GB2468124A

GB2468124A - Exercising footstool or footrest

Info

Publication number: GB2468124A
Application number: GB0903123A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Newton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-02-25
Filing date: 2009-02-25
Publication date: 2010-09-01
Anticipated expiration: 2029-02-25
Also published as: GB0903123D0; GB2468124B

Abstract

An exercising footstool or footrest comprises a body 10, right and left foot engagement sockets 11 attached to extension lines 12, which in turn are each connected to a pre-tensioned constant load cassette 13 (for example, using constant load springs) anchored to the body 10 of the footstool or footrest. The footstool or footrest may have an inclined top surface or a horizontal top surface (see figure 5). The footstool or footrest may be used with the user standing thereon (figure 5) or used in a seated position (figure 6). Exercise is the result of the user extending each foot engagement socket 11, one at a time, and returning it into the stowed position (see figure 2). The physical effort required to overcome the pre-tensioned load stimulates circulation in the user's legs, assisting those recovering from injuries and helping to avoid possible medical conditions resulting from sitting for long periods without exercise.

Description

Footstool or Footrest This invention relates to a Footstool, or Footrest, with built in Exercise components.

Footstools, (for descriptive purposes only Footstools will be referred to but it is implied that this also includes Footrests), are well known where an angled or horizontal platform is placed on the floor in front of an individual sitting down either at a desk, table or just relaxing. The purpose of the footstool is to enable the user to place their feet in a more relaxing or comfortable position. In some instances footstools have an adjustable mechanism that allows the user to vary the angle of the inclined surface, for added comfort, with one known version providing a rocking facility to give limited anlde movement.

However none of the existing footstools have an exercising facility.

According to the present Invention there is provided in the front edge of a horizontal or inclined footstool, left and right, moveable foot shaped sockets to allow the user to place their feet into. These sockets are attached, by means already known, to tensioned lines which in turn are secured into the pretensioned devices housed in the body of the footstool. The top surface, either horizontal or inclined, of the footstool remains flat so that the user can use the footstool in the conventional manner should they decide to do so.

By placing one foot at a time into the relevant foot socket, the other foot remaining on the flat surface of the footstool, and extending their leg into the horizontal position the user has to exert physical effort in moving the foot socket against the load provided by the pretensioned device fitted within the body of the footstool. The load remains constant when extending or retracting the foot socket A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1. illustrates a typical conventional footstool.

Figure 2. Shows the exercising footstool according to the invention with built in right and left foot sockets. For simplicity an inclined top surface footstool is shown but the invention applies equally to a horizontal top surface type of footstool.

Figure 3 Illustrates the right foot socket extended from the footstool in the exercise mode, whilst restrained by the pretensioned line, and with the left foot socket still in the stowed position.

Figure 4 Illustrates a section through the footstool showing a partially extended foot socket, tension line and constant load cassette Figure 5 Shows a horizontal top surface exercising footstool placed between handi-ails so that the Invention can be used in the standing position where for medical reasons the user is unable to sit but would benefit from the exercise available from the device.

Figure 6 Shows the footstool sliding out, on attached rails, from a sitting platform such as would be found in an airplane or coach.

Referring to the drawing the footstool 10 comprises an inclined or horizontal top surface, right and left foot sockets 11 which are attached by the tension lines 12 to the pm-tensioned devices 13. The tensioning devices are, for example but not restricted to, constant load springs mounted in removable cassettes that can have various pre-tensioned loads to suit the requirements of the user. Constant load springs are known means of providing a restraining and recoiling mechanism, similar to extending leads or bathers, that can be set or adjusted to provide the required load.

By extending one leg at a time into the horizontal position the pre-tensioned load has to be overcome by the user exerting pressure thus ensuring exercise and stimulating circulation when this might not otherwise be possible. Fitted to airplane or coach seats would give the user the opportunity of maintaining the circulation in their limbs in order to assist in helping to prevent possible medical problems.