GB2624306A

GB2624306A - Portable footrest

Info

Publication number: GB2624306A
Application number: GB2315386.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hedd Jones Alys
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-10-06
Filing date: 2023-10-06
Publication date: 2024-05-15

Abstract

A footrest comprises a supporting body 6 having an upper surface 4 for receiving a foot of a user and a lower surface 6. A fulcrum 18 is attached to the lower surface and arranged to provide a point of contact with an underlying surface such that the supporting body can pivot in at least two orthogonal directions relative to the underlying surface. One or more projections 8,8’,8” are provided on the upper surface of the supporting body, wherein one projection is an arch support configured to support an arch of the foot. The arch support is located such that when the arch of the foot is supported by the arch support, the foot overlays the fulcrum so that the user can pivot their foot in the at least two orthogonal directions whilst their foot rests on the upper surface of the supporting body. The projections may comprise a guide with which the user can align their toes.

Description

Portable footrest

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a footrest. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a portable footrest which allows a user to exercise their foot whilst they are seated. The invention also concerns a method of using a footrest and a kit of parts for assembling a footrest.

Background of the Invention

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot develops in a vein, usually in the leg. DVT typically occurs when a person is sedentary. Some people are more at risk of developing DVT than others. For any given individual, the risk of developing DVT depends on a number of factors, including weight, age, and the presence of pre-existing health conditions. The risk of developing DVT may be significantly higher during long periods of immobility, for example when travelling in a seated position for a long period of time by car, bus, train or aeroplane, or when a person is unable to move their legs due to an injury or health condition.

Compression socks or stockings are conventionally used to reduce the risk of developing DVT when a person is immobile for a long period of time. A compression sock pressurises the leg to push fluid up the leg which increases blood flow. A consequence of this is that compression socks can feel tight and may be uncomfortable when worn over a long period of time.

The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems.

Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide a portable footrest for reducing the risk of developing DVT.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides, according to a first aspect of the invention, a footrest comprising: a supporting body having: an upper surface for receiving a foot of a user, and a lower surface; a fulcrum attached to the lower surface of the -2 -supporting body, the fulcrum being arranged to provide, in use, a point of contact with an underlying surface such that the supporting body can pivot in at least two orthogonal directions relative to the underlying surface; and one or more projections provided on the upper surface of the supporting body; wherein at least one of the projections is an arch support which is configured to support an arch of the foot, and wherein the arch support is located such that when the arch of the foot is supported by the arch support, the foot overlays the fulcrum such that, in use, the user can pivot their foot in the at least two orthogonal directions whilst their foot rests on the upper surface and their arch is supported by the arch support.

The present invention thereby provides a device which the user can rest their foot upon and use to exercise their foot by pivoting it about the fulcrum. By moving and exercising the foot, blood circulation may be increased and the risk of developing DVT may be reduced. The device may be particularly useful whilst the user is seated. The device may be manufactured with dimensions similar to that of a foot, and therefore the device may be portable, for example, the device may fit inside a personal item of carry-on luggage when travelling in an aircraft.

The human foot requires an arch at the base of the foot to provide flexibility and facilitate functions such as walking and running. Advantageously, the arch support may be configured to imitate the natural shape of the arch of a foot, which may make the footrest more comfortable for the user. For example, the arch support may comprise an arch shaped upper surface. The arch support may have a length and a height. The length is preferably greater than the height. The length may be at least twice the height. Additionally, the arch support may be used as a visual guide for the user to position their foot such that the foot overlays the fulcrum.

The arch support is configured such that the user's foot is positioned above the position of the fulcrum to allow the foot and the supporting body to pivot around the point of contact between the fulcrum and the underlying surface (e.g. the ground). It will be appreciated that the foot should at least partly overlay the point of contact with the underlying surface so that the user can pivot their foot in a back-and-forth motion.

