Leg movement device for seated users

Abstract

Leg movement device (100) for a seated user, comprising: a first foot support (120) which has a support surface for a left foot of the user, and a second foot support (110) which has a support surface for a right foot of the user, and a frame structure (130) designed to be placed on a floor, wherein the first foot support (110) and the second foot support (120) are each pivotally mounted on the frame structure (130) about a pivot axis (R) relative to the frame structure (130), wherein the first foot support (120) is pivotable relative to the frame structure (130) independently of the second foot support (110).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a leg movement device for a seated user. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices for the active movement of the feet and / or legs of seated users. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Sitting is associated with restricted blood flow to the lower extremities, muscular inactivity, and, particularly in children or neurodivergent individuals, physical restlessness. At the same time, especially during sedentary activities, such as in the office, school, or home office, there is a need for stimulating movement to increase concentration and self-regulation. This applies particularly to children and neurodivergent individuals, but also to older users, those with limited mobility, and individuals who perform sedentary activities for extended periods.

[0003] Traditional seating offers no opportunity to stimulate movement. On the contrary, traditional seating poses the risk of users engaging in restless movements, such as rocking, which increases the risk of injury and provides insufficient stimulation of movement. Furthermore, such restless movements on traditional seating disrupt the surrounding environment.

[0004] Well-known solutions like "fidget toys" are also associated with noise pollution and general disturbance of the environment, and offer only limited effectiveness in stimulating movement. For example, "fidget spinners" only offer very localized movement possibilities for individual fingers or a hand.

[0005] Other movement devices known in the prior art are not individually adjustable to the user and therefore offer unsatisfactory stimulation of movement stimuli for some users. This leads to a decrease in the acceptance of such movement devices among these users, and a reliance on other, e.g., more failure-prone, methods, or to a further decrease in concentration and an increase in physical restlessness despite movement.

[0006] The technical challenge is therefore to provide an ergonomic and unobtrusive movement aid that enables continuous, regulating movements, promotes concentration, activates blood circulation, is suitable for different age groups from children to the elderly, and operates quietly to avoid disturbing the environment.

[0007] Furthermore, mobility aids should be provided for people who perform sedentary activities for extended periods or whose mobility is restricted due to ailments, such as office workers, people with menstrual cramps, elderly or less mobile people, as well as gamers and influencers. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present disclosure provides a discreet and ergonomic leg movement device which has a compact design and can therefore be used discreetly under tables, which operates quietly and reduces disturbances to the environment, and which offers a user the possibility of continuous movement to stimulate movement stimuli, for self-regulation, to promote blood circulation and to promote concentration.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a leg movement device for a seated user comprises a first foot support having a support surface for a left foot of the user, and a second foot support having a support surface for a right foot of the user, and a frame structure designed to be placed on a floor, wherein the first foot support and the second foot support are each pivotably attached to the frame structure about a pivot axis relative to the frame structure, the first foot support being pivotable relative to the frame structure independently of the second foot support.

[0010] The first foot support and the second foot support can pivot around the same pivot axis relative to the frame structure.

[0011] The first foot support and the second foot support can each be attached to the frame structure via at least one elongated structural element, wherein the first foot support and the second foot support can each be spaced away from the respective pivot axis via the at least one elongated structural element.

[0012] The frame structure can comprise a first support structure, a second support structure, and a connecting element, wherein the first and second support structures can be spaced apart from each other and connected to each other via the connecting element along a connection direction. The first foot support and the second foot support can be arranged along the connection direction between the first and second support structures.

[0013] The connecting element can have a longitudinal axis extending along the connection direction. The longitudinal axis of the connecting element can form the pivot axis about which the first foot support pivots relative to the frame structure, and / or the pivot axis about which the second foot support pivots relative to the frame structure. Alternatively, the frame structure can also include spacer elements connected to and projecting from the connecting element. The first foot support can be attached to at least one of the spacer elements via the at least one elongated structural element, and the second foot support can be attached to at least one of the spacer elements via the at least one elongated structural element.

[0014] The pivot axis around which the first foot support can pivot relative to the frame structure, and / or the pivot axis around which the second foot support can pivot relative to the frame structure, can be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting element.

[0015] The leg movement device can be symmetrical to a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis about which the first foot support can pivot relative to the frame structure, and / or to the pivot axis about which the second foot support can pivot relative to the frame structure.

[0016] The pivot resistance of the first foot support and / or the second foot support relative to the frame structure must be adjustable.

[0017] The leg movement device can have a user-adjustable resistance, the resistance generating an adjustable force that opposes a pivoting movement of the first foot support and / or the second foot support relative to the frame structure.

[0018] The force generated by the adjustable resistance can be adjustable in steps or continuously.

[0019] The adjustable resistance can define a frictional force between surfaces that are moving relative to each other, and the frictional force can be adjustable.

[0020] The adjustable resistance can define a contact pressure between surfaces that are movable relative to each other, and the contact pressure can be adjustable.

[0021] The adjustable resistance can be a braking system that generates a braking force that counteracts a pivoting movement of the first foot support and / or the second foot support relative to the frame structure, whereby the braking force can be adjustable.

[0022] The adjustable resistance can define the frictional force within a bearing by which the first foot support and / or the second foot support is pivotably mounted to the frame structure relative to the frame structure, wherein the frictional force can be adjustable. Preferably, the frictional force is adjustable via an element that presses an inner ring of the bearing relative to an outer ring of the bearing.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a leg movement device for a seated user comprises a plate-shaped foot support having a support surface for both feet of the user, and a frame structure designed to be placed on a floor, wherein the plate-shaped foot support is movably attached to the frame structure relative to the frame structure.

