

Exercising abdominal, chest, arms and leg muscles are made easy with the Knee Protector. Using an exercise bar and the kneepads, an extensive aerobic work out is effortless and causes no discomfort to your knees. Stretching exercises of the arms and legs are enhanced by using the Knee Protector.

The inventor is looking for a licensee
The Knee Protector is available for licensing, but not for individual retail sale.

Inventor: Patrick Ferriter, 32 West 82nd Street, Suite 2E, New York, NY 10024
Phone: (212) 362-2394; FAX: (212) 362-1446
E-mail:  PatJoeFerriter@aol.com

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