When the foot is positioned on the upper surface of the support body, a central region of the foot (e.g. a region which is central in the length and/or width directions) may overlay the position of the fulcrum. The front region, rear region, and lateral sides of the foot may extend away from the position of the fulcrum. -3 -

One or more of the projections may be configured to assist the user in aligning their feet with the arch support and fulcrum. For example, said one or more of the projections may be configured to provide a guide with which the user can align their toes. Said one or more projections may be located such that, when the arch of the foot is located on the arch support, the projections are located between the end of the toes and the ball of the foot. Said one or more projections may be configured to separate the user's toes.

The arch support may be at least twice as high as the other projections fin particular, those projections arranged to be located under the foot). For example, the height of the arch support may be 2.0 cm ± 0.5 cm, and the height of said one or more projections for positioning the user's toes may be 1.0 cm ± 0.5 cm.

The projections may be tailored to the user's orthotic needs, for example the arch support may be higher for a foot which is over-pronating e.g. a foot that is flat, than a foot that is neutral or under-pronating e.g. a foot that has a higher than average arch One or more of the projections may be configured on the upper surface to increase the coefficient of friction of the upper surface. The projections may reduce slipping of the foot in use. The projections may provide extra support and comfort for different regions at the base of the foot.

The footrest may comprise a flexible layer on the upper surface of the supporting body. The flexible layer may be located across the surface area, for example across the entire surface area, of the upper surface of the supporting body. The flexible layer may be configured to cover the one or more projections on the upper surface of the supporting body. In some embodiments, the upper surface of the supporting body may have a flat surface and the flexible layer may comprise the one or more projections.

The flexible layer may be releasably secured to the upper surface of the supporting body. The flexible layer may comprise a peripheral rim arranged to fit over an outer edge of the supporting body. Advanageously, the rim may prevent the flexible layer from moving relative to the upper surface when the footrest is in use.

The flexible layer may be removable for cleaning after use or replacing with a new flexible layer. -4 -

In embodiments in which the flexible layer provides the one or more projections, it may be possible to have different flexible layers which are configured for different foot sizes, and it may be possible to change the flexible layer for another flexible layer which is configured for a different foot size. Alternatively or additionally, it may be possible to have (e.g. mirror image) flexible layers configured for each of the left foot and the right foot. It may be possible to change a flexible layer configured for the right foot with a flexible layer configured for the left foot, and vice versa.

The flexible layer may comprise thermoplastic polyurethane material (TPU). 10 The flexible layer may comprise TPU 95 material. TPU material may be advantageous as it may be flexible for stretching over the upper surface of the supporting body. Additionally, TPU may be easy to clean and inexpensive to replace. The fulcrum may be detachable from the supporting body. The fulcrum may comprise a female part (or male part). The lower surface of the supporting body may comprise a corresponding male part (or female part). The female part and male part may be configured to releasably secure the fulcrum to the supporting body. The female part and the male part may form a "twist-lock" connector wherein the female part is rotatable with respect to the corresponding male part until the female part is secured within the male part. The male part may comprise a stopper for locking and prevent the female part from moving. The stopper may prevent the fulcrum from moving or detaching itself when connected with the lower surface of the supporting body. In other embodiments, the female part may comprise a stopper. The "twist-lock" connector may allow the fulcrum to be easily attached and detached without use of additional tools.

The fulcrum may comprise polylactic acid (PLA) material. Polylactic acid may also be referred to as polylactide. PLA is typically made from renewable biomass, for example fermented plant starch. PLA may be strong and durable in order to hold the weight and pressure applied to the fulcrum while the footrest is in use. The fulcrum may be formed from an additive manufacturing process (also known as 3D printing). The fulcrum may comprise plant starch and/or recycled plastics, which may be more sustainable in comparison to other plastics material alternatives. -5 -

The fulcrum may be in the form of a semi-spheroid. The fulcrum may be in the form of a hemisphere. In other embodiments, the fulcrum may have a smaller or larger radius.

In use, a user may position their foot on the upper surface of the supporting body, using the projections as a guide for positioning their foot such that it overlays the fulcrum. The fulcrum may be positioned on the ground (or any other suitable underlying surface, e.g. the floor of an aircraft cabin) and configured to allow the supporting body to pivot with respect to a point of contact between the fulcrum and the ground.