[0024] The plate-shaped foot support can be pivoted around a pivot axis relative to the frame structure.

[0025] The plate-shaped foot support can be attached to the frame structure via at least one elongated structural element, and the plate-shaped foot support can be spaced away from the pivot axis.

[0026] The frame structure can comprise a first support structure, a second support structure, and a connecting element, wherein the first and second support structures can be spaced apart from each other and connected to each other via the connecting element along a connection direction. The plate-shaped foot support can be arranged along the connection direction between the first and second support structures.

[0027] The connecting element can have a longitudinal axis extending along the connection direction. The longitudinal axis of the connecting element can form the pivot axis about which the plate-shaped foot support is pivotable relative to the frame structure. Alternatively, the frame structure can also have at least one spacer element connected to and projecting from the connecting element, with the plate-shaped foot support attached to the at least one spacer element.

[0028] The pivot axis, about which the plate-shaped foot support can pivot relative to the frame structure, can be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting element.

[0029] The leg movement device can be designed symmetrically to a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis about which the plate-shaped foot support can pivot relative to the frame structure.

[0030] The pivoting resistance of the plate-shaped foot support relative to the frame structure can be adjusted.

[0031] The leg movement device can have a user-adjustable resistance, the resistance generating an adjustable force that counteracts a pivoting movement of the plate-shaped foot support relative to the frame structure.

[0032] The force generated by the adjustable resistance can be adjustable in steps or continuously.

[0033] The adjustable resistance can define a frictional force between surfaces that are moving relative to each other, and the frictional force can be adjustable.

[0034] The adjustable resistance can define a contact pressure between surfaces that are movable relative to each other, and the contact pressure can be adjustable.

[0035] The adjustable resistance can be a braking system that generates a braking force that counteracts a pivoting movement of the plate-shaped foot support relative to the frame structure, with the braking force being adjustable.

[0036] The adjustable resistance can define the frictional force within a bearing by which the plate-shaped foot support is pivotably attached to the frame structure relative to the frame structure, the frictional force being adjustable. The frictional force is preferably adjustable via an element that presses an inner ring of the bearing relative to an outer ring of the bearing.

[0037] The plate-shaped foot support can be attached to the frame structure in a translationally movable manner relative to the frame structure. The plate-shaped foot support can be translationally movable relative to the frame structure in a direction towards the user and in a direction away from the user, and / or the plate-shaped foot support can be translationally movable in directions laterally to the user relative to the frame structure.

[0038] The plate-shaped foot support can additionally be mounted on the frame structure in a rotationally movable manner relative to the frame structure within a body-fixed coordinate system. The plate-shaped foot support can be rotationally movable relative to the frame structure within a body-fixed coordinate system about an axis extending towards or away from the user, and / or the plate-shaped foot support can be rotationally movable relative to the frame structure within a body-fixed coordinate system about an axis extending laterally to the user.

[0039] The plate-shaped foot support can be attached to the frame structure via several elongated structural elements at at least three, preferably at least four, different suspension points.

[0040] The elongated structural elements can be elastic elements, preferably elastic bands.

[0041] The plate-shaped foot support can be attached to the frame structure via the elongated structural elements in such a way that the plate-shaped foot support is essentially arranged horizontally.

[0042] The frame structure can comprise a first support structure, a second support structure, and a connecting element, wherein the first and second support structures can be spaced apart from each other and connected to each other via the connecting element along a connection direction. The plate-shaped foot support can be arranged along the connection direction between the first and second support structures.

[0043] The leg movement device can be designed symmetrically to a plane perpendicular to the direction of connection.

[0044] The plate-shaped foot support can be translationally movable in the direction of connection and / or in a direction perpendicular to the direction of connection relative to the frame structure.

[0045] The contact surface of the plate-shaped foot support can be uneven. The contact surface of the plate-shaped foot support can be structured, preferably wavy or studded.

[0046] The leg movement device can have a total height of less than 100 cm, preferably less than 90 cm, more preferably less than 80 cm, and most preferably less than 70 cm.

[0047] The term “leg movement device”, in the context of the invention, refers to a stationary, i.e. immobile, freely placeable device that enables a seated user to perform guided or free movement of the feet and lower extremities by interacting with one or both feet.

[0048] In the context of the invention, the term "frame structure" refers to a load-bearing component that can be placed on a floor and mechanically supports, guides, and positions the components that are movable relative to it. The frame structure can be made of one or more parts.

[0049] The term "foot support," in the context of the invention, refers to an element designed to accommodate at least one foot of a seated user, that is, to provide a support surface that can be acted upon by the seated user's foot. The term includes, but is not limited to, individual separate elements for each foot or a common element for both feet of the user. The support surface may be flat, inclined, curved, and / or textured.

[0050] The term “plate-shaped foot support”, in the context of the invention, refers to a substantially planar support element for receiving one or both feet of a user, the greatest extent of which lies in a plane and the thickness of which is significantly less than its length and width.

[0051] The term “elongated structural element”, in the context of the invention, refers to an element extended in a longitudinal direction with a length that is greater than its cross-sectional dimensions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0052] In the context of the invention, the term "support structure" refers to a load-bearing and position-stabilizing component of the frame structure, which preferably has contact with the floor and defines a specific position of the movement device relative to the floor. That is, the support structure can define a bearing surface for the movement device, with which the movement device is in contact with the floor.

