Prayer Station Device

The present invention relates to a novel prayer station device designed to offer a way for users to safely pray in churches, at home, in outreach centers, etc. The device comprises a wooden station with a cushion component and kneeler. The device also comprises a bible holder, lights, and foldable legs for convenience when using the prayer station device. The device further comprises a glass bible holder for reading while praying, as well as lighting and storage hooks as needed. Thus, users can sit and/or kneel within the station while praying.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of portable prayer stations. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved prayer station device wherein users can sit or kneel within for praying. The device comprises a wooden station with a cushion component and kneeler, as well as a bible holder and lighting. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, praying is not only spiritual but can bring solace to many users. Further, prayers can be necessary for those in need of spiritual healing. Many users pray daily alone or in group. Some users would pray more if they had a more convenient place to pray. Thus, a place to pray can be important to users.

Furthermore, users unable to visit a church may lack a space to pray. Without a convenient place to pray, it will be hard for users to find a place of worship and pray to God. By providing users a convenient place to pray, they are able to pray more often.

Thus, it is necessary for users to have a convenient place to pray. Further, the place should be convenient, portable and easy to access. Generally, praying shouldn't require a user to find a church or specific place of worship. Users need a device that allows them to pray in multiple places, without having to go to a church or other places of worship.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a prayer station device that offers a way for users to safely pray in churches, at home, in outreach centers, etc. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a prayer station device that eliminates the need for users to have to find a church or other place of worship, in order to pray. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a prayer station device that provides users with a decorative prayer station for praying. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that provides a kneeling and sitting stool for comfortably supporting a user while praying. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a prayer station device that includes multiple storage hooks on the sides and a bible holder to offer convenience while praying. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a prayer station device that offers a way for users to easily read from a bible while praying.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a prayer station device. The device is designed to offer a way for users to safely pray in churches, at home, in outreach centers, etc. The device comprises a wooden housing component with a chair component and kneeler. The device also comprises a bible holder, lights, and foldable legs for convenience when using the prayer station device. The device further comprises a glass bible holder device for reading while praying, as well as lighting and storage hooks as needed. Thus, users can sit and/or kneel within the station while praying.

In this manner, the prayer station device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a device that allows users to easily read from their bible while praying. The device allows a user to kneel and/or sit comfortably while praying. The device offers a way for users to safely and conveniently pray in churches, at home, in outreach centers, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a prayer station device. The device is designed to offer a way for users to safely and conveniently pray in churches, at home, in outreach centers, etc., or any other suitable place as is known in the art. The device comprises a housing component with a chair component and kneeler.

In one embodiment, the prayer station device comprises a housing component which is typically an enclosure having a front wall, opposing side walls, and an open rear area, such that a user can enter and exit the housing component. The front and opposing side walls can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Typically, the walls are half walls and do not extend all the way to the ceiling but extend approximately 3-5 feet high to allow a user sitting and/or kneeling in the housing some privacy. Typically, the housing component does not comprise a ceiling or roof structure, but in one embodiment, the housing component can comprise a ceiling structure, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user. Typically, the housing component does not comprise a floor structure, but in one embodiment, the housing component can comprise a floor structure, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.

In one embodiment, instead of an open rear area, the housing component can comprise a rear wall with a door, allowing the user to enter and exit the housing component, and providing additional privacy for a user praying within the prayer station device.

In one embodiment, the housing component comprises foldable legs or casters for convenience. The casters allow the housing component to be easily moved. The foldable legs allow the housing component to be easily stored when not in use.

In one embodiment, the housing component is manufactured from wood, such as oak, cherry, or walnut, plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, or metals, such as stainless steel or aluminum, or any other suitable materials as is known in the art.

