CA1245926A - Integral foot massage and support apparatus - Google Patents
Integral foot massage and support apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA1245926A CA1245926A CA000487755A CA487755A CA1245926A CA 1245926 A CA1245926 A CA 1245926A CA 000487755 A CA000487755 A CA 000487755A CA 487755 A CA487755 A CA 487755A CA 1245926 A CA1245926 A CA 1245926A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- support
- base plate
- massage
- base
- foot
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H15/00—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains
- A61H2015/0007—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis
- A61H2015/0014—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis cylinder-like, i.e. rollers
- A61H2015/0021—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis cylinder-like, i.e. rollers multiple on the same axis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H15/00—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains
- A61H2015/0007—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis
- A61H2015/0028—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis disc-like, i.e. diameter substantially greater than width
- A61H2015/0035—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis disc-like, i.e. diameter substantially greater than width multiple on the same axis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H15/00—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains
- A61H2015/0007—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis
- A61H2015/0042—Balls or spheres
- A61H2015/005—Balls or spheres multiple on the same axis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H15/00—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains
- A61H2015/0007—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis
- A61H2015/0057—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with balls or rollers rotating about their own axis the axis being resiliently biased
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H15/00—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains
- A61H2015/0064—Massage by means of rollers, balls, e.g. inflatable, chains, or roller chains with freely rotating spheres
Landscapes
- Massaging Devices (AREA)
Abstract
071983-837.1 INTEGRAL FOOT MASSAGE
AND SUPPORT APPARATUS
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A combined foot massage and support having a base support including a base plate having a substantially planar surface and a second opposite surface wherein the base plate has a circular shaped opening located centrally therein, a pair of substantially planar side support members each of which terminate in a first support end and a second support end wherein the first support end of each of the side support members includes a member defining a substantially planar support surface and the second support end of each of the side support members are located oppo-site the first support end and includes a ramp support surface having a slope which approximates the ergonomic design angle for a human user in a sitting position, a plurality of massage assemblies mounted axially on and rotatable about the center support wherein the center support members are mounted in an arcuate, spaced parallel alignment -the spaced parallel planar side support members above the base support and a rotatable disc positioned in the circular opening in the base plate which is adapted to be engaged and rotated by at least one foot of a user is shown.
AND SUPPORT APPARATUS
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A combined foot massage and support having a base support including a base plate having a substantially planar surface and a second opposite surface wherein the base plate has a circular shaped opening located centrally therein, a pair of substantially planar side support members each of which terminate in a first support end and a second support end wherein the first support end of each of the side support members includes a member defining a substantially planar support surface and the second support end of each of the side support members are located oppo-site the first support end and includes a ramp support surface having a slope which approximates the ergonomic design angle for a human user in a sitting position, a plurality of massage assemblies mounted axially on and rotatable about the center support wherein the center support members are mounted in an arcuate, spaced parallel alignment -the spaced parallel planar side support members above the base support and a rotatable disc positioned in the circular opening in the base plate which is adapted to be engaged and rotated by at least one foot of a user is shown.
Description
071983-837.1 ~Z~S~26 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIo~
l. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a combined foot massage and support and more particularily to an integral foot massage and foot sup-port apparatus having a foot maasage treating surface, a foot ~upporting surface and, if desired, a rotatable disc actuatable by the foot of a user, which are adapted to interact with the foot of a user at approximately the ergonomic deslgn angle which is adapted to reduce fatigue, stress and discomfort of the thigh, lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting position.
l. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a combined foot massage and support and more particularily to an integral foot massage and foot sup-port apparatus having a foot maasage treating surface, a foot ~upporting surface and, if desired, a rotatable disc actuatable by the foot of a user, which are adapted to interact with the foot of a user at approximately the ergonomic deslgn angle which is adapted to reduce fatigue, stress and discomfort of the thigh, lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting position.
2. Description of the Prior Art Foot massage apparatus and the like are known in the prior art. Typical of such devices are those disclosed in United States Patent numbers D253,967; D255,835 and D257,883. Massage devices adapted for massaging selected portions of the body of a user ~re likewise known in the art. Typical of such devices is that disclosed in United States Patent Number D263,623.
A Body Ton~r mas~age apparatus comprising a "U" shaped member having a rod with a plurality of axially aligned, rotatable disc member~ mounted thereon extending between the ends of the "U"
shaped member is distributed by Graham Bell Industries of ~rea, California. In use, the user supports the massage apparakus by the curved portion of the "U" shaped member, applies the rota-table discs to the portion of the body to be massaged and moves the mas~age apparatus in either a linear or curvilinear motion to produce the ma~saging treatment. Another massage apparatus distributed by the above firm under the marX Captain Carrot Caresser comprises a device in the form of an elongated ~haft having disc shaped, rotatable elements therearound and the ma~saging trea~ment is produced by rolling the same, in a motion ~' 071983-837.1 . . ~
~LZ~5~6 ~imiliar to rolling pie dough with a rolling pin, over the por tion of the body of a user to be massaged.
It is also known in the art to utili~e foot~tool6, foot-restq and the like by a worker or other person who sits for an extended period of time. The purpo~e for using such devices is to elevate the feet of a user to relieve stress from the lower back and leg~. 1`he foot fatigue footre~t is -typically higher in the front relative to the back in order to place the feet at an angle relative to the supporting surface, such as for example, an office floor. Such footrests are offered for sale for use by computer terminal operators by Devoke Data Product~, 3780 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, California 94303.
Another known footreMt having a wedge shape for receiving and ~upporting the feet of a user in a sitting position, which is charactarized as as "New Ergonomic Footrest" i5 offered for sale by Moore Business Products of Wheeling, Illinois. The wedgeshaped footrest includes a foot operated knob for varying the angle of the top, foot receiving ~urface relative to a fixed base in engagement with the floor.
It is also known in the art to utilize adjustable or rota-table platforms for supporting a keyboard of a computer terminal at a proper or adjustable ergonomic angle or the user. One such device is offered for sale by Biotech Systems, 3158 Production Drlve, Fairfield, Ohio 45014.
It i8 also recognized in the art to design office furniture, such a8 chairs for example, to have a specially designed seat and back support members which conform with the human body in both a 3itting position and when the user ~hifts body po~ition when in a substantially Yittlng position. One such chair is distributed and offered for sale under the trademark BIO CHAIR
by American Seating, 901 Broadway, N.W., Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
071983-837.1 .
5~ 6 The concept of ergonomics, that is the tudy of how the human body interacts with a mechanical environment, is being applied to the design of office furniture, computer terminals and equipment generally operated by human being~ in a sitting postion. The application of ergonomic principles to designs of such devices has as its intended purpose the reduction o fatigue, stre~s and discomfort in daily work situations.
Several text~ are available which de~cribe and teach the use of ergonomics in order to increase productivity of humans. One such text i8 in a book entitled THE BIOMEDICAL BASIS OF
ERGONOMICS (1978), E. R. Tichauer, published by Wiley-Interscience Publication which setsforth at page 71 thereof the advantages of properly designed chairs in a production environment.
Also, numerous medical reports and article~ are well known in the art which teach the advantages of elevating the feet of a user in a sitting position to relieve fatigue in the legs and thighs.
However, the art is devoid of any suggestions, teachings or di~closures which recognize the advantages associated with an apparatus having both a foot massaging ~urface and a foot receiving and support surface and having the same positioned at a slope which approximates the ergonomic design angle which is adapted to reduce atigue, stress and discomfort of the thigh, lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a new, novel and unique com-bined foot mas~age and support. In the preferred embodiment, the combined foot massage and support includes a base ~upport which has a base plate having a substantially planar surface and a 071983-837.1 ~ ~LS926 ~econd opposite surface and a circular ~haped opening located centrally therein. The combined foot massage and support inclu-des a pair of substantially planar side support members each of which terminate in a first support end and a second support end.
