An adjustable footrest

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of medical apparatus and instruments, concretely relates to an adjustable footrest. Including main pillow, the upper surface of main pillow one end is equipped with heel insertion slot, and the heel containing module is slidably inserted in the insertion slot, and the top of module is equipped with heel containing space, and the side of main pillow is equipped with a plurality of bandages. The design provides the specific support and pressure relief for the heel, disperses the pressure, improves the blood circulation, reduces the heel pressure red and the pressure sore risk from the root, simultaneously gives consideration to the calf comfortable support and the heel pressure relief demand, satisfies the double nursing demand of patient sick limb elevation. The side bandage can fix the footrest on the external support, avoids the footrest sliding when the patient moves or turns over, guarantees the support stability and nursing effect sustainability, effectively solves the problems that the traditional footrest cannot give consideration to the calf and the heel support, the heel is easily pressed and damaged and the use is easy to slide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical devices, specifically to an adjustable footrest. Background Technology

[0002] In clinical care, many patients require prolonged elevation of their affected limbs due to lower limb injuries, edema, or postoperative recovery to promote blood circulation, reduce tissue swelling, and create favorable conditions for recovery. Foot pillows, as commonly used nursing aids, directly impact patient comfort and care outcomes through their design. However, existing foot pillows present several problems in practical application, causing inconvenience to clinical care and patient experience. Traditional foot pillows often employ a single, fixed structure, using ordinary sponge or rigid support materials, lacking targeted functional zones, particularly in heel support. The heel, as the primary stress point when the affected limb is elevated, already experiences relatively slow local blood circulation due to body position. Traditional foot pillows lack dedicated heel pressure relief structures, resulting in prolonged concentrated pressure on the heel, easily leading to pressure sores. For high-risk patients who are bedridden, nutritionally poor, or have poor skin elasticity, this can easily develop into pressure sores, exacerbating patient suffering, increasing infection risk, prolonging hospital stays, and increasing the workload and cost of medical care.

[0003] Meanwhile, the height and support angle of existing foot pillows are usually fixed, making it impossible to flexibly adjust them according to the patient's body shape, the specific recovery status of the affected limb, and the individualized needs of clinical care. This fixed design makes it difficult for foot pillows to simultaneously meet the needs of comfortable support for the lower leg and pressure relief for the heel: if emphasis is placed on lower leg support, it often leads to increased pressure on the heel; if attempts are made to reduce heel pressure, insufficient lower leg support may occur, causing muscle tension, soreness, and other discomfort, failing to provide patients with a comprehensive and comfortable support experience. In addition, traditional foot pillows are generally prone to slipping during use. Because patients may unconsciously turn over or move their limbs while in bed, or slight touches may occur during nursing procedures, the foot pillow can easily deviate from its preset support position, preventing the affected limb from receiving stable and effective elevation support, directly affecting blood circulation and the reduction of edema. Although some existing foot pillows have attempted to add simple anti-slip textures or local anti-slip materials to the bottom, they have not formed a systematic and stable fixed structure, and the anti-slip effect is very limited. They cannot fundamentally solve the slipping problem, which not only reduces the stability of the nursing effect, but also requires nursing staff to frequently adjust the position of the foot pillow, increasing the tediousness of the nursing work. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an adjustable foot pillow to solve the problems of existing foot pillows, such as the tendency for heels to become red and swollen and for pressure sores to occur when the affected limb is raised for a long time, the inability to support both the lower leg and the heel due to their fixed height, and the tendency for them to slip down during use.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the following technical solution is adopted.

[0006] An adjustable footrest includes a main pillow, a heel slot disposed on the upper surface of one end of the main pillow, a heel receiving module slidably inserted into the heel slot, and multiple straps disposed on the side of the main pillow; the top of the heel receiving module is provided with a receiving space for accommodating the heel; the multiple straps are used to fix the main pillow to an external support.

[0007] Optionally, the heel receiving module is connected to the heel slot via a slide rail structure.

[0008] Optionally, the slide rail structure includes a guide rail disposed within the heel slot and a slider disposed on the side of the heel receiving module.

[0009] Optionally, there are multiple heel slots, arranged sequentially along the length of the main pillow.

[0010] Optionally, multiple heel slots are arranged in an overlapping manner, with a spacing smaller than the width of the heel slots along the length of the main pillow.

[0011] Optionally, a locking mechanism is also provided between the heel slot and the heel receiving module to lock the pull-out height of the heel receiving module.

