Footrest

Abstract

The present invention relates to a footrest that is removably securable to a chair. In this regard, the footrest is removably securable to a chair leg, chair cylinder or chair post column.

Description

TITLEFootrestFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of ergonomics. Particularly, the present invention relates to a footrest. Most particularly, the present invention relates to a footrest releasably securable to a chair.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Any reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

[0003] As many jobs are now located in an office, a person may spend a significant amount of time in their working day sitting. As such, it is important to ensure that a person is comfortable during the workday. In this regard, ensuring appropriate foot orientation is an important aspect to ensure that a person is comfortable. Failure to do so may lead to aches, pains and strain.

[0004] One presently available option for ensuring that a person is somewhat comfortable during the workday is height adjustable chairs. In this regard, a person can adjust the height of their chair such that they have a comfortable leg position. Adjustment of the height must also take into consideration the surrounding area. For instance, the height of the table and / or computer will also play a part in the height adjustment.

[0005] In some instances, adjustable chairs cannot be lowered to a sufficient height to facilitate comfortable height whilst maintaining the desired location / height of the work surface. In these situations, a person will need to sacrifice either the relative height of the work surface or foot orientation.

[0006] It would be advantageous to address one or more of the above issues and / or to provide the consumer with a commercial alternative to the presently available solutions.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In a first aspect, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest aspect, the invention resides in a footrest for a chair comprising: a footrest platform; and a chair connection portion connected to the footrest platform.

[0008] In one embodiment, the chair connection portion comprises a clamping assembly. In an embodiment, the clamping assembly comprises a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion which cooperate to releasably secure to the chair. In embodiments, the first clamping portion is connected or forms part of the footrest platform. In embodiments, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion together form an aperture that is sized and dimensioned to receive a chair leg and / or chair cylinder. In one embodiment, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion form a circular aperture.

[0009] In an embodiment, the footrest suitably further comprises one or more wheels. In some embodiments, the wheels comprise or are casters.

[0010] In embodiments, the footrest platform comprises at least one caster securing portion. In an embodiment, the footrest platform comprises a pair of caster securing portions. In an embodiment, the caster securing portions are located at distal corners of the footrest platform.

[0011] In one embodiment, each caster securing portion comprises one or more aperture(s) and / or blind hole(s) adapted to secure a respective caster. In an embodiment, the aperture(s) and / or blind hole(s) are female threaded apertures adapted to receive a male threaded portion of a caster. In one embodiment, the casters depend from a second surface of the footrest platform. In an embodiment, in use, the caster suitably abut the ground to provide support thereto. In one embodiment, the caster(s) are adjustable in height or length.

[0012] In one embodiment, the footrest platform comprises at least one support leg. In an embodiment, the at least one support is adjustable in height or length.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the footrest platform further comprises an elongate portion. In an embodiment, the elongate portion is suitably connected to the first connection portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, the chair is an office chair. In an embodiment, the chair is a swivel chair.

[0015] In one embodiment, the footrest when used in forming an adjustable platform with a chair. In another embodiment, the footrest when used in forming an adjustable platform for an office chair.

[0016] In a second aspect, the invention resides in a method of securing a footrest on a chair comprising: providing a footrest comprising a footrest platform, and a chair connection portion connected to the footrest platform; securing the chair connection portion to the chair; to thereby secure the footrest on a chair.

[0017] The footrest and components thereof may be as substantially described herein for the first aspect.

[0018] The various features and embodiments of the present invention referred to in the individual sections above and in the description which follows apply, as appropriate, to other sections, mutatis mutandis. Consequently, features specified in one section may be combined with features specified in other sections as appropriate.

[0019] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a personskilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:FIG 1 shows a schematic of the present footrest;FIG 2 shows another schematic of the present footrest;FIG 3 shows the present footrest with exemplary dimensions;FIG 4 shows the present footrest secured to an office chair;FIG 5 shows another embodiment of the present footrest;FIG 6 shows another view of the embodiment shown in FIG 5;FIG 7 shows an embodiment of the chair connection portion in the closed configuration; andFIG 8 shows an embodiment of the chair connection portion the open configuration;FIG 9 shows an embodiment of the footrest platform;FIG 10 shows an embodiment of the footpad;FIG 11 shows an embodiment of the male threaded elongate member of the caster;FIG 12 shows an embodiment of the male threaded elongate member engaging the female threaded aperture or blind hole; andFIG 13 shows another embodiment of the footrest.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention reside primarily in a footrest. Accordingly, the assembly, device, apparatus or method steps have been illustrated in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary for understanding the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to obscure the disclosure with excessive detail that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present description.