The first support end of each of the side ~upport members include means deining a substantially planar support surface and the second support end of each of the side support members are located opposite the first support end and includes mean~
defining a ramp support surface having a a slope which approxima-tes the ergonomic design angle which is adapted to reduce fati-gue, strefis and discomfort of the thigh, lower leg and ~oot of a human user in a sitting position. The substantially planar side support members are operatively coupled to and extending in the same substantially normal direction from the ba~e support and base plate and in a spaced parallel relation~ip to each other with the substantially planar support surface of the first sup-port end of each of said side support members positioned adjacent the base support and with the ramp support sur~ace of the ~econd support end of each of said side support members positioned with the ramp support surface extending in the same direction. The suppport Eurther includes a plurality of massage as3emblies each of which include an axially extending center support member and a plurality of annular shaped mas~age elements mounted axially on and rotatable about said center support members. The center sup-port members are mounted in an arcuate, ~paced parallel alignment between the spaced parallel planar side ~upport members above the base support and above the opposite slde of the base plate. The plurality of massage elements are mounted on the center ~upport members and have a radius which extends therefrom to below the ramp support surfaces to form a convex shaped, angularly disposed ' 071983-837.1 ~2~9Z~
treating surface which extends sub3tantially between the substan-tially parallel side support members. The support member has a means including a rotatable disc positioned in the circular opening in the ba~e plate which is adapted to be engaged and rotated by at least one foot of a user. The foot massage and support are adapted to have a mas~age position wherein the base support, the 6ubstantially planar surface of the base plate and the substantially planar surface of the side support members are positioned on a supporting surface placing the convex shaped, angularly disposed treating ~urface in a ma~sage position which is adapted to receive the feet of a user. The feet of a u6er may be ma6saged by movement of the feet relative to the rotatably mounted mas6age elements and a support position wherein the ramp support surfaces of the second support end of each side 6upport members are po~itioned on a supporting surface placing the base support including the substantially planar surface of the base plate at an angle to receive and support the feet of a user.
The present invention overcome6 certain of the deficiencies of the known prior art footrests. None of the known prior art devices ~uggest or disclose the po6itioning of foot massaging devices at an angle which approximates the ergonomic design angle which iB adapted to reduce fatigue, stres6 and discomfort of the thigh, lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting position.
One advantage of the present invention i~ that a combined foot ma6sage and support device i3 di~closed wherein both the foot treating surface and the foot receiving and supporting sur-face are at the ergonomic design angle.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the foot treating surface can be formed of a plurality of massage a~semblies each of which include an axially extending center sup-port member and a plurality of annular ~haped mas~age elements 071983~837.1 ~Z~S9;Z6 mounted axially on and rotatably about said center support members which are mounted in an arcuate, spaced parallel align-ment between spaced parallel planar ~ide support members to form an arch ~ype surface which is adapted to conform with the arch of the foot of a user.
A yet another advantage of the present invention is that the foot receiving and supporting surface and the foot treating sur-face can be easily xeversed by merely reversing the integral foot massage and foot support apparatus.
A still yet further advantage of the present invention iB the the foot receiving and supporting surface can be fixed relative to the foot treating ~urface at the desired ergonomic design angle.
A yet still further advantage of the present invention is that the foot receiving and support surface can be covered with a rubberized matt or resilient covering, having a plurality of ~ubstantially parallel protruding members which can be used to cushion or resiliently support the feet~ Also, the resilient covering ~timulates circulation in the foot as a result of relative movement therebetween.
A still yet further advantage of the present invention is that the base support can be integral with the apparatus housing and a base plate can be pivotally mounted to the base support such that the angle of the base plate can be varied relative to the baae support by an elongated rod and cam a~embly.
Another advantage of the preaent invention i8 that the selected ergonomic de~ign angle further helps circulation of the body in the unstre6sed area and further reduces pressure, compre~sion and strain on the back.
~L%~5~ZE;
0719~3-837.1 Another advantage of the present invention is that a combined foot massage and support device can be fabricated in a width to accomodate one foot of a user.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the base plate can be Pabricated with a rotatable disc located centrally therein to enable a user to place a foot thereon and obtain exer-cise by rotating the disc with the foot.
A still yet further advantage of the pre~ent invention i~
that the base plate can be centrally pivotly mounted on the side walls such that a user can exercise a foot by a pitching axis about the pivotal axis of the base plate.
A stii yet further advantage of the preaent invention is that the pivotaly base plate can be split to as to permit independent pitching movement of each half of the base plate with the feet of a user.
A still further advantage of the present invention is that the base plate, with or without the rotatable disc, can be sli-deably mounted to the side supports to enable a user to slideably extend the base plate along a plane and to still pivot or pitch the base plate about the pivotal axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The foregoing and other advantages and features of thi~
invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment, when considered together with the illustrations and accompanying drawlng which includes the following Figures:
Figure 1 i5 a top perspective view of a combined foot massage and support having a plurality of massaging a~semblies using the teachings of the present invention;
Figùre 2 is a bottom perspective view of the foot massage and ~upport of Figure l;
071983-837.1 ~Z45~2G
Figure 3 i8 a top plan view of the combined foot ma~sage and support of Figure l;
~ igure 4 is an end view of the combined foot massage and sup-port of Figure l;
Figure 5 is a section view taken along section lines 5-S of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a different embo-diment of a mas~age assembly having spherical massage elements and spacers therebetween;
Figure 7 i8 an exploded perspective view of a yet another embodiment of a massage assembly having toroidal shaped massage elements and cylindrically shaped spacers therebetween;
Figure 8 is a top perspective view of a combined foot massage and support having a plurality of massaging a~semblies illustrated in Figure 7;
Figure 9 i~ a exploded partial perspective view of a variation of the embodiment of Figure 1 wherein the base plate is piyotable relative to the base support and hou~ing;
Figure 10 i5 a per~pective view of a combined foot message and support device having a width to accommodate one foot of a user;
Figure 11 is a perspective view of a combined foot message and support device having a pivotally mounted base plate which is divided into two parallel sections each of which can be indepen-dently pivoted by the two feet o a user;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of a yet another embodiment of a combined foot massage and support similiar to that of Figure 1 with a rotatable disc mounted in the base plate;
Figure 13 iB a perspective view of a yet another embodiment of a combined foot maClsage and support similiar to that o~ Figure 10 with the ba~e plate being moveable in a plane;
071983-837.1 592~;
Figure 14 is a sectional end view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 13 illustrating the slidable ba~e piate assembly;
Figure 15 iR a top plan view of the combined foot massage and support having a carrying handle and a pivotally mounted base plate;
Figure 16 i3 an end view of the combined foot ma~sage and 5Up-support of Figure 15 showing the pivotal positions of ~he base plate;
Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of a the preferred embodiment of a combined foot me~sage and support having a pivo-tally mounted base plate an a tor~ion spring for applying a restoring force to the base plate to keep it in position when the 0upport i~ being carried by the user; and Figures 18(a) abd 18(b) are top views of the torsions springs u~ed on each side of the base plate.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figures 1 and 2 illu~trate a combined foot massage and 8Up-port which is shown generally by arrow 20. The combined foot massage and support comprises a base support 22 which includes a base plate 24. The base plate 24 i~ integral with the ba~e sup-port 22 which forms part of a houslng means shown generally as 26. The base plate 24 has a substantially planar ~urface 30 and a second opposite surface 32. The housing means includes means for deflning a pair of sùbstantially planar side support members 38 and 40, each of which term,inate in a first ~upport end 44 and 46, respectively, and a second ~upport end 48 and 50, respec-tively. The first ~upport ends 44 and 46 of side support members 38 and 40, respectively, including means defining a sub6tantially planar ~upport qurface 60 and 62, respectively. The second sup-~5~32~
071983-837.1 port ends 48 and 50 of side support members 38 and 40, respec-tively, are located opposite the first support ends 44 and 46, respectively. The second support ends 48 and 50 include means defining a ramp support surface 66 and 68 respectively. The ramp support surfaces 66 and 68 extend a selected distance and have a slope which approximates the ergonomic design angle which is adapted to reduce ~atigue, ~tress and discomfort of the thigh, lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting po~ition. The substantially planar side support members 38 and 40 are opera-tively coupled to and extend in the same substantially normal direction from the base support 22 and base plate 24 and in a spaced parallel relationship to each other with the sub~tantially planar suppc)rt surfaces 60 and 62 of the first support ends 44 and 46, respectively, of the side ~upport members 38 and 40 posi tioned adjacent the base support 22 and with the ramp ~upport surfaces 66 and 68 positioned to extend in the same direction.
