Portable, compacting travel footrest

Abstract

A footrest for airplane passengers includes a platform and a number of supporting legs, at least some of which contain springs or resilient members so that when the legs are deployed the passenger can exercise his feet and legs by pressing down on the platform. The legs can be folded or otherwise collapsed against the platform when the device is not in use.

Description

[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. application No. 60 / 598848, filed Aug. 5, 2004.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] An average aircraft seat is only 17 inches wide and has only about 32 inches of “pitch” or distance between the back of the seat facing the passenger and the back of the seat in which the passenger is seated. Such cramped configuration has concerned travelers and health practitioners alike. An estimated 30,000 people a year could develop dangerous lower leg blood clots, commonly referred to as “economy class syndrome,” as a result of sitting in cramped conditions for more than five hours. [0003] To avoid “economy class syndrome,” health specialists suggest exercising the legs. Such may be achieved with, for example, an exercise footrest. However, while redesigns may be possible, airline seats have been largely unchanged for the last 25 years due to elaborate safety certification processes related to issues and costs. Thus, redesigning airline passenger seat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The invention is a portable travel footrest with which a traveler may exercise while seated in a plane or other cramped conditions and avoid uncomfortable and dangerous lower leg conditions.

Problems solved by technology

However, while redesigns may be possible, airline seats have been largely unchanged for the last 25 years due to elaborate safety certification processes related to issues and costs.

Thus, redesigning airline passenger seating to allow for more leg room and include health-safety features, such as footrests, is not foreseeable.

While comforts and luxuries are increasingly available for first- and premium-class passengers, economy class passengers are likely to be left with the cramped spaces that are not only uncomfortable but also can pose serious health hazards.

Sitting in a chair for long periods of time can cause back and other problems.

While such may not be a “medical solution” and does not guarantee prevention against potential health hazards from traveling in cramped positions, it is widely regarded as a practical solution by medical practitioners and health experts alike because a portable footrest can help prevent and / or reduce back and lower leg conditions, including stress injuries and blood clots in the lower legs, that may develop due to travel in cramped spaces and / or due to poor posture when working in a seated position.

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