In one embodiment, the prayer station device comprises a chair component and kneeler. Typically, the chair component is slanted at such an angle to allow a user to sit on the chair component and rest comfortably forward, with their hands on the front wall. Further, in one embodiment, the chair component comprises a kneeler, secured to the chair component at such an angle, that a user can sit in the angled chair with their knees on the kneeler. Thus, the chair component and kneeler provide support and allow a user to comfortably kneel while praying. Typically, the chair component and kneeler are padded and cushioned with a gel foam, to provide comfort to a user. Further, the chair component and kneeler do not comprise arm rests or a support back, but in some embodiments, the chair component and kneeler can have arm rests and/or a support back to provide additional support to a user during use. Typically, the chair component and kneeler is not secured within the prayer station device, which allows a user to move the chair component and kneeler to any desired position within the prayer station device, based on the needs and/or wants of a user. Thus, a user can sit and/or kneel within the prayer station device when praying.

In one embodiment, the front wall of the housing component comprises a cushioned shelf and bible holder component. Typically, the bible holder component is manufactured of frosted glass or other suitable material as is known in the art. The bible holder component is secured to the cushioned shelf in an inclined angle, such that it will hold a bible in an upright position for reading. In one embodiment, the bible holder component is removable and can be stored within the prayer station device when not in use. The cushioned shelf can be sized to retain a bible or other prayer book, as well as the elbows or hands of a user in a prayer position. Typically, the shelf is padded and cushioned with a gel foam, or other suitable material.

In another embodiment, the housing component comprises a plurality of storage hooks positioned on the opposing side walls, or any other suitable position as is known in the art, for storing items.

In another embodiment, the housing component comprises lights surrounding the opposing side walls, the front wall, and/or the cushioned shelf and bible holder component. The lights can be decorative or functional to help a user see while reading and/or praying.

In another embodiment, the housing component comprises a bible holder secured to the opposing side walls for storing bibles and other prayer books when not in use.

In another embodiment, the portable prayer station device comprises a plurality of indicia and/or engravings on the housing component and/or the chair component and kneeler.

In another embodiment, additional decorations can be added depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. For example, the prayer station device can comprise optional candles, an optional lamp, a decorative cross, etc., or any other items which one may use while meditating or praying. Thus, the prayer station device has been designed for use with any religion for religious prayer at anytime, anywhere.

In one embodiment, a light component could be plugged into an interior mounted female electrical outlet which would lead to an exterior cord and plug. Other electrical items, (i.e., a tape recorder), could also be plugged into the female outlet when needed. In one embodiment, the light component is battery operated and does not require an electrical outlet.

In yet another embodiment, a method of providing users a safe and convenient place to pray. The method includes the steps of providing a prayer station device comprising a housing component with a chair component and kneeler. The method also comprises positioning the prayer station device in a location for use by the user, such as in a church, at home, or in an outreach center. Further, the method comprises utilizing the prayer station device via sitting in the chair component or kneeling on the kneeler. The method also comprises reading from a book of worship, while within the prayer station device. Finally, the method ends with praying in the prayer station device.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, anyone wishing to further their faith by having their own personal prayer space in their home or apartment would first set up the prayer station device by assembling the housing component and inserting the chair component and kneeler. Further, the cushioned shelf could be added and the glass bible holder component could be placed into their appropriate positions. The user could then place any items on the shelving as desired and could turn on the battery or electrically operated light and plug in a tape cassette recorder or other items which require electricity. The exterior plug would then be connected to a standard wall outlet. The user could have the option of candles, and other lights around the housing component, if needed.

