ACTIVE FOOTREST

Abstract

An active footrest characterized in that it comprises two parallel side support walls (1), between which is located a support base (2), of suitable size and shape to support feet, suspended from the side walls (1) by means of one or more elastic elements (5), the support base (2) being able to move with respect to the side walls (1) by means of said elastic elements (5).

Description

Active footrest TECHNICAL SECTOR The invention falls within the sector of footrest devices, to support the feet while in a seated position, which allow controlled movement of the lower limbs. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the current state of the art, multiple footrest devices are known, but most are fixed and do not allow movement of the lower limbs since they only allow a static posture, as described for example in documents ES2108163T3 "Adjustable footrest", ES1037092U "Heated footrest" and ES1067668U "Multifunctional ergonomic footrest". Some models allow minimal rotating movements, as described in ES2560428T3 "Rotating device for foot and leg support" and WO0119221A1 "Dynamic footrest" or rocking movements, as found in KR102241331B1 "Footrest". There are also footrests with massage elements for the soles of the feet, such as those found in ES1320186U "Footrest for foot movement" and in CN2154055Y "Elastic footrest for sole massage". However, there are currently no known footrests in the state of the art equipped with a surface that allows for combined lateral and vertical movements as in the present invention. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION To solve the technical problem of facilitating controlled movement of the lower limbs during prolonged use of seated workstations or study positions, this invention is presented, comprising two parallel side support walls, between which is located a support base, preferably arranged with an inclination with respect to the ground, of a size and shape suitable to support feet, suspended from the side walls by means of one or more elastic elements, the support base having the capacity for combined lateral and vertical displacements with respect to the side walls, caused by the pressure of the feet, thanks to said elastic elements. The side walls preferably have a shape comprising two parallel vertical sides, one taller than the other, between which there is an inclined upper side. The side walls preferably have a plurality of perforations for the passage of the elastic element(s), arranged in alignment with the inclined upper side, and the support base has a plurality of transverse perforations also for the passage of the elastic element(s), the position and size of both sets of perforations coinciding. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic element is a single elastic cord following a zigzag path between the perforations of both side walls, simultaneously passing through the transverse perforations of the support base. The tension of this elastic cord is adjustable simply by shortening and / or lengthening it. A preferred embodiment of the invention is provided in which the side walls have a plurality of horizontally arranged slots, preferably two horizontally arranged slots near the taller vertical side of the side wall, and one horizontally arranged slot near the shorter vertical side of the side wall. These horizontally arranged slots in the side walls are compatible in size and position with the passage of mechanical fastening elements from said side walls to table legs. The mechanical fixing elements of the side walls to the legs of a table preferably comprise, for each of the slots, a U-shaped ring with threaded ends, a plate with two perforations coinciding with the ends of the ring, two washers and two nuts. An alternative embodiment of the invention is provided, forming a self-supporting, autonomous device on the floor, without the need for a table, in which the side walls are secured by at least two crossbars inserted into grooves in the side walls. This variant of the device is useful when used without a table, or with tables lacking legs, such as laboratory or workshop countertops. It is also planned that, optionally, in any of the embodiments, the support base will have a soft element of similar size superimposed on it. This device offers clear advantages over currently available footrests, the main one being that this active footrest is an ergonomic device designed to promote controlled movement of the lower limbs during prolonged use of seated workstations or study positions. Unlike conventional, passive, and static footrests, this device allows for repetitive pushing, pulling, and rocking movements with the feet, generating continuous and regulated muscle activation. This facilitates constant micromovements, promoting frequent postural changes and reducing the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle. The device's operation contributes to improved blood circulation, reduced muscle tension, and the maintenance of a more stable and balanced posture during prolonged periods of sitting. The device also incorporates elastic elements whose resistance is adjustable by regulating the tension, which allows its operation to be adapted to the physical characteristics, age and functional needs of each user. Among the main features that differentiate it from existing devices, the following stand out: - Stimulation of active movement versus passive support. - Reduction of muscle fatigue in lower limbs and lumbar region. - Improved postural alignment. - Reduced risk of musculoskeletal disorders associated with immobility. It is also worth highlighting its discreet operation without interfering with the user's main activity. Another advantage is its adaptability to different types of furniture, heights, and usage environments, as well as the possibility of independent use of the furniture in an alternative configuration. In both versions, individual adjustment of the resistance level is possible by tensioning the elastic element. Furthermore, the device offers specific advantages in educational settings, especially for users with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In this context, the active footrest acts as a motor self-regulation tool, allowing for controlled movement without negatively impacting academic performance. Specific benefits for children with ADHD include: - Facilitation of concentration through continuous sensorimotor stimulation. - Reduction of non-functional motor restlessness. - Reduction of disruptive behaviors in the classroom. - Improved maintenance of sustained attention. - Increased postural stability during learning. - Support for emotional self-regulation processes. Compared to fixed footrests, oscillating platforms without adjustable resistance, or passive ergonomic elements existing in the state of the art, the active footrest provides a more complete, configurable technical solution aimed at both preventing musculoskeletal pathologies and improving functional performance and user well-being. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complement the description being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is included as an integral part of said description, in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented: Figure 1.- Shows a perspective view of the basic elements of the device of the invention. Figure 2.- Shows a perspective view of the device of the invention, in its version for mounting on the legs of a table. Figure 3.- Shows a perspective view of the device of the invention, in its version as an autonomous self-supporting device on the ground. Figure 4.- Shows elevation, plan and profile views of one of the side walls. Figure 5.- Shows elevation, plan and profile views of the support base. Figure 6.- Shows elevation, plan and profile views of the optional soft element for covering the support base. Figure 7.- Shows elevation, plan and profile views of one of the optional crossbeams for mounting as a self-supporting autonomous device on the ground. Figure 8.- Shows views of the mechanical fixing elements of the side walls to some legs of a table. Figure 9.- Shows a schematic side view of a user example using the active footrest, in its version supported by the legs of a table. Figure 10.- Shows a perspective view of an example of an active footrest, in its version supported by the legs of a table. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The features of the presented invention will be better understood with the following preferred embodiment, which, in view of the drawings, we can observe that it comprises two parallel side support walls (1), between which is located a support base (2), preferably arranged with an inclination with respect to the ground, of a size and shape suitable to support feet, suspended from the side walls (1) by means of one or more elastic elements (5), the support base (2) having the capacity for combined lateral and vertical displacements with respect to the side walls (1), caused by the pressure of the feet, thanks to said elastic elements (5). The side walls (1) preferably have a shape comprising two parallel vertical sides, one taller than the other, between which there is an inclined upper side. The side walls (1) preferably have a plurality of perforations (4) for the passage of the elastic element or elements (5), arranged in alignment with the inclined upper side, and the support base (2) has a plurality of transverse perforations (6) also for the passage of the elastic element or elements (5), the position and size of both groups of perforations (4, 6) coinciding. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic element (5) is a single elastic cord traversing a zigzag path between the perforations (4) of both side walls (1), simultaneously passing through the transverse perforations (6) of the support base (2). A preferred embodiment of the invention is provided in which the side walls (1) have a plurality of horizontally arranged slots (3), preferably two horizontally arranged slots (3) near the taller vertical side of the side wall (1), and one horizontally arranged slot (3) near the shorter vertical side of the side wall (1). These horizontally arranged slots (3) in the side walls (1) are compatible in size and position with the passage of mechanical fastening elements from said side walls (1) to legs (7) of a table. The mechanical fixing elements of the side walls (1) to legs (7) of a table preferably comprise, for each of the slots (3), a U-shaped ring (8) with threaded ends, a plate (9c) with two perforations coinciding with the ends of the ring (8), two washers (9b) and two nuts (9a). This preferred design allows it to adapt to multiple types of furniture, including: - Tables with a skirt, without a skirt, or with a perimeter structure. - Tables with central, lateral or frame-shaped legs. - School desks, height-adjustable tables and liftable tables. - Surfaces with metal, wood or mixed structures. An alternative embodiment of the invention is provided, forming a self-supporting, floor-standing device without the need for a table, in which the side walls (1) are joined by at least two crossbars (10) inserted into grooves (3) in the side walls (1). This variant of the device is useful when used without a table, or with tables lacking legs, such as laboratory or workshop countertops. Alternatively, the crossbars (10) may be joined to the side walls (1) by conventional mechanical means, such as gluing, screws, etc. This alternative embodiment allows the device to be used without the need for anchoring to a table or fixed structure, making it possible to place it freely on the floor or integrated into an independent base. It is also planned that, optionally, in any of the embodiments, the support base (2) will have a soft element (11) of similar size superimposed on it. It is also planned that additional anti-slip elements, counterweights or stabilization systems can be incorporated to ensure its correct position during use. The device can be manufactured in different dimensions, lengths and functional ranges, allowing it to be adapted to users of different heights, ages and physical conditions, as well as to varied environments of use. Also included are variants with height, width and depth adjustment, allowing integration with tables, desks and school desks of different sizes, structural configurations and support systems. In certain embodiments, the device may also include telescopic, extendable or modular systems that facilitate its adjustment to different working heights and user positions. The structural elements of the device can be manufactured with different thicknesses and sections, depending on the requirements for mechanical strength, flexibility, weight and durability. The industrial application of this invention is clearly derived from its description.

