US20190075927A1

US20190075927A1 - Foot Ledge

Info

Publication number: US20190075927A1
Application number: US16/125,223
Authority: US
Inventors: Vincent R. Corneau
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-09-09
Filing date: 2018-09-07
Publication date: 2019-03-14

Abstract

The present invention is a foot ledge that, in some aspects, allows a user to hold a foot or heel at a generally fixed position nearer to their body's core. Some embodiments of the invention include a cover, housing a slidably received ledge and end cap assembly that provides a surface for a user's foot or heel. In some examples, a user's body weight can be used to provide the stability needed to use the device and keep the ledge in a relatively stable position. In other examples, hooks or straps can be used to keep the device in place, allowing a user to position themselves at will relative to the foot ledge,

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/606,056 filed Sep. 9, 2017 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/707,288 filed Oct. 28, 2017, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INTEREST

The present inventive concepts generally relate to the need to hold your foot close to your body core and stationary.

BACKGROUND

The inventor has back problems and at times severe mobility limitations which has made it impossible to tend to his own needs, creating the need for the current invention. Putting his socks on or tending to his feet has put him into more pain at times. He has perfected the invention at his home to bring as much relief in this area as possible.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present inventive concepts a foot ledge comprises of a cover, ledge and end cap. The endcap is attached to the ledge which is housed within the cover. The cover is positioned between your mattresses/seat. While not in use the ledge is hidden inside the cover and the endcap is flush with the mattress/seat. When in use the user sits directly over the ledge between the mattress/seat and pulls out the ledge by pulling on the endcap by using gravity to the desired length. Their body weight acts as leverage for the weight of their foot on the ledge. The user lifts up their leg and positions their heel at the end of the ledge. The ledge keeps the user's foot stationary, via the heel or sole, while bringing it closer to them to reach their foot. When user is finished they push the endcap and the ledge slides back into the cover and the foot ledge becomes flush with the edge of the mattress and hidden until next use.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the invention uses the natural gravity of the user to give support to hold the foot up by the counter weight on the ledge which pushes the inside end up to the sheath under the mattresses/seat being held down by the users body weight.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a foot ledge includes a container comprising a plurality of springs placed within the container to exert an outward slide to the ledge residing within the container and coupled to each spring; when pressure exerted to the end cap it pushes the ledge inward unlocking small tabs and releasing springs which pushes the ledge outward from the force of the springs, pushing the endcap and ledge back into the cover locks the tabs and springs back into place.
According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledge with a cover comprising an electronic on/of f button which runs a motor which connects to the ledge. The button pressed once electronically moves the ledge out pressed again will electronically move the ledge back into the case.
According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledge with a cover comprising a remote electronic onloff button which runs a motor which connects to the ledge. The button pressed once electronically moves the ledge out pressed again will electronically move the ledge back into the case.
According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledge with an endcap at the end of the ledge comprising an electronic on/off button which runs electronic sliders down the sides of the ledge encased in the cover. The button pressed once opens the ledge pressed again will close the ledge.
According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledge with a cover comprising an oval hole that runs the length of it which the ledge is connected by a concave groove which holds a round metal marble that runs the length of the cover to slide the ledge in and out of the cover by using the handle and sliding the ledge.
According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledge with a ledge comprising a heel spot near the end cap which serves as a guide to rest your heel.
According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledge with a ledge comprising a hole or on the heel target spot the close to the end cap.
According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledge with a heel spot comprising a surface that is textured and/or roughened.
According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledge with a heel spot that is square in shape.
According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledge with a hole heel spot comprising a fluffy insert that can be used, for example, for added comfort.
According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledge with a heel spot comprising a hole with a gel insert that can be used, for example, for added comfort.
According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledge with a hole heel spot comprising a sterile insert on a surface that can be used, for example, for health safety.
According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledge with an endcap at the end of the ledge configured as a handle to, for example, slide the ledge in and out of the cover.
According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledge with an endcap at the end of the ledge configured as a protective slip guard.
According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledge with an endcap at the end of the ledge that is rounded and is configured as a round protective slip guard.
According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledge with an endcap at the end of the ledge further comprising grooves with finer indents configured to provide, for example, comfort grip.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the ledge has a curved teardrop shape as one example of many types and shapes at the end to embrace the foot of the user.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the ledge further comprises a surface with a roughened surface for slip resistance.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the ledge comprises a hole in the heel spot to drop the heel into ledge.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the ledge comprises a surface with a roughened surface for slip resistance.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the cover further comprises portable clamps facing the end to hook onto a chair or sitting apparatus for portable use according to an exemplary embodiment.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the optional portable clamps could be substituted by but not limited to adjustable straps.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the portable clamps could be substituted by but not limited to adjustable cables.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an end cap and ledge encased in a cover, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an end cap, ledge and cover, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a ledge not encased in a cover