A plurality of massage assemblies 70 each of which include an axially extending center support member 74 and a plurality of annular shaped mas~age elements 72 are mounted axially on and rotatable about the center support members 74. The ends of each center support member 74 in side wall 40 of Figure 1 are iden-tified by numerals 76 to 86. As is apparent from Figures 1 and 2, the center ~upport members are mounted on an arcuate, spaced parallel alignment between the spaced, parallel planar side sup-port members 38 and 40 and above the base support 22. Each of the plurality of massage asaemblies 70 are also located above the opposed surace 32 ol: base plate 24.
In order to insure that the massage elements 72 do not extend beyond the housing means 20, the radius of the spherical massage element 72 extend from the center support member 74 to below the ramp`support surfaces 66 and 68.
071983-837.1 5~6 The plurality of message assemblie~ 70 together form an arcuate shaped, which is generally convex, treating surface. The treating surface is angularly di6posed and extends between the substantially parallel side support members 38 and 40.
In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures l and 2, the base plate 24, which i5 integral with the base support 22, has affixed to the substantially planar surface 30 a resilient covering 90 which has a plurality of substantially parallel protruding members extending therefrom. A user, when utilizing the combined foot massage and support as shown in Figure 2, has a resilient support for the feet.
In Figures 3, 4, and 5 the convex treating ~urface formed by the massage elements 72 of the plurality of massage a0semblies 70 is readily apparent. The angle of the convex shaped treating surface permits a user to place the arch of a foot over the convex shaped massage assemblies 70 to massage the foot. A handle 92 is provided to lift and/or reverse the posi-tion of the foot massage an~ ~upport.
As illustrated in Figure 1, the foot massage and support 20 has a ma~sage portion wherein the base support 22, the substan-tially planar surface 30 of th~ ba~e plate 24 and the substan-tlally planar support surfaces 60 and 62 of the side support members ~8 and ~0, respectively, are positioned on a 0upporting 0urface .
In the massage position, the convex shaped, angularly disposed treating surface is adopted to receive the feet of user which may be massaged by movement of the feet relative to the rotatably mounted massage elements 76. A dashed foot 88 illustrate~ that the preferred size of the massage element~ 70 is that two of the elements are sufficient to support the foot 88.
In Figure 5, the preferred ergonomic design angle is about 10 to about 20.
071g83-837.1 ~5g2~ .
Figure 6 illustrates an alternate embod~ment of a ma~sage assembly 70. The massage assembly 70 includes a center support member 100 having alternate spherical shaped massage elements 102 and spacer elements 104 having a radius which is substantially les~ than that of the massage elements 102. The spacer elements 104 are axially mounted on the center support member 100 and are interposed between adajacent spherical massage elements 102.
Figure 7 shows another embodiment of a mas~age assembly having a center support member 120 and ma~age elements 122 ~hich are toroidal in shape. Cylindrically shaped spacer elements 124 have a hollowed out central area which is adapted to receive and pass the center support member 120. The cylindrically shaped 6pacer elements 124 are interpo&ed between the adjacent toroidal massage elements.
Figure 8 illustrates the integral foot massage and foot sup-port using the massage assembly of Figure 7. Side supports 138 and 140 support the center support members of which center sup-port member 120 i5 typical. A base support 122 i8 integral with the base plate 124. The axial length of the cylindrical spacers is a function of the desired spacing between the toroidal mas~age members 122.
Figure 9 shows another embodiment of a combined foot massage and support wherein a base plate 166 is pivotly mounted for move-ment relative to the base ~upport 162. The base ~upport 162, the planar support ~urface 164 of side support 160 form the hou~ing means. The base plate 166 is moveable into a position shown by 166' to vary the angle thereof. As illustrated in Figure 9, a hinge 168 is provided to enable the base plate 166 to rotate relative to the fixed base ~upport 162.
~Z459%~;
071983-837.1 An elongated rod 172 i8 rotatably mounted for rotation bet-ween the side support members 164 and 176 by means of handle 178. The elongated rod 172 i~ positioned below the ma~sage elements (not shown) and in ~ubstantially spaced parallel alignment with the center support member 78 being exemplary.
A cam member 174 having a shaped surface is fixedly mounted onto and moveable with rotation of the elongated rod 172. The shaped surface of the cam member 174 is positioned in moveable engagement with the oppo~ed ~ubstantially parallel surface so as to vary the angle of the base plate 166 relative to the ba~e support 162.
A resilient means 170, which may be a helical ~pring, is operatively coupled between one of the center support members, ~uch as member 78, and the opposed substantially parallel surface of the base plate 166 to apply a clamping force therebetween.
The clamping force of resilient means 170 maintain~ contact bet-ween the ba~e plate 166 and the cam member 174 whereby rotation oE the elongated rod 172 in a ~elected direction of rotation will rotate the cam members 174 varying the position of the shaped surface belng urged against the ba~e plate 166 to change the angle thereof relative to the ba~e plate.
Figure 10 lllu~trates a com~ined foot mas~age and support apparatus 180 having a base 182 having side walls 184 and 186 affixed thereto with a dimension or width to support three message elements 188 mounted on central supports 200. This width is intended to accommodate one foot of a user. In this embodi-ment, the base palte 182 i9 mounted at pivot point l90 to be moveable or to be rocked in a pitch mode, about the axis of the pivot point 190. A toe bar 202 is provided for exercising the toes of~a user.
Figure ll illustrates another embodiment of a ~upport shown generally by arrow 210 wherein the ba~e plate is formed of two ~z~s~
c 071983-837.1 half sections 212 and 214 which are adapted to be pivotally mounted to side walls 216 and 218 at axially aligned pivot points on the axis of the pivot polnt 210. Sufficient massage elements 220 mounted on central support~ 224 are provlded in a width to accommodate two feet of a u~er. A user may place both feet on the support in the position ahown in Figure 11, on each on one of the half sections 212 and/or 214. The feet can then be u~ed to independently rock or rotate the base half section~ 212 and 21 about the pivot point 210 a~ shown by the arrows. A toe bar 226 is also provided to exerci~e the u~er's toes.
Figure 12 illustrate~ a combined foot maQsage and support apparatus 230 comprising a base support including a ba3e plate 234 having a substantially planar surface and a second opposite surface. The base plate 234 has a circular shaped opening 242 located centraliy therein. A pair of substantially planar side support members 232 and 236 each of which terminate in a first support end and a ~econd support end. The first support end of each of the side support members 232 and 236 including means defining a substantially planar support surface and the second support end of each of the ~lde ~upport members 232 and 236 being located opposite the first support end and including means defining a ramp support surface which ha~ a slope which approxi-mates the ergonomic design angle which is adapted to reduce ati-gue, stress and di~comfort of the thigh, lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting po~ition. In the embodiment of Figure 12, a means including a rotatable disc 244 i5 positioned in the circular opening 242 in the base plate 234. The rotatable disc 244 is adapted to be engaged and rotated by at least one foot of a user. The rotation is illustrated by the arrow 250 imposed on the rotatable disc 244 in Figure 12.