[0012] Optionally, the locking mechanism includes an elastic buckle and multiple locking parts; the elastic buckle is disposed on the slider; the multiple locking parts are spaced apart on the guide rail along the length direction of the heel slot; the elastic buckle can selectively engage with one of the locking parts.

[0013] Optionally, many of the straps described are Velcro.

[0014] Optionally, the bottom surface of the main pillow is provided with an anti-slip layer.

[0015] Optionally, the upper surface of the other end of the main pillow is a slope.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This application features a heel slot on the upper surface of one end of the main pillow, along with a sliding heel-accommodating module. This module has a dedicated space at the top to accommodate the heel, providing targeted support and pressure relief. This effectively disperses pressure on the heel, preventing poor blood circulation caused by prolonged pressure and reducing the risk of pressure sores and redness. The combined design of the main pillow and heel-accommodating module addresses both the need for comfortable calf support and heel pressure relief, meeting the dual care needs of different patients when the affected limb is elevated. Multiple straps on the side of the main pillow securely fix the foot pillow to an external support, preventing slippage due to patient movement or turning, ensuring stable support, and maintaining consistent care. This effectively solves the core problems of traditional foot pillows: inability to provide adequate support for both the calf and heel, susceptibility to pressure soreness, and tendency to slip during use. The heel support module and heel slots are connected by a slide rail structure, making the removal and retraction of the heel support module smoother and more convenient, and facilitating quick adjustments to its usage according to actual needs. Multiple overlapping heel slots arranged along the length of the main support, with a spacing smaller than the slot width, provide multiple different installation positions for the heel support module, further enhancing the flexibility of the support position and adapting to the needs of patients of different body types. The locking mechanism effectively fixes the removal height of the heel support module, preventing accidental sliding during use and ensuring the stability and reliability of the support. Velcro is used as the strap, not only... Simple to operate and securely fixed, this foot pillow is adaptable to various external supports, enhancing its versatility. The anti-slip layer on the bottom of the main pillow further strengthens its anti-slip properties, working in conjunction with the straps to create a double anti-slip guarantee, ensuring stability in various usage scenarios. The other end of the main pillow features a sloped design, better conforming to the physiological curve of the calf, providing more comfortable and supportive support, reducing muscle tension and soreness, and significantly improving the patient's experience. The overall structure balances practicality, safety, and comfort, offering a more efficient and convenient solution for clinical nursing work. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one side of an embodiment of an adjustable footrest according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another side of an embodiment of an adjustable footrest according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the heel-accommodating module structure of an adjustable footrest embodiment of the present invention; The components include: 1. Main pillow; 2. Heel slot; 3. Heel receiving module; 4. Strap; 5. Guide rail; 6. Slider; 7. Elastic buckle; 8. Locking part; 9. Control end. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other.

[0019] The following detailed description is exemplary and intended to provide further detailed explanation of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention.

[0020] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this adjustable foot pillow aims to solve the problems of heel pressure reduction, calf and heel support, and stability in clinical nursing when elevating the affected limb. It adopts a purely mechanical structure design without electronic components, and features low cost, high practicality, and convenient operation. It is suitable for long-term bedridden patients, patients recovering from lower limb surgery, and various groups of people who need to elevate the affected limb. It can be used in various scenarios such as hospital beds and wheelchairs.

[0021] The overall structure mainly consists of a main pillow 1, a heel slot 2, a heel receiving module 3, and a strap 4. The components work together to achieve multiple functions such as support, pressure relief, and fixation. The following is a detailed description of the specific implementation structure, connection method, and functional details of each part.

[0022] The main pillow 1 features a rectangular structure with rounded corners of 10mm. This design effectively prevents sharp edges from causing friction or pressure damage to the patient's skin, while improving overall safety and comfort. The main pillow 1 measures 40cm in length, 20cm in width, and 12cm in height. These dimensions have been validated for clinical nursing scenarios, adequately covering the support needs of an adult's lower leg. This ensures sufficient support area without being too large, causing inconvenience or taking up too much space. The main pillow 1 is made of either memory foam or high-density foam. Both materials offer excellent softness, support, and resilience. Memory foam adapts to the shape and pressure distribution of the patient's lower leg, effectively dispersing pressure and reducing localized pressure points. High-density foam provides stronger support stability, maintaining its shape over time and preventing collapse due to prolonged use. The choice between these two materials allows for flexible selection based on different usage scenarios and needs. The main pillow 1 is covered with a removable and washable fabric cover. The cover is made of medical-grade abrasion-resistant fabric, which is breathable, sweat-absorbent, and antibacterial. It can effectively keep the surface of the main pillow 1 dry and clean, reducing the risk of cross-infection. The cover is removed by a zipper connected to the side of the main pillow 1. The hidden design avoids direct contact between the zipper and the patient's skin. Simply unzip the cover to remove it completely for cleaning and disinfection. The operation is simple and convenient.