FIG. 4 illustrates a cover without a ledge encased inside

FIG. 5 illustrates the front view of the end cap attached to the ledge not encased in a cover

FIG. 6A illustrates the front view of the case without a ledge encased on the inside

FIG. 6B illustrates the back view of the case

FIG. 7A illustrates the side view of a box spring and mattress where in the foot ledge cover is between them the ledge is slid out and a person is resting their heel in the heel spot.

FIG. 7B illustrates the side view of a chair where in the foot ledge cover is between the chair cushion the ledge is slid out and a person is resting their heel in the heel spot.

FIG. 8A illustrates an end cap and ledge encased in a cover, with portable clamps facing the end to hook onto a chair or sitting apparatus for portable use according to an exemplary embodiment

FIG. 8B illustrates an exploded perspective view of an end cap and ledge, with portable clamps facing the end to hook onto a chair or sitting apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment

FIG. 8C illustrates the front view of the case without a ledge encased on the inside with the portable clamps facing the rear to hook onto a chair or sitting apparatus.

FIG. 8D illustrates the back view of the case with the portable clams facing open to hook onto a chair or sitting apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
In FIG. 1 is an exemplary foot ledge 10 constructed according to the disclosure herein. The foot ledge 10 comprises a ledge 200 that can be positioned for users to place a heel of a foot upon a surface of the ledge 200 to assist in robing or disrobing. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 is hidden in some modes and can be slidably fixed to a cavity defined by a cover 100. The foot ledge 10 can be held in position relative to a user using a user's weight. In some embodiments, the cover 100 is configured to carry all or part of a user's weight to anchor the foot ledge 10. With the cover 100 anchored in place by a user's weight, a user is able to shift a portion of weight to the ledge 200 while maintaining balance.
The ledge 200 can be configured in a number of ways to securely hold a user's heel. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 can merely be a substantially flat surface, relying on the user's heel weight and friction to maintain the position of a user's heel. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 can comprise a non-skid surface on at least one surface to increase a user's heel's resistance to motion. In some embodiments, a heel spot 210 can be included in the ledge 200 comprising a hole or depression in the ledge 200 configured to hold a user's heel.
In FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary foot ledge 10 constructed according to the disclosure herein. The foot ledge 10 comprises a ledge 200 that can be positioned for users to place a heel of a foot upon a surface of the ledge 200 to assist in robing or disrobing. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 is hidden in some modes and can be slightly fixed to a cavity defined by a cover 100. The foot ledge 10 can be held in position relative to a user using a user's weight. In some embodiments, the cover 100 is configured to carry all or part of a user's weight to anchor the foot ledge 10. With the cover 100 anchored in place by a user's weight, a user is able to shift a portion of weight to the ledge 200 while maintaining balance. The ledge 200 can be configured in a number of ways to securely hold a user's heel. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 can merely be a substantially flat surface, relying on the user's heel weight and friction to maintain the position of a user's heel. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 can comprise a non-skid surface on at least one surface to increase a user's heel's resistance to motion. In some embodiments, a heel spot 210 can be included in the ledge 200 comprising a hole or depression in the ledge 200 configured to hold a user's heel.
FIG. 3 illustrates a ledge 200 which is not encased in a cover 100. The ledge 200 can be configured in a number of ways to securely hold a user's heel. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 can have a hole 210 that the heel falls into to securely encasing the heel so it is surrounded. In other embodiments, a pad of sterile nature or not can be added to the hole of the ledge 200 to keep the heel clean from germs. The ledge can be configured in a number of ways to securely hold a user's heel. The ledge 200 has a stop line 220 which is a gauge when the ledge 200 is encased in a case 100 and full embodiment this gauge line helps the user know how far to slide the ledge 200 out of the case 100. The ledge is to support a user who needs assistance due to back pain and leg pain but not limited to those pains to put their socks on and take their socks off or robing and disrobing in the likes becoming more mobile and independent. As well the end cap 300 is to direct the ledge 200 slide ability to be encased in the case 300 or not encased and ready for the user to lift their foot too.