[0053] The term “longitudinal axis”, in the context of the invention, refers to a reference line of a component, in particular the connecting element, along its greatest extent.

[0054] The term “spacer element”, in the context of the invention, refers to an element that positions and mechanically connects two or more components at a defined distance from each other.

[0055] The term “swivel resistance”, in the context of the invention, refers to a counterforce or counter-moment that opposes a movement of the foot support relative to the frame structure.

[0056] The term “friction force”, in the context of the invention, refers to a force that opposes the relative motion of two touching surfaces.

[0057] The term "translational motion," in the context of the invention, refers to a motion of a body in which all points of the body undergo the same displacement along equidistant trajectories. The trajectories can be straight or curved. In a purely translational motion, no rotation of the points of the body about an axis takes place.

[0058] The term "rotational motion," in the context of the invention, refers to a motion of a body in which all points of the body move in a circular motion around a common axis. In a purely rotational motion, only a circular motion of all points of the body around a common axis takes place.

[0059] The movement of a body can have a translational component and a rotational component.

[0060] The term "structured," in the context of the invention, refers to a surface design that deviates from a smooth, flat form. The term includes, but is not limited to, reliefs, profiles, textures, patterns, as well as micro- and macro-structuring. Examples include, but are not limited to, wave or rib profiles, bumps, grooves, diamonds, honeycombs, dot or line patterns, as well as sandblasted or laser textures. The structure can be regular or irregular, and / or continuous or discontinuous.

[0061] The term "wavy," in the context of the invention, refers to a (surface) geometry with alternating raised and recessed areas along at least one direction. The term includes, but is not limited to, sinusoidal, cosinusoidal, sawtooth, triangular, or trapezoidal patterns.

[0062] The term “knobbed”, in the context of the invention, refers to a (surface) geometry with discrete, raised structures in the form of bumps, ridges or humps that protrude from a surrounding base surface.

[0063] The term “essentially parallel”, in the context of the invention, refers to the spatial alignment of two lines, axes, surfaces (planes) or components to each other, where the included angle corresponds to zero (or 180° or 360°) or deviates only slightly, e.g. + / - 5°, so that the person skilled in the art considers the elements to be functionally aligned parallel. SHORT FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[0064] The following figures illustrate exemplary embodiments for a better understanding of the present invention. They illustrate: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of a leg movement device, Fig. 2 a perspective view of a second embodiment of a leg movement device, and Fig. 3 a perspective view of a third embodiment of a leg movement device, which is a modification of the second embodiment. WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0065] With reference to the Fig. 1 to 3 below describe embodiments of the leg movement device 100, 200 according to the present disclosure.

[0066] Fig. Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the leg movement device 100 for a seated user with a stationary (i.e., immobile) frame structure 130, which in this example comprises a first support structure 131 and a second support structure 132. In the present exemplary embodiment, the support structures 131, 132 are each formed by two side arches 1311, 1312, 1321, 1322, which are connected to each other by fastening elements 1313, 1323. It is conceivable that the support structures 131, 132 are each formed by a single side arch or by more than two side arches.

[0067] The support structures 131, 132 are spaced apart from one another, with the distance between the support structures defining the lateral dimension of the movement device 100. Simultaneously, the distance between the support structures 131, 132 defines the available space for the user's legs. The spaced support structures 131, 132 define an opening in the frame structure 130 through which the user can insert their feet or legs into the movement device 100 to interact with the foot supports 110, 120 (or the plate-shaped foot support 240, as described below). The support structures 131, 132 are connected to each other via a connecting element 133 along the connection direction V.

[0068] In addition to the connecting element 133, further connecting elements may be provided, via which the first support structure 131 and the second support structure 132 are connected to each other. For example, a further connecting element 134 is provided on the user-facing side of the movement device 100. The connecting element 134 may have padding on which the user can rest their feet when the movement device 100 is not in use.

[0069] The frame structure 130 is designed to be placed on a floor. That is, the frame structure 130, and in particular the support structures 131 and 132, have a floor contact surface that is in contact with, or defines, the floor.

[0070] In a top view of the movement device 100, i.e., in a view from above towards the floor on which the frame structure 130 is arranged, the connecting element 133 can be arranged off-center. In particular, the connecting element 133 can be offset in a direction away from the user. This is illustrated by the following example: Fig. 1 or in Fig. Figure 3 shows the connecting element 233. The direction away from the user is defined below as a direction directed away from the opening of the frame structure 130 through which the user can insert their feet or legs into the movement device 100 in order to interact with the foot supports 110, 120 (or the plate-shaped foot support 240, as described below).

[0071] The above description applies equally to the in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 embodiments shown.

[0072] The movement device 100 includes two separate foot supports 110 and 120 that are independently pivotable relative to the frame structure 130. The movement device 100 includes a first foot support 120, which has a support surface for the user's left foot, and a second foot support 110, which has a support surface for the user's right foot. In the exemplary embodiment, the foot supports 110 and 120 are made of Fig. 1. The foot supports are formed by cylindrical bodies or rollers. This means that the contact surface for the user's feet is curved or round in this case. However, the foot supports 110, 120 can also be formed by differently shaped bodies with a round or circular cross-section, or even in a plate-like form. The foot supports 110, 120 can, for example, be pedals or footrests. The first foot support 120 and the second foot support 110 are arranged along the connection direction V between the first support structure 131 and the second support structure 132.

