Adjustable footrest

Abstract

The invention relates to a variably adjustable footrest (10) comprising a base plate (12) and a foot support (14), four support devices (20), and a release mechanism (30). The support devices (20) are configured to adjust the distance and inclination of the foot support (12) relative to the base plate (12). When the footrest (10) is not needed, it can be folded. The invention also relates to a vehicle (40) with at least one such footrest (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a variably adjustable footrest comprising a base plate and a footrest, four support devices, and a release mechanism. The support devices are designed to adjust the distance and inclination of the footrest relative to the base plate. When the footrest is not needed, it can be folded away. The invention also relates to a vehicle with at least one such footrest.

[0002] People of short stature or with short legs often find themselves in situations where a footrest would be ergonomically helpful. However, conventional footrests are often cumbersome because they cannot be folded into a compact form and stored away when not in use. Many footrests are not adjustable. While some footrests are adjustable, they are not ergonomically sound.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2004 021 362 A1 shows a footrest in a vehicle that can be tilted. However, its height is not adjustable. DE 10 2018 207 035 A1 shows a footrest with a tilted footplate and a height adjustment mechanism, but without the tilt of the footplate being adjustable.

[0004] In many cases, however, a footrest is necessary or desired that is height-adjustable and also allows adjustment of the inclination of the surface on which the feet are placed.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the objective of proposing a footrest whose height and inclination can be adjusted in order to enable ergonomically correct sitting.

[0006] The object of the invention is achieved with a footrest according to claim 1 and a vehicle according to claim 8. Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the remaining features mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0007] A variably adjustable footrest is formed with • a base plate and a footrest that lie on top of each other in a non-use position, • four mounting devices, wherein the mounting devices are pivotally connected to the base plate and the footrest and are designed to adjust the distance and inclination of the footrest in relation to the base plate, and • a release mechanism whose trigger is located outside a foot contact area on or at the footrest and, when actuated, releases a locking mechanism of the mounting devices so that their height and tilt adjustment can be made.

[0008] The footrest according to the invention initially comprises a base plate. This forms the base of the footrest and rests on the surrounding surface. Furthermore, the footrest comprises a foot pad, i.e., a component on which a user places their feet during use.

[0009] Four adjustable supports are hinged to the base plate and the footrest, meaning their angle relative to the base plate and footrest can be changed. These supports are designed to raise and lower the footrest relative to the base plate and to adjust its angle, making it steeper or shallower. This adjustment is to be purely mechanical, and each support may, for example, incorporate a spring for this purpose. The supports can therefore be designed in a variety of ways, as long as they achieve this adjustability solely through mechanical means. Adjusting the footrest is to be triggered by the release mechanism described below. Each support also has a locking mechanism to secure its set position.

[0010] The support devices are preferably assigned to sections of the footrest. The footrest can be subdivided into two sections: a front section, where the front part of the user's feet rests during use, and a rear section, which accommodates the back part of the feet. This subdivision can be made along the longitudinal axis of the footrest. Two support devices should be assigned to the front section and two to the rear section. Thus, two support devices should support each section and adjust or move the footrest from within that section. The support devices should be arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the footrest.

[0011] This arrangement is sensible because, after releasing the unlocking mechanism, the footrest is to be adjusted by the user's feet. Releasing pressure on the footrest raises it, while applying pressure lowers it. By varying the amount of pressure applied, the tilt and height can be controlled. If the adjustment mechanisms are symmetrically arranged, the height and tilt of the footrest can be adjusted uniformly for both of the user's feet relative to the base plate. By dividing the mechanisms into front and rear sections, a mechanism near the point of application can absorb the forces acting upon it. Thus, when a user applies or releases pressure with the ball of their foot, this occurs at the front of the footrest and is absorbed by the two adjustment mechanisms located there.The same applies to the rear area, where pressure is primarily applied or reduced by means of the heels. Consequently, the support devices in the front area could be designed to achieve the intended effect with less force than those in the rear area, since it can be assumed that less force can be applied with the forefoot than with the heel.

[0012] As already mentioned, a locking mechanism is provided, the trigger of which is located outside the footrest's contact area, either on or attached to the footrest. The trigger is designed to be operated by the foot, but positioned so that it cannot be accidentally activated while the footrest is in use. This creates areas on the footrest that are not typically used as footrests. These areas can be the edges or even the space between two feet.