FIG. 4 illustrates a cover 100 without a ledge encased inside. In some embodiments the cover with the ledge encased as an exemplary foot ledge 10 is positioned between cushions underneath the user's body while they are in a sitting position to hold the foot ledge 10 in place. The cover 100 encases the ledge 200 and in some embodiments held between mattresses but not limited to and to assist the ledge 200 which is positioned for users to place a heel of a foot upon to robe and disrobe.
FIG. 5 illustrates the front view of the end cap 300 attached to the ledge 200 not encased in a cover 300. The end cap to be used yet not solely as an easy grip for the user who has positioned the exemplary foot ledge 10 underneath them & out of sight between but not limited to mattresses. The end cap 300 serves as a focus point for the user to engage the ledge and slide it from the encasement of the case 100 to the desired position using the stop gauge 220 as a guide. Once the user has positioned their heel in the heel spot and the exemplary foot ledge 10 is in operation the end cap 300 also serves as a stopper if the user heel is sliding the end cap 300 will serve as a barricade and a way for the user to continue to hold their balance. The end cap is also put into use when the user is done using the exemplary foot ledge 10 and the user touches the end cap 300 sliding back into the cover 100 leaving the ledge 200 encased and out of view and the end cap 300 becomes flush with encasement for which it is stored while in use and not in use.
FIG. 6A illustrates the front view of the case 100 without a ledge encased on the inside. The case is the enclosure for the ledge 200 and runs flush with the end cap 300. The encasement is able to withstand the weight of its user entrapped between cushions of a mattress but not limited too. The cover also serves as the protector for the ledge 200 which relies on the space of the cover to slide in and out of and serve the user as a ledge to hold their foot on and aid in putting their socks on but not limited to dressing and undressing. The exemplary foot ledge 10 also serves as a whole aid it's user in tending to their feet's and toes needs not limited to hygiene and self-care.
FIG. 6B illustrates the back view of the case 100 without a ledge on the inside. The case which is the protection for the encased ledge to slide in and out of it's important that the back be enclosed to hold the pressure and gravity of the user while in use.
FIG. 7A illustrates the side view of the embodiment of the foot ledge 10 the user positioned the cover 100 which has the ledge 200 extracted in between a box spring and mattress 400. The user 500 has lifted their foot up to the ledge 200 and has positioned their heel 510 on the heel spot 210 which is slid out to the stop line 220. The user 500 is able to shift their weight and legs to adjust their needs once they have found purpose in its use. The end cap 300 is engaged as both a boundary and a handle as well as the heel spot 210 which is stable under the exchange between the ledge 200 within the cover 100 and the cover entrapped in the mattresses but not limited to which is held by the user's weight and balance. If a user's heel 510 slips out of the heel spot 210, an end cap 300 with a raised edge can catch the user's heel 510 and prevent injury.
FIG. 7B Illustrates the side view of the embodiment of the foot ledge 10 the user positioned the cover 100 which has the ledge 200 extracted in between chair cushions 410. The user 500 has lifted their foot up to the ledge 200 and has positioned it's heel 510 on the heel spot 210 which is slid out to the stop line 220. The user is able to shift their weight and legs to adjust their needs once they have found purpose in its use. At times in this position the user may use the embodiment of the foot ledge 10 to tend to their foot's needs akin but not limited to nail cutting, medical or non-medical creams and polish. The user may have another person beyond the endcap serving some of these needs not limited by the independent nature of the embodiment of the foot ledge 10 as a whole. Its use can serve more than one user not being limited definition by its support of the user alone for its independent nature. The end cap 300 is always engaged as both a boundary and a handle when extracted and in use. The heel spot 210 which is stable under the exchange between the ledge 200 within the cover 100 as well as the cover which is entrapped in the mattresses but not limited mattresses alone withstanding the weight and balance which to hold the foot and heel up.
