GB2458887A - An improved dynamic footrest - Google Patents

Abstract

A dynamic footrest, that augments non-exercise activity or fidgeting of the legs while seated, uses a ball (4) and socket (3) universal type joint, between the top footrest platform (1) and the supporting base platform (2), allowing the feet to either rest on top of the footrest platform(1), fidget or consciously move at the users discretion. The base may be provided with non-slip rubber pads on the bottom of the base platform. The apparatus may be made from rigid or semi-rigid plastic.

Description

An Improved Dynamic Footrest This invention relates to a footrest for use in a range of seated situations.

The value of a footrest for ergonomic comfort and postural health is well established. The Improved Dynamic Footrest enables ergonomic benefits whilst also allowing a seated person to fidget' the legs a form of non exercise activity, which has many additional benefits.

Conventional footrests are currently either fixed or constructed to allow a specific motion, i.e. up/down, backwards/forwards or a cycling or rolling motion, where by they either irnrnobilise the user (in the case of a fixed footrest) or rely on the user making a specific or exercising type niovernent.

The Improved Dynamic Footrest is intended to particularly augment non exercise activity or fidgeting through its physical structure, as described below. This non exercise activity or fidgeting of the legs will be possible when using the Improved Dynamic Footrest in a range of seated activities, which fill many hours of our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, be it in office or shop work, at home watching TV or using the computer for example.

The key benefit offered by the Improved Dynamic Footrest, is the facilitation of many hours of "fidgeting" a form of non exercise activity when seated, which as part of a healthy lifestyle is likely to benefit long term health and weight management with many related benefits. It is also the authors belief that it offers possible benefits in physical comfort and stress management for the individual, particularly in workplace situations.

This device may also offer a form of chair based activity for individuals with mobility problems.

The Improved Dynamic Footrest, in accordance with this invention, compilses a top footrest platform to which a ball or socket component is attached or moulded, below this a bottom supporting base platform is placed on the floor, this is connected to the top footrest platform by a counterpart ball or socket, to comprise a ball and socket joint, which acts as a universal joint between two platforms to create a footrest for seated situations.

The universal movement of the Improved Dynamic Footrest will ensure that the feet can either rest on top of the footrest platform, fidget or consciously move at the users discretion.

Preferably the top footrest platform will have a comfortable non-slip surface for the feet s to rest on, this may be additionally covered to allow vaiations in the aesthetic finish to the top footrest platform for example (but not limited to) custom colours, cushion surface, pile fabric, synthetic fur style finish or sheepskin finish. However it is possible that this feature may also be absent.

Preferably the Improved Dynamic Footrest will be fitted with non-slip rubber pads or other non slip finish to the bottom of the supporting base platform, to prevent its movement on the ground when pressure is applied by the feet. However it is also possible that this feature may also be absent.

Preferably the socket component of the joint will be attached to the top footrest platform and the ball component of the joint will be attached to the base platform. However it is also possible that this invention could be created with the reverse configuration of the ball and socket joint.

Preferably the Improved Dynamic Footrest is made of a rigid or semi rigid plastic, however other materials may also be used, for example components or the entire device could conceivably be constructed from a range of materials including wood, steel, rubber, aluminum, glass, stone or another novel industrial product or may be constructed of a combination of materials.

Preferably the shape of the top footrest platform will be oblong with rounded corners or oval in shape, however the top footrest platform could be another shape including rectangular. square, round or a specially designed or novelty shape.

Preferably the supporting base platform will be round, however this component could be another shape including rectangular, oval, square, or a specially designed or novelty shape.

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1: shows in perspective an Improved Dynamic Footrest constructed according to this invention, Figure 2: shows in section an Improved Dynamic Footrest constructed according to this invention Figure 3: shows in perspective an Improved Dynamic Footrest constructed according to this invention with a reverse configuration of the linking universal (ball and socket type) jOI lit.

Figure 4: shows in plan an Improved Dynamic Footrest constructed according to this invention.

Figure 5: shows in section an improved Dynamic Footrest constructed according to this invention with an alternative configuration of the mounting of the ball component of the ball and socket joint.