[0013] The release mechanism, when activated, should release a locking mechanism on the support brackets, allowing the tilt and height of the footrest to be adjusted. This can be achieved, for example, with a Bowden cable to each of the support brackets' locking points. If the release mechanism's trigger is not activated after the footrest's height and tilt have been adjusted, the locking mechanism on the support brackets should re-engage, securing them in the set position. This also secures the set height and tilt of the footrest relative to the base plate.

[0014] When the footrest is not needed, it can be folded into a non-use position by releasing the locking mechanism and then applying pressure with your feet to reduce the tilt and height to a minimum, so that the footrest rests on the base plate. This makes the footrest very compact and easy to transport. Since the mounting mechanisms are locked, there is no risk of it unfolding during transport.

[0015] The proposed footrest is easy to operate and use. It is adjustable in height and tilt and can be moved to different locations as needed. Its operation is purely mechanical, making it cost-effective and less prone to defects. Since not only the front but also the rear section can be raised, the footrest can be individually and ergonomically adjusted for users of all sizes, as it allows for either tilting or raising the footrest. This enhances seating comfort for all users.

[0016] According to a first preferred embodiment of the footrest according to the invention, a setting device is designed with a gas spring or as a spring-supported articulated arm.

[0017] In the first alternative, a support device is formed with a gas spring, each end of which is pivotally connected to the base plate or the footrest. Additional elements, such as connecting profiles, extensions, and the like, may also be provided. The gas spring is equipped with a locking mechanism that secures its position. In this alternative, the gas springs are pre-tensioned in the footrest's non-use position and, after the locking mechanism is released, extend as far as the pressure on the footrest allows.

[0018] According to the second alternative, the mounting device is designed as a spring-loaded articulated arm. Such articulated arms consist of several segments connected by joints. Their movement and / or positioning is supported by at least one spring, which can either facilitate movement or provide a restoring force. The locking mechanism must be designed to fix the relative positions of the articulated arm segments as soon as the release mechanism is no longer activated. For this purpose, the locking mechanism can be subdivided into multiple subsystems, which can be actuated by the release mechanism.

[0019] It is recommended to provide four identical mounting devices for the footrest, but both variants can also be combined.

[0020] In a second embodiment of the footrest according to the invention, the mounting devices are hinged laterally to the base plate and / or the footrest and / or the mounting devices are hinged at least partially between the base plate and the footrest in such a way that they are enclosed by the footrest in its non-use position.

[0021] The mounting devices can therefore attach laterally to the base plate or footrest, so that these are held between the mounting devices. To provide a sufficient point of attachment for the articulated connection, the base plate or footrest can have a circumferential edge to which the pivot can be attached.

[0022] Alternatively, the support devices are arranged so that they are enclosed by the base plate and footrest when the footrest is not in use. They must engage the top of the base plate and / or the underside of the footrest so that they do not protrude laterally. When the footrest is laid flat on the base plate when not in use, the support devices are concealed or partially enclosed. Depending on their size and the size of the other elements of the footrest, the support devices at the front and rear must be offset laterally to prevent interference. Optionally, recesses can be provided on the facing surfaces of the footrest and base plate to accommodate the support devices. If the base plate and / or the footrest have a surrounding rim, the support devices can be completely enclosed.

[0023] There are combinations that allow a mounting device to engage laterally at one end and between the base plate and the footrest at the other. This can occur when the base plate is wider than the footrest, or vice versa. The lateral engagement can be made on the narrower element, and on the wider element, on the underside of the footrest or the top of the base plate. It is also conceivable that two mounting devices engage laterally, and the other two engage between the base plate and the footrest. This can be due, for example, to the length of the mounting devices and the available installation space.

[0024] Preferably, the release mechanism's trigger should be positioned along a central axis across the footrest. The center of the footrest, relative to its width, is typically not a contact area for the foot, thus preventing accidental activation. Nevertheless, the center is easily accessible, and placing the trigger there facilitates symmetrical alignment of the footrest during operation. Along this central axis, also known as the longitudinal axis, it is advisable to position the trigger towards the front, where it can be operated with the forefoot, which is easier and more comfortable than using the heel.

[0025] One design of the footrest involves a footplate made of a plastic plate, an aluminum plate, and / or a sheet of steel. Such plates and / or sheets provide the necessary stability to support the feet and allow for the adjustment and alignment of the footplate under pressure or release without damage. The footplate can also be made of combinations of the aforementioned materials.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the footrest can be designed with a non-slip surface and / or a floor covering adapted to the surroundings. A non-slip surface can be achieved either through a suitable covering, such as a textile surface, or by profiling the surface with grooves, studs, or similar features. This prevents the feet from slipping when the footrest is tilted.

