GB2395111A - Adjustable footstool - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable footstool for the therapeuic support of a users legs and feet comprises a base 10 for laying on a supporting surface (e.g. floor) and a panel 12 on which a user may rest their legs and/or feet, and support means 14,16,18 for supporting the panel in a position above the base, preferably the support means allows the position of the panel 12 to be adjusted relative to the base. The footstool may be collapsed by folding so as to be substantially flat. The intermediate supporting panel may also provide support for the user. Preferably the positional of panel 12 is provided by a number of ribs 20,21,22,23,24 on the base which engage the end of the support means. This allows the footstool to adopt a number of different configurations.

Description

239511 1

Therapeutic Support The present invention relates to a therapeutic support for either or both of the user's legs and feet.

It is known that relief for a number of conditions can be achieved by raising the legs to promote blood flow back into 5 the body. For example, relief for puffy ankles, aching legs and varicose veins can be achieved, and the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis can be reduced. Also, in the event of injured legs, ankles or toes, raising the legs and feet will help drain the blood and reduce swelling, so aiding recovery.

10 In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a support which comprises a base for laying on the floor or other supporting surface, a top panel on which to rest either or both of the user's legs and feet, and means for supporting the top panel in a position above the base.

15 Preferably the supporting means for the top panel is arranged for supporting the top panel selectively in any one of a number of different positions.

Then, in use, the top panel is placed in a selected position, suited for the comfort of the user, and the user then 20 lies on the floor or on a bed or other support surface with one or both of his or her legs and feet raised and supported on the top panel.

Preferably the support also comprises an intermediate panel connected between the top panel and the base and 25 therefore inclined to the horizontal: the user then lies on the floor or other support surface with one or both of his or her upper legs extending up and supported on the intermediate panel and with one or both of his or her lower legs and feet lying on and supported by the top panel. Preferably the intermediate 30 panel is adjustable in length, to suit the individual's upper (or thigh) length.

Preferably the supporting means is arranged to support the ends of the top panel at selected heights, so governing the height of the top panel and also the angle at which it 35 slopes. Preferably the supporting means comprises a first supporting element at one end of the top panel and a second

supporting element at the opposite end of the top panel (also the junction between the top and intermediate panels).

Preferably the first and second supporting elements comprise panels, the lower edges of which are engageable with the base 5 at selected positions, so that the respective supporting panels are either vertical or inclined.

Preferably the base comprises a panel. Preferably the intermediate panel is hinged to one end of the base panel.

Preferably the base panel is formed, on its upper surface, with 10 a number of formations (e.g. pairs of ribs) for receiving the bottom edges of the supporting panels.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 15 FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of a support in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 2 is a side view of the support; and FIGURES 3 to 6 are side views of the support in different configurations.

20 Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown a support which comprises a rectangular base panel 10, a rectangular top panel 12, and a rectangular intermediate panel 14 having opposite edges hinged, respectively, to one end of the base panel 10 and to one end of the top panel 12. It 25 will be noted that the intermediate panel 14 is shorter than the top panel 12.

A second supporting panel 18 is hinged, along its top edge, to the free end of the top panel 12. A second supporting panel 18, shorter in height than the supporting panel 16, is 30 hinged to the top and intermediate panels 12,14 along the junction between these two panels. The base panel 10 is provided, on its upper surface, with a number of pairs of ribs, defining respective channels to receive the bottom edges of the supporting panels 16,18 in selected manner. Thus, the base 35 panel 10 is formed with a first pair of ribs 20 adjacent its free end and with second and third pairs of ribs 21,22 at positions spaced inwardly from its free edge: the bottom edge

of the supporting panel 16 may be engaged between the ribs of any of these three pairs. Further, the base panel 10 is formed with a fourth pair of ribs 23 directly below the junction between the top and intermediate panels 12,14 and with a fifth 5 pair of ribs 24 at a position spaced from the fourth pair, towards the end of the base to which the intermediate panel 14 is hinged: the bottom edge of the supporting panel 18 may be engaged between the ribs of either of the fourth and fifth pairs of ribs.

10 Figures 3 to 6 show a number of different configurations of the support. In Figure 3 (likewise Figures 1 and 2), the first supporting panel 16 has its bottom edge engaged with the pair of ribs 20 at the free end of the base panel 10 and the second supporting panel has its bottom edge 15 engaged with the pair of ribs 23: the two supporting panels 16,18 are accordingly in substantially vertical orientations.

In Figure 4, the supporting panel 16 has been moved so that its bottom edge is engaged with the second pair of ribs 21, so that the supporting panel 16 is inclined inwardly and the top panel 20 10 now slopes at a lower angle than in Figures 1 to 3. In Figure 5, the supporting panel 16 has been moved so that its bottom edge engages with the third pair of ribs 22: the supporting panel 16 is inclined further inwardly and the top panel now slopes downwardly, rather than upwardly, from its 25 junction with the intermediate panel. In Figure 6, the second supporting panel 18 has been moved so that its bottom edge is engaged with the fifth pair of ribs 23, the supporting panel 18 therefore being inclined forwardly to reduce the angle at which the intermediate panel 14 slopes and lowering the height 30 of that end of the top panel 12. It will be appreciated that other configurations are possible. Finally, when the support is not required for use, the bottom edges of the supporting panels 16,18 may be disengaged altogether from the base panel 10 and the assembly folded flat.

35 In use, the support is erected to any selected one of its possible configurations and laid on the floor or on a bed or other supporting surface. The user then lays on the floor

or other supporting surface with his or her leg or legs extending up and supported on the sloping intermediate panel 14 and the top panel 12. For comfort in supporting the legs and feet, the surfaces of the intermediate and top panels 14,12 5 are provided with covering layers or mats 14a, 12a of cushioning material, e.g. carpeting. Preferably the intermediate panel 14 is telescopic or otherwise adjustable in length, to suit the individual's thigh-length.

Claims (1)

1. s CLAIMS

   Claim 1: An ergonomically designed footstool which allows consumers to

   alleviate excessive blood flow to the legs.

   Claims 2: An ergonomically designed footstool which allows consumers to alleviate excessive blood flow to the legs by raising the legs above the head in a supine position.

   Claims 3: An ergonomically designed footstool which allows consumers to alleviate excessive blood flow to the legs by raising the legs above the head in a supine position. It has a space saving ability to fold almost flat after use.