[0073] The foot supports 110, 120 are pivotably attached to the frame structure 130 about a pivot axis R via structural elements 111, 121. In the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 1. In further embodiments, where each foot support 110, 120 is attached to the frame structure 130 via two structural elements 111, 121, the foot supports 110, 120 can each be attached to the frame structure 130 via only one structural element 111, 121 or via more than two structural elements 111, 121. The respective foot support 110, 120 is attached to the pivot axis R via the at least one elongated structural element 111, 121.

[0074] The elongated structural elements 111, 121 form levers that enable a guided rocking, swaying, or pendulum movement of the foot supports 110, 120 about the pivot axis R during use of the device 100 by the user. Preferably, the structural elements 111, 121 are rigid elements, so that the foot supports are attached to the frame structure 130 at a fixed and unchanging distance from the pivot axis R.

[0075] In other words, the foot supports 110, 120 are mounted on the frame structure 130 in a pivoting, rocking, or pivoting manner about a pivot axis R. The foot supports 110, 120 are spaced radially from their respective pivot axis R. In other words, a longitudinal axis of the foot supports 110, 120 is spaced from the respective pivot axis R. The structural elements 111, 121 define the distance of each foot support 110, 120 from its pivot axis R. The foot supports 110, 120 are preferably rigidly connected to the respective structural elements 111, 121.

[0076] The design of the device 100 allows the foot supports 110 and 120 to pivot, oscillate, or rock about the pivot axis R relative to the frame structure 130 by more than 5°, more than 10°, more than 20°, more than 30°, more than 40°, more than 50°, more than 60°, more than 70°, more than 80°, more than 90°, more than 100°, more than 110°, more than 120°, more than 130°, more than 140°, more than 150°, more than 160°, more than 170°, or even more than 180°. The foot supports 110 and 120 can be pivoted about different pivot axes R or about the same pivot axis R relative to the frame structure 130.

[0077] The connecting element 133 can be used, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, spacer elements 134 are connected, projecting from the connecting element 133. The spacer elements 134 are rigidly, i.e., immovably, connected to the connecting element 133. The foot supports 110, 120 are attached to the spacer elements 134 via the structural elements 111, 121. The spacer elements 134 thus define the respective pivot axes R for the foot supports 110, 120.

[0078] In particular, the spacers protrude from the connecting element 133 towards the user. This prevents the user's knees from coming into contact with the connecting element 133 when using the device 100, which would restrict the freedom of movement and the ergonomics of the device 100. This effect is achieved by the L-shaped structural elements 111, 121, as shown in Fig. 1 shown, reinforced. However, structural elements 111, 121 can also have other forms.

[0079] In the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1. The pivot axis R is therefore different from a longitudinal axis L of the connecting element 133. In particular, the pivot axis R runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting element 133.

[0080] In further embodiments, the longitudinal axis L of the connecting element 133 can form the pivot axis about which the foot supports 110, 120 can pivot relative to the frame structure 130. In this case, the spacer elements 134 are not required. Preferably, L-shaped structural elements 111, 121, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows that when using the movement device 100, an increased distance is provided between the user's knees and the connecting element 133.

[0081] The user can place their feet on the support surfaces provided by the footrests 110 and 120 while seated and move the footrests 110 and 120 using muscle power, causing them to pivot relative to the frame structure 130 around their respective pivot axis R. Thus, the movement device 100 offers the user the possibility of continuous movement, even while seated, to stimulate movement impulses, promote self-regulation, improve blood circulation, and enhance concentration. The movement device 100 provides the user with an ergonomic and unobtrusive movement aid, which, due to its compact design, can be placed, for example, under tables.

[0082] The user can move the foot supports 110 and 120 simultaneously clockwise or counterclockwise around the pivot axis R. Because the foot supports 110 and 120 are separate, the user can also move them in opposite directions (i.e., one foot support clockwise and the other counterclockwise) or move only one of the foot supports 110 or 120 while the other remains stationary. This provides the motion device 100 with a more versatile range of motion options, allowing for better stimulation of movement stimuli and increasing user acceptance of the device 100. Consequently, the risk of the user resorting to alternative, potentially unreliable, methods for stimulating movement stimuli is reduced.

[0083] The device 100 is preferably symmetrical to a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis R or to the longitudinal axis L of the connecting element 133, thereby achieving a compact, low-profile design that can be used under tables.

[0084] A pivoting resistance, i.e., a force that opposes the pivoting movement of the foot supports 110, 120 relative to the frame structure 130, is preferably adjustable. In particular, the leg movement device 100 can have a resistance that is adjustable by the user. The adjustable resistance can generate an adjustable force that opposes a pivoting movement of the first foot support 120 and / or the second foot support 110 relative to the frame structure 130.

[0085] The adjustable swivel resistance allows the user to define how much force they need to exert to swivel the foot supports 110 and 120. This allows the movement device 100 to be advantageously adapted to the user's age, health, or physical capabilities. This further increases user acceptance and prevents users from being unable to adequately stimulate their movement through its use.

[0086] The force generated by the adjustable resistance, which counteracts the pivoting movement of the foot supports 110, 120, can be adjusted in steps or continuously.

[0087] For example, the adjustable resistance defines or sets a frictional force between surfaces that are movable relative to each other. The adjustable resistance allows the generated frictional force to be set. Similarly, the adjustable resistance defines or sets a contact pressure between surfaces that are movable relative to each other. The adjustable resistance allows the generated contact pressure to be set. The surfaces that are movable relative to each other can include, for example, surfaces rigidly connected to the foot supports 110, 120 or the structural elements 111, 121, and surfaces rigidly connected to the frame structure 130.