The fulcrum may be located at a central region (e.g. a region which is central in the length and/or width directions) of the lower surface of the supporting body. The supporting body may comprise plywood. The supporting body may comprise flexible plywood, typically known as 'flexi-ply'. Flexible plywood may be advantageous as the material is durable, lightweight and flexible. The orientation of the grain of the plywood may be aligned to further improve flexibility of the material which may increase comfort for the user. The supporting body may comprise other materials such as medium-density fibreboard (MDF), or plastics material such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). The supporting body may be laser cut into a desired shape.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is a method of using the portable footrest in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of a) positioning the footrest on a surface such that the fulcrum is in contact with the surface; b) positioning a user's foot on the upper surface of the supporting body and using the arch support to position the user's foot such that the foot overlays over the fulcrum; c) applying a force from the foot to the supporting body, such that the user can pivot their foot in the at least two orthogonal directions whilst their foot rests on the upper surface and their arch is supported by the arch support.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is also provided a kit of parts for assembling the footrest in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the kit of parts comprising: a supporting body having an upper surface and a lower surface; a fulcrum configured to be connected to the lower surface of the supporting body; and a flexible layer configured to be releasably secured on the upper surface of the supporting body. -6 -

The kit may comprise an equivalent but mirror image flexible layer for a second foot. For example, a first flexible layer may be configured for a right-sided foot, and a second flexible layer may be configured for a left-sided foot. The kit may also comprise an equivalent but mirror image supporting body and fulcrum for the second foot. For example, a first supporting body and fulcrum may be configured for the right-sided foot, and a second supporting body and fulcrum may be configured for a left-sided foot.

The kit is configured to be portable, such that the user may easily assemble and disassemble the parts of the footrest when travelling. Accordingly, there may be a method of assembling the kit of parts comprising the steps of a) connecting the fulcrum and the lower surface of the supporting body; and b) securing the flexible layer over and across the upper surface of the supporting body. The user may then use the portable footrest using the steps in accordance with the second aspect of the invention. After use, the user may disassemble the kit comprising the steps of disconnecting the fulcrum and the lower surface of the supporting body; and removing the flexible layer from the upper surface of the supporting body. The present invention may provide, according to a further aspect of the invention, a footrest comprising: a supporting body having: an upper surface for receiving a foot of a user, and a lower surface; a fulcrum removably attached to the lower surface of the supporting body, the fulcrum being arranged to provide, in use, a point of contact with an underlying surface such that the supporting body can pivot in at least two orthogonal directions relative to the underlying surface; and a flexible layer removably attached to the upper surface of the supporting body, the flexible layer providing one or more projections on the upper surface of the supporting body.

It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the kit of parts may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention and vice versa.

Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which: -7 -Figure 1 shows a plan view of a portable footrest in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, Figure 2 shows a side view of the portable footrest; Figure 3 shows a front view of the portable footrest in a first orientation; Figure 4 shows a front view of the portable footrest in a second orientation; and Figure 5 shows a plan view of a kit comprising two portable footrests

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a portable footrest 100 in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. The portable footrest 100 has a supporting body 2 which has an upper surface 4 and a lower surface 6 (see Figure 2). The upper surface 4 has a plurality of projections 8, 8', 8" which are configured to assist the user to position their foot, and to support the user's foot when in use.

Projection 8 is an arch support which projects away from the upper surface 4 and supports the arch of the user's foot in use. The arch support is generally arch shaped and imitates the natural shape of the arch of a foot. In the present embodiment, the arch support comprises an upper surface which is arch shaped in both lengthwise and width wise directions. As can be seen in Figure 2, the arch support has a length which is more than twice its height. In plan view, the arch support has a tear drop shape.

Three projections 8' assist the user in aligning their feet with the arch support. The projections 8' are located such that, in use, they extend between the user's toes.

Other projections 8" have a hemispherical shape and are configured to increase the coefficient of friction of the upper surface 4 of the supporting body 2 to prevent the bottom of the user's foot (not shown) from slipping in use.