Figure 6: shows in plan an Improved Dynamic Footrest constructed according to this invention with an example of a novelty shape for the top footrest platform.

A top footrest platform 1, is fitted with a socket' joint 3 that is designed to fit a counterpart ball' joint 4 that is in turn fitted to a base platform 2, as shown in figure 1.

The socket joint 3 under this invention may vary in size and in the extent to which it encompasses the ball 4 (which will correspondingly vary in size) according to the application of this invention.

Preferably a lion slip surface or finish 6 is applied to the top of the top footrest platform 1 to allow the feet to gain comfortable grip' when placed on the top footrest platform I. Alternatively this feature may be absent or may be presented with a smooth finish.

More preferably a non slip finish, surface or pads 5 are applied to the underside of base platform 2 (as shown in figure 2), to hold the Improved Dynamic Footrest in place when in use. These could be in any number, from a single layer to multiple pads, in any configuration and made of a range of materials, the thickness of this component may also be varied to adjust the height of this invention, through means such as layering, or a screw device. Alternatively this feature may be absent or the non slip property could be created by the material that the base platform 2 is constructed of.

The ball 4 and socket 3 joint in this application may also be used in reverse configuration as shown in figure 3 with the ball joint 4 fitted to the top footrest platform 1 and the socket joint 3 attached to the base platform 2.

The use of the ball 4 and socket 3 "universal type' joint in the Improved Dynamic Footrest is specifically intended to allow the feet to move in multiple directions whilst resting on a planar or shaped supporting board, the top footrest platform I. Elements of the ball 4 and socket 3 joint according to this invention will preferably he positioned at the centre of both the top footrest platform 1 and the counterpart base platform 2, to provide both a central support and a pivotal central joint (centroid) to the Improved Dynamic Footrest as shown in figure 4. Alternatively the ball and socket joint may be positioned to the left or right or in front or behind the centre point of the board to adapt the device for specific applications or user preferences.

For certain applications, additional (optional) covers may be applied to the top footrest platform I, to provide additional comfort or personalisation of the Improved Dynamic Footrest. custom colours, cushion surface, pile fabric, synthetic fur style or sheepskin finish, these would be attached to the top footrest platform I, by appropriate means, such as adhesive or strapping around the underneath of the top footrest platform 7, as indicated in figure 2. Alternatively this feature may be absent.

Mounting of the ball and socket joints to the platform surfaces I and 2, may vary with different applications of the device. As such they may be inset into the platforms I and, or 2, or fitted flush to the platform or attached with an offset from the platform as shown in figure 5. In turn this offset could be of a fixed height or adjustable in height.

Preferably the design of the footrest platform I and base platform 2, would be a simple functional shape as shown in figures 1-5. More preferably other shapes such as (but not limited to) square, rectangular. round, or a specially designed shape or novelty shape could be used for these components. Figure 6 shows an example of a novelty shape used for the top footrest platform 1, any other suitable novelty or specially designed shape could be used in a similar way, for either the top footrest platform 1 and/or the base platform 2.

Claims (5)

1. Claims I. The Improved Dynamic Footrest, in accordance with this invention, cornpises a top footrest platform to which a ball or socket component is attached or moulded, below this a bottorri supporting base platform is placed on the floor, this is connected to the. top footrest platform by a counterpart ball or socket, to compnse a ball and socket joint, which acts as a universal joint between two platforms to create a footrest for seated situations.
2. 2. According to claim 1 the ball and socket joint can be configured with the ball component attached to the base platform and the socket component attached to the top footrest platform or in reverse configuration of the ball and socket joint.
3. 3. The Improved Dynamic Footrest according to claims 1 and 2 enables planar spherical and universal movement, by means of a ball and socket joint, when relative uneven pressure is applied to the top footrest platform.
4. 4. According to claims 1, 2 and 3 the ball and socket joint enables movement in multiple directions and can be of any size.
5. 5. A footrest according to any of the preceding claims where a ball and socket joint enables movement of the footrest.