[0088] In exemplary embodiments, the adjustable resistance can be a braking system that generates a braking force opposing the pivoting movement of the first foot support 120 and / or the second foot support 110 relative to the frame structure 130. The braking force can be adjustable by the user. The braking system can be, for example, a disc, shoe, or drum brake.

[0089] In further embodiments, the adjustable resistance can define the frictional force within the bearings by which the first foot support 120 and / or the second foot support 110 are pivotably mounted on the frame structure 130 about the pivot axis R. The frictional force can be adjustable by the user. Preferably, the frictional force is adjustable via an element that presses an inner ring of the respective bearing relative to an outer ring of the respective bearing. The element can, for example, be a screw that elastically preloads the bearing. Possible bearings include, but are not limited to, plain bearings, in particular plastic plain bearings.

[0090] Fig. Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the leg movement device 200 with a frame structure 230 designed to be placed on a floor. The frame structure 230 is essentially identical to the frame structure 130 of the first embodiment, so the preceding description regarding the frame structure 130 applies equally to the frame structure 230 of the second embodiment. Identical elements are identified by the same reference numerals, with the exception that the first digit is indicated as "2" instead of "1" to distinguish the elements of the second embodiment.

[0091] Instead of a first and second foot support 110, 120, the leg movement device 200 has a plate-shaped foot support 200. The plate-shaped foot support 240 has a (continuous) support surface for both of the user's feet. That is, the support surface of the plate-shaped foot support 240 is dimensioned so that the user can place both feet on it. The device 200 specifically has a single, that is, only one, plate-shaped foot support 240.

[0092] The dimensions along the largest extent in one plane of the plate-shaped foot support 200 are, for example, less than 70 cm x 70 cm, less than 60 cm x 60 cm, less than 50 cm x 50 cm, or less than 45 cm x 45 cm, for example, 35 cm x 45 cm. The dimensions along the largest extent in one plane of the plate-shaped foot support 200 are, for example, greater than 10 cm x 10 cm, greater than 20 cm x 20 cm, or greater than 30 cm x 30 cm. The thickness of the plate is at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 5 cm, or at least 6 cm.

[0093] The plate-shaped foot support 240 is arranged between the support structures 231, 232 in the connection direction V. The plate-shaped foot support 240 is movably attached to the frame structure 230. In particular, the plate-shaped foot support 240 is attached to the frame structure 230 such that it is translationally movable relative to the frame structure 230. Specifically, the plate-shaped foot support 240 is translationally movable relative to the frame structure 230 in a direction towards the user and in a direction away from the user. Additionally or alternatively, the plate-shaped foot support 240 is translationally movable in directions laterally to the user relative to the frame structure 230.

[0094] The directions lateral to the user are perpendicular to the direction directed towards the user and the direction directed away from the user, respectively. The directions lateral to the user and the direction directed towards the user and the direction directed away from the user lie in the same plane, preferably a horizontal plane. This plane can be parallel to the floor on which the frame structure 230 is placed, or parallel to the bearing surface of the frame structure 230 with which the frame structure 230 is in contact with the floor.

[0095] The directions lateral to the user are identical to the connection direction V in which the support structures 231, 232 are connected to each other via the connecting element 233. The direction towards the user and the direction away from the user are perpendicular to the connection direction V. The directions lateral to the user are, for example, directions to the left and to the right as viewed from the user.

[0096] Additionally or alternatively, the plate-shaped foot support 240 can be translationally movable relative to the frame structure 230 in directions perpendicular to the directions lateral to the user and the directions towards and away from the user. The directions perpendicular to the directions lateral to the user and the directions towards and away from the user are vertical directions. For example, directions upwards and downwards as viewed from the user, i.e., a direction towards the floor (or the contact surface of the frame structure 230) and a direction away from the floor (or the contact surface of the frame structure 230).

[0097] The direction towards the user and the direction away from the user are perpendicular to the connection direction V and perpendicular to the vertical direction, i.e. to a direction towards the floor (or to the base of the frame structure 230) and a direction away from the floor (or from the base of the frame structure 230).

[0098] The plate-shaped foot support 240 is thus flexibly suspended from the frame structure 230. This allows the user more and, in particular, more complex movement options, which leads to better stimulation of movement stimuli and increases the user's acceptance of such a movement device.

[0099] The plate-shaped foot support 240 can additionally be rotatably attached to the frame structure 230 relative to the frame structure 230 in a body-fixed coordinate system. This allows for even greater versatility of movement for the user.

[0100] Body-fixed coordinate system means a coordinate system that is fixed at a predetermined position on the plate-shaped foot support 240 and moves with the plate-shaped foot support 240.

[0101] In particular, the plate-shaped foot support 240 can be rotationally movable relative to the frame structure 230 in a body-fixed coordinate system of the plate-shaped foot support 240 about an axis A2, which extends in the direction towards the user or in the direction away from the user. For example, the plate-shaped foot support 240 can tilt about axis A2 during a translational movement in a lateral direction towards the user. Additionally or alternatively, the plate-shaped foot support 240 can be rotationally movable relative to the frame structure 230 in a body-fixed coordinate system of the plate-shaped foot support 240 about an axis A1, which extends laterally towards the user.

[0102] For example, the plate-shaped foot support 240 can tilt about the axis A1 during a translational movement in a direction towards the user or in a direction away from the user.

