GB2469475A

GB2469475A - A vehicle seat with a foot massaging device

Info

Publication number: GB2469475A
Application number: GB0906436A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Navnit Patel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-04-15
Filing date: 2009-04-15
Publication date: 2010-10-20
Also published as: GB0906436D0

Abstract

passenger vehicle seat (100) is provided that comprises a framework for attachment to the passenger deck (114) of an vehicle having a seat cushion (102) and a back cushion (104); and a footrest, attached to the framework such a passenger may rest their feet on it. The footrest comprises a foot massage device (122) which may comprise at least one roller element mounted on a central axis. The roller element may have protrusions on its surface.

Description

Circulation Stimulator This invention relates to a circulation stimulator, in particular to a device for stimulating the circulation in the feet and lower limbs for a passenger vehicle, particularly an aeroplane.

The lack of blood circulation in the feet for long periods of time has medical problems associated herewith, for example it can be a factor in to onset of deep vein thrombosis.

One particular environment in which lack of, or reduced, blood circulation in the feet, and lower limbs, is known to be prevalent long haul aeroplane flights. In these circumstances, although a traveller may get up to move about the aeroplane in which they are flying this is largely discouraged by the aeroplane operators and is, in some cases, seen to be an increased security risk. Even in airlines where it is encouraged, for those travelling in economy class it is often impractical to get up and move about frequently as many passengers are not seated next to an aisle making it awkward to get in and out of a seat without disturbing fellow passengers. Similar circumstances occur in other modes of transport where the passengers remain seated for extended periods, for example in trains or coaches.

The lack of mobility, combined with the small seating spaces in economy class seating in aeroplanes results in many passengers maintaining their feet and lower legs in substantially the same position for long periods of time, which often leads to reduced circulation in the feet and lower legs.

The present invention provides for an improved seat for a passenger vehicle that at least partially mitigates the above mentioned problem.

According to the present invention there is provided an a passenger vehicle seat comprising: a framework for attachment to the passenger deck of an vehicle having a seat cushion and a back cushion; and a footrest, attached to the framework such a passenger may rest their feet on it; wherein the footrest comprises a foot massage device.

In one preferred embodiment the footrest is attached to the back of the seat such that a person seated behind the seat may rest their feet thereon and in another preferred embodiment the footrest is attached to the front of the seat such that the passenger seated on the seat may rest their feet on thereon.

In a preferred embodiment the foot massage device comprises at least one roller element mounted on a central axis substantially parallel the passenger deck. The roller elements are preferably substantially cylindrical in shape. Preferably the central axis is mounted perpendicular to the seating direction of the seat. In use a passenger, seated on or behind the seat, can place their feet on the massager and move them forwards and backwards, rolling the roller element, while maintaining pressure on the massager. The forward and back motion utilises the muscles of the lower leg and ankle and thereby promotes blood circulation therein.

In a preferred embodiment the roller element has protrusions thereon. In use, when the passenger removes his or her shoes before use, these protrusions press against the muscles of the soles of the feet thereby massaging them.

In another preferred embodiment the seat preferably comprises a plurality of roller elements thereon. Adjacent roller elements may be of differing diameters. The rollers of larger diameter will press into the sole of the foot thereby massaging it.

The massaging of the foot improves circulation both directly and indirectly. Firstly it is known that massage increases circulation and therefore the massaging action will increase circulation to the feet, and secondly the effect of the massage is directly related to the amount of pressure put on the rollers by the user and, as the massaging is, for most people, an enjoyable sensation they will be encouraged to pres harder against the rollers thereby further using the muscles of the lower legs and ankles further promoting circulation therein.

Preferably the, or each, roller element is mounted on a bearing so as to rotate freely, or alternatively is mounted on a bush. It is preferred that the bearing or bush is substantially silent. In this manner use of the massager by one passenger will not create a noise that may disturb another passenger who is, for example, reading or sleeping.

In a preferred embodiment the roller element is made of wood, but may equally be made of a polymer or alternative material.

Preferably the foot rest is movable between an "in use" position in which the massager can be used by a passenger seated behind the seat, and a stored position in which the footrest and massager can be moved out of the users way enabling the user to easily straighten his legs.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a seat according to the invention; Figures 2, 3 and 4 are perspective views of a footrest of a seat of the invention.

