FOOT REST STAND

Abstract

A furniture item for suspending a user's feet comprises a suspended foot rest. The foot rest comprises a first attachment portion at a first end of the suspended foot rest and a second attachment portion at a physically opposite second end of the suspended foot rest. The first attachment portion comprises a first structural attachment member that is attached to a first pillar. The second attachment portion comprises a second structural attachment member that is attached to a second pillar. The first pillar extends upward to a first elevated portion that extends above a floor. The first elevated portion is attached to the first structural attachment. The second pillar extends upward to a second elevated portion that extends above the floor. The second elevated portion is attached to the second structural attachment. The suspended foot rest is suspended between the first pillar and the second pillar.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/362,469 filed on Jul. 14, 2016 and entitled “FOOT REST STAND,” which application is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

People spend a large amount of time sitting. For example, many people spend a majority of their days sitting at a desk within an office. Similarly, individuals often sit on chairs at home while watching TV. Sitting for long periods of time can be uncomfortable and unhealthy.

Many people find it more comfortable to sit with their feet elevated. Various furniture items have been provided to help user's raise their feet. For example, ottomans and recliners are both furniture pieces that can be used to elevate a user's feet. Many of these furniture pieces are large and heavy. The cumbersome nature of the furniture can lead users to limit the use of the furniture. Accordingly, there are improvements to be made to the art.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

BRIEF SUMMARY

At least one embodiment disclosed herein comprises a furniture item for suspending a user's feet using a suspended foot rest. The foot rest comprises a first attachment portion at a first end of the suspended foot rest and a second attachment portion at a physically opposite second end of the suspended foot rest. The first attachment portion comprises a first structural attachment member that is attached to a first pillar. The second attachment portion comprises a second structural attachment member that is attached to a second pillar. The first pillar extends upward to a first elevated portion that extends above a floor. The first elevated portion is attached to the first structural attachment. The second pillar extends upward to a second elevated portion that extends above the floor. The second elevated portion is attached to the second structural attachment. The suspended foot rest is suspended between the first pillar and the second pillar.

An additional or alternative disclosed embodiment comprises an adjustable stand for suspending a suspended foot rest. A first attachment portion comprises a first structural attachment member that is attached to a first pillar. The suspended foot rest is attached to the first structural attachment member. A second attachment portion comprises a second structural attachment member that is attached to a second pillar. The suspended foot rest is also attached to the second structural attachment member. The first pillar extends upward to a first elevated portion that extends above a floor. The first elevated portion is attached to the first structural attachment member. The first elevated portion is removable from a lower portion of the first pillar. The second pillar extends upward to a second elevated portion that extends above the floor. The second elevated portion is attached to the second structural attachment member. The second elevated portion is removable from a lower portion of the second pillar. A first furniture-mounting connector is configured to be mounted to an underside of a work surface. The first furniture-mounting connector comprises a first attachment feature configured to mount the first furniture-mounting connector to the underside of the work surface and a first pillar-receiving connector configured to receive the first upper section of the first pillar.

Additionally, at least one embodiment comprises another adjustable stand for suspending a suspended foot rest. A first attachment portion comprises a first structural attachment member that is attached to a first pillar. A suspended foot rest is attached to the first structural attachment member. A second attachment portion comprises a second structural attachment member that is attached to a second pillar. The suspended foot rest is attached to the second structural attachment member. A horizontal beam spans between the first pillar and the second pillar. The first pillar extends upward to a first elevated portion that extends above a floor. The first elevated portion is attached to the first structural attachment. The first pillar comprises a first telescoping rod extending from a first extension point integrated into the first pillar such that the first pillar is positionable in an extended position or in a contracted position. The second pillar extending upward to a second elevated portion that extends above the floor. The second elevated portion is attached to the second structural attachment. The second pillar comprises a second telescoping rod extending from a second extension point integrated into the second pillar such that the second pillar is positionable in an extended position or in a contracted position. A furniture-mounting connector is configured to be mounted to an underside of a work surface. The furniture-mounting connector comprises an attachment feature configured to mount the furniture-mounting connector to the underside of the work surface. A stand-receiving connector is configured to receive the horizontal beam that spans between the first pillar and the second pillar.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the teachings herein. Features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features can be obtained, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting in scope, embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a foot rest stand in use.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a foot rest stand.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a foot rest stand with separated pillar portions.

FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of a foot rest stand attached to a work surface.

FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of a furniture-mounting connector.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a foot rest stand.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a foot rest stand with telescoping pillars.

FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of a foot rest stand attached to a work surface.

FIG. 7B illustrates another embodiment of a furniture-mounting connector.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a foot rest stand.

FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment of a foot rest stand pillar with a first structural attachment member.

FIG. 9B illustrates an embodiment of a first attachment portion.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a foot rest stand attached to a work surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed embodiments comprise a stand that allows for suspended foot rests to function without requiring the foot rest to hang them from above, such as from the underside of a desk. As such, disclosed embodiments allow a suspended foot rest to be used anywhere with a flat surface because the suspended foot rest hangs from joints that are independent from the desk itself. Additionally, disclosed embodiment teach suspended foot rest systems that interoperate with the stand and work surfaces, such as desks. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, a foot rest stand is designed to be used in conjunction with a work surfaced-based system.

The purpose of the foot rest stand is to provide increased versatility and ease of use to end users. For example, suspended foot rests may be attachable to the bottom of a desk. However, not every desk has an underside material that is ideal for adhering a foot rest. The foot rest stand disclosed herein provides a means for users to utilize a suspended foot rest regardless of whether their desks have an ideal adherence surface. As such, a foot rest allows any user to benefit from the elevated foot rest, without regard to the availability of a hanging surface to the user.

For example, FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a foot rest stand in use. As depicted, in at least one embodiment, a foot rest stand 110 comprises a suspended foot rest 100 comprising a first attachment portion 140a at a first end of the suspended foot rest 100 and a second attachment portion 140b at an opposite second end of the suspended foot rest 100. The first attachment portion 140a and the second attachment portion 140b each comprise structural attachment members 150(a, b) that are attached to the different respective pillars 120a, 120b. For example, the structural attachment members 150(a, b) may comprise metal rings that are integrated with the top of each pillar 120(a, b). The metal rings receive webbing that is extending from the foot rest 100 such that the metal rings connect the foot rest 100 to the respective pillars 120(a, b).

As depicted, the first pillar 120a and the second pillar 120b extend upward to first and second elevated portions that extends above the floor. The foot rest stand 110 is supported by a stand 130 that is on the floor. In at least one embodiment, the stand comprises an H-brace with a beam (shown as “horizontal beam 600 in FIG. 6) connecting a first set of legs under the first pillar 120a and a second set of legs under the second pillar 120b.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a foot rest stand 110. In the depicted embodiment, the first pillar 120a comprises a first connector 200a and the second pillar 120b comprises a second connector 200b. A suspended foot rest 100 is suspending between the pillars 120(a, b). FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the foot rest stand 110 of FIG. 2 with separated pillar portions.

In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates that the first pillar 120a comprises an upper section 300a and a lower section 300b that are joined at the first connector 200a. Similarly, the second pillar 120b comprise an upper section 310a and a lower section 310b that are joined at the second connector 200b. In various embodiments, the connectors 200(a, b) join the respective upper sections 300a, 310a and lower sections 300b, 310b through a threaded connection, through a button clip connection, through a press-fit connection, or through any other connection that is suitable for joining two tubes. As such, in at least one embodiment, the upper sections 300a, 310a are wholly removable from the lower sections 300b, 310b. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the connectors 200(a, b) allow the height of the respective pillars 120(a, b) to be adjusted.

Turning now to FIG. 4A, an embodiment of a foot rest stand 110 attached to a work surface 400 is depicted. More specifically, a portion of the foot rest stand 110 that includes the upper sections 300a, 310a are attached to the underside of the work surface 400, which in this example is a desk. As used within this application, a work surface includes a desk, a table, a bench, or any other piece of furniture that comprises a surface on which a user may work.

FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of a furniture-mounting connector 405 that is used to connect the respective upper sections 300a, 310a to the work surface. The furniture-mounting connector 405 comprises an attachment feature 430 configured to mount the furniture-mounting connector to the underside of the work surface. The attachment feature 430 may comprise screw holes, nail holes, glue, tape, or any other connector that is able to permanently or semi-permanently attached the furniture-mounting connector 405 to the bottom surface of a working surface 400. The furniture-mounting connector 405 also comprises a pillar-receiving connector 410 configured to receive an upper section 300a, 310a of a pillar 120(a, b) The pillar-receiving connector 410 comprises a similar connector 420 to that which connected the respective upper sections 300a, 310a to the lower sections 300b, 310b. For example, the connector 420 may comprise a threaded connection, a button clip connection, a press-fit connection, or any other connection that is suitable for joining two tubes.

FIG. 4A depicts two furniture-mounting connectors 405(a, b) mounted to the underside of the work surface 400 through the attachment feature 430. The upper sections 300a, 310a are disposed within the pillar-receiving connectors 410 such that the suspended foot rest 100 is suspended below the working surface 400. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, portions of a foot stand 110 can be easily incorporated into a suspending foot rest system that attaches to the bottom of a working surface.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment of a foot rest stand with telescoping rods. In particular, FIG. 5 depicts the pillars at least partially extended, and FIG. 6 depicts the pillars at least partially contracted. In this depicted embodiment, the pillars 120(a, b) comprise telescoping rods extending from extension points 500(a, b) that are integrated into the pillars. As such, the pillars are each positionable in an extended position or in a contracted position. In at least one embodiment, each extension point 500(a, b) also comprises locking mechanisms integrated into the extension point that when activated prevents the telescoping of the pillars. For example, the locking mechanism may comprise a button clip connection, a threaded squeeze fit connection, a clamp, or some other mechanism that prevents the telescoping rods from extending or contracting. Further, in at least one embodiment, the locking mechanism may be variable such that the telescoping rods are lockable in multiple positions of extension or contraction. This ability to variable lock the telescoping rods may allow a user to customize the height of the foot rest stand 110.

FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of a foot rest stand 110 attached to a work surface 400 through a furniture-mounting connector 700. The furniture-mounting connector 700 is depicted in FIG. 7B. The depicted embodiment of the furniture-mounting connector is configured to be mounted to an underside of a work surface 400 through the attachment feature 720. The furniture-mounting connector 700 comprises a stand-receiving connector 710 configured to receive a horizontal beam 600 that spans between the first pillar 120a and the second pillar 120b.

As depicted in FIG. 7A, the furniture-mounting connector 700 is mounted to the underside of the work surface 400 through the attachment feature 720. The horizontal beam 600 is disposed within the stand-receiving connector 710 such that the suspended foot rest 100 is suspended below the working surface 400.

In at least one embodiment, positioning the stand-receiving connector 710 such that it opens in the direction of the user provides several benefits. For example, when using the suspended foot rest 100, a user is likely to exert a force in the direction away from the user. As such, positioning the stand-receiving connector 710 such that is opens towards the user allows the force that the user exerts to push the horizontal beam 600 more deeply into the stand-receiving connector 710.

Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the legs 730(a, b) of the foot rest stand 110 also perform a function of stabilizing the suspending foot rest 100 when it is hanging from a work surface 400. For example, forces exerted by a user onto the suspended foot rest 100 may exert a torque on the suspended foot rest 100 and foot rest stand 110. The torque may cause the foot rest stand 110 to rotate within the stand-receiving connector 710. Specifically, the torque may cause the horizontal beam 600 to rotate within the stand-receiving connector 710. This rotation may cause the horizontal beam 600 to pop out of the stand-receiving connector 710. In at least one embodiment, however, the legs 730(a, b) prevent the foot rest stand 110 from rotating while it is hanging from the bottom of the work surface 400. For example, in at least one embodiment, the legs 730(a, b) may be positioned such that when the horizontal beam is within the stand-receiving connector 710, the legs 730(a, b) are held flat against bottom surface of the working surface 400. One of skill in the art will appreciate that this configuration will limit or prevent the ability of the horizontal beam 600 to rotate within the stand-receiving connector 710.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a foot rest stand. In this depicted embodiment, the structural attachment members 150(a, b) comprise portions of side-release buckles 800(a, b). For example, the structural attachment members 150(a, b) may comprise female portions of side-release buckles 800(a, b). In contrast, the male portions of the side-release buckles 800(a, b) may be integrated into the suspended foot rest 100. For example, FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment of a foot rest stand pillar 120a with a first structural attachment member 120a in the form of a side-release buckle 800a.