[0023] An anti-slip layer is provided on the bottom surface of the main pillow 1. This layer can be implemented using either anti-slip cloth or silicone dots. Both methods can be used individually or in combination to achieve the best anti-slip effect. When using anti-slip cloth, the cloth is made of wear-resistant polyester material with a diamond-shaped anti-slip pattern pressed onto the surface. The pattern depth is 1mm. It is fixed to the bottom surface of the main pillow 1 by stitching with medical-grade polyester thread, with a stitch spacing of 1cm, ensuring a tight fit between the anti-slip cloth and the bottom surface of the main pillow 1 without shifting. When using silicone dots, the dots are made of medical-grade non-toxic silicone, with a diameter of 5mm and a height of 2mm. They are evenly distributed in a matrix pattern on the bottom surface of the main pillow 1, with a spacing of 10mm. The silicone dots are adhered to the bottom surface of the main pillow 1 using medical-grade environmentally friendly adhesive, with the adhesive area covering more than 80% of the bottom area of ​​the silicone dots, ensuring a firm bond and preventing them from easily falling off. The anti-slip layer significantly increases the friction between the main pillow 1 and the contact surface (such as the bed surface or wheelchair seat surface), effectively preventing the main pillow 1 from sliding during use and providing a stable support base for raising the affected limb.

[0024] The other end of the main pillow 1 features a sloping structure on its upper surface. This slope extends along the length of the main pillow 1, smoothly transitioning from its starting point to the highest point (12cm) and gradually decreasing in height to 5cm at its end. The total length of the slope is 20cm, consistent with the length of the main pillow 1. The surface of the slope is polished to ensure a smooth, bump-free surface, perfectly conforming to the physiological curve of the back of the calf. When the patient places their calf on the main pillow 1, the sloping structure provides even support, preventing concentrated local pressure, promoting blood circulation in the lower limbs, reducing muscle tension and soreness in the calf, and enhancing comfort during long-term use.

[0025] A heel slot 2 is provided on the upper surface of one end of the main pillow 1. The structure of the heel slot 2 is adapted to the heel receiving module 3 to achieve sliding insertion of the heel receiving module 3. The number of heel slots 2 can be set to one or more according to actual use needs. When multiple slots are set, each heel slot 2 is arranged sequentially along the length of the main pillow 1, and adjacent heel slots 2 are overlapped. The distance between the overlapping parts is less than the width of the heel slot 2 along the length of the main pillow 1. For example, if the width of the heel slot 2 along the length of the main pillow 1 is 20cm, the distance between two adjacent heel slots 2 can be set to 15cm, so that a 5cm overlap area is formed between the two slots. This overlapping arrangement can provide more installation position options for the heel receiving module 3, and can flexibly adjust the support position of the heel receiving module 3 according to the patient's body shape, limb length, and other factors, ensuring that the heel can be accurately placed in the receiving space to achieve the best decompression effect.

[0026] The heel receiving module 3 slides into the heel slot 2. Its overall dimensions are 20cm long, 10cm wide, and 5cm high, precisely matching the dimensions of the heel slot 2 to ensure no wobbling after insertion. The top of the heel receiving module 3 features a U-shaped groove structure to accommodate the heel. The groove is 4cm deep, 8cm wide, and 10cm long. This design completely encloses the patient's heel, ensuring a close fit between the heel and the inner wall of the U-shaped groove while preventing pressure on the sides of the heel. The edges of the U-shaped groove are rounded with a radius of 5mm. This design effectively prevents friction or pressure on the skin around the heel, further reducing the risk of skin damage. The U-shaped groove also contains a built-in gel pad made of medical-grade silicone gel, which has excellent softness, elasticity, and pressure-reducing properties. The shape of the gel pad perfectly matches the internal shape of the U-shaped groove, and it is 1cm thick. It is fixed in the U-shaped groove with medical-grade Velcro, making it easy to remove, replace, clean, and disinfect. The gel pad works in conjunction with the heel receiving module 3 made of high-density foam or memory foam to further distribute pressure on the heel, reduce local pressure, and effectively prevent heel redness and pressure sores.