The user would pray or meditate as they would inside of a church, synagogue, or temple, etc. Use of the prayer station device would provide users of all faiths with the capability to pray or meditate at any time they desire. When not in use, the prayer station device could be stored in a closet, or other appropriate storage area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a long-felt need in the art for a prayer station device that offers a way for users to safely pray in churches, at home, in outreach centers, etc. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a prayer station device that eliminates the need for users to have to find a church in order to prayer. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a prayer station device that provides users with a decorative prayer station for praying. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that provides a kneeling and sitting stool for comfortably supporting a user while praying. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a prayer station device that includes multiple storage hooks on the sides and a bible holder to offer convenience while praying. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a prayer station device that offers a way for users to easily read from a bible while praying.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel prayer station device comprising a wooden station with a cushion component and kneeler. The device also comprises a bible holder, lights, and foldable legs for convenience when using the prayer station device. The device further comprises a glass bible holder for reading while praying, as well as lighting and storage hooks as needed. Thus, users can sit and/or kneel within the station while praying. The present invention also includes a novel method of allowing users a way to safely pray in churches, at home, in outreach centers, etc. The method includes the steps of providing a prayer station device comprising a wooden station with a cushion component and kneeler. The method also comprises positioning the prayer station device in a location for use by the user, such as in a church, at home, or in an outreach center. Further, the method comprises utilizing the prayer station device via sitting in the seat or kneeling on the kneeler. The method also comprises reading from a bible, while within the prayer station device. Finally, the method ends with praying in the prayer station device.

Referring initially to the drawings,FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the prayer station device100of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the prayer station device100is an improved prayer station device that conveniently and safely provides users with a place to pray. The device100is especially designed to allow users of any religious background or affiliation, or any other suitable user as is known in the art, to easily sit or kneel within the device for praying and/or meditating. More specifically, the device100comprises a housing component102with a chair component104and a kneeler106.

In one embodiment, the prayer station device100comprises a housing component102which is typically an enclosure having a front wall108, opposing side walls110, and an open rear area112, such that a user can enter and exit the housing component102. The front108and opposing side walls110can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Typically, the walls108,110are half walls and do not extend all the way to the ceiling but extend approximately 3-5 feet high to allow a user sitting and/or kneeling in the housing some privacy. Typically, the housing component102does not comprise a ceiling or roof structure, but in one embodiment, the housing component102can comprise slightly higher walls and a ceiling structure (not shown), depending on the wants and/or needs of a user. Typically, the housing component102does not comprise a floor structure, but in one embodiment, the housing component102can comprise a floor structure (not shown), depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.

FIG.2illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the prayer station device100of the present invention. In one embodiment, instead of an open rear area112, the housing component102can comprise a rear wall with a door (not shown), allowing the user to enter and exit the housing component102, and providing additional privacy for a user praying within the prayer station device100.

In another embodiment, the housing component102comprises foldable legs116or casters114for convenience. The casters114allow the housing component102to be easily moved. The foldable legs116allow the housing component102to be easily stored when not in use.

In one embodiment, the housing component102is manufactured from wood, such as oak, cherry, or walnut, plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, or metals, such as stainless steel or aluminum, or any other suitable materials as is known in the art.

In another embodiment, the housing component102comprises lights118surrounding the opposing side walls110and/or the front wall108. The lights118can be decorative or functional to help a user see while reading and/or praying. The lights118can be any suitable light as is known in the art, such as, but not limited to, LED, incandescent, etc. The lights118can be strung around the walls108,110, or independently positioned within the walls108,110, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.

In another embodiment, the portable prayer station device100comprises a plurality of indicia120and/or engravings on the housing component102and/or the chair component104and kneeler106. For example, the housing component102and/or chair component104and kneeler106may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, engraved, or integrated into the walls108,110or within the housing component102, or any other indicia120as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia120as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be religious or prayerrelated.

FIG.3illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the prayer station device100of the present invention. In this embodiment, the front wall108of the housing component102comprises a cushioned shelf300and bible holder component302. Typically, the bible holder component302is manufactured of frosted glass, acrylic, or other suitable material as is known in the art. The bible holder component302is secured to the cushioned shelf300in an inclined angle, such that it will hold a bible (not shown) in an upright position for reading. In one embodiment, the bible holder component302is removable and can be stored within the prayer station device100when not in use. The cushioned shelf300can be sized to retain a bible or other prayer book, as well as the elbows or hands of a user in a prayer position. Typically, the shelf300is padded and cushioned with a gel foam, or other suitable material for comfort.