[0022] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order.

[0023] Words such as “comprises” or “includes” are intended to define a nonexclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed, including elements that are inherent to such an assembly, method, article, or apparatus.

[0024] As used herein, the term ‘about’ means the amount is nominally the number following the term ‘about’ but the actual amount may vary from this precise number to an unimportant degree.

[0025] The present invention is predicated on the finding that the present footrest can be retrofitted to existing chairs to provide a footrest for a user. The present footrest can be adjusted, removed and refitted to chairs according to the user’s preference. The footrest provides a platform for a user’s feet that can be adjusted in height based on the users leg length. The present invention addresses one or more to issues mentioned hereinabove.

[0026] Shown in FIGs 1-3 are the present footrest in a schematic form. The footrest 100 comprises a footrest platform 110 and a chair connection portion 120. The chair connection portion 120 is connected to the footrest platform 110. The chair connection portion 120 is adapted to releasably secure to a chair.

[0027] The chair connection portion 120 comprises a clamping assembly or mechanism adapted to releasably secure to the chair. In the embodiment shown, the clamping assembly comprises a first clamping portion 121 and a second clamping portion 122 which cooperate to releasably secure to the chair.

[0028] The first clamping portion 121 is suitably connected or forms part of the footrest platform 110. It will be appreciated that the first clamping portion may be directly or indirectly connected to the footrest platform. In the embodiment shown, the second clamping portion 122 is provided as a discrete component relative to the first clamping portion 121. However, it will be appreciated that thefirst clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion may be connected to one another to facilitate location thereof to the chair. For instance, the second clamping portion may be connected at one end to the first clamping portion.

[0029] As mentioned above, the first clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion 122 together cooperate to releasably secure to the chair. In the embodiment shown, the first clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion 122 together form an aperture that is sized and dimensioned to receive a chair leg and / or chair cylinder. The aperture is sized and shaped to be reciprocal to the chair leg and / or chair cylinder. In the embodiment shown, the first clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion 122 together form a circular aperture adapted to receive a chair cylinder or chair post column. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the aperture may be any shape and size as the chair leg, chair cylinder and / or chair post column dimension can vary. In one embodiment, the present footrest may be provided with an insert such that it may be fitted in the aperture formed by the first clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion 122 to accommodate a smaller diameter chair cylinder or chair leg.

[0030] Shown in FIG 3 is a schematic of the present footrest 100. The first clamping portion 121 suitably comprises one or more apertures 121a therethrough. In the embodiment shown, the first clamping portion 121 comprises a pair of apertures 122a therethrough. The second clamping portion 122 suitably comprises one or more apertures therethrough. The first clamping portion 121 and second clamping portion 122 are adapted to receive a tensioning device therethrough. The tensioning device is adapted to apply clamping force between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion. In one embodiment, the tensioning device is suitably a nut and bolt. Alternatively, a tensioning clip may be utilized with the present clamping portions.

[0031] The apertures 121a and 122a align to receive the tensioning device therein. The tensioning device can then apply pressure to the first clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion 122 to securely retain the chair leg,chair cylinder or chair post column therebetween. In one embodiment, one or both of the apertures 121a, 122a may be threaded.

[0032] The footrest platform 110 comprises a first surface and a second surface. In one embodiment, the second surface opposes the first surface. The first surface is suitably a surface for resting the foot thereon. In an embodiment, the second surface suitably faces the ground. In one embodiment, the first surface is substantially planar. In another embodiment, the second surface is substantially planar. In another embodiment, the first surface may be contoured for comfort. In an embodiment, the second surface may be provided with contours to provide further support and strength to the footrest.

[0033] The footrest suitably further one or more comprises wheels. In one embodiment, the wheels comprises or are casters 140. In one embodiment, footrest platform comprises at least one caster securing portion 123a. In an embodiment, the footrest platform comprises a pair of caster securing portions 123a. Each caster securing portion 123a suitably comprises one or more aperture(s) and / or blind hole(s) adapted to secure a respective caster 140. In an embodiment, the apertures or blind hole(s) are optionally female threaded apertures adapted to receive a male threaded portion of a caster 140. Alternatively, the caster securing portion 123a is adapted to receive a securing portion of the caster 140. In one embodiment, the casters 140 depend from the second surface. In this regard, in use, the casters 140 suitably abut the ground to provide support thereto. In an embodiment, the aperture and / or blind hole(s) are or comprise a solid female hole that is adapted to receive a male pintal pin or other retaining device.