[0027] The heel receiving module 3 and the heel slot 2 are slidably connected by a slide rail structure, ensuring that the heel receiving module 3 can be smoothly pulled out or pushed back in. The slide rail structure consists of a guide rail 5 and a slider 6. The guide rail 5 is located inside the heel slot 2, and the slider 6 is located on the side of the heel receiving module 3. The guide rail 5 can be made of plastic or fabric. When plastic guide rail 5 is used, it consists of two parallel grooves made of medical-grade ABS plastic, which has good wear resistance and stability. The length of guide rail 5 is the same as that of heel slot 2, which is 20cm. Guide rail 5 is fixed to the inner wall of heel slot 2 with screws spaced 5cm apart to ensure that guide rail 5 is firmly fixed and does not deform. When fabric guide rail 5 is used, it consists of two parallel wear-resistant fabric strips made of high-strength polyester fabric, 2cm wide and 0.3cm thick. The two ends of the fabric strips are fixed to the inner walls of the two ends of heel slot 2 by sewing. The sewing thread is made of high-strength nylon thread with fine stitches to ensure that the fabric guide rail 5 can withstand the weight of heel receiving module 3 and the friction during sliding. The structure of slider 6 is compatible with the type of guide rail 5. When paired with the plastic groove guide rail 5, slider 6 is a raised slide rail located on the side of the heel receiving module 3, also made of medical-grade ABS plastic. The height of the protrusion matches the depth of the groove in guide rail 5, which is 0.5cm. The length of slider 6 is 5cm, ensuring sufficient contact area with guide rail 5 for smoother sliding. When paired with the fabric guide rail 5, slider 6 is a wear-resistant fabric sleeve fixed to the bottom of heel receiving module 3. The sleeve is made of wear-resistant nylon fabric with a thin plastic lining to enhance structural stability. The inner diameter of the sleeve matches the outer diameter of the fabric guide rail 5, allowing it to fit snugly onto the guide rail 5 for smooth sliding. Through the design of the slide rail structure, the removal and retraction of the heel receiving module 3 do not require excessive force, facilitating adjustments by caregivers or patients while ensuring no jamming occurs during sliding.

[0028] A locking mechanism is also provided between the heel slot 2 and the heel receiving module 3 to lock the withdrawal height of the heel receiving module 3, preventing accidental sliding of the heel receiving module 3 due to external forces during use and ensuring the stability of the support position. The locking mechanism consists of an elastic buckle 7 and multiple locking parts 8. The elastic buckle 7 is set on the slider 6, and the multiple locking parts 8 are spaced apart along the length of the heel slot 2 on the guide rail 5. The elastic buckle 7 is made of medical-grade elastic plastic and has good elastic recovery force. It is L-shaped, with one end fixed to the side of the slider 6 by a screw, and the other end is a free end with a protruding locking head. The locking head is semi-circular and has a diameter of 3mm. The locking part 8 is a groove structure set on the inner wall of the guide rail 5. The shape of the groove is adapted to the locking head of the elastic buckle 7, and the depth is 2mm. The multiple locking parts 8 are evenly spaced along the length of the guide rail 5 with a spacing of 2cm to ensure that the heel receiving module 3 can be locked at different withdrawal heights. When the pull-out height of the heel receiving module 3 needs to be adjusted, simply press the free end of the elastic buckle 7 gently to disengage the locking head from the groove of the current locking part 8, then push or pull the heel receiving module 3 to the desired position, release the elastic buckle 7, and under the action of elastic restoring force, the locking head automatically engages in the corresponding groove of the locking part 8 to complete the locking. The operation is simple and convenient, and the locking effect is reliable. As a preferred example, the control end 9 of the elastic buckle 7 can be rotated to disengage the locking head from the groove of the current locking part 8. The control end 9 contacts the elastic locking head of the elastic buckle 7 inside the slider 6 through a rotating rod. A lever is provided at the position where the rotating rod contacts the elastic locking head. When the rotating rod rotates, the lever pushes the elastic locking head back to the slider 6, at which time the slider 6 can slide on the guide rail 5.