Claims

1. An active footrest characterized in that it comprises two parallel side support walls (1), between which is located a support base (2), of suitable size and shape to support feet, suspended from the side walls (1) by means of one or more elastic elements (5), the support base (2) being movable with respect to the side walls (1) by means of said elastic elements (5).

2. An active footrest according to claim 1, characterized in that the side walls (1) have a shape comprising two parallel vertical sides, one of greater height than the other, between which there is an inclined upper side. 3.Active footrest according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side walls (1) have a plurality of perforations (4) for the passage of the elastic element or elements (5), arranged in alignment with the inclined upper side, and the support base (2) has a plurality of transverse perforations (6) also for the passage of the elastic element or elements (5), the position and size of both groups of perforations (4, 6) coinciding.

4. Active footrest according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic element (5) is a single elastic cord traversing a zigzag path between the perforations (4) of both side walls (1), simultaneously passing through the transverse perforations (6) of the support base (2). 5.Active footrest according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side walls (1) have a plurality of horizontally arranged slots (3).

6. Active footrest according to claim 5, characterized in that there are two horizontally arranged slots (3) near the higher vertical side of the side wall (1), and one horizontally arranged slot (3) near the lower vertical side of the side wall (1).

7. Active footrest according to any of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the horizontally arranged slots (3) in the side walls (1) are compatible in size and position with the passage of mechanical fastening elements of said side walls (1) to legs (7) of a table. 8.Active footrest according to claim 7, characterized in that the mechanical fixing elements of the side walls (1) to legs (7) of a table comprise, for each of the grooves (3), a U-shaped ring (8) with threaded ends, a plate (9c) with two perforations coinciding with the ends of the ring (8), two washers (9b), and two nuts (9a).

9. Active footrest according to any of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the side walls (1) are joined by at least two crossbars (10) inserted into the grooves (3) of the side walls (1), forming a self-supporting, independent device on the floor.

10. Active footrest according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support base (2) has a padded element (11) of similar size superimposed on it.Active footrest according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support base (2) is arranged with an inclination with respect to the ground.