Prayer Station Device

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A prayer station device that conveniently and safely provides a user with a place to pray, the prayer station device comprising: a housing component comprising a front wall, a pair of opposing side walls, and an open rear area; a chair component; and a kneeler, wherein once assembled, the user can sit on the chair component or kneel on the kneeler within the housing component for praying or meditating.

2. The prayer station device of claim 1, wherein the front wall and the pair of opposing side walls are half walls and do not extend up to a ceiling, but extend approximately 3-5 feet high from a ground surface.

3. The prayer station device of claim 2, wherein the housing component comprises a plurality of foldable legs.

4. The prayer station device of claim 2, wherein the housing component comprises a plurality of casters.

5. The prayer station device of claim 1, wherein the housing component comprises a plurality of lights positioned around at least one of the pair of opposing side walls and the front wall.

6. The prayer station device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of indicia on the housing component, the chair component, or the kneeler.

7. The prayer station device of claim 1, wherein the housing component comprises a cushioned shelf.

8. The prayer station device of claim 7, wherein the housing component comprises a bible holder component secured to the cushioned shelf.

9. The prayer station device of claim 8, wherein the bible holder component retains a bible in an upright position for reading.

10. The prayer station device of claim 9, wherein the bible holder component is removable and can be stored within the prayer station device when not in use.

11. The prayer station device of claim 1 comprising at least one of a candle, a lamp and a cross.

12. The prayer station device of claim 1, wherein the kneeler is secured to the chair component.

13. The prayer station device of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of storage hooks and a bible holder positioned on at least one of the pair of opposing side walls.

14. A portable prayer station device that conveniently and safely provides a user with a place to pray, the portable prayer station device comprising: a housing component comprising a front wall, a pair of opposing side walls, and an open rear area, wherein the front wall and the pair of opposing side walls are between 3 and 5 feet in height; a chair component; a kneeler secured to the chair component; at least one caster attached to the housing component; a cushioned shelf; and a bible holder component secured to the cushioned shelf.

15. The portable prayer station device of claim 14, wherein the housing component comprises an interior mounted female electrical outlet.

16. The portable prayer station device of claim 15, wherein the interior mounted female electrical outlet is in communication with an exterior cord and plug.

17. The portable prayer station device of claim 16 further comprising a light component plugged into the interior mounted female electrical outlet.

18. The portable prayer station device of claim 14 further comprising a battery-operated light component.

19. The portable prayer station device of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of storage hooks positioned on at least one of the pair of opposing side walls.

20. A method of providing a user with a portable, safe and convenient place to pray, the method comprising the steps of: providing a portable prayer station device comprising a housing component, a chair component and a kneeler; positioning the portable prayer station device in a location for use by the user, such as in a church, a home, or in an outreach center; utilizing the portable prayer station device via sitting in the chair component or kneeling on the kneeler; reading from a book of worship, while within the portable prayer station device; and praying or meditating in the portable prayer station device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the prayer station device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of the prayer station device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a frosted bible holder of the prayer station device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the sitting and kneeling components of one potential embodiment of the prayer station device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0033] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the prayer station device of the present invention comprising a plurality of storage hooks in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0034] FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the prayer station device of the present invention comprising a bible holder in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing a method of providing users a safe and convenient place to pray in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0036] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the prayer station device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the prayer station device 100 is an improved prayer station device that conveniently and safely provides users with a place to pray. The device 100 is 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 device 100 comprises a housing component 102 with a chair component 104 and a kneeler 106.

[0040] In one embodiment, the prayer station device 100 comprises a housing component 102 which is typically an enclosure having a front wall 108, opposing side walls 110, and an open rear area 112, such that a user can enter and exit the housing component 102. The front 108 and opposing side walls 110 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 108,110 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 102 does not comprise a ceiling or roof structure, but in one embodiment, the housing component 102 can comprise slightly higher walls and a ceiling structure (not shown), depending on the wants and/or needs of a user. Typically, the housing component 102 does not comprise a floor structure, but in one embodiment, the housing component 102 can comprise a floor structure (not shown), depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the prayer station device 100 of the present invention. In one embodiment, instead of an open rear area 112, the housing component 102 can comprise a rear wall with a door (not shown), allowing the user to enter and exit the housing component 102, and providing additional privacy for a user praying within the prayer station device 100.

[0042] In another embodiment, the housing component 102 comprises foldable legs 116 or casters 114 for convenience. The casters 114 allow the housing component 102 to be easily moved. The foldable legs 116 allow the housing component 102 to be easily stored when not in use.

[0043] In one embodiment, the housing component 102 is 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.

[0044] In another embodiment, the housing component 102 comprises lights 118 surrounding the opposing side walls 110 and/or the front wall 108. The lights 118 can be decorative or functional to help a user see while reading and/or praying. The lights 118 can be any suitable light as is known in the art, such as, but not limited to, LED, incandescent, etc. The lights 118 can be strung around the walls 108,110, or independently positioned within the walls 108,110, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.

