U.S. patent application number 11/198895 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-18 for portable, compacting travel footrest.
Invention is credited to Arun Sardana.
Application Number | 20060103219 11/198895 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36385514 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060103219 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sardana; Arun |
May 18, 2006 |
Portable, compacting travel footrest
Abstract
A footrest for airplane passengers includes a platform and a
number of supporting legs, at least some of which contain springs
or resilient members so that when the legs are deployed the
passenger can exercise his feet and legs by pressing down on the
platform. The legs can be folded or otherwise collapsed against the
platform when the device is not in use.
Inventors: |
Sardana; Arun; (North
Potomac, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHOEMAKER AND MATTARE, LTD
10 POST OFFICE ROAD - SUITE 110
SILVER SPRING
MD
20910
US
|
Family ID: |
36385514 |
Appl. No.: |
11/198895 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60598848 |
Aug 5, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/423.41 ;
297/423.14; 297/423.39; 297/423.43; 297/423.44; 297/423.45;
297/423.46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 16/02 20130101;
B64D 11/0643 20141201 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/423.41 ;
297/423.14; 297/423.39; 297/423.43; 297/423.44; 297/423.45;
297/423.46 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/50 20060101
A47C007/50; A47C 16/02 20060101 A47C016/02 |
Claims
1. A collapsible leg-exercising footrest, the footrest comprising,
a platform, and a plurality of legs for supporting the platform, at
least some of said legs comprising a compressible element so that
when one presses on the platform with one's feet the legs change in
length and provide resistance against the force applied with the
feet, said legs having a deployed position and a collapsed position
within or against the platform.
2. The invention of claim 1, wherein the compressible element is a
spring and the leg has two telescoping portions, one at either end
of the spring.
3. The invention of claim 1, wherein the compressible element is a
pneumatic chamber and the leg has two telescoping portions, one at
either end of the pneumatic chamber.
4. The invention of claim 1, wherein at least some of the legs can
be detached from the platform and stored within cavities in the
platform.
5. The invention of claim 1, wherein at least some of the legs have
a hinged connection with the platform and can be folded flush
against the platform.
6. The invention of claim 1, wherein the platform comprises plural
pieces.
7. The invention of claim 6, wherein the plural pieces are
interconnected by tongue and groove connections.
8. The invention of claim 7, further comprising means for locking
the plural pieces in their assembled condition.
9. The invention of claim 6, wherein the plural pieces are
connected by hinges.
10. The invention of claim 1, wherein at least some of the legs
have a hinged connection to the platform and further comprising, a
brace for locking the hinged legs in their deployed position.
Description
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. application No.
60/598848, filed Aug. 5, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] An average aircraft seat is only 17 inches wide and has only
about 32 inches of "pitch" or distance between the back of the seat
facing the passenger and the back of the seat in which the
passenger is seated. Such cramped configuration has concerned
travelers and health practitioners alike. An estimated 30,000
people a year could develop dangerous lower leg blood clots,
commonly referred to as "economy class syndrome," as a result of
sitting in cramped conditions for more than five hours.
[0003] To avoid "economy class syndrome," health specialists
suggest exercising the legs. Such may be achieved with, for
example, an exercise footrest. However, while redesigns may be
possible, airline seats have been largely unchanged for the last 25
years due to elaborate safety certification processes related to
issues and costs. Thus, redesigning airline passenger seating to
allow for more leg room and include health-safety features, such as
footrests, is not foreseeable. While comforts and luxuries are
increasingly available for first- and premium-class passengers,
economy class passengers are likely to be left with the cramped
spaces that are not only uncomfortable but also can pose serious
health hazards.
[0004] Additionally, as technology pervades home and work lives,
people increasingly travel with laptops and other devices that they
operate from their "laps" at airports, rail stations, make-shift
offices, homes etc. Sitting in a chair for long periods of time can
cause back and other problems. These problems may be avoided, but
at considerable expense or encumbrance.
[0005] What is needed is a portable footrest that helps alleviate
pressure on the lower back by raising the level of the knees to
reduce back strain, muscle fatigue and injury, and to allow for
better circulation of blood in the lower legs. While such may not
be a "medical solution" and does not guarantee prevention against
potential health hazards from traveling in cramped positions, it is
widely regarded as a practical solution by medical practitioners
and health experts alike because a portable footrest can help
prevent and/or reduce back and lower leg conditions, including
stress injuries and blood clots in the lower legs, that may develop
due to travel in cramped spaces and/or due to poor posture when
working in a seated position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention is a portable travel footrest with which a
traveler may exercise while seated in a plane or other cramped
conditions and avoid uncomfortable and dangerous lower leg
conditions.