In addition, the base plate 234 is pivotally mounted at pivot point 230 and i~ adapted to be moved in a 07198~-8~7.1 ~Z~5~2~;
rocXing or pitch direction as shown by the arrows 252. The mes3age elements 246 are supported by central rod members, e~tending between the side walls in the manner described herein-before. m e suppport 230 includes a toe exercise bar 248.
The combined foot massage and ~upport 250 illustrated in Figures 13 and 14 include a base plate 252 which i8 slideable into the po6itions illustrated by phantom base plate positions 272 and 276 and in the directions shown by arrow 270. In the embodiment of Figure 13, the base plate 252 has a central opening 266 which is adapted to receive a rotatable disc 268. An inter-mediate support member 254 is pivotaliy mounted to side wall~ 260 and 262 and i~ slideably attached to the base plate 252 to afford the sliding movement therebetween and relative to the ~ide walls 260.
The relationship between the side walls 260 and 262, the pivot supports 264 and the intermediate member 254 i3 illustrated in Figure 14.
Figures 15 and 16 illustrate a combined foot ma6~age and sup-port 270 having side walls 272 and 274 for supporting the massage elements 278 and a handle 276 for carrying the support 270. As illustrated in the side view of Figure 16, the 6upport 270 has the 6idewals 274 with a central opening which define6 a frarne 296 for the central ~upport members for 6upporting the me6sage mem-bers 278. In addition, a base plate 292, which i~ pivotally attached to the side walls 272 and 274 at pivot point 294, is rotatable approximately 20 which is controlled by a stop 300.
In order to use the pivotal base plate, the support i9 placed on a horizontal surface with the massage members under the base plate 292 which results in the degree of pivot to be from a -2 to a + 18 relative to a horizontal surface.
Fiyure 17 illustrates an embodiment wherein a ~upport includes torsion spring members 314 for insuring that a pivotal 071983-837.1 ~5~26 base plate 306 i9 held in position relative to the side walls with side wall 308 being typical. The base plate is pivotally mounted by means of a dowel 310 which is affixed to the base plate 306 but which is rotatable mounted in the side wall 308.
the torsion spring has a central loop and two arms which ter-minate in "L" shaped ends 318 and 322. The end 318 is inserted into an aperture formed in the base plate 3~6 while the end 314 i3 inserted into an aperture 324 formed in side wall 308. The tor~ion in spring 31~ is such that the base plate 306 is held substantially planar to the side wall bottom members.
Figure 18(a) and 18(b) illustrate that a match set of torsion springs 330 and 332 are required for each support. Each apring includes a central loop 334 and 336, respectively. Torsion spring 330 has two ends, end 344 which is inserted into an aper-ture in one side wall and end 338 which i~ inserted into an aper-ture in the base plate. In a similiar manner but opposite in design to be complementary, the torsion spring 332 ha~ end 342 which is adaped to be in~erted into an aperture in the opposite ~ide wall and an end 340 which is adapted to be inserted into an aperture in the same base plate.
The present invention has wide utility in both industrial and health applications. The present day trends in the computer and production fields generally require a human being to spend substantial time in a sitting position. Accordingly, the fatigue, stress and di~comfort of a human being is greatly reduced by elevating the feet, legs and thighs. As a result thereof, the duration span, comfort and health of a user is substantially improved by application of the ergonomic principles to the combined foot massage and foot rest.
In addition, the foot massage treating ~urface ha~ theraputic value, that is, by massage of the feet of a user at the preferred 071983-837.1 ~Z~5~126 ergonomic angle, the circulation in the feet is improved while reducing stress and fatigue in the legs and thighs of a user.
The teachings of the present invention have substantial utilities for use by computer terminal operators and word processing operators.
P&T~ll; 12
A Body Ton~r mas~age apparatus comprising a "U" shaped member having a rod with a plurality of axially aligned, rotatable disc member~ mounted thereon extending between the ends of the "U"
shaped member is distributed by Graham Bell Industries of ~rea, California. In use, the user supports the massage apparakus by the curved portion of the "U" shaped member, applies the rota-table discs to the portion of the body to be massaged and moves the mas~age apparatus in either a linear or curvilinear motion to produce the ma~saging treatment. Another massage apparatus distributed by the above firm under the marX Captain Carrot Caresser comprises a device in the form of an elongated ~haft having disc shaped, rotatable elements therearound and the ma~saging trea~ment is produced by rolling the same, in a motion ~' 071983-837.1 . . ~
~LZ~5~6 ~imiliar to rolling pie dough with a rolling pin, over the por tion of the body of a user to be massaged.
It is also known in the art to utili~e foot~tool6, foot-restq and the like by a worker or other person who sits for an extended period of time. The purpo~e for using such devices is to elevate the feet of a user to relieve stress from the lower back and leg~. 1`he foot fatigue footre~t is -typically higher in the front relative to the back in order to place the feet at an angle relative to the supporting surface, such as for example, an office floor. Such footrests are offered for sale for use by computer terminal operators by Devoke Data Product~, 3780 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, California 94303.
Another known footreMt having a wedge shape for receiving and ~upporting the feet of a user in a sitting position, which is charactarized as as "New Ergonomic Footrest" i5 offered for sale by Moore Business Products of Wheeling, Illinois. The wedgeshaped footrest includes a foot operated knob for varying the angle of the top, foot receiving ~urface relative to a fixed base in engagement with the floor.
It is also known in the art to utilize adjustable or rota-table platforms for supporting a keyboard of a computer terminal at a proper or adjustable ergonomic angle or the user. One such device is offered for sale by Biotech Systems, 3158 Production Drlve, Fairfield, Ohio 45014.
It i8 also recognized in the art to design office furniture, such a8 chairs for example, to have a specially designed seat and back support members which conform with the human body in both a 3itting position and when the user ~hifts body po~ition when in a substantially Yittlng position. One such chair is distributed and offered for sale under the trademark BIO CHAIR
by American Seating, 901 Broadway, N.W., Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
071983-837.1 .
5~ 6 The concept of ergonomics, that is the tudy of how the human body interacts with a mechanical environment, is being applied to the design of office furniture, computer terminals and equipment generally operated by human being~ in a sitting postion. The application of ergonomic principles to designs of such devices has as its intended purpose the reduction o fatigue, stre~s and discomfort in daily work situations.
Several text~ are available which de~cribe and teach the use of ergonomics in order to increase productivity of humans. One such text i8 in a book entitled THE BIOMEDICAL BASIS OF
ERGONOMICS (1978), E. R. Tichauer, published by Wiley-Interscience Publication which setsforth at page 71 thereof the advantages of properly designed chairs in a production environment.
Also, numerous medical reports and article~ are well known in the art which teach the advantages of elevating the feet of a user in a sitting position to relieve fatigue in the legs and thighs.
However, the art is devoid of any suggestions, teachings or di~closures which recognize the advantages associated with an apparatus having both a foot massaging ~urface and a foot receiving and support surface and having the same positioned at a slope which approximates the ergonomic design angle which is adapted to reduce atigue, stress and discomfort of the thigh, lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a new, novel and unique com-bined foot mas~age and support. In the preferred embodiment, the combined foot massage and support includes a base ~upport which has a base plate having a substantially planar surface and a 071983-837.1 ~ ~LS926 ~econd opposite surface and a circular ~haped opening located centrally therein. The combined foot massage and support inclu-des a pair of substantially planar side support members each of which terminate in a first support end and a second support end.