[0034] As shown, the caster securing portions 123a are located at or adjacent distal corners of the footrest platform. This provides a stable base when the casters 140 abut the floor.

[0035] In one embodiment, the footrest suitably comprises formations or detents adapted to receive or abut the base of an office chair. The second surface of the footrest platform suitably comprises or has the formation or detents.

[0036] The footrest platform 110 may further comprise an elongate portion 130. The elongate portion 130 is suitably connected to the first connection portion 121. The elongate portion 130 suitably has a smaller width than the rest of the footrest portion 110. The elongate portion 130 allows the footrest to extend further out without being cumbersome. It will be appreciated that the elongate portion vary in thickness. In this regard, in one embodiment, the elongate portion may be thicker than the chair connection portion and the footrest platform to minimize flexing and rocking.

[0037] In one embodiment, the chair is an office chair. In an embodiment, the chair is a swivel chair.

[0038] In one embodiment, the footrest when used in forming an adjustable platform with a chair. In another embodiment, the footrest when used in forming an adjustable platform for an office chair.

[0039] In use, the chair connection portion 120 of the footrest is secured to a chair leg, chair cylinder or chair post column. Prior to securement thereto, the elevation of the footrest can be adjusted to suit the user. The orientation of the footrest may also be adjusted prior to securement. Furthermore, a user can simply release the chair connection portion of the footrest to the chair leg, chair cylinder or chair post column, adjust the height and orientation thereof and tighten or secure the chair connection portion again. This is particularly useful when another person is utilizing the chair. In this regard, it will be appreciated that a taller person may not necessarily require the footrest and so, in this situation, the footrest can be orientated out of the way (e.g., behind the chair such that it does not hinder this user). FIG 4 shows the present footrest 100 securely connected to an office chair 900.

[0040] The casters 140 or wheels can simply be connected or secured to the caster securing portion 123a.

[0041] Shown in FIGs 5 to 7 are another embodiment of the footrest. For ease of description, the same numbering system has been utilized as the footrest described in FIGS 1 to 4 for ease of description. In this regard, thedescription hereinabove is equally applicable to the embodiment shown in FIGs 5 to 7.

[0042] The main differences between the footrest 100 of FIGs 5 to 7 and that of FIGs 1 to 4 is the chair connection portion 120, and the provision of support legs instead of wheels and / or casters. In one embodiment, the support legs are adjustable. In one embodiment, the support legs are suitably telescopic and a retaining method can be utilized to maintain the position and length of the support legs. It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that any method of extending the support legs and retaining them may be utilized with the present invention.

[0043] The footrest 100 of FIGs 5 to 7 also further comprises a footpad 150 adapted to be connected or removably attached to the footrest platform 110. In one embodiment, the footpad 150 is adapted to be connected to the first surface of the footrest platform 110. The footpad 150 provides a cushioning for the foot or feet of a user. It will be appreciated that the footpad 150 comprises a first attachment portion that is complementary to a second attachment portion of the footrest platform 110. In one embodiment, the first surface comprises the second attachment portion. In one embodiment, the first attachment portion of the footpad comprises or is a protrusion and the second attachment portion of the footrest platform comprises or is a complementary recess. In one embodiment, the first attachment portion of the footpad and the second attachment portion of the footrest platform are friction fit or held together by friction. It will be appreciated that the footpad may comprise a plurality of first attachment portions and the footrest platform may comprise a plurality of second attachment portions. In this regard, the first attachment portion(s) and second attachment portion(s) are complementary and aligned. In an embodiment, the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion together form a push-fit assembly. In one embodiment, the footpad is formed of a deformable material. In one embodiment, the footpad is formed of rubber, plastic or polymer.

[0044] In another embodiment, the footpad 150 is or comprises a vibrating assembly or device. The vibrating assembly or device is adapted to vibrate and / or provide vibration to the footpad. This provides the user a form of comfortto help assist with aches and / or stiffness. In one embodiment, the vibrating assembly or device may be actuated by a switch and / or a remote control.

[0045] Shown in FIG 9 is an embodiment of the footrest platform 110, and shown in FIG 10 is an embodiment of the footpad 150. As shown, the footrest platform 110 comprises ribs extending longitudinally and latitudinally 115. The footrest platform 110 further comprises a plurality of first attachment portions (shown by arrows).

[0046] In one embodiment, the footrest platform 110 is suitably ribbed to provide further structure thereto. In an embodiment, the footrest platform 110 comprises ribs 115 therein to provide structural reinforcement thereto.

