GB2555911A

GB2555911A - Height enhancing apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2555911A
Application number: GB1713292.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Williams Jeffrey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-08-18
Filing date: 2017-08-18
Publication date: 2018-05-16
Anticipated expiration: 2037-08-18
Also published as: GB201713292D0; GB201614309D0; GB2555911B

Abstract

Height enhancing apparatus comprises a set of two height enhancing platforms 11, 12, one for each foot. Both platforms include a substantially planar surface 16 supported by a side wall 29. The side wall 29 has a base region 30 arranged to contact the ground in use. The base 30 includes a lip 41 extending outwardly from the side wall. Each side wall further comprises at least one safety deflector 44 extending towards the lip 41 and configured to prevent unintentional interaction between the two platforms in use. The safety deflector may take the form of a triangular shaped fillet. The apparatus includes securing means 48, 49 to safely connect each platform to a users foot. Each platform may comprise a heel guard 25. The platforms may be hollow, and a radio may be stored within the hollow platform.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Height enhancing apparatus Abstract Title: Height enhancing apparatus (57) Height enhancing apparatus comprises a set of two height enhancing platforms 11, 12, one for each foot. Both platforms include a substantially planar surface 16 supported by a side wall 29. The side wall 29 has a base region 30 arranged to contact the ground in use. The base 30 includes a lip 41 extending outwardly from the side wall. Each side wall further comprises at least one safety deflector 44 extending towards the lip 41 and configured to prevent unintentional interaction between the two platforms in use. The safety deflector may take the form of a triangular shaped fillet. The apparatus includes securing means 48, 49 to safely connect each platform to a user’s foot. Each platform may comprise a heel guard 25. The platforms may be hollow, and a radio may be stored within the hollow platform.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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- 1 HEIGHT ENHANCING APPARATUS

This invention relates to apparatus for safely increasing the height of a user so that they may walk around and perform various tasks while elevated;

such tasks may include, for example, painting a ceiling, plastering a wall, cleaning windows, hanging curtains, cutting hedges etc.

This invention is described hereinafter with a particular emphasis on the DIY market, specifically to carry out a range of tasks around the home. It should however be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such use and may be applicable for use in trade and essentially for any task which requires additional height.

Conventionally, when carrying out DIY tasks around the home, it is known to use chairs, ladders or other types of platform to gain height. The position of these types of apparatus is generally fixed when in use; to move the apparatus to another place the user must dismount the apparatus and move the apparatus to the appropriate position before again mounting in order to carry out the desired action. Many jobs, such as painting a ceiling, will require the apparatus to be moved to multiple positions in order to complete the task. As such, the use of these types of apparatus is not only time consuming but can also be dangerous.

It is a principal aim of the present invention to provide height enhancing apparatus which provides a user with a consistent height addition, without requiring them continuously to climb on and off the apparatus in order to move to a different location.

- 2 According to this invention, there is provided height enhancing apparatus comprising a set of two distinct height enhancing platforms, configured for a user to stand, with one foot on each platform, both platforms including a substantially planar surface configured to receive a users foot, each platform being defined by a side wall serving to support the corresponding planar surface in a spaced disposition from a supporting ground surface, the side wall having a base arranged to contact the supporting ground surface in use; and securing means safely to connect each platform to a users foot, wherein each platform is substantially hollow and the corresponding side wall includes a lip extending around the base, each side wall further comprising at least one safety deflector extending towards the lip and configured to prevent unintentional interaction between the two platforms, in use.

The platforms are primarily designed to be worn by a user whilst wearing shoes but is not limited to this assembly. References herein to the arrangements of the apparatus with a users foot or feet shall be interpreted as meaning either with or without shoes.

The lip of the side wall serves to provide additional stability to the user when using the apparatus by providing a larger contact area between each platform and the supporting ground surface. The lip may extend partly around the base or around the entirety of the base. The lip may be continuous or may comprise a series of distinct lip sections. Preferably though, for maximum stability, the lip is continuous and extends entirely around the base.

In a preferred arrangement, the base of each platform comprises a rim, defining an opening into the hollow platform. The open hollow nature minimises

- 3 the material used for the apparatus and thus the weight of each platform; this assists with usability and safety since, the lower the weight of the platforms, the less cumbersome they will be when worn.