[0029] The main pillow 1 has multiple straps 4 on its sides to secure it to an external support, further enhancing stability during use and preventing slippage. There are three straps 4, all using a Velcro structure and made of nylon, consisting of a loop side and a hook side. Each strap 4 is 25cm long and 3cm wide, with both the loop and hook sides being 20cm long to ensure a snug fit and prevent loosening after securing. The straps 4 can be positioned on the right side or both sides of the main body. When on one side, the three straps 4 are arranged horizontally along the height of the main pillow 1, spaced 5cm apart. When on both sides, the straps 4 are symmetrically distributed on both sides, with three on each side, also arranged horizontally along the height, spaced 5cm apart. This dual-side arrangement further enhances the fixation effect and is suitable for scenarios requiring greater stability. The strap 4 is secured by sewing it to the fabric cover of the main pillow 1. The sewing point is one end of the strap 4, with a sewing length of 5cm. Double-stitched seams are used with a stitch spacing of 0.5cm to ensure a secure seal and withstand a certain amount of tension, preventing the strap 4 from falling off during use. The strap 4 can be flexibly fixed to the bed rail, wheelchair leg rest, or other suitable external supports. The number of wraps and the fit length of the Velcro are adjusted according to the size of the support to ensure that the main pillow 1 does not shift after fixation, providing continuous and stable support for elevating the affected limb.

[0030] All components of this adjustable footrest are made of medical-grade materials, meeting the hygiene requirements and safety standards of medical care settings. The overall structure is simple and easy to assemble, requiring no complicated installation steps. In actual use, caregivers can select the appropriate material for the main pillow 1 and the position of the heel receiving module 3 according to the patient's specific condition. After placing the main pillow 1 in the desired support position, it is secured to the bed rail or wheelchair leg rest using the Velcro straps 4 on the side. The anti-slip layer on the bottom, combined with the straps 4, provides double anti-slip protection, ensuring the main pillow 1 remains stable. The patient elevates the affected limb and places it on the main pillow 1, with the lower leg conforming to the slope and upper surface of the main pillow 1, and the heel placed in the U-shaped groove of the heel receiving module 3. The gel pad and foam material work together to effectively distribute pressure on the heel, preventing poor blood circulation caused by prolonged pressure. If the heel support position needs to be adjusted, the heel receiving module 3 can be pulled out or pushed back through the sliding rail structure and fixed at a suitable height using the locking mechanism, making operation flexible and convenient.

[0031] Furthermore, both the outer fabric cover and the gel pad inside the heel-accommodating module 3 of this adjustable foot pillow are removable, washable, and disinfectable, effectively preventing cross-infection. It is suitable for various scenarios including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home care. Its purely mechanical design not only reduces manufacturing costs but also decreases the probability of malfunctions, resulting in a long service life and eliminating the need for additional maintenance, thus possessing significant clinical application value. Clinical trials have shown that after 48 hours of continuous use by high-risk patients with pressure ulcers, the heel skin remained intact, without redness or breakage, fully demonstrating the effectiveness and reliability of this adjustable foot pillow in reducing heel pressure, preventing pressure ulcers, and providing stable support.

[0032] As is known from common technical knowledge, this utility model can be implemented through other embodiments that do not depart from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the above-disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and are not the only ones. All modifications within the scope of this utility model or its equivalents are included in this utility model.

Claims

1. An adjustable footrest, comprising a main pillow (1), characterized in that, It also includes a heel slot (2) disposed on the upper surface of one end of the main pillow (1), a heel receiving module (3) slidably inserted into the heel slot (2), and multiple straps (4) disposed on the side of the main pillow (1); the top of the heel receiving module (3) is provided with a receiving space for receiving the heel; Multiple straps (4) are used to secure the main pillow (1) to an external support.

2. An adjustable footrest according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heel receiving module (3) and the heel slot (2) are connected by a slide rail structure.

3. An adjustable footrest according to claim 2, characterized in that, The slide rail structure includes a guide rail (5) disposed in the heel slot (2) and a slider (6) disposed on the side of the heel receiving module (3).

4. An adjustable footrest according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple heel slots (2), which are arranged sequentially along the length of the main pillow (1).

5. An adjustable footrest according to claim 4, characterized in that, Multiple heel slots (2) are arranged in an overlapping manner, with a spacing smaller than the width of the heel slots (2) along the length direction of the main pillow (1).

6. An adjustable footrest according to claim 3, characterized in that, A locking mechanism is also provided between the heel slot (2) and the heel receiving module (3) to lock the pull-out height of the heel receiving module (3).

7. An adjustable footrest according to claim 6, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes an elastic buckle (7) and multiple locking parts (8); the elastic buckle (7) is disposed on the slider (6); the multiple locking parts (8) are spaced apart on the guide rail (5) along the length direction of the heel slot (2); the elastic buckle (7) can selectively engage with one of the locking parts (8).

8. An adjustable footrest according to claim 1, characterized in that, All of the straps (4) are Velcro.

9. An adjustable footrest according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the main pillow (1) is provided with an anti-slip layer.

10. An adjustable footrest according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper surface of the other end of the main pillow (1) is a slope.

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