The first support end of each of the side ~upport members include means deining a substantially planar support surface and the second support end of each of the side support members are located opposite the first support end and includes mean~
defining a ramp support surface having a a slope which approxima-tes the ergonomic design angle which is adapted to reduce fati-gue, strefis and discomfort of the thigh, lower leg and ~oot of a human user in a sitting position. The substantially planar side support members are operatively coupled to and extending in the same substantially normal direction from the ba~e support and base plate and in a spaced parallel relation~ip to each other with the substantially planar support surface of the first sup-port end of each of said side support members positioned adjacent the base support and with the ramp support sur~ace of the ~econd support end of each of said side support members positioned with the ramp support surface extending in the same direction. The suppport Eurther includes a plurality of massage as3emblies each of which include an axially extending center support member and a plurality of annular shaped mas~age elements mounted axially on and rotatable about said center support members. The center sup-port members are mounted in an arcuate, ~paced parallel alignment between the spaced parallel planar side ~upport members above the base support and above the opposite slde of the base plate. The plurality of massage elements are mounted on the center ~upport members and have a radius which extends therefrom to below the ramp support surfaces to form a convex shaped, angularly disposed ' 071983-837.1 ~2~9Z~
treating surface which extends sub3tantially between the substan-tially parallel side support members. The support member has a means including a rotatable disc positioned in the circular opening in the ba~e plate which is adapted to be engaged and rotated by at least one foot of a user. The foot massage and support are adapted to have a mas~age position wherein the base support, the 6ubstantially planar surface of the base plate and the substantially planar surface of the side support members are positioned on a supporting surface placing the convex shaped, angularly disposed treating ~urface in a ma~sage position which is adapted to receive the feet of a user. The feet of a u6er may be ma6saged by movement of the feet relative to the rotatably mounted mas6age elements and a support position wherein the ramp support surfaces of the second support end of each side 6upport members are po~itioned on a supporting surface placing the base support including the substantially planar surface of the base plate at an angle to receive and support the feet of a user.
The present invention overcome6 certain of the deficiencies of the known prior art footrests. None of the known prior art devices ~uggest or disclose the po6itioning of foot massaging devices at an angle which approximates the ergonomic design angle which iB adapted to reduce fatigue, stres6 and discomfort of the thigh, lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting position.
One advantage of the present invention i~ that a combined foot ma6sage and support device i3 di~closed wherein both the foot treating surface and the foot receiving and supporting sur-face are at the ergonomic design angle.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the foot treating surface can be formed of a plurality of massage a~semblies each of which include an axially extending center sup-port member and a plurality of annular ~haped mas~age elements 071983~837.1 ~Z~S9;Z6 mounted axially on and rotatably about said center support members which are mounted in an arcuate, spaced parallel align-ment between spaced parallel planar ~ide support members to form an arch ~ype surface which is adapted to conform with the arch of the foot of a user.
A yet another advantage of the present invention is that the foot receiving and supporting surface and the foot treating sur-face can be easily xeversed by merely reversing the integral foot massage and foot support apparatus.
A still yet further advantage of the present invention iB the the foot receiving and supporting surface can be fixed relative to the foot treating ~urface at the desired ergonomic design angle.
A yet still further advantage of the present invention is that the foot receiving and support surface can be covered with a rubberized matt or resilient covering, having a plurality of ~ubstantially parallel protruding members which can be used to cushion or resiliently support the feet~ Also, the resilient covering ~timulates circulation in the foot as a result of relative movement therebetween.
A still yet further advantage of the present invention is that the base support can be integral with the apparatus housing and a base plate can be pivotally mounted to the base support such that the angle of the base plate can be varied relative to the baae support by an elongated rod and cam a~embly.
Another advantage of the preaent invention i8 that the selected ergonomic de~ign angle further helps circulation of the body in the unstre6sed area and further reduces pressure, compre~sion and strain on the back.
~L%~5~ZE;
0719~3-837.1 Another advantage of the present invention is that a combined foot massage and support device can be fabricated in a width to accomodate one foot of a user.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the base plate can be Pabricated with a rotatable disc located centrally therein to enable a user to place a foot thereon and obtain exer-cise by rotating the disc with the foot.
A still yet further advantage of the pre~ent invention i~
that the base plate can be centrally pivotly mounted on the side walls such that a user can exercise a foot by a pitching axis about the pivotal axis of the base plate.
A stii yet further advantage of the preaent invention is that the pivotaly base plate can be split to as to permit independent pitching movement of each half of the base plate with the feet of a user.
A still further advantage of the present invention is that the base plate, with or without the rotatable disc, can be sli-deably mounted to the side supports to enable a user to slideably extend the base plate along a plane and to still pivot or pitch the base plate about the pivotal axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The foregoing and other advantages and features of thi~
invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment, when considered together with the illustrations and accompanying drawlng which includes the following Figures:
Figure 1 i5 a top perspective view of a combined foot massage and support having a plurality of massaging a~semblies using the teachings of the present invention;
Figùre 2 is a bottom perspective view of the foot massage and ~upport of Figure l;
071983-837.1 ~Z45~2G
Figure 3 i8 a top plan view of the combined foot ma~sage and support of Figure l;
~ igure 4 is an end view of the combined foot massage and sup-port of Figure l;
Figure 5 is a section view taken along section lines 5-S of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a different embo-diment of a mas~age assembly having spherical massage elements and spacers therebetween;
Figure 7 i8 an exploded perspective view of a yet another embodiment of a massage assembly having toroidal shaped massage elements and cylindrically shaped spacers therebetween;
Figure 8 is a top perspective view of a combined foot massage and support having a plurality of massaging a~semblies illustrated in Figure 7;
Figure 9 i~ a exploded partial perspective view of a variation of the embodiment of Figure 1 wherein the base plate is piyotable relative to the base support and hou~ing;
Figure 10 i5 a per~pective view of a combined foot message and support device having a width to accommodate one foot of a user;
Figure 11 is a perspective view of a combined foot message and support device having a pivotally mounted base plate which is divided into two parallel sections each of which can be indepen-dently pivoted by the two feet o a user;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of a yet another embodiment of a combined foot massage and support similiar to that of Figure 1 with a rotatable disc mounted in the base plate;
Figure 13 iB a perspective view of a yet another embodiment of a combined foot maClsage and support similiar to that o~ Figure 10 with the ba~e plate being moveable in a plane;
071983-837.1 592~;
Figure 14 is a sectional end view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 13 illustrating the slidable ba~e piate assembly;
Figure 15 iR a top plan view of the combined foot massage and support having a carrying handle and a pivotally mounted base plate;
Figure 16 i3 an end view of the combined foot ma~sage and 5Up-support of Figure 15 showing the pivotal positions of ~he base plate;
Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of a the preferred embodiment of a combined foot me~sage and support having a pivo-tally mounted base plate an a tor~ion spring for applying a restoring force to the base plate to keep it in position when the 0upport i~ being carried by the user; and Figures 18(a) abd 18(b) are top views of the torsions springs u~ed on each side of the base plate.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figures 1 and 2 illu~trate a combined foot massage and 8Up-port which is shown generally by arrow 20. The combined foot massage and support comprises a base support 22 which includes a base plate 24. The base plate 24 i~ integral with the ba~e sup-port 22 which forms part of a houslng means shown generally as 26. The base plate 24 has a substantially planar ~urface 30 and a second opposite surface 32. The housing means includes means for deflning a pair of sùbstantially planar side support members 38 and 40, each of which term,inate in a first ~upport end 44 and 46, respectively, and a second ~upport end 48 and 50, respec-tively. The first ~upport ends 44 and 46 of side support members 38 and 40, respectively, including means defining a sub6tantially planar ~upport qurface 60 and 62, respectively. The second sup-~5~32~
071983-837.1 port ends 48 and 50 of side support members 38 and 40, respec-tively, are located opposite the first support ends 44 and 46, respectively. The second support ends 48 and 50 include means defining a ramp support surface 66 and 68 respectively. The ramp support surfaces 66 and 68 extend a selected distance and have a slope which approximates the ergonomic design angle which is adapted to reduce ~atigue, ~tress and discomfort of the thigh, lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting po~ition. The substantially planar side support members 38 and 40 are opera-tively coupled to and extend in the same substantially normal direction from the base support 22 and base plate 24 and in a spaced parallel relationship to each other with the sub~tantially planar suppc)rt surfaces 60 and 62 of the first support ends 44 and 46, respectively, of the side ~upport members 38 and 40 posi tioned adjacent the base support 22 and with the ramp ~upport surfaces 66 and 68 positioned to extend in the same direction.