[0103] The axes A1, A2 preferably form principal axes of the plate-shaped foot support 240. In other words, the axes A1, A2 are defined along the directions in which the plate-shaped foot support has its greatest extent.

[0104] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the plate-shaped foot support 240 is rotatably movable relative to the frame structure 230 in a body-fixed coordinate system of the plate-shaped foot support 240 about an axis that runs in a vertical direction (i.e., in a direction towards or away from the floor or the contact surface of the frame structure 230).

[0105] The movement device 200 thus enables forward, backward, sideways and diagonal displacements as well as slight pivoting of the plate-shaped foot support 240 relative to the frame structure 230. This is achieved by the user placing their feet on the support surface 242 of the plate-shaped foot support 240 and moving the plate-shaped foot support 240 using muscle power.

[0106] The plate-shaped foot support 240 is attached via several elongated structural elements 241. In the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 2 The plate-shaped foot support 240 is attached to the frame structure 230 by four structural elements 241 at four different suspension points. More structural elements 241 are possible. However, it is also conceivable that the plate-shaped foot support 240 is attached to the frame structure 230 by at least three different suspension points. This can be achieved using at least three structural elements 241. The suspension points are defined on the frame structure 230. The same number of suspension points can be provided on the plate-shaped foot support 240.

[0107] To enable versatile movement of the plate-shaped foot support 240, the elongated structural elements 241 are preferably not rigid. In particular, the structural elements 241 can be elastic or flexible (i.e., yielding) elements, especially elastic bands.

[0108] The plate-shaped foot support 240 can be attached to the frame structure 230 via the elongated structural elements 241 such that the plate-shaped foot support 240 is arranged substantially horizontally. "Horizontal" is assessed in the state in which the movement device 200 is properly placed on the floor. That is, the bearing surface 242 of the plate-shaped foot support 240 (or the surface opposite the bearing surface 242) can be arranged substantially horizontally. For example, the plate-shaped foot support 240 can be attached to the frame structure 230 such that the bearing surface 242 of the plate-shaped foot support 240 (or the surface opposite the bearing surface 242) is arranged substantially parallel to the floor on which the frame structure 230 is placed.is arranged essentially parallel to the base of the frame structure 230, with which the frame structure 230 is in contact with the floor.

[0109] The device 200 is preferably symmetrical to a plane perpendicular to the connection direction V, thereby achieving a compact, low-profile design that can be used under tables.

[0110] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a third embodiment, which is a modification of the second embodiment. Like the second embodiment, the leg movement device 200 of the third embodiment has the plate-shaped foot support 240 and the frame structure 230, to which the plate-shaped foot support 240 is movably attached relative to the frame structure 230. Only changes compared to the second embodiment are described below.

[0111] Unlike the second embodiment, the plate-shaped foot support 240 is pivotably attached to the frame structure 230 about a pivot axis R via structural elements 211. The plate-shaped foot support 230 can be rigidly or movably connected to the structural elements 211. The elongated structural elements 211 form levers that enable a guided rocking, rocking, or pendulum movement of the plate-shaped foot support 240 about the pivot axis R during use of the device 200 by the user. Preferably, the structural elements 211 are rigid elements, so that the plate-shaped foot support 240 is attached to the frame structure 230 at a fixed and unchanging distance from the pivot axis R. It is conceivable that the plate-shaped foot support 240 is attached to the frame structure 230 via one or more than two elongated structural elements 241.The plate-shaped foot support 240 is attached to the pivot axis R via at least one elongated structural element 241.

[0112] In the exemplary embodiment, the pivot axis R is made of Fig. 3 is defined by spacer elements 234, which are attached to the connecting element 233 and project from it in a direction towards the user. However, it is conceivable that the plate-shaped foot support is attached directly to the connecting element 233 via the structural elements 211. In this case, the longitudinal axis L of the connecting element 233 forms the pivot axis R.

[0113] Therefore, the description in connection with the first embodiment applies analogously to the third embodiment, with the difference that the foot supports 110, 120 are replaced by a continuous plate-shaped foot support 240.

[0114] In the second and third embodiments, the contact surface 242 of the plate-shaped foot support 240 for both of the user's feet can be uneven. For example, the contact surface 242 of the plate-shaped foot support 240 can be structured, preferably with a wave-like or studded surface. It is conceivable that the contact surface of the foot supports 110, 120 of the first embodiment is also uneven, e.g., structured, preferably with a wave-like or studded surface. For example, the foot supports 110, 120 can be designed as fascia rollers.

[0115] In this way, not only movement stimuli but also sensory stimuli can be stimulated by the movement device 100, 200. This can be particularly helpful for neurodivergent individuals with regard to concentration and self-regulation. Furthermore, the uneven or textured surface provides better support for the user's foot(s) when operating the device 100, 200.

[0116] The described movement devices 100, 200 can be used barefoot to promote the kinesthetic perception of the feet.

[0117] The leg movement devices 100, 200 described herein can have an overall height of less than 100 cm, preferably less than 90 cm, more preferably less than 80 cm, and most preferably less than 70 cm. In further embodiments, the leg movement devices 100, 200 can have an overall height of less than 60 cm or less than 55 cm. The overall height is generally defined by the frame structure 130, 230.

[0118] In this way, the motion device 100, 200 can be used under a table, thus offering a user the opportunity to stimulate their motor stimuli discreetly and without disturbing the environment, and to maintain or increase their ability to concentrate.