In order to increase the safety of the apparatus further, a channel may be formed, within the base region of each platform, and gripping means provided within the channel frictionally to engage the supporting ground surface. The channel may be a continuous channel or may comprises a series of distinct channel sections, preferably extending within the rim of the base region. The gripping means may comprise any form of non-slip material and is preferably soft yet hard wearing. Preferably the gripping means comprises one or more strips of rubber.

Preferably, the at least one safety deflector extends between the wall and the lip as this will ensure that unintentional interaction between one platform with the lip of another will be prevented. The provision of the at least one safety deflector greatly enhances the safety of the apparatus. To facilitate a smooth redirection of an interacting platform, the at least one safety deflector preferably comprises a fillet. A filleted side wall may also serve to distribute stress, as a result of the users weight on each platform, over a broader area.

In order to minimise the weight of each platform, the apparatus may comprise a plurality of safety defectors. The defectors may comprise a series of distinct triangular shaped fillets extending between the wall and the lip of each platform. These may be strategically placed around each platform at the areas where most stress will be imparted. Preferably, the safety deflectors are equally spaced around the wall of each platform.

-4The securing means may comprise a pair of shoes, one associated with each platform, fixed to that platform and configured to allow a user to secure their foot therein, with the user either wearing or not wearing their own shoes. In this arrangement, a range of platforms may be provided having integrated shoes of varied sizes to accommodate different foot sizes.

Alternatively, and in a preferred arrangement, the securing means comprises one or more straps safely to connect each platform to a users foot. In this way, the platform can cater for all needs without the user having to select the appropriate size; of course, a range of size options may still be available in relation to the overall size of the platforms, but such choice need not be vastand may simply comprise large, medium and small sizes, for example. The one or more straps may be secured using Velcros, buckles, male or female joiners or other fixings. Preferably, the securing means includes two straps spaced to enable them to be secured around the upper and lower vamp area of a users shoe or foot. Each platform preferably includes slots through which the straps are arranged to extend.

The planar surface of each platform preferably emulates the basic outline of a shoe and is thus substantially oval, thereby defining a front, a rear and two opposing side regions of each platform. One platform may be configured to receive a users right foot and the other platform configured to receive a users left foot. To this end, the general shape of each platform may differ slightly to provide a visual indication of the left and right platforms. The planar surface may have a gripping material fixed thereto or may be knurled or otherwise adapted to provide a frictionally engaging surface for the users foot.

- 5 For additional security, the apparatus may include a further securing member arranged to secure around the heel of a user. This may comprise a strap for example. Preferably though, the heel securing member is not capable of moving with the users heel as this may cause the connection to loosen. In a preferred arrangement, the apparatus comprises a substantially semi-circular heel guard extending upwardly from the rear region of the planar surface of each platform. The heel guard will serve securely to restrict lateral movement of the users foot on the planar surface.

Preferably, to enhance the experience of walking when the user is wearing the apparatus, the profile of the base is non-planar. This configuration may assist the user to walk with a natural gait and thus facilitate ease of walking. The nonplanar configuration may be provided by having the base of each wall curved at the front region of the platform. Alternatively or additionally, the base of each wall may be curved atthe rear region of the platform to facilitate ease of walking when worn by a user.

The area defined by the base of each wall is preferably larger than the corresponding planar surface. In this way, the stability of each platform may be further increased. In a preferred arrangement, the size and shape of the front rear and one of the side regions of the base and corresponding planar surface of each platform are substantially the same. The platforms can be configured such that one of the side regions (the shape of which corresponds to the corresponding part of the planar surface) will be different for each platform, i.e. opposed. This ensures that the platforms may be worn with that side region positioned on the inside step of the users foot. More preferably, the shape of the base of each

- 6 platform at the other side region includes a protrusion to provide enhanced stability for a user when walking. The protrusion is ideally arranged on opposed outer side regions ofthe platforms such thatthese side regions cannot come into contact in use. This not only minimises any obstruction between the platforms when worn butalso enables the user to visually identify the appropriate platforms for the left and right feet.