[0007] An object of this invention is to provide a device that
enables airline passengers to exercise the legs while seated.
[0008] Another invention is to make such a device collapsible so
that it can be carried and stored conveniently.
[0009] These and other objects of the invention are satisfied by
the collapsible footrest described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention is described in detail below with reference to
the following figures, throughout which similar reference
characters denote corresponding features consistently, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, from below, of an embodiment
of a footrest constructed according to principles of the
invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail of a portion of the
footrest;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modified form of the
footrest;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side elevation thereof;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 5,
wherein the platform is partially folded;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of FIG.
5, wherein the platform is almost entirely folded;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of FIG.
1, wherein the platform is folded to define a closed position;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of one panel of the
platform of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a platform of
another embodiment of a footrest constructed according to
principles of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a similar view of the embodiment of FIG. 9,
partially assembled;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a platform of another
embodiment of a footrest constructed according to principles of the
invention;
[0022] FIG. 12 is perspective view of another embodiment of a
footrest constructed according to principles of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a bottom elevational view of the embodiment of
FIG. 12, partially collapsed;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a bottom elevational view of the embodiment of
FIG. 12, entirely collapsed;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a platform of another
embodiment of a footrest constructed according to principles of the
invention; and
[0026] FIG. 16 shows a leg assembly of another embodiment of a
footrest constructed according to principles of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] A footrest embodying the invention includes a platform
mounted on a nearer pair of non-resilient legs and a longer farther
pair of resilient legs.
[0028] FIGS. 1-4 show a first embodiment of the footrest 100
includes a platform 105 from which extends a nearer pair of
non-resilient detachable legs 110 and a longer farther pair of
resilient detachable legs 115. The footrest 100 provides for
raising and inclining a user's feet and exercising same with a
back-and-forth motion.
[0029] The legs 110, 115 shown in FIGS. 1-4 are detachably
connectable to the platform 105 via threaded, snap-in-snap-out,
velcro.RTM. or other fasteners 116. The legs 110, 115 also may be
permanently attached to fixed positions on the platform 105 so as
to collapse and fold under the platform 105 through a release or
hinge mechanism. In that case, in the collapsed position, the legs
110, 115 lie flush with the platform 105. The platform 105 may have
deep grooves (not shown) for receiving each leg 110, 115 so that
the legs 110, 115, when collapsed, rest inside such a groove. The
legs 110, 115 then may be secured by a fastening clip (not shown)
or other device that does not allow the legs to fall out once
collapsed inside a groove.
[0030] The legs 110, 115 are sized and configured to position the
platform above ground level at an incline or angle so that the
front edge 130 is nearer to the user's feet and to the ground and
the back edge 135 is farther to the user's feet and higher than the
front edge 130. Thus, when resting on the platform, the heel or
heels of the user's foot or feet will be closer to the ground and
the toes will be higher than the heel(s) in a naturally inclined
position when the user's legs are extended outwardly and away from
the body.
[0031] When attached, the legs 110 may define a 90.degree. angle,
or other angle, relative to a surface on which the footrest is
disposed. Consequently, the legs 110 are not square to, but define
a predetermined angle 140 relative to the platform 105.
[0032] The legs 115 define a 90.degree. angle, or other angle,
relative to the platform 105. Consequently, the legs 115 are not
square to, but define a predetermined angle 145 relative to a
surface on which the footrest is disposed.
[0033] The lengths of the legs 110, 115 are adjustable. Adjustment
may be achieved through incorporating telescoping, threading or
other mechanisms (not shown).
[0034] Each leg 110, 115 has anti-skid material for contacting a
supporting surface or floor. The anti-skid material may be selected
from rubber, felt, plastic, metal, wood or other materials that
would prevent the footrest 100 from skidding on a surface on which
it is placed.