FIG. 9B illustrates an embodiment of the side-release buckle 800a. The depicted side-release buckle 800a comprises a male portion 900 with at least one tab 920. The depicted male portion 900 also comprises an attachment point 930. In this embodiment, the attachment point 930 comprises a ring. However, in additional or alternative embodiments, the attachment point 930 comprises any number of different mechanisms for connecting the suspended foot rest 100 from the male portion 900. For example, the attachment point 930 may comprise a bolt, glue, tape, a tension hold, a slit, a hole, or any other suitable connection.

FIG. 9B also depicts an embodiment of a female portion 910 of the side-release buckle 800a. The depicted female portion 910 comprises at least one tab slot 940 for receiving the tab 920 of the male. The female potion 910 also comprises an attachment point slot 950 that receives the attachment point 930 without interference. For example, a suspended foot rest 100 attached to the ring, as depicted by the male portion 900, will fit within the attachment point slot 950 of the female portion 910 such that the female portion 910 does not interfere within the attachment point 910 or the suspended foot rest 100.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a foot rest stand 110 attached to a work surface 400. In the depicted embodiment, furniture-mounting connectors 1000(a, b) are configured to be mounted to an underside of a work surface 400. The furniture-mounting connectors 1000(a, b) comprise an attachment feature configured to mount the furniture-mounting connectors 1001(a, b) to the underside of the work surface 400. Additionally, each furniture-mounting connector 1001(a, b) comprises a portion of a side-release buckle 800(a, b) that is configured to receive a corresponding portion of side release buckle 800(a, b) that is integrated into the suspended foot rest 100. Additionally, FIG. 10 shows the furniture-mounting connectors 1000(a, b) mounted to the underside of the work surface 400 through the attachment feature. Additionally, as depicted the male portions of the side release buckles 800(a, b) are disposed within the female portions of a side-release buckles 800(a, b) such that the suspended foot rest 100 is suspended below the working surface 400.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A furniture item for suspending a user's feet, comprising

a suspended foot rest comprising a first attachment portion at a first end of the suspended foot rest and a second attachment portion at an opposite second end of the suspended foot rest;

the first attachment portion comprising a first structural attachment member that is attached to a first pillar;

the second attachment portion comprising a second structural attachment member that is attached to a second pillar;

the first pillar extending upward to a first elevated portion that extends above a floor, wherein the first elevated portion is attached to the first structural attachment member;

the second pillar extending upward to a second elevated portion that extends above the floor, wherein the second elevated portion is attached to the second structural attachment member;

wherein the suspended foot rest is suspended between the first pillar and the second pillar.

2. The furniture item of claim 1, wherein the foot rest comprises an interchangeable fabric hammock.

3. The furniture item of claim 1, wherein the first pillar and the second pillar comprise pipes that extend from a common base.

4. The furniture item of claim 1, wherein the first pillar comprises a first upper section and a second lower section that are joined by a connector such that the first upper section is wholly removable from the second lower section.

5. The furniture item of claim 4, further comprising:

a furniture-mounting connector configured to be mounted to an underside of a work surface, the furniture-mounting connector comprising: an attachment feature configured to mount the furniture-mounting connector to the underside of the work surface, and a pillar-receiving connector configured to receive the first upper section of the first pillar.

6. The furniture item of claim 5, further comprising:

the furniture-mounting connector mounted to the underside of the work surface through the attachment feature; and

the first upper section of the first pillar disposed within the pillar-receiving connector such that the suspended foot rest is suspended below the working surface.

7. The furniture item of claim 1, wherein the first pillar comprises a telescoping rod extending from an extension point integrated into the first pillar such that the first pillar is positionable in an extended position or in a contracted position.

8. The furniture item of claim 7, further comprising a locking mechanism integrated into the extension point that when activated prevents the telescoping of the first pillar.

9. The furniture item of claim 7, further comprising:

a furniture-mounting connector configured to be mounted to an underside of a work surface, the furniture-mounting connector comprising: an attachment feature configured to mount the furniture-mounting connector to the underside of the work surface, and a stand-receiving connector configured to receive a horizontal beam that spans between the first pillar and the second pillar.

