Redback Knee Pads
Wearable kneepad developed from patented polymer support to licensed PPE product.
RedBack Cushioning holds the patent on a leaf spring polymer knee support and needed a design partner to turn it into a wearable, comfortable kneepad for tradespeople. D2M developed a textile strap system to house the support, working through material selection, prototyping and testing to meet the demands of PPE and workwear use.
The Story
The brief was to convert an existing polymer support into something that could be worn comfortably during movement, without compromising the protection it was built to provide. D2M's soft goods team researched materials for breathability, manoeuvrability and durability under abrasive, heavy-use conditions, then built and evaluated multiple prototypes with RedBack to refine the fit and structure.
The final kneepad integrates the polymer support into a strapped textile housing that holds up in mildly soiled conditions without losing comfort or strength. The product conforms to EN 13688 and EN 13758-1 and offers penetration protection up to 16mm.
The Outcome
RedBack Kneepads are sold through Amazon, Toolstation, Screwfix and RedBack's own website, and are licensed to Caterpillar. In April 2022, RedBack Cushioning Ltd granted McAlpine & Co Ltd a worldwide licence for the manufacture, distribution and sale of the range. The licence was sold after several years of retail sales.