[0035] The legs 115 each include a spring mechanism 117 (FIG. 2)
that allows for repeated telescoping motion commensurate with
back-and-forth movement of the feet alternately applying and
releasing moderate pressure on the platform 105. The spring
mechanism may be effectuated with pneumatic systems, hydraulic
systems or other systems that allow for reciprocal foot/feet
movement. This "exercise" feature is a common thread in all
embodiments of footrests constructed according to this
invention.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 5, the platform 105 is constructed
from plastics, wood, polymer, metal, resin, leather, fabric or
other man-made or natural material that can function as the
platform. The platform 105 is foldable along one or more vertical
or horizontal joints 120, defining a plurality of panels 123. When
open, each joint 120 or foldable or collapsible part of the
platform 105 is supported by latches 125 or lock or lock-like
mechanisms to hold all joined panels 123 of the platform 105
together in a substantially planar manner.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the footrest 100 may be
collapsed and stored for easy transportation. The user detaches and
sets aside the legs 110, 115 from the platform 105. The user then
unlatches the latches 125, and folds the panels 123 along the
joints 120, progressively defining the partially closed position of
FIG. 5, the nearly closed position of FIG. 6 and the closed
position of FIG. 7.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 8, the panels 123 may have shafts 150 or
throughbores sized and configured for receiving and storing at
least one of the legs 110, 115. The legs 110, 115 and/or shafts 150
are configured so that the legs 110, 115 are removably retained in
the shafts 150. That is, a user may securely store the legs 110,
115 in the shafts 150 when not needed, yet remove the legs from the
shafts 150 as needed. If the platform 105 has no shafts 150, the
legs 110, 115 may be stored separately in a carry case (not shown)
or bag.
[0039] The footrest 100, when fully assembled and operational, fits
under most airline seats in front of the passenger using the
footrest. When folded for portability, the footrest 100 fits into
most travel bags, hand bags, computer cases or in a specially
designed carrying case or bag.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, another embodiment of a
platform 205 constructed according to the invention includes a
plurality of panels 223 that interconnect via conventional tongue
and groove structures. For example, the panel 223a has a groove 250
sized and configured to receive a tongue 255 extending from the
panel 223b.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 11, another embodiment of a platform 405
constructed according to the invention combines features of the
previous embodiments. The platform 405 includes hinged pairs of
panels 423a,b and 423c,d that interconnect via tongue and groove
structures. The latches 425 hold each pair of joined panels 423a,b
or 423c,d together in a substantially planar manner.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, another embodiment of a
footrest 500 constructed according to the invention includes a
platform 505 having a hinge 520 running vertically from the front
edge 530 to the back edge 535. Arms 560 extend from each corner of
the front edge 530 and define an acute angle 565 relative to the
platform 505. The legs 515 extend from back edge 535 of the
platform 505 so that, when deployed in an open position as shown in
FIG. 12, the legs 515 rest against a supporting surface and define
a right or obtuse angle relative to the platform 505. The legs 515
each contain a spring mechanism (not shown) that allows for
repeated telescoping motion commensurate with the back-and-forth
movement of the feet alternately applying and releasing moderate
pressure on the platform 505.
[0043] The arms 560 and legs 515 are collapsible and fold parallel
to and flush against the underside of the platform 505. A clasp 575
or locking arrangement holds the arms 560 and legs 515 in a locked
position, as shown in FIG. 13. Once locked, the platform 505 can be
folded along the hinge 520 for further compactness and enhanced
portability, as shown in FIG. 14. When the platform is open, as in
FIG. 12, the user's feet can rest on or cyclically push against the
platform 505, applying then releasing pressure, allowing the spring
mechanism 570 in the legs 515 to restore the platform 505 and the
user's feet back to the original position.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 15, another embodiment of a platform 605
constructed according to the invention includes telescopingly
nestable panels 623. The panels 623 are constructed of composite
plastic, polymer, metal, rubber, wood or other hard material, with
or without coatings or coverings. The panel 623c has a slot sized
and configured to receive a panel 623b, which has a slot sized and
configured to receive a panel 623a. When collapsed, the platform
605 is reduced to a fraction of its size compared to when
completely open.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 16, another embodiment constructed
according to the invention includes a leg assembly 700 including
integral or detachable non-resilient legs 710 and longer resilient
legs 715 that are joined with connecting levers 775. The levers 775
can open and spread the legs 710, 715 apart or fold them together
like a tripod stand.
[0046] Common design features in the embodiments described herein
relate to: (1) compactness, for making the device truly portable
through compacting the entire structure to some fraction of its
operational size; and (2) the use of the device for exercise,
involving built-in resilient mechanisms.
[0047] The invention provides for a carry case or carry bag for
receiving and transporting any collapsed footrest embodiment
described herein.
* * * * *