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an exemplary foot ledge 10 constructed according to the disclosure herein. The foot ledge 10 comprises a ledge 200 which is still encased that can be positioned for users to place a heel 510 of a foot upon a surface of the ledge 200 to assist in robing or disrobing or tending to the hygiene of the foot but not limited too. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 is hidden in some modes and can be slidably fixed to a cavity defined by a cover 100. The foot ledge 10 can be held in position by two portable clamps 600 which attaches to the end of a chair 420 or anything resembling but not limited to akin to straps or anything which securely fastens the cover 100 to the chair while distributing the weight of the heel 510 to the cover 100. Relative to a user the user's weight in some embodiments, the cover 100 is configured to carry all or part of a user's weight to anchor the foot ledge 10 through the transfer of foot weight and the portable clamps 600 distributed against top of the cover 100 and the chair 420. With the cover 100 anchored in place by the portable clamps 600, a user is able to shift a portion of weight to the ledge 200 while maintaining balance in virtually any environment that the portable clamps 600 or the embodiment of the like straps or anything connector that can be sized to fit a chair 420 or bench or an embodiment of a chair 420 or bench. The ledge 200 can be configured in a number of ways to securely hold a user's heel 510. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 can merely be a substantially flat surface, relying on the user's heel 510 weight and friction to maintain the position of a user's heel 510. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 can comprise a non-skid surface on at least one surface to increase a user's heel's 510 resistance to motion. In some embodiments, a heel spot 210 can be included in the ledge 200 comprising a hole or depression in the ledge 200 configured to hold a user's heel. In some cases a stop guard 220 can be implemented to gauge the extraction of the ledge 200 from the case 100.
The portable clamps 600 can comprise any means capable of anchoring the foot ledge 10 to a location suitable for a person to use the ledge 200 and/or heel spot 210. The portable clamps 600 shown are only one type of mechanism capable of fixing the foot ledge 10 to a location. The portable clamps 600, in some embodiments, comprise hooks fixed to the top of the cover 100, extending upward and in a direction away from the outward sliding motion of the ledge 200. The portable clamps 600 can optionally be replaced with other suitable anchoring means, such as, straps or fasteners.
FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an exemplary foot ledge 10 constructed according to the disclosure herein which has in an open position. The foot ledge 10 comprises a ledge 200 which has been partially pulled from the case 100 and positioned for users to place a heel 510 of a foot upon a surface of the ledge 200 to assist in robing or disrobing or tending to the hygiene of the foot but not limited too. The foot ledge 10 can be held in position by two portable clamps 600 or some embodiment which attaches to the end of a chair 420 or anything resembling but not limited to akin to straps or anything which securely fastens the cover 100 to the chair or some embodiment of a bench or sitting apparatus while distributing the weight of the heel 510 to the cover 100. Relative to a user the user's weight and or environment in some embodiments, the cover 100 is configured to carry all or part of a user's weight to anchor the foot ledge 10 through the transfer of foot weight and the portable clamps 600 distributed against top of the cover 100 and the chair 420. With the cover 100 anchored in place by the portable clamps 600, a user is able to shift a portion of weight to the ledge 200 while maintaining balance in virtually any environment that the portable clamps can be sized to fit. The ledge 200 can be configured in a number of ways to securely hold a user's heel 510. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 can merely be a substantially flat surface, relying on the user's heel 510 weight and friction to maintain the position of a user's heel 510. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 can comprise a non-skid surface on at least one surface to increase a user's heel's 510 resistance to motion. In some embodiments, a heel spot 210 can be included in the ledge 200 comprising a hole or depression in the ledge 200 configured to hold a user's heel. In some cases, a stop guard 220 can be implemented to gauge the extraction of the ledge 200 from the case 100.
