Fluid Forms, Inc. was founded in 1996 by Steve Koschmann to develop advanced knee protection products for professional contractors with sore knees. Its first product, the Patella T line of orthopedic knee protection, was built to solve a real problem, that of debilitating knee pain.

The idea started during an extensive remodel of the founder's home, where many of the contractors complained about sore knees and the lack of a good kneepad. In particular, the lead tile setter on the job had just had his second knee operated on, and was in immediate need of a kneepad that would allow him to get back to work on his knees.

Steve, an engineer with 20 years of product development experience, was intrigued. Was it possible to develop a better kneepad that would allow individuals with surgically repaired knees to get back to work on their knees-painfree?

The development process started by extensively consulting with several orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and a few dozen professional contractors to better understand the issues and problems involved with kneeling. Based on the medical research, Steve found that the key to better knee protection was in finding a way to disperse the point pressures involved with kneeling to as wide an area as possible.

During the next 12 months, multiple prototypes were built, tested and refined. The development process was significantly enhanced by Kyle McMickle, a carpet installer with over 15 years in the carpet industry. Kyle went from lead skeptic to our top sales representative as the prototypes got better and better. Together, Kyle and Steve worked with more than 200 professionals to get their feedback in an extensive testing process.

Traditional cushioning mediums such as foams and gels were tried, but these mediums cannot move or "flow" in response to the point pressures involved with kneeling. The breakthrough came with the use of a fluid as the cushioning medium, and a specially developed " flow pack" that dispersed patellar pressure to the perimeter of the knee and to the upper shin area. The patella bone literally "floats" in a pillow of fluid.

Over the last 3 years, Fluid Forms has continued to refine its pressure dispersing designs. The fluid packs shown on this website are the most advanced fluid packs yet developed. The new Patella Bead kneeware works on the same principles of dispersing patellar pressure. They are exceptionally light and comfortable. In fact, new Patella Bead kneeware is one of a handful of products recognized by Today's Homeowner Magazine as a "Best New Product" of 2001.

Fluid Forms, Inc is dedicated to developing the best knee protection products in the industry. Continuous product improvements are integral to the company's philosophy. Please don't hesitate to call if you have special products or applications. We can probably help.

View Fluid Form's presentation to the Boulder Chamber of Commerce COECRT Meeting.