The upper surface 4 has a flexible layer 10. The flexible layer 10 has a peripheral rim 11 which folds over the sides of the supporting body 2 to hold the flexible layer 10 tightly across the upper surface 4. The flexible layer 10 is made of thermoplastic polyurethane material (TPU) which is flexible, durable, and easy to clean. The flexible layer 10 is detachable from the supporting body 2 by unfolding the rim 11. This can be advantageous for cleaning the flexible layer 10 and/or the upper surface of the supporting body 2 after use. -8 -

In embodiments, the plurality of projections 8, 8', 8" are integrally formed with the supporting body. The flexibility of the material of the flexible layer 10 may allow the flexible layer 10 to cover the plurality of projections 8, 8', 8" on the upper surface 4. In other embodiments, the projections are formed as a part of the flexible layer 10.

The supporting body 6 is made of plywood material. The plywood material used is flexible plywood, typically known as "flexi-ply". Flexi-ply material is resilient, lightweight, and flexible which improves the comfort of the footrest for the user. The direction of the grain of the plywood is aligned together and with the direction of the foot i.e. from the heel to the toe, which improves the flexibility of the material. Other materials known to the skilled person may be used, for example medium-density fibreboard (MDF), or plastics material such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).

The supporting body 6 may be laser cut into a desired shape. In the present embodiment, the shape of the supporting body 6 follows the outline of a foot. The supporting body 6 has a maximum length of 223 mm ± 1.0 mm at its longest point i.e. from the tip of the big toe at an upper end 13 to the heel of the foot at a lower end 12 of the supporting body 6, as shown with arrow 7, and a maximum width of 84 mm 1.0 mm at its widest point i.e. from the side of the ball of the foot to the opposite side near the small toe, as shown by arrow 9. These dimensions are approximately a UK shoe size 6. It will be appreciated, that the length and width of the supporting body 6 may be personalised to the user, depending on the size of their feet. For example, a child may need a supporting body 6 that is smaller than a supporting body 6 for an adult. Alternatively or additionally, the projections 8, 8', 8" may be personalised to the user, depending on the size of their feet.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the footrest showing the flexible layer 10 and the plurality of projections 8, 8', 8" arranged on the upper surface 4 of the supporting body 2 and a fulcrum 18 in the form of hemisphere on the lower surface 6 of the supporting body 2. The hemisphere of the present embodiment has a radius R of 27.5 mm ± 1.0 mm. In other embodiments, the hemisphere may have a smaller or larger radius. The fulcrum 18 is releasably secured to the lower surface 6 of the supporting body 2 by a "twist and lock" connector (not shown). The flat portion 16 of the hemisphere has a female connecting part, and the lower surface 6 of the supporting -9 -body 2 has a corresponding male connecting part. The male connecting part may comprise a stopper. When the female connecting part is engaged with the male connecting part, the stopper locks the female connecting part to prevent the female connecting part from disengaging. In alternative embodiments, the female connecting part may comprise the stopper.

Figures 3 and 4 show a front view of the footrest 100 in two different orientations when located on a flat underlying surface 20. Figure 3 shows the footrest 100 in a first orientation where the fulcrum 18 is in contact with the floor 20 and the axis of symmetry X of the hemisphere is substantially perpendicular to the floor 20.

Figure 4 shows the footrest 100 in a second orientation wherein the axis of symmetry X' of the hemisphere is at an angle of around 45° with respect to the floor.

In use, the user's foot is positioned on the upper surface 4 using the projections as a guide to position the foot in an optimum position for comfort. The user may then apply a rotational force to the footrest 100 causing the foot and footrest 100 to pivot with respect to the underling surface 20. The footrest 100 can pivot in two orthogonal directions (e.g. forward-and-backward and side-to-side) relative to the underlying surface, and also in any other intermediate direction. The footrest 100 could therefore be said to provide a 360 degree range of motion. The footrest 100 could also be rotated in a yaw direction about the axis of symmetry X of the hemisphere. The user can thereby exercise their foot, which may assist in reducing the risk of them developing DVT.