[0027] A floor covering that matches the surroundings may be advisable if the footrest is intended for a vehicle and should blend into the interior, i.e., not be unnecessarily conspicuous. In this case, the same floor covering can be chosen for the footrest as for the rest of the footwell. Such a covering can also simultaneously provide the slip resistance described above.

[0028] The footrest according to the invention can be folded very compactly, making it easily portable. To facilitate this, it can have a carrying handle for gripping and carrying the folded footrest. To ensure sufficient stability in various locations so that the footrest does not slip when used and / or adjusted, the underside of the base plate, i.e., the surface in contact with the ground, can be made non-slip. This can be achieved with a coating, a covering, a suitable material selection, and / or a profile on the underside of the base plate.

[0029] The footrest according to the invention is intended for use in vehicles, for example; therefore, a vehicle having at least one of these footrests is also claimed. It can be used in all seating positions except the driver's seat. Especially with regard to autonomous driving, where travel time can be used for leisure and / or relaxation, such a footrest enables comfortable, ergonomically correct, and relaxed sitting, or even support for the feet in a reclining position of the vehicle seats.

[0030] Ideally, the footrest should be attached to the vehicle's seat rails using Velcro fasteners, a clip system, and / or connecting elements. The aim is to prevent the footrest from slipping or otherwise moving freely within the vehicle, whether in an accident or during hard acceleration or braking.

[0031] If the footrest has a hook-and-loop fastener on its underside and the corresponding part is on the vehicle floor, a hook-and-loop connection can be created. If the vehicle floor is covered with a textile covering, it may be sufficient for the adhesive part of the hook-and-loop fastener to be located on the footrest and engage with the textile weave of the floor covering to achieve adhesion. Clip systems, such as those used to secure floor mats in vehicles, can also be used to attach the footrest if it has a compatible counterpart.

[0032] Furthermore, connecting elements can be provided that engage with the vehicle's seat rails. These are then located on or integrated into the footrest and engage with the seat rails inside the vehicle. An additional locking mechanism should be provided to secure the position along the seat rail.

[0033] To stow the footrest as discreetly as possible when not in use, so that it doesn't get in the way, the vehicle can be designed in such a way that a recess is formed in the footrest's storage area, in which the footrest sits flush with the floor when not in use. For this purpose, a recess should be formed in the vehicle floor at the point where the footrest is to be or can be positioned, large enough to accommodate the folded footrest so that its surface is essentially level with the surrounding vehicle floor. This prevents tripping over it when entering the vehicle and allows taller people to sit comfortably without being bothered by the footrest.

[0034] The disclosed footrest proposes a solution for designing a footrest that is adjustable in height and angle. Adjustment is simple and intuitive, achieved by applying or releasing pressure after disengaging the locking mechanism. This footrest is portable and can be taken to the desired location. In conjunction with the vehicle, this provides a solution for making (passenger) travel in a vehicle comfortable and ergonomically beneficial, as the footrest, carried in the vehicle, can also be removed and used elsewhere.

[0035] Unless otherwise stated in individual cases, the various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another.

[0036] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a side view of a footrest according to the invention in the position of use, Fig. 2 a side view of a footrest according to the invention in a non-use position, Fig. 3 a top view of the footrest and Fig. 4 the footrest in a vehicle.

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the footrest 10 according to the invention. It is formed with a base plate 12 and a foot support 14 and is in Fig. 1 shown in a usage position. In comparison, this footrest is 10 in Fig. 2 shown in the non-use position. When comparing the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows that the footrest 14 is adjusted in height and inclination relative to the base plate 12. The footrest 14 has been raised and tilted. The footrest 14 is made of a plastic plate, making it lightweight and allowing the footrest 10 to be transported if necessary.

[0038] The footrest 10 has four support devices 20, which are formed by gas springs 22. These are articulated laterally to the base plate 12 and the foot support 14 by means of a hinged bearing 21, as shown in the figure. Fig. Figure 3, a top view of one half of the footrest 10, shows that two support devices 20 are arranged in the front area 16 of the footrest 10 and two in the rear area 18. They are hinged to the base plate 12 in the area of ​​the front edge and the rear edge, respectively, and in the operating position they tilt towards the center of the footrest 14.