10. The furniture item of claim 9, further comprising:

the furniture-mounting connector mounted to the underside of the work surface through the attachment feature; and

the horizontal beam disposed within the stand-receiving connector such that the first suspended foot rest is suspended below the working surface.

11. The furniture item of claim 1, wherein the first structural attachment member comprises a first portion of a side-release buckle.

12. The furniture item of claim 11, wherein the first attachment portion comprises a second portion of a side release buckle and the second portion of the side release buckle is integrated into the suspended foot rest.

13. The furniture item of claim 12, further comprising:

a furniture-mounting connector configured to be mounted to an underside of a work surface, the furniture-mounting connector comprising: an attachment feature configured to mount the furniture-mounting connector to the underside of the work surface, and another first portion of a side-release buckle configured to receive the second portion of the side release buckle that is integrated into the suspended foot rest.

14. The furniture item of claim 13, further comprising:

the furniture-mounting connector mounted to the underside of the work surface through the attachment feature; and

the second portion of the side release buckle disposed within the other first portion of a side-release buckle such that the suspended foot rest is suspended below the working surface.

15. An adjustable stand for suspending a suspended foot rest, comprising

a first attachment portion comprising a first structural attachment member that is attached to a first pillar, wherein a suspended foot rest is attached to the first structural attachment member;

a second attachment portion comprising a second structural attachment member that is attached to a second pillar, wherein the suspended foot rest is attached to the second structural attachment member;

the first pillar extending upward to a first elevated portion that extends above a floor, wherein: the first elevated portion is attached to the first structural attachment, and the first elevated portion is removable from a lower portion of the first pillar;

the second pillar extending upward to a second elevated portion that extends above the floor, wherein: the second elevated portion is attached to the second structural attachment, and the second elevated portion is removable from a lower portion of the second pillar; and

a first furniture-mounting connector configured to be mounted to an underside of a work surface, the first furniture-mounting connector comprising: a first attachment feature configured to mount the first furniture-mounting connector to the underside of the work surface, and a first pillar-receiving connector configured to receive the first upper section of the first pillar.

16. The furniture item of claim 15, further comprising a second furniture-mounting connector configured to be mounted to an underside of a work surface, the second furniture-mounting connector comprising:

a second attachment feature configured to mount the second furniture-mounting connector to the underside of the work surface, and

a second pillar-receiving connector configured to receive the second upper section of the second pillar.

17. The furniture item of claim 15, further comprising:

the first furniture-mounting connector mounted to the underside of the work surface through the first attachment feature;

the first upper section of the first pillar disposed within the first pillar-receiving connector such that the first structural attachment member is suspended below the working surface;

the second furniture-mounting connector mounted to the underside of the work surface through the second attachment feature;

the second upper section of the second pillar disposed within the second pillar-receiving connector such that the second structural attachment member is suspended below the working surface.

18. An adjustable stand for suspending a suspended foot rest, comprising

a first attachment portion comprising a first structural attachment member that is attached to a first pillar, wherein a suspended foot rest is attached to the first structural attachment member;

a second attachment portion comprising a second structural attachment member that is attached to a second pillar, wherein the suspended foot rest is attached to the second structural attachment member;

a horizontal beam spanning between the first pillar and the second pillar

the first pillar extending upward to a first elevated portion that extends above a floor, wherein: the first elevated portion is attached to the first structural attachment, and the first pillar comprises a first telescoping rod extending from a first extension point integrated into the first pillar such that the first pillar is positionable in an extended position or in a contracted position;

the second pillar extending upward to a second elevated portion that extends above the floor, wherein: the second elevated portion is attached to the second structural attachment, and the second pillar comprises a second telescoping rod extending from a second extension point integrated into the second pillar such that the second pillar is positionable in an extended position or in a contracted position; and

a furniture-mounting connector configured to be mounted to an underside of a work surface, the furniture-mounting connector comprising: an attachment feature configured to mount the furniture-mounting connector to the underside of the work surface, and a stand-receiving connector configured to receive the horizontal beam that spans between the first pillar and the second pillar.

19. The furniture item of claim 18, further comprising:

the furniture-mounting connector mounted to the underside of the work surface through the attachment feature; and

the horizontal beam disposed within the stand-receiving connector such that the first structural attachment member is suspended below the working surface.

20. The furniture item of claim 18, wherein the stand-receiving connector comprises a pipe snap.