An interview with Cliff Lockyer, CEO of Redbacks Cushioning Ltd, manufacturers of Redbacks Kneepads
“Redbacks® was formed in 2011 in order to develop our cushioning invention.
Having researched the protective clothing market, we confirmed our belief that existing knee pads did nothing to cushion, comfort or protect the user’s knees from long term damage; in the UK the NHS replaces over 104,000 knees per year. In the U.S. this figure exceeds 600,000. We knew that for our knee pads to be really effective they needed to be made of soft flexible material and not foam, as pressure from kneeling causes foam to flatten or disintegrate.
The technology is unique in that the patent is for the geometric structure and not the material; we are free to use any material that we deem appropriate to the product application.
The secret to our own science therefore lies in the use of a special moulded leaf-spring suspended in an arch by a flexible honeycomb matrix. When pressure is applied directly above the spring it bends, dispersing pressure and distributing weight evenly. The matrix provides a holding mechanism for the spring to control its bend and stabilise the entire structure, allowing pressure to be distributed evenly time after time.
Both the honeycomb matrix and the leaf-spring are made from the same thermoplastic injection moulded material, ensuring a high compression rate and 100% recovery to its original shape, which means no loss of function over time. This combination gives the unique controlled distribution and deceleration of pressure – in other words protecting the rest of the body from the impact forces whilst kneeling, with the same pressure-relief benefits applying to our, soon to be introduced, new footwear and seating products”
The latest addition to the company’s range are Redbacks Strapped Kneepads;
these have elasticated, soft Neoprene straps with dust and particle resistant fastenings which allow them to be worn on bare skin without chafing, or over trousers, and ensure that they stay in the correct position when kneeling, walking or sitting.
The pads have a water-resistant covering and a soft breathable, inner fabric that wicks away sweat whilst providing thermal protection from warm or cold surfaces. Durable and hardwearing, the distribution of the impact forces whilst kneeling allows the user unrivalled, all-day comfort and long-term knee protection, with the added significant advantage of helping to protect against back and neck pain.
The company, which is a member of BSIF has won a number of awards over the past 3 years for its kneepad design, one being the prestigious ‘SATRA Best Innovation Occupational PPE Award’ in 2012; professional tradespeople who are readers of some of the UK’s leading trade publications have also voted in nationwide polls for Redbacks kneepads as an award winning product.
All Redbacks Cushioning products are patented worldwide, and fully CE approved.
For more information and to order visit www.redbackscushioning.com email: or [email protected] or telephone: + 44 (0) 1327 702104