Referring to Figure 1 an passenger vehicle seat 100 is shown having a seat cushion 102 and a back cushion 104. The cushions are supported on a framework having a back frame 106, a base frame 108 and legs 110, 112. The legs each have feet by which the seat can be attached to, for example, the passenger deck 114 of an aeroplane. The seat may also have an arm rest 116. Attached to the framework, by a pivot 120 are footrest support arms 118 which support a footrest that has a massager 122 attached thereto. The massager is described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 to 4 below. The footrest supports 118 are pivotal about the pivot 120 such that they can be moved from an "in use" position in which a person seated behind the seat 100 can rest their feet on them, and a stored positioning which they are out of the way of the passenger's feet. The footrest may alternatively be attached pivotally to the front leg 110 of the seat and be rotatable to extend forward therefrom so as to enable a passenger seated in the seat 100 to use the foot rest (not shown).

Referring to Figure 2 a massager 122 is shown for use with the seat 100 of Figure 1.

The massager 122 comprises a cylindrical element 124 mounted on a central axis 126 that extends between two footrest support arms 118. The element 124 is mounted on the axis 126 via bearings 128 such that the element 124 can rotate freely on the axis. The element 124 has a plurality of raised features 130 on its surface that, in use massage the feet. The element 124 may be split along a central line 132 such that it comprises two halves, each of which may rotate independently about the axis 126. In use the feet of the user are rolled backwards and forwards on the element such that the raised features 130 press against the soles of the feet, massaging them and thereby stimulating circulation. Where the element 124 is split into two separate elements the feet can be simultaneously be moved back and forth in opposite directions such that the two halves of the element 124 counter rotate.

The movement of the feet back and forth not only stimulated the soles of the feet but also exercises the muscles of the lower leg and ankle thereby further promoting blood circulation in these regions.

Referring to Figure 3 and 4 an alternative massager 122 for use in the seat of Figure I is shown which comprises a plurality of elements 134, individually rotatable on the central axis 126 by means of bearings 128. The elements 134 are separated by spacers 136 which may be fixed or rotatable on the axis 126. The elements 134 may each have a plurality of raised features 138 thereon to increase the massage effect.

The massager footrest of Figures 3 and 4 is used in an identical manner to that shown in Figure 2.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6 a further alternative massager 122 is shown. Figure 5 shows an end view and Figure 6 shows a perspective view. The massager is the same as shown in Figure 2 except in so far as the raised features 130 are substantially pyramid shaped such that the tips of the pyramid also act to stimulate acupressure points as the feet are rolled over them. In all other respects the massager 122 functions as described in relation to Figure 2. The apex of each raised feature 130 may be slightly rounded such that the features do not form sharp points.

Roller inserts 140 are located at either end of each massager element to enable the massager elements to rotate freely.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the various embodiments described above may be used in isolation from, or in combination with other elements where appropriate without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1 A passenger vehicle seat comprising: a framework for attachment to the passenger deck of an vehicle having a seat cushion and a back cushion; and a footrest, attached to the framework such a passenger may rest their feet on it; wherein the footrest comprises a foot massage device.
2 The seat according to claim I wherein the footrest is attached to the back of the seat such that a person seated behind the seat may rest their feet thereon.
3 The seat according to claim 1 wherein the footrest is attached to the front of the seat such that the passenger seated on the seat may rest their feet on thereon.
4 The seat according to any previous claim wherein the foot massage device comprises at least one roller element mounted on a central axis.
The seat according to claim 4 further comprising a plurality of roller elements thereon.
6 The seat according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the, or each, roller element has protrusions thereon.
7 The seat according to claim 6 wherein the protrusions are substantially pyramid shaped.
8 The seat according to claim 5 of claim 6 wherein the roller elements are of differing diameters.
9 The seat according to any one of claims 4 to 8 wherein the, or each, roller element is mounted on a bearing so as to rotate freely.The seat according to any one of claims 4 to 8 wherein the, or each, roller element is mounted on a bush, 11 The seat according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the bearing or bush is substantially silent.12 The seat according to any one of claims 4 to 11 wherein the roller element is made of wood.13 The seat according to any one of claims 4 to 11 wherein the roller element is made of a polymer.14 The seat according to any previous claim wherein the footrest is movable between an "in use" position in which the massager can be used, and a stored position in which the footrest and massager can be moved out of the users way enabling the user to easily straighten their legs.15 The seat according to any previous claim wherein the passenger vehicle seat is an aeroplane seat.16 A seat substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.