[0039] Each of the gas springs 22 has a locking mechanism 24, which, when released, frees the gas spring 22, allowing the height and tilt of the footrest 14 to be adjusted. For this purpose, each of the locking mechanisms 24 is connected to the release mechanism 30 by means of a Bowden cable 32. The four Bowden cables 32 lead to the trigger 34 of the release mechanism 30, which is located in Fig. Figure 1 shows the footrest in its released (dashed line) and locked (solid line) positions. Releasing the footrest is achieved by stepping on it, i.e., touching and holding the release mechanism 34 with the foot. This releases the locking mechanisms 24 on the gas springs 22, and the user can then adjust the height and tilt of the footrest 14 by applying or releasing pressure. Once this adjustment is complete, the user releases the release mechanism 34, the locking mechanisms 24 re-engage, and thus secure the current state or position of the gas springs 22. This secures the footrest 10 setting.

[0040] The footrest 10 has hook and loop fasteners 28 on the underside of its base plate 12, with which it can be attached to corresponding counterparts in the footwell of a vehicle, as well as a carrying handle 26, with which it can be easily transported to another place of use.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the non-use position of the footrest 10. After releasing the locking mechanisms 24 of the gas springs 22 using the trigger 34, the footrest 14 was pressed downwards until it rested on the base plate 12. The gas springs 22 of the support devices 20 are now retracted.

[0042] In Fig. Figure 3 shows one half of the top view of the footrest, which is symmetrical along the central axis L in the longitudinal direction (the direction of travel when used in the vehicle). An axis Q forms the central axis in the longitudinal direction and divides the footrest 14 into a front area 16 and a rear area 18.

[0043] In the Fig. Figure 3 clearly shows that the support devices 20, along with parts of the release mechanism 30, are laterally hinged to the base plate 12 and the footrest 14. Furthermore, the trigger 34 is arranged along the central axis L in the transverse direction of the footrest 14 and also in the front area 16. This allows for simple and intuitive operation using either the right or left foot of the user.

[0044] The surface of the footrest 14 is coated with a non-slip material, preventing the user's feet from slipping when the footrest 14 is tilted. In this example, this is achieved by profiling the surface.

[0045] The footrest 10 of the illustrated example is arranged in a vehicle 40 and in Fig. Figure 4 shows a partial view. It is located in a recess 44 in the floor 42 of the vehicle 40, where it is flush with the ground in the non-use position shown there. Reference symbol list 10 Footrest 12 Base plate 14 footrest 16 front area 18 rear area 20 Mounting device 21 articulated linkage 22 Gas spring 24 Locking 26 Carrying handle 28 hook and loop fasteners 30 unlocking mechanism 32 Bowden cable 34 triggers 40 vehicles 42 Vehicle floor 44 Depression (recess) 46 vehicle seats L Longitudinal axis Q transverse axis QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2004 021 362 A1

[0003] DE 10 2018 207 035 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Variably adjustable footrest (10) with • a base plate (12) and a footrest (14) which lie on top of each other in a non-use position, • four mounting devices (20), wherein the mounting devices (20) are pivotally connected to the base plate (12) and the foot support (14) and are arranged to adjust the foot support (14) in its distance and inclination in relation to the base plate (12), and • a release mechanism (30) whose trigger (34) is located outside a foot contact surface on or at the foot support (14) and, when actuated, releases a locking mechanism (24) of the mounting devices (20) so that their height and tilt adjustment can be made. [2] Footrest (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that a mounting device (20) is designed with a gas spring (22) or as a spring-supported articulated arm. [3] Footrest (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that • the mounting devices (20) are hinged laterally to the base plate (12) and / or the foot support (14), and / or • the mounting devices (20) are at least partially hinged between the base plate (12) and the footrest (14) in such a way that they are enclosed by the footrest (10) in the non-use position. [4] Footrest (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the trigger (34) of the unlocking mechanism (30) is arranged along a central axis (L) in the transverse extent of the foot support (14). [5] Footrest (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the footrest (14) is formed with a plastic plate, an aluminum plate and / or a steel sheet. [6] Footrest (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the footrest (14) is designed with a non-slip surface and / or a floor covering adapted to the environment. [7] Footrest (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is equipped with a carrying handle (26) and / or a non-slip base plate (12). [8] Vehicle (40) with at least one footrest (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. [9] Vehicle (40) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the footrest (10) is attached by means of Velcro fasteners (28), by means of a clip system and / or by means of connecting elements in seat rails of the vehicle (40). [10] Vehicle (40) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that in an installation area of ​​the footrest (10) a recess (44) is formed in which the footrest (10) is received flush with the ground in its non-use position.

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