A plurality of massage assemblies 70 each of which include an axially extending center support member 74 and a plurality of annular shaped mas~age elements 72 are mounted axially on and rotatable about the center support members 74. The ends of each center support member 74 in side wall 40 of Figure 1 are iden-tified by numerals 76 to 86. As is apparent from Figures 1 and 2, the center ~upport members are mounted on an arcuate, spaced parallel alignment between the spaced, parallel planar side sup-port members 38 and 40 and above the base support 22. Each of the plurality of massage asaemblies 70 are also located above the opposed surace 32 ol: base plate 24.
In order to insure that the massage elements 72 do not extend beyond the housing means 20, the radius of the spherical massage element 72 extend from the center support member 74 to below the ramp`support surfaces 66 and 68.
071983-837.1 5~6 The plurality of message assemblie~ 70 together form an arcuate shaped, which is generally convex, treating surface. The treating surface is angularly di6posed and extends between the substantially parallel side support members 38 and 40.
In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures l and 2, the base plate 24, which i5 integral with the base support 22, has affixed to the substantially planar surface 30 a resilient covering 90 which has a plurality of substantially parallel protruding members extending therefrom. A user, when utilizing the combined foot massage and support as shown in Figure 2, has a resilient support for the feet.
In Figures 3, 4, and 5 the convex treating ~urface formed by the massage elements 72 of the plurality of massage a0semblies 70 is readily apparent. The angle of the convex shaped treating surface permits a user to place the arch of a foot over the convex shaped massage assemblies 70 to massage the foot. A handle 92 is provided to lift and/or reverse the posi-tion of the foot massage an~ ~upport.
As illustrated in Figure 1, the foot massage and support 20 has a ma~sage portion wherein the base support 22, the substan-tially planar surface 30 of th~ ba~e plate 24 and the substan-tlally planar support surfaces 60 and 62 of the side support members ~8 and ~0, respectively, are positioned on a 0upporting 0urface .
In the massage position, the convex shaped, angularly disposed treating surface is adopted to receive the feet of user which may be massaged by movement of the feet relative to the rotatably mounted massage elements 76. A dashed foot 88 illustrate~ that the preferred size of the massage element~ 70 is that two of the elements are sufficient to support the foot 88.
In Figure 5, the preferred ergonomic design angle is about 10 to about 20.
071g83-837.1 ~5g2~ .
Figure 6 illustrates an alternate embod~ment of a ma~sage assembly 70. The massage assembly 70 includes a center support member 100 having alternate spherical shaped massage elements 102 and spacer elements 104 having a radius which is substantially les~ than that of the massage elements 102. The spacer elements 104 are axially mounted on the center support member 100 and are interposed between adajacent spherical massage elements 102.
Figure 7 shows another embodiment of a mas~age assembly having a center support member 120 and ma~age elements 122 ~hich are toroidal in shape. Cylindrically shaped spacer elements 124 have a hollowed out central area which is adapted to receive and pass the center support member 120. The cylindrically shaped 6pacer elements 124 are interpo&ed between the adjacent toroidal massage elements.
Figure 8 illustrates the integral foot massage and foot sup-port using the massage assembly of Figure 7. Side supports 138 and 140 support the center support members of which center sup-port member 120 i5 typical. A base support 122 i8 integral with the base plate 124. The axial length of the cylindrical spacers is a function of the desired spacing between the toroidal mas~age members 122.
Figure 9 shows another embodiment of a combined foot massage and support wherein a base plate 166 is pivotly mounted for move-ment relative to the base ~upport 162. The base ~upport 162, the planar support ~urface 164 of side support 160 form the hou~ing means. The base plate 166 is moveable into a position shown by 166' to vary the angle thereof. As illustrated in Figure 9, a hinge 168 is provided to enable the base plate 166 to rotate relative to the fixed base ~upport 162.
~Z459%~;
071983-837.1 An elongated rod 172 i8 rotatably mounted for rotation bet-ween the side support members 164 and 176 by means of handle 178. The elongated rod 172 i~ positioned below the ma~sage elements (not shown) and in ~ubstantially spaced parallel alignment with the center support member 78 being exemplary.
A cam member 174 having a shaped surface is fixedly mounted onto and moveable with rotation of the elongated rod 172. The shaped surface of the cam member 174 is positioned in moveable engagement with the oppo~ed ~ubstantially parallel surface so as to vary the angle of the base plate 166 relative to the ba~e support 162.
A resilient means 170, which may be a helical ~pring, is operatively coupled between one of the center support members, ~uch as member 78, and the opposed substantially parallel surface of the base plate 166 to apply a clamping force therebetween.
The clamping force of resilient means 170 maintain~ contact bet-ween the ba~e plate 166 and the cam member 174 whereby rotation oE the elongated rod 172 in a ~elected direction of rotation will rotate the cam members 174 varying the position of the shaped surface belng urged against the ba~e plate 166 to change the angle thereof relative to the ba~e plate.
Figure 10 lllu~trates a com~ined foot mas~age and support apparatus 180 having a base 182 having side walls 184 and 186 affixed thereto with a dimension or width to support three message elements 188 mounted on central supports 200. This width is intended to accommodate one foot of a user. In this embodi-ment, the base palte 182 i9 mounted at pivot point l90 to be moveable or to be rocked in a pitch mode, about the axis of the pivot point 190. A toe bar 202 is provided for exercising the toes of~a user.
Figure ll illustrates another embodiment of a ~upport shown generally by arrow 210 wherein the ba~e plate is formed of two ~z~s~
c 071983-837.1 half sections 212 and 214 which are adapted to be pivotally mounted to side walls 216 and 218 at axially aligned pivot points on the axis of the pivot polnt 210. Sufficient massage elements 220 mounted on central support~ 224 are provlded in a width to accommodate two feet of a u~er. A user may place both feet on the support in the position ahown in Figure 11, on each on one of the half sections 212 and/or 214. The feet can then be u~ed to independently rock or rotate the base half section~ 212 and 21 about the pivot point 210 a~ shown by the arrows. A toe bar 226 is also provided to exerci~e the u~er's toes.
Figure 12 illustrate~ a combined foot maQsage and support apparatus 230 comprising a base support including a ba3e plate 234 having a substantially planar surface and a second opposite surface. The base plate 234 has a circular shaped opening 242 located centraliy therein. A pair of substantially planar side support members 232 and 236 each of which terminate in a first support end and a ~econd support end. The first support end of each of the side support members 232 and 236 including means defining a substantially planar support surface and the second support end of each of the ~lde ~upport members 232 and 236 being located opposite the first support end and including means defining a ramp support surface which ha~ a slope which approxi-mates the ergonomic design angle which is adapted to reduce ati-gue, stress and di~comfort of the thigh, lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting po~ition. In the embodiment of Figure 12, a means including a rotatable disc 244 i5 positioned in the circular opening 242 in the base plate 234. The rotatable disc 244 is adapted to be engaged and rotated by at least one foot of a user. The rotation is illustrated by the arrow 250 imposed on the rotatable disc 244 in Figure 12.