In a further arrangement, the apparatus may further comprise connection means to enable each platform to be connected to a wall, other surface or each other when not in use. The platforms may be used as storage caddies when not in use by turning them upside down and utilising the hollow area within. In this arrangement connection means may comprise one or more opening in the side wall of each platform for attachment to a hook, handle or other fixing to enable the platforms to be carried and/or attached to a wall, ladder or other platform or for connection of a clip to enable the platforms to be secured together.

Each platform may be formed from any suitable, preferably lightweight, material, including plastics, fibre glass and light metals. Each platform may be formed from a substantially waterproof or water-resistant material. This could be beneficial for use in areas of water, such as flooding or deep puddles or provide protection against spillages.

The apparatus may further be configured to incorporate electronic devices or DIY related gadgets. For example, the hollow platform may include tabs or other securing means to hold devices such as a tape measure. Additionally, or alternatively, devices, such as a radio, may be fixed within the hollow interior of one or both platforms. This provides the apparatus with additional functionality.

- 7 The platforms of the present invention enable the user to move around at constant height in a safe and comfortable manner. The user is free to walk around any area safely while conducting their business without the need to change existing footwear or constantly mount and dismount apparatus in order to gain a height advantage.

By way of example only, an embodiment of this invention will now be described in detail, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:Figure 1 is a perspective view of the top of the left and right platforms of 10 the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front view of the left platform of the present invention being worn; and

Figure 3 is a plan view of the underside of the platforms of Figure 1.

As all figures relate to the same embodiment or parts thereof, they will be 15 described together. Referring to all of the Figures, there is shown height enhancing apparatus 10 according to the present invention. The apparatus 10 comprises a left platform 11 and a right platform 12, each adapted to be worn on a users left foot 13 and right foot (not shown) respectively.

Each platform 11,12 includes a planar surface 16 for receiving the users 20 foot. The planar surface 16 is generally oval in shape and corresponds closely to the outline of a shoe. In this regard, the planar surface 16 of the left platform 11 corresponds to the general outline of a left shoe and the planar surface 16 of the right platform 12 corresponds to the general outline of a right shoe essentially the left and right platforms 11, 12 are identical but inverted. The

- 8 planar surface 16 of each platform 11,12 defines a front region 17, a rear region

18, and two opposed side regions 19, 20.

As best seen in Figure 3, the underside of each planar region 23 is configured with network of raised reinforcements 24 to provide additional protection to ensure that each platform 11, 12 can withstand various weights.

At the rear region of the planar surface 18 of each platform 11, 12, there is provided a heel guard 25. The heel guard 25 extends upwards when the platforms 11, 12 are in a worn, use, orientation and prevents the users heel from extending beyond the rear of the platform 11, 12. The presence of the heel guard

25 also gives the user a sense of reassurance and confidence in terms of overall stability.

The planar surface 16 of each platform 11, 12 is elevated from the ground supporting surface 26 by a side wall 29. The side wall 29 includes a base 30 which comprises a rim 31 at a lower edge of the side wall and arranged to contact the ground supporting surface 26 in use. The base 30 of each platform 11, 12 includes a front region 32, rear region 33 and two opposed side regions 34, 35. The shape of the front32, rear33 and one of the side regions 35 of each platform 11, 12 is generally the same in size and shape as the corresponding regions 17, 18, 20 of the corresponding planar surface 16. One of the side regions 35 differs for each of the left and right platforms 11, 12, due to their inverted configurations. The size and shape of the other of the side regions 34 of the base 30 does not correspond to the corresponding side region of the planar surface Wand instead includes a protrusion 38. The protrusion 38 extends outwardly from each platform 11, 12 to define a rounded triangular shaped base 30. The protrusion 38 serves

- 9 to reinforce the stability of each platform 11,12. The side wall 29 of each platform extends smoothly from the base 30 to the planar surface 16.

The rim 31 of each platform 11, 12 includes a channel 39 which extends around the entire length of the rim 31. A rubber strip 40 is provided within the channel 39 and this provides a non-slip gripping action when the platforms 11,12 are in use.