[0045] In another embodiment, the portable prayer station device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 120 and/or engravings on the housing component 102 and/or the chair component 104 and kneeler 106. For example, the housing component 102 and/or chair component 104 and kneeler 106 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, engraved, or integrated into the walls 108,110 or within the housing component 102, or any other indicia 120 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 120 as 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.

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the prayer station device 100 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the front wall 108 of the housing component 102 comprises a cushioned shelf 300 and bible holder component 302. Typically, the bible holder component 302 is manufactured of frosted glass, acrylic, or other suitable material as is known in the art. The bible holder component 302 is secured to the cushioned shelf 300 in an inclined angle, such that it will hold a bible (not shown) in an upright position for reading. In one embodiment, the bible holder component 302 is removable and can be stored within the prayer station device 100 when not in use. The cushioned shelf 300 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 300 is padded and cushioned with a gel foam, or other suitable material for comfort.

[0047] In another embodiment, the housing component 102 comprises lights 118 surrounding the opposing side walls 110, the front wall 108, and/or the cushioned shelf 300 and bible holder component 302. The lights 118 can be decorative or functional to help a user see while reading and/or praying. The lights 118 can be any suitable light as is known in the art, such as, but not limited to, LED, incandescent, etc. The lights 118 can be strung around the walls 108,110, cushioned shelf 300, or bible holder component 302, or independently positioned within the walls 108,110, cushioned shelf 300, or bible holder component 302, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.

[0048] In another embodiment, additional decorations can be added depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. For example, the prayer station device 100 can comprise optional candles 304, an optional lamp 306, a decorative cross 308, etc., or any other items which one may use while meditating or praying. Thus, the prayer station device 100 has been designed for use with any religion for religious prayer at anytime, anywhere.

[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the prayer station device 100 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the prayer station device 100 comprises a chair component 104 and kneeler 106. Typically, the chair component 104 is slanted at such an angle to allow a user to sit on the chair component 104 and rest comfortably forward, with their hands on the front wall 108. Further, in one embodiment, the chair component 104 comprises a kneeler 106, secured to the chair component 104 at such an angle, that a user can sit in the angled chair with their knees on the kneeler 106. Thus, the chair component 104 and kneeler 106 provide support and allow a user to comfortably kneel while praying. Typically, the chair component 104 and kneeler 106 are padded and cushioned with a gel foam, to provide comfort to a user. Further, the chair component 104 and kneeler 106 do not comprise arm rests or a support back, but in some embodiments, the chair component 104 and kneeler 106 can have arm rests and/or a support back (not shown) to provide additional support to a user during use. Typically, the chair component 104 and kneeler 106 is not secured within the prayer station device 100, which allows a user to move the chair component 104 and kneeler 106 to any desired position within the prayer station device 100, based on the needs and/or wants of a user. Thus, a user can sit and/or kneel within the prayer station device 100 when praying.

[0050] In one embodiment, a light component 400 could be plugged into an interior mounted female electrical outlet 402 which would lead to an exterior cord 404 and plug 406. Other electrical items, (i.e., a tape recorder), could also be plugged into the female outlet 402 when needed. In one embodiment, the light component 400 is battery operated and does not require an electrical outlet.

[0051] FIGS. 5A-B illustrate a perspective view of another embodiment of the prayer station device 100 of the present invention. In FIG. 5A, the housing component 102 comprises a plurality of storage hooks 500 positioned on the opposing side walls 110, or any other suitable position as is known in the art, for storing items (not shown).

[0052] In FIG. 5B, the housing component 102 comprises a bible holder 502 secured to the opposing side walls 110 for storing bibles and other prayer books when not in use. Further, additional hooks, shelves, bookcases, etc., can be utilized with the prayer station device 100 for storing and organizing various items for use with the device 100, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0053] 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 device 100 by assembling the housing component 102 and inserting the chair component 104 and kneeler 106. Further, the cushioned shelf 300 could be added and the glass bible holder component 302 could be placed into their appropriate positions. The user could then place any items on the shelving 300 as desired and could turn on the battery or electrically-operated light 400 and plug in a tape cassette recorder or other items which require electricity, or an audio player 504 may be incorporated into the device. The exterior plug 406 would then be connected to a standard wall outlet. The user could have the option of candles 304, and other lights 118 around the housing component 102, if needed.

[0054] The user would pray or meditate as they would inside of a church, synagogue, or temple, etc. Use of the prayer station device 100 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 100 could be stored in a closed, or other appropriate storage area (not shown).

[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of providing users a safe and convenient place to pray. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a prayer station device comprising a housing component with a chair component and kneeler. The method also comprises at 602, 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 at 604, utilizing the prayer station device via sitting in the chair component and/or kneeling on the kneeler. The method also comprises at 606, reading from a book of worship, while within the prayer station device. Finally, the method ends at 608, with praying and/or meditating in the prayer station device.

[0056] 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 device 100 of the present invention.

[0057] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the prayer station device 100 of 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 device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the prayer station device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the prayer station device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the prayer station device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0058] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0059] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.