In addition, the base plate 234 is pivotally mounted at pivot point 230 and i~ adapted to be moved in a 07198~-8~7.1 ~Z~5~2~;
rocXing or pitch direction as shown by the arrows 252. The mes3age elements 246 are supported by central rod members, e~tending between the side walls in the manner described herein-before. m e suppport 230 includes a toe exercise bar 248.
The combined foot massage and ~upport 250 illustrated in Figures 13 and 14 include a base plate 252 which i8 slideable into the po6itions illustrated by phantom base plate positions 272 and 276 and in the directions shown by arrow 270. In the embodiment of Figure 13, the base plate 252 has a central opening 266 which is adapted to receive a rotatable disc 268. An inter-mediate support member 254 is pivotaliy mounted to side wall~ 260 and 262 and i~ slideably attached to the base plate 252 to afford the sliding movement therebetween and relative to the ~ide walls 260.
The relationship between the side walls 260 and 262, the pivot supports 264 and the intermediate member 254 i3 illustrated in Figure 14.
Figures 15 and 16 illustrate a combined foot ma6~age and sup-port 270 having side walls 272 and 274 for supporting the massage elements 278 and a handle 276 for carrying the support 270. As illustrated in the side view of Figure 16, the 6upport 270 has the 6idewals 274 with a central opening which define6 a frarne 296 for the central ~upport members for 6upporting the me6sage mem-bers 278. In addition, a base plate 292, which i~ pivotally attached to the side walls 272 and 274 at pivot point 294, is rotatable approximately 20 which is controlled by a stop 300.
In order to use the pivotal base plate, the support i9 placed on a horizontal surface with the massage members under the base plate 292 which results in the degree of pivot to be from a -2 to a + 18 relative to a horizontal surface.
Fiyure 17 illustrates an embodiment wherein a ~upport includes torsion spring members 314 for insuring that a pivotal 071983-837.1 ~5~26 base plate 306 i9 held in position relative to the side walls with side wall 308 being typical. The base plate is pivotally mounted by means of a dowel 310 which is affixed to the base plate 306 but which is rotatable mounted in the side wall 308.
the torsion spring has a central loop and two arms which ter-minate in "L" shaped ends 318 and 322. The end 318 is inserted into an aperture formed in the base plate 3~6 while the end 314 i3 inserted into an aperture 324 formed in side wall 308. The tor~ion in spring 31~ is such that the base plate 306 is held substantially planar to the side wall bottom members.
Figure 18(a) and 18(b) illustrate that a match set of torsion springs 330 and 332 are required for each support. Each apring includes a central loop 334 and 336, respectively. Torsion spring 330 has two ends, end 344 which is inserted into an aper-ture in one side wall and end 338 which i~ inserted into an aper-ture in the base plate. In a similiar manner but opposite in design to be complementary, the torsion spring 332 ha~ end 342 which is adaped to be in~erted into an aperture in the opposite ~ide wall and an end 340 which is adapted to be inserted into an aperture in the same base plate.
The present invention has wide utility in both industrial and health applications. The present day trends in the computer and production fields generally require a human being to spend substantial time in a sitting position. Accordingly, the fatigue, stress and di~comfort of a human being is greatly reduced by elevating the feet, legs and thighs. As a result thereof, the duration span, comfort and health of a user is substantially improved by application of the ergonomic principles to the combined foot massage and foot rest.
In addition, the foot massage treating ~urface ha~ theraputic value, that is, by massage of the feet of a user at the preferred 071983-837.1 ~Z~5~126 ergonomic angle, the circulation in the feet is improved while reducing stress and fatigue in the legs and thighs of a user.
The teachings of the present invention have substantial utilities for use by computer terminal operators and word processing operators.
P&T~ll; 12
Claims (14)
IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A combined foot massage and support comprising a base support including a base plate having a substantially planar surface and a second opposite surface, said base plate having a circular shaped opening located centrally therein;
a pair of substantially planar side support members each of which terminate in a first support end and a second support end, said first support end of each of said side support members including means defining a substantially planar support surface and said second support end of each of said side support members being located opposite said first support end and including means defining a ramp support surface which has a slope which approximates the ergonomic design angle which is adapted to reduce fatigue, stress and discomfort of the thigh, lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting position, said substantially planar side support members being operatively coupled to and extending from said base support and base plate and in a spaced parallel relationship to each other with the substantially planar support surface of each of said side support members positioned adjacent said base support and with the ramp support surface of each of said side support members positioned with the slope of the ramp support surface extending in the same direction;
a plurality of massage assemblies each of which includes an axially extending center support member and a plurality of annular shaped massage elements mounted axially on and rotatable about said center support members, said center support members being mounted in an arcuate, spaced parallel alignment between said spaced parallel planar side support members above said base support and above said opposite side of the base plate, said plurality of massage elements being mounted on said center support members and having a radius which extends therefrom to below said ramp support surfaces to form a convex shaped, angularly disposed treating surface which extends substantially between said substantially parallel side support members; and means including a rototable disc positioned in said circular opening in said base plate which is adapted to be engaged and rotated by at least one foot of a user;
said foot massage and support being adapted to have a massage position wherein the base support, the substantially planar surface of the base plate and the substantially planar surface of the side support members are positioned on a supporting surface placing the convex shaped, angularly disposed treating surface in a massage position which is adapted to receive the feet of a user which may be massaged by movement of the feet relative to the rotatably mounted massage elements and a support position wherein the ramp support surfaces of the second support end of each side support members are positioned on a supporting surface placing the base support including the substantially planar surface of the base plate at an angle to receive and support the feet of a user.
a pair of substantially planar side support members each of which terminate in a first support end and a second support end, said first support end of each of said side support members including means defining a substantially planar support surface and said second support end of each of said side support members being located opposite said first support end and including means defining a ramp support surface which has a slope which approximates the ergonomic design angle which is adapted to reduce fatigue, stress and discomfort of the thigh, lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting position, said substantially planar side support members being operatively coupled to and extending from said base support and base plate and in a spaced parallel relationship to each other with the substantially planar support surface of each of said side support members positioned adjacent said base support and with the ramp support surface of each of said side support members positioned with the slope of the ramp support surface extending in the same direction;
a plurality of massage assemblies each of which includes an axially extending center support member and a plurality of annular shaped massage elements mounted axially on and rotatable about said center support members, said center support members being mounted in an arcuate, spaced parallel alignment between said spaced parallel planar side support members above said base support and above said opposite side of the base plate, said plurality of massage elements being mounted on said center support members and having a radius which extends therefrom to below said ramp support surfaces to form a convex shaped, angularly disposed treating surface which extends substantially between said substantially parallel side support members; and means including a rototable disc positioned in said circular opening in said base plate which is adapted to be engaged and rotated by at least one foot of a user;
said foot massage and support being adapted to have a massage position wherein the base support, the substantially planar surface of the base plate and the substantially planar surface of the side support members are positioned on a supporting surface placing the convex shaped, angularly disposed treating surface in a massage position which is adapted to receive the feet of a user which may be massaged by movement of the feet relative to the rotatably mounted massage elements and a support position wherein the ramp support surfaces of the second support end of each side support members are positioned on a supporting surface placing the base support including the substantially planar surface of the base plate at an angle to receive and support the feet of a user.
2. The combined foot massage and support of claim 1 wherein said base plate is pivotally mounted at substantially the center thereof for movement relative to the base support enabling a user to concurrently pivot said base plate and rotate said rotatable disc.
3. The combined foot massage and support of claim 2 wherein said massage elements are spherical in shape.
4. The combined foot massage and support of claim 3 wherein said ergonomic design angle is about 10° to about 20°.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pair of torsion springs operatively coupled to the side walls and the base plate to maintain the base plate in a substantially horizontal position relative to the side walls in the absence of the foot of a user.