[0119] The device 100, 200 is in particular a device separate from a table. That is, the frame structure 230 is preferably not formed by a table.

[0120] The 100 and 200 motion devices can be used in various environments, such as schools (especially for individuals with neurodivergent needs), therapeutic facilities, office workplaces or home offices, gaming setups, situations where the user suffers from menstrual cramps, as well as in senior care settings or for individuals with limited mobility. These devices enable quiet, discreet, and continuous movements, promote concentration and blood circulation, and have a regulating effect on the nervous system.

[0121] The motion devices 100, 200 are modularly mountable and therefore adaptable in size or generally to the environment in which the device 100, 200 is to be used.

[0122] The movement devices 100, 200 can further incorporate a structured roller (e.g., a fascia roller) extending between the support structures of the frame structure 130, 230. This means that the structured roller can, for example, be rotatable or fixed to the support structures. The structured roller can, for instance, be positioned relative to the foot support(s) in the direction of the user. This can provide the user of the movement device 100, 200 with more varied movement options.

Claims

[1] Leg movement device (100) for a seated user, comprising: a first foot support (120) which has a support surface for a left foot of the user, and a second foot support (110) which has a support surface for a right foot of the user, and a frame structure (130) designed to be placed on a floor, wherein the first foot support (110) and the second foot support (120) are each pivotally mounted on the frame structure (130) about a pivot axis (R) relative to the frame structure (130), wherein the first foot support (120) is pivotable relative to the frame structure (130) independently of the second foot support (110). [2] Leg movement device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first foot support (120) and the second foot support (110) are pivotable about the same pivot axis (R) relative to the frame structure (130). [3] Leg movement device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first foot support (120) and the second foot support (110) are each attached to the frame structure (130) via at least one elongated structural element (111, 121), wherein the first foot support (120) and the second foot support (110) are each spaced from the respective pivot axis (R) via the at least one elongated structural element (111, 121). [4] Leg movement device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the frame structure (130) comprises a first support structure (131), a second support structure (132) and a connecting element (133), wherein the first support structure (131) and the second support structure (132) are spaced apart from each other and are connected to each other via the connecting element (133) along a connection direction (V), wherein the first foot support (120) and the second foot support (110) are arranged along the connection direction (V) between the first support structure (131) and the second support structure (132). [5] Leg movement device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the connecting element (133) has a longitudinal axis (L) extending along the connection direction (V), wherein the longitudinal axis (L) of the connecting element (133) forms the pivot axis about which the first foot support (120) can pivot relative to the frame structure (130), and / or the pivot axis about which the second foot support (110) can pivot relative to the frame structure (130). [6] Leg movement device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the connecting element (133) has a longitudinal axis (L) extending along the connection direction (V), wherein the frame structure (130) further comprises spacer elements (134) which are connected to the connecting element (133) and protrude from the connecting element (133), wherein the first foot support (120) is attached to at least one of the spacer elements (134) via the at least one elongated structural element (121), and wherein the second foot support (110) is attached to at least one of the spacer elements (134) via the at least one elongated structural element (111). [7] Leg movement device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the pivot axis (R) about which the first foot support (120) is pivotable relative to the frame structure (130), and / or the pivot axis (R) about which the second foot support (110) is pivotable relative to the frame structure (130), is parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the connecting element (133). [8] Leg movement device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the leg movement device (100) is symmetrically designed with respect to a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis (R) about which the first foot support (120) is pivotable relative to the frame structure (130), and / or to the pivot axis (R) about which the second foot support (110) is pivotable relative to the frame structure (130). [9] Leg movement device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a pivoting resistance of the first foot support (120) and / or the second foot support (110) is adjustable relative to the frame structure (130). [10] Leg movement device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the leg movement device (100) has a resistance adjustable to the user, wherein the resistance generates an adjustable force that opposes a pivoting movement of the first foot support (120) and / or the second foot support (110) relative to the frame structure (130). [11] Leg movement device (100) according to claim 10, wherein the force generated by the adjustable resistance is adjustable in steps or continuously. [12] Leg movement device (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the adjustable resistance defines a frictional force between surfaces movable relative to each other, wherein the frictional force is adjustable. [13] Leg movement device (100) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the adjustable resistance defines a contact pressure between surfaces movable relative to each other, wherein the contact pressure is adjustable. [14] Leg movement device (100) according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the adjustable resistance is a braking system that generates a braking force which opposes a pivoting movement of the first foot support (120) and / or the second foot support (110) relative to the frame structure (130), wherein the braking force is adjustable, or wherein the adjustable resistance defines the frictional force within a bearing by which the first foot support (120) and / or the second foot support (110) is pivotably mounted on the frame structure (130) relative to the frame structure (130), wherein the frictional force is adjustable, preferably via an element that presses an inner ring of the bearing relative to an outer ring of the bearing. [15] Leg movement device (200) for a seated user, comprising: a plate-shaped foot support (240) which has a support surface (242) for both feet of the user, and a frame structure (230) designed to be placed on a floor, wherein the plate-shaped foot support (240) is movably attached to the frame structure (230) relative to the frame structure (230). [16] Leg movement device (200) according to claim 15, wherein the plate-shaped foot support (240) is pivotable about a pivot axis (R) relative to the frame structure (230). [17] Leg movement device (200) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the plate-shaped foot support (240) is attached to the frame structure (230) via at least one elongated structural element (241), wherein