When the user has finished using the footrest 100, the user can remove their foot and store the footrest 100, for example in a bag. The fulcrum 18 can be unlocked and disconnected from the lower surface 6 of the supporting body 2. The flexible layer 10 may be detached from the upper surface 4 of the supporting body 6 for cleaning. In other embodiments, the flexible layer 10 may be replaced by a flexible layer with differently shaped projections 8, 8', 8".

Figure 5 shows a kit comprising a footrest 100a in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, and another equivalent but mirror-image footrest 100b. The first footrest 100a is configured for a right foot, and the second footrest 100b is configured for a left foot. Each footrest will comprise the same features as describe above with respect to the first aspect of the invention.

-10 -Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

Claims I. A footrest comprising: a supporting body having: an upper surface for receiving a foot of a user, and a lower surface; a fulcrum attached to the lower surface of the supporting body, the fulcrum being arranged to provide, in use, a point of contact with an underlying surface such that the supporting body can pivot in at least two orthogonal directions relative to the underlying surface; and one or more projections provided on the upper surface of the supporting body; wherein at least one of the projections is an arch support which is configured to support an arch of the foot, and wherein the arch support is located such that when the arch of the foot is supported by the arch support, the foot overlays the fulcrum such that, in use, the user can pivot their foot in the at least two orthogonal directions whilst their foot rests on the upper surface and their arch is supported by the arch support.
2. A portable footrest according to claim I, wherein the one or more projections comprise a projection which is configured to provide a guide with which the user can align their toes.
3. A portable footrest according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more projections comprise projections which are configured to increase the coefficient of friction between the upper surface and the foot in use
4. A portable footrest according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the arch support is at least twice as high as the other projections
5. A portable footrest according to any preceding claim, comprising a flexible layer on the upper surface of the supporting body.
6. A portable footrest according to claim 5, wherein the one or more projections form part of the flexible layer.-12 -
7. A portable footrest according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the flexible layer is releasably secured to the upper surface of the supporting body.
8. A portable footrest according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the flexible layer comprises a peripheral rim arranged to fit over an outer edge of the supporting body.
9. A portable footrest according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the flexible layer comprises thermoplastic polyurethane material.
10. A portable footrest according to any preceding claims, wherein the fulcrum is detachable from the supporting body.
11. A portable footrest according claim 10, wherein the fulcrum comprises a female part or a male part, and the lower surface of the supporting body comprises a male part or a female part, respectively, and wherein the female part and male part are configured to releasably secure the fulcrum to the supporting body.
12. A portable footrest according to any preceding claims, wherein the fulcrum is in the form of a hemisphere or a semi-spheroid
13. A portable footrest according to any preceding claims wherein the fulcrum comprises PLA material.
14. A portable footrest in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the supporting body comprises plywood.
15. A method of using the footrest in accordance with any preceding claim comprising the steps of: a) positioning the footrest on a surface such that the fulcrum is in contact with the surface; b) positioning a user's foot on the upper surface of the supporting body and using the arch support to position the user's foot such that the foot overlays the fulcrum; c) applying a force from the foot to the supporting body, such that the user can pivot their foot in the at least two orthogonal directions whilst their foot rests on the upper surface and their arch is supported by the arch support.
16. A kit of parts for assembling the footrest in accordance with claim 7, the kit of parts comprising: a supporting body having: an upper surface for receiving a foot of a user, and a lower surface; a fulcrum configured to be attached to the lower surface of the supporting body and a flexible layer configured to be releasably secured on the upper surface of the supporting body; wherein, when the footrest is assembled: the fulcrum is arranged to provide, in use, a point of contact with an underlying surface such that the supporting body can pivot in at least two orthogonal directions relative to the underlying surface; the supporting body or the flexible layer provide one or more projections on the upper surface of the supporting body; wherein at least one of the projections is an arch support which is configured to support an arch of the foot; and wherein the arch support is located such that when the arch of the foot is supported by the arch support, the foot overlays the fulcrum such that, in use, the user can pivot their foot in the at least two orthogonal directions whilst their foot rests on the upper surface and their arch is supported by the arch support.
17. A kit in accordance with claim 16, further comprising an equivalent but mirror image supporting body, fulcrum and flexible layer suitable for a user's second foot