[0047] The footpad 150 comprises the second attachment portions 151 that are complementary to the first attachment portions of the footrest platform. The footpad 150 may further comprise ribs extending longitudinally and latitudinally 155. It will be appreciated that the footpad may be sized and dimensioned to fit over the entire footrest platform, or a part thereof.

[0048] The footrest platform may be further provided with a depression on an underside thereof. The depression is suitably sized and located such that it mates or receives the hoop on bar type chairs or stools. This provides further support to the footrest.

[0049] As shown in FIGs 5 to 7, the chair connection portion 120 comprises a first clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion 122 which together cooperate to releasably secure to the chair. In the embodiment shown, the first clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion 122 together form an aperture that is sized and dimensioned to receive a chair leg and / or chair cylinder. The aperture is sized and shaped to be reciprocal to the chair leg and / or chair cylinder. In the embodiment shown, the first clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion 122 together form a circular aperture adapted to receive a chair cylinder or chair post column. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the aperture may be any shape and size as the chair leg, chair cylinder and / or chair post column dimension can vary. FIG 7 shows anembodiment of the chair connection portion in the closed configuration; and FIG 8 shows an embodiment of the chair connection portion the open configuration.

[0050] In one embodiment, the chair connecting portion can be configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0051] The first clamping portion 121 and the second clamping portion 122 are suitably hingedly connected to one another by a hinging assembly or mechanism 125.

[0052] In the embodiment shown, the footrest is suitably provided with support and / or legs 112. As shown, the support and / or legs 112 are located at or adjacent distal corners of the footrest platform 110. This provides a stable base when the casters 140 abut the floor.

[0053] In another embodiment, such as that shown in Figure 13, the support and / or legs 112 are located adjacent distal corners of the footrest platform 110. In this regard, as shown, the legs 112 are located further inwards of the distal edge of the footrest platform. The inventors postulate that this encourages further stability when the footrest is in use.

[0054] It will be appreciated that the height of the caster is adjustable. In one embodiment, the caster may be provided with a male threaded elongate member that can be a female threaded aperture or blind hole of the footrest platform. In this regard, the female threaded aperture is located on an underside thereof. The threaded nature of the male elongate member allows for the height of the caster to be adjusted such that footrest is sufficiently stably supported at variable heights. Shown in FIG 11 is an embodiment of the male threaded elongate member 160 of the caster. The male threaded elongate member 160 suitably comprises an outer male thread 161. The male threaded elongate member further comprises a lip 162 adapted engage the footrest platform. The lip 162 suitably engage the footrest platform such that it prevents the male threaded elongate member from extending too far into the female threaded aperture. Shown in FIG 12 is an embodiment of the male threaded elongate member 160 engaging the female threaded aperture 165 or blind hole. The female threadedaperture 165 may comprise female threaded along the entire aperture or blind hole or partially therealong.

[0055] In one embodiment, the footrest platform is integrally formed.

[0056] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment.

[0057] As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A footrest for a chair comprising: a footrest platform; and a chair connection portion connected to the footrest platform, wherein the chair connection portion is adapted to removably secure to a chair.

2. The footrest of claim 1, where the chair connection portion comprises a clamping assembly.

3. The footrest of claim 2, wherein the clamping assembly comprises a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion which cooperate to releasably secure to the chair.

4. The footrest of claim 3, wherein the first clamping portion is connected or forms part of the footrest platform.

5. The footrest of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion together form an aperture that is sized and dimensioned to receive a chair leg and / or chair cylinder.

6. The footrest of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more wheels.

7. The footrest of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising supports and / or legs.

8. The footrest of claim 7, wherein the supports and / or legs are located at or adjacent distal corners of the footrest platform.

9. The footrest of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an elongate portion that connects the footrest platform to the chair connection portion.

10. The footrest of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a footpad.

11. The footrest of claim 10, wherein the footpad comprises a vibrating assembly or device12. The footrest of claim 11, wherein the footpad is removably attachable to the footrest platform.

13. The footrest of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the footrest platform comprises ribs extending longitudinally and / or latitudinally.

14. The footrest of any one of the preceding claims, when used in forming an adjustable platform with a chair.

15. The footrest of claim 14, wherein the chair is an office chair and / or a swivel chair.

16. A method of securing a footrest on a chair comprising: providing a footrest comprising a footrest platform, and a chair connection portion connected to the footrest platform; securing the chair connection portion to the chair; to thereby secure the footrest on a chair,

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