6. The appartaus of claim 1 further comprising means for mounting the base plate to the side wall to permit a slideable motion by movement of the base plate in a plane relative to the side walls.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said means for mounting the base plate for slideable motion includes an intermediate member which is pivotally mounted on the side walls and which includes means to permit the base plate to move in a plane relative to the intermediate member,
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said housing means includes a base stop for controlling the pivot angle of rotation to about 20°.
9. A combined foot massage and support comprising a base support including a base plate having a substantially planar surface for defining a support when the base plate is placed on a support surface and defining a foot receiving surface when the base plate is positioned in a spaced opposed position to the support surface, and a second opposite surface, said base plate being pivotally mounted for movement relative to the base support;
a pair of substantially planar side support members each of which terminates in a first support end and a second support end, said first support end of each of said side support members including means defining a substantially planar support surface and said second support end of each of said side support members being located opposite said first support end and including means defining a ramp support surface having a slope which approximates an ergonomic design angle which is at least 10° to about 20°, said ergonomic design angle being selected so as to reduce fatigue, stress and discomfort of the thigh, lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting position, said substantially planar side support members being operatively coupled to and extending in the same substantially normal direction from said base support and base plate and in a spaced parallel relationship to each other with the substantially planar support surface of each of the first support end of each of said side support members positioned adjacent said base support and with the ramp support surface of the second support end of each of said side support members positioned with the ramp suport surface extending in the same direction; and a plurality of massage assemblies each of which includes an axially extending center support member and a plurality of annular shaped massage elements mounted axially on and rotatable about said center support members, said center support members being mounted in an arcuate, spaced parallel alignment between said spaced parallel planar side support members and along said ramp slope positioning said plurality of massage assemblies at said ergonomic design angle above said base support and above said opposite side of the base plate, said plurality of massage elements being mounted on said center support members and having a radius which extends therefrom to below said ramp support surfaces to form a convex shaped, angularly disposed treating surface which extends substantially between said substantially parallel side support members with said treating surface being positioned at said ergonomic design angle;
said foot massage and support being adapted to have a massage position wherein the base support, the substantially planar surface of the base plate and the substantially planar surface of the side support members are positioned on a supporting surface placing the convex shaped, angularly disposed treating surface at said ergonomic design angle in a massage position which is adapted to receive the feet of a user which may be massaged by movement of the feet relative to the rotatably mounted massage elements and a support position wherein the ramp support surfaces of the second support end of each side support member are positioned on a supporting surface placing the base support including the substantially planar surface of the base plate defining a foot receiving surface at said ergonomic design angle to receive and support the feet of a user.
a pair of substantially planar side support members each of which terminates in a first support end and a second support end, said first support end of each of said side support members including means defining a substantially planar support surface and said second support end of each of said side support members being located opposite said first support end and including means defining a ramp support surface having a slope which approximates an ergonomic design angle which is at least 10° to about 20°, said ergonomic design angle being selected so as to reduce fatigue, stress and discomfort of the thigh, lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting position, said substantially planar side support members being operatively coupled to and extending in the same substantially normal direction from said base support and base plate and in a spaced parallel relationship to each other with the substantially planar support surface of each of the first support end of each of said side support members positioned adjacent said base support and with the ramp support surface of the second support end of each of said side support members positioned with the ramp suport surface extending in the same direction; and a plurality of massage assemblies each of which includes an axially extending center support member and a plurality of annular shaped massage elements mounted axially on and rotatable about said center support members, said center support members being mounted in an arcuate, spaced parallel alignment between said spaced parallel planar side support members and along said ramp slope positioning said plurality of massage assemblies at said ergonomic design angle above said base support and above said opposite side of the base plate, said plurality of massage elements being mounted on said center support members and having a radius which extends therefrom to below said ramp support surfaces to form a convex shaped, angularly disposed treating surface which extends substantially between said substantially parallel side support members with said treating surface being positioned at said ergonomic design angle;
said foot massage and support being adapted to have a massage position wherein the base support, the substantially planar surface of the base plate and the substantially planar surface of the side support members are positioned on a supporting surface placing the convex shaped, angularly disposed treating surface at said ergonomic design angle in a massage position which is adapted to receive the feet of a user which may be massaged by movement of the feet relative to the rotatably mounted massage elements and a support position wherein the ramp support surfaces of the second support end of each side support member are positioned on a supporting surface placing the base support including the substantially planar surface of the base plate defining a foot receiving surface at said ergonomic design angle to receive and support the feet of a user.
10. The combined foot massage and support of claim 9 wherein said base plate is a separate member having a pair of opposed parallel planar surfaces and further comprising a hinge operatively coupled to said base plate and base support to enable said base plate to be rotatable relative to the base support to vary the angle thereof when the foot massage and support is in the support position.
11. An integral foot massage and support comprising a base plate having a substantially planar surface for defining a support when the base plate is placed on a support surface and defining a foot receiving surface when the base plate is positioned in a spaced opposed position to the support surface;
housing means operatively coupled to said base plate and including means for defining side members; and a plurality of massage assemblies each of which includes an axially extending center support member and a plurality of annular shaped massage elements mounted axially on and rotatable about said center support members, said center support members being mounted between said side members at an angle which approximates the ergonomic design angle which is at least 10° to about 20°, said ergonomic design angle being selected so as to reduce fatigue, stress and discomfort of the thigh, lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting position, said base plate being pivotable relative to said housing to change the angle thereof independent of said ergonomic design angle enabling the feet of a human user to be exercised.
housing means operatively coupled to said base plate and including means for defining side members; and a plurality of massage assemblies each of which includes an axially extending center support member and a plurality of annular shaped massage elements mounted axially on and rotatable about said center support members, said center support members being mounted between said side members at an angle which approximates the ergonomic design angle which is at least 10° to about 20°, said ergonomic design angle being selected so as to reduce fatigue, stress and discomfort of the thigh, lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting position, said base plate being pivotable relative to said housing to change the angle thereof independent of said ergonomic design angle enabling the feet of a human user to be exercised.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said side members include means defining an outer surface and wherein said center support members are mounted in a convex, spaced parallel alignment between said side members to form below the outer support surfaces of said side members an arcuate-shaped, angularly disposed treating surface.
13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein massage elements are spherical in shape and have a radius selected to enable two adjacent massage elements to receive and support the foot of a user.
14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said housing means includes a base support pivotally attached to the housing enabling said base plate to be movable relative to both said housing and base support; and wherein said apparatus is adapted to have a massage position wherein the base support and base plate are positioned on a supporting surface placing the arcuate-shaped, angularly disposed treating surface in a massage position to receive the feet of a user which may be massaged by relative movement of the feet relative to the rotatably mounted massage elements, and a support position wherein each side member is positioned on a supporting surface placing the base support including the substantially planar surface of the base plate at an angle to receive and support the feet of a user and enabling the feet of a user to be exercised by rotating the base plate relative to the housing and base support.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000487755A CA1245926A (en) | 1985-07-30 | 1985-07-30 | Integral foot massage and support apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000487755A CA1245926A (en) | 1985-07-30 | 1985-07-30 | Integral foot massage and support apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1245926A true CA1245926A (en) | 1988-12-06 |
Family
ID=4131088
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000487755A Expired CA1245926A (en) | 1985-07-30 | 1985-07-30 | Integral foot massage and support apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1245926A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2044920A1 (en) | 2007-08-31 | 2009-04-08 | Costica Ungureanu | Massager |
-
1985
- 1985-07-30 CA CA000487755A patent/CA1245926A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2044920A1 (en) | 2007-08-31 | 2009-04-08 | Costica Ungureanu | Massager |
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