In another embodiment, the housing component102comprises lights118surrounding the opposing side walls110, the front wall108, and/or the cushioned shelf300and bible holder component302. The lights118can be decorative or functional to help a user see while reading and/or praying. The lights118can be any suitable light as is known in the art, such as, but not limited to, LED, incandescent, etc. The lights118can be strung around the walls108,110, cushioned shelf300, or bible holder component302, or independently positioned within the walls108,110, cushioned shelf300, or bible holder component302, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.

In another embodiment, additional decorations can be added depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. For example, the prayer station device100can comprise optional candles304, an optional lamp306, a decorative cross308, etc., or any other items which one may use while meditating or praying. Thus, the prayer station device100has been designed for use with any religion for religious prayer at anytime, anywhere.

FIG.4illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the prayer station device100of the present invention. In this embodiment, the prayer station device100comprises a chair component104and kneeler106. Typically, the chair component104is slanted at such an angle to allow a user to sit on the chair component104and rest comfortably forward, with their hands on the front wall108. Further, in one embodiment, the chair component104comprises a kneeler106, secured to the chair component104at such an angle, that a user can sit in the angled chair with their knees on the kneeler106. Thus, the chair component104and kneeler106provide support and allow a user to comfortably kneel while praying. Typically, the chair component104and kneeler106are padded and cushioned with a gel foam, to provide comfort to a user. Further, the chair component104and kneeler106do not comprise arm rests or a support back, but in some embodiments, the chair component104and kneeler106can have arm rests and/or a support back (not shown) to provide additional support to a user during use. Typically, the chair component104and kneeler106is not secured within the prayer station device100, which allows a user to move the chair component104and kneeler106to any desired position within the prayer station device100, based on the needs and/or wants of a user. Thus, a user can sit and/or kneel within the prayer station device100when praying.

In one embodiment, a light component400could be plugged into an interior mounted female electrical outlet402which would lead to an exterior cord404and plug406. Other electrical items, (i.e., a tape recorder), could also be plugged into the female outlet402when needed. In one embodiment, the light component400is battery operated and does not require an electrical outlet.

FIGS.5A-Billustrate a perspective view of another embodiment of the prayer station device100of the present invention. InFIG.5A, the housing component102comprises a plurality of storage hooks500positioned on the opposing side walls110, or any other suitable position as is known in the art, for storing items (not shown).

InFIG.5B, the housing component102comprises a bible holder502secured to the opposing side walls110for storing bibles and other prayer books when not in use. Further, additional hooks, shelves, bookcases, etc., can be utilized with the prayer station device100for storing and organizing various items for use with the device100, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

In use, anyone wishing to further their faith by having their own personal prayer space in their home or apartment would first set up the prayer station device100by assembling the housing component102and inserting the chair component104and kneeler106. Further, the cushioned shelf300could be added and the glass bible holder component302could be placed into their appropriate positions. The user could then place any items on the shelving300as desired and could turn on the battery or electrically-operated light400and plug in a tape cassette recorder or other items which require electricity, or an audio player504may be incorporated into the device. The exterior plug406would then be connected to a standard wall outlet. The user could have the option of candles304, and other lights118around the housing component102, if needed.

The user would pray or meditate as they would inside of a church, synagogue, or temple, etc. Use of the prayer station device100would provide users of all faiths with the capability to pray or meditate at any time they desire. When not in use, the prayer station device100could be stored in a closed, or other appropriate storage area (not shown).

FIG.6illustrates a flowchart of the method of providing users a safe and convenient place to pray. The method includes the steps of at600, providing a prayer station device comprising a housing component with a chair component and kneeler. The method also comprises at602, positioning the prayer station device in a location for use by the user, such as in a church, at home, or in an outreach center. Further, the method comprises at604, utilizing the prayer station device via sitting in the chair component and/or kneeling on the kneeler. The method also comprises at606, reading from a book of worship, while within the prayer station device. Finally, the method ends at608, with praying and/or meditating in the prayer station device.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “prayer station device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the prayer station device100of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the prayer station device100of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the prayer station device100as shown inFIGS.1-6is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the prayer station device100are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the prayer station device100are important design parameters for user convenience, the prayer station device100may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.