The base 30 of each platform 11,12 includes a lip 41 extending outwardly from the side wall 29 and extending around the entirety of the base 30. The lip 41 increases the size of the rim 31, and thus serves to provide additional stability to the platforms 11, 12.

A series of defectors in the form of triangular shaped fillets 44 extend between the side wall 29 and the lip 41 and these are equally spaced around the entire lower periphery of each platform 11, 12. The fillets 44 serve to distribute stress and greatly enhance the safety of the apparatus 10. The fillets 44 ensure a smooth redirection of an interacting platform 11 or 12 thus preventing unintentional interaction between one platform 11 or 12 with the lip 41 of the other platform 12 or 11.

As best seen in Figure 3, each platform 11, 12 is hollow and an opening 45 is defined within the base 30 to enable access into the interior of the platform

11,12. This interior could be used to store items when the platforms 11,12 are not being worn. The provision of hollow platforms 11,12 having an opening 45 into the interior ensures no unnecessary excess weight and thus assists with ease of mobility when worn by the user.

- 10Each side wall 29 includes two slots 46, 47 on opposed sides. Two securing straps 48, 49 are provided, each having co-operating engaging members 50, 51 which are shown in Figure 1 as a buckle arrangement 50, 51. One strap 48 is arranged to extend through the hollow interior of each platform

11,12 and out of one set of opposed slots 46 and the other strap 49 is arranged to extend through the hollow interiorand out ofthe other set of opposed slots 47.

In use the left and right platforms 11, 12 can be connected to a users left and right feet securely, enabling the user to walk around in an elevated position and thus carry out tasks which require height, with ease, stability, comfort and in a safe manner.

Claims

1. Height enhancing apparatus comprising a set of two distinct height enhancing platforms, configured for a user to stand with one foot on each platform, both platforms including a substantially planar surface configured to

5 receive a users foot, each platform being defined by a side wall serving to support the corresponding planar surface in a spaced disposition from a supporting ground surface, the side wall having a base region arranged to contact the supporting ground surface in use; and securing means safely to connect each platform to a users foot, wherein each platform is substantially hollow and the

10 corresponding base includes a lip extending outwardly from the side wall, each side wall further comprising at least one safety deflector extending towards the lip and configured to prevent unintentional interaction between the two platforms, in use.

2. Height enhancing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base of

15 each platform comprises a rim, defining an opening into the hollow platform.

3. Height enhancing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a channel is formed, within the base region of each platform, and wherein gripping means is provided within the channel to frictionally engage the supporting ground surface.

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4. Height enhancing apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one safety deflector extends between the wall and the lip.

5. Height enhancing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one safety deflector comprises a fillet.

- 126. Height enhancing apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, comprising a plurality of safety defectors.

7. Height enhancing apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the safety defectors comprise a series of distinct triangular shaped fillets extending between

5 the wall and the lip of each platform.

8. Height enhancing apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the safety deflectors are equally spaced around the wall of each platform.

9. Height enhancing apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the planar surface of each platform is substantially oval, thereby defining

10 a front, a rear and two opposing side regions of each platform.

10. Height enhancing apparatus as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a substantially semi-circular heel guard extending upwardly from the rear region of the planar surface of each platform.

11. Height enhancing apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the base 15 is non-planar.

12. Height enhancing apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the base of each wall is curved at the front region of the platform to facilitate ease of walking when worn by a user.

13. Height enhancing apparatus as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12, wherein 20 the base of each wall is curved at the rear region of the platform to facilitate ease of walking when worn by a user.

14. Height enhancing apparatus as claimed in any of claims 9 to 13 wherein the area defined by the base of each wall is larger than the corresponding planar surface.

- 1315. Height enhancing apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the shape of the front rear and one of the side regions of the base and corresponding planar surface are substantially the same.

16. Height enhancing apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the shape of 5 the base of each platform at the other side region includes a protrusion to provide enhanced stability for a user when walking.

17. Height enhancing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising connection means to enable each platform to be connected to a wall, other surface or each other when notin use.

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18. Height enhancing apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each platform is substantially water resistant.

19. Height enhancing apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims further comprising a radio stored within the hollow platform.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB 1713292.9 Examiner: Emma Tonner