the plate-shaped foot support (240) is spaced away from the pivot axis (R). [18] Leg movement device (200) according to one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the frame structure (230) comprises a first support structure (231), a second support structure (232) and a connecting element (233), wherein the first support structure (231) and the second support structure (232) are spaced apart from each other and are connected to each other via the connecting element (233) along a connection direction (V), wherein the plate-shaped foot support (240) is arranged along the connection direction (V) between the first support structure (231) and the second support structure (232). [19] Leg movement device (200) according to claim 18, wherein the connecting element (233) has a longitudinal axis (L) extending along the connection direction (V), wherein the longitudinal axis (L) of the connecting element (233) forms the pivot axis (R) about which the plate-shaped foot support (240) can pivot relative to the frame structure (230). [20] Leg movement device (200) according to claim 18, wherein the connecting element (233) has a longitudinal axis (L) extending along the connection direction (V), wherein the frame structure (230) further comprises at least one spacer element (234) which is connected to the connecting element (233) and protrudes from the connecting element (233), wherein the plate-shaped foot support (240) is attached to the at least one spacer element (234). [21] Leg movement device (200) according to claim 20, wherein the pivot axis (R) about which the plate-shaped foot support (240) is pivotable relative to the frame structure (230) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the connecting element (233). [22] Leg movement device (200) according to one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the leg movement device (200) is symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis (R) about which the plate-shaped foot support (240) is pivotable relative to the frame structure (230). [23] Leg movement device (200) according to one of claims 15 to 22, wherein a pivoting resistance of the plate-shaped foot support (240) relative to the frame structure (230) is adjustable. [24] Leg movement device (200) according to claim 23, wherein the leg movement device (200) has a resistance adjustable to the user, wherein the resistance generates an adjustable force that opposes a pivoting movement of the plate-shaped foot support (240) relative to the frame structure (230). [25] Leg movement device (200) according to claim 24, wherein the force generated by the adjustable resistance is adjustable in steps or continuously. [26] Leg movement device (200) according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the adjustable resistance defines a frictional force between surfaces movable relative to each other, wherein the frictional force is adjustable. [27] Leg movement device (200) according to one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the adjustable resistance defines a contact pressure between surfaces movable relative to each other, wherein the contact pressure is adjustable. [28] Leg movement device (200) according to one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the adjustable resistance is a braking system that generates a braking force which opposes a pivoting movement of the plate-shaped foot support (240) relative to the frame structure (230), wherein the braking force is adjustable, or wherein the adjustable resistance defines the frictional force within a bearing by which the plate-shaped foot support (240) is pivotably attached to the frame structure (240) relative to the frame structure (230), wherein the frictional force is adjustable, preferably via an element that presses an inner ring of the bearing relative to an outer ring of the bearing. [29] Leg movement device (200) according to claim 15, wherein the plate-shaped foot support (240) is attached to the frame structure (230) in a translationally movable manner relative to the frame structure (230). [30] Leg movement device (200) according to claim 29, wherein the plate-shaped foot support (240) is translationally movable in a direction towards the user and in a direction away from the user relative to the frame structure (230), and / or wherein the plate-shaped foot support (240) is translationally movable in directions laterally to the user relative to the frame structure (230). [31] Leg movement device (200) according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the plate-shaped foot support (240) is additionally rotatably attached to the frame structure (230) relative to the frame structure (230) in a body-fixed coordinate system of the plate-shaped foot support (240). [32] Leg movement device (200) according to one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the plate-shaped foot support (240) is rotatably movable relative to the frame structure (230) in a body-fixed coordinate system of the plate-shaped foot support (240) about an axis (A2) which runs in a direction towards the user or in a direction away from the user, and / or wherein the plate-shaped foot support (240) is rotatably movable relative to the frame structure (230) in a body-fixed coordinate system of the plate-shaped foot support (240) about an axis (A1) which runs in a direction laterally to the user. [33] Leg movement device (200) according to one of claims 15 and 29 to 32, wherein the plate-shaped foot support (240) is attached to the frame structure (230) via several elongated structural elements (241) at at least three, preferably at least four, different suspension points. [34] Leg movement device (200) according to claim 33, wherein the elongated structural elements (241) are elastic elements, preferably elastic bands. [35] Leg movement device (200) according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the plate-shaped foot support (240) is attached to the frame structure (230) via the elongated structural elements (241) such that the plate-shaped foot support (240) is arranged substantially horizontally. [36] Leg movement device (200) according to one of claims 29 to 35, wherein the frame structure (230) comprises a first support structure (231), a second support structure (232) and a connecting element (233), wherein the first support structure (231) and the second support structure (232) are spaced apart from each other and are connected to each other via the connecting element (233) along a connection direction (V), wherein the plate-shaped foot support (240) is arranged along the connection direction (V) between the first support structure (231) and the second support structure (232). [37] Leg movement device (200) according to claim 36, wherein the leg movement device (200) is symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to the connection direction (V). [38] Leg movement device (200) according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the plate-shaped foot support (240) is translationally movable in the connection direction (V) and / or in a direction perpendicular to the connection direction (V) relative to the frame structure (230). [39] Leg movement device (200) according to one of claims 15 to 38, wherein the support surface (242) of the plate-shaped foot support (240) is uneven. [40] Leg movement device (200) according to claim 39, wherein the support surface (242) of the plate-shaped foot support (240) is structured, preferably wave-shaped or studded. [41] Leg movement device (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the leg movement device (100, 200) has a total height of less than 100 cm, preferably less than 90 cm, more preferably less than 80 cm, most preferably less than 70 cm.

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