FIG. 8C Illustrates the front view of the cover 100 without a ledge encased on the inside with the portable clamps 600 facing the back of the cover 100 according to another exemplary embodiment. The portable clamps 600 are a connection devise and may take on many embodiments in the arena of fastening such as straps and the like. The portable clamps 600 are attached to the case yet not limited to attachment in other embodiments of clamps. The portable clamps 600 are positioned to be solid when viewing from the open side of the cover 100 which houses the ledge 200.
FIG. 8D illustrates the back view of the case 100 with the portable clamps 600 open facing. The portable clamps are one embodiment of the plethora of ways for which one can secure the exemplary foot ledge 10 to household and non-household items for the user to lift their heel 510 upon and put on their sock, tie shoe, tend to feet but not limited to. The open facing portable clamps 600 are positioned towards the rear of the case 100 to transfer the balance of weight distributed from the extended end cap 300, ledge 200 and cover 100 which is baring the weight against the underside of a chair 420 or some embodiment of.
FIG. 8E is an exemplary foot ledge 10 constructed according to the disclosure herein. The foot ledge 10 comprises a ledge 200 that can be positioned for users to place a heel 510 of a foot upon a surface of the ledge 200 to assist in robing or disrobing socks, shoes, tying laces, tending to the hygiene of the foot but not limited too. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 is hidden in some modes and can be slidably fixed to a cavity defined by a cover 100. The foot ledge 10 can be held in position by two portable clamps 600 which attaches to the lip of a chair 420 or anything resembling but not limited to akin to straps or anything which securely fastens the cover 100 to the chair while distributing the weight of the heel 510 to the cover 100 holding it against the chair 420. Relative to a user the user's weight in some embodiments, the cover 100 is configured to carry all or part of a user's weight to anchor the foot ledge 10 through the transfer of foot weight and the portable clamps 600 distributed against top of the cover 100 and the underside of a chair 420 or some embodiment of. With the cover 100 anchored in place by the portable clamps 600, a user is able to shift a portion of weight to the ledge 200 while maintaining balance. The ledge 200 can be configured in a number of ways to securely hold a user's heel 510. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 can merely be a substantially flat surface, relying on the user's heel 510 weight and friction to maintain the position of a user's heel 510. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 can comprise a non-skid surface on at least one surface to increase a user's heel's 510 resistance to motion the end cap 300 serves as a handle as well as a barrier to also safe guard the heel 510 from slipping off the ledge 200. In some embodiments, a heel spot 210 can be included in the ledge 200 comprising a hole or depression in the ledge 200 configured to hold a user's heel. In some embodiments the stop line 220 can be included to give the user a gauge to the length of the ledge 200 to extract from the cover 100. The portable clamps 600 and other embodiments of and the exemplary foot ledge 10 serve the environment as a whole and are not limited to the household environment.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A foot ledge comprising:

a sheath defining an internal cavity;

a ledge movably coupled to the internal cavity of the sheath;

an end cap fixed to the ledge on one end; and

wherein a surface of the ledge is configured to hold a user's foot.

2. The foot ledge claim 1, wherein a surface of the ledge is configured to hold a user's heel.

3. The foot ledge of claim 1, wherein the end cap is configured to prevent a heel from slipping off the edge of the ledge in the direction of the end cap.

4. The foot ledge of claim 3, wherein the end cap is configured to provide a hand grip to slide the ledge relative to the sheath.

5. The foot ledge of claim 4, wherein the end cap further comprises a raised edge relative to a surface of the ledge;

6. The foot ledge of claim 1, wherein a surface of the ledge further comprises a heel spot configured to hold a user's heel within the heel spot.

7. The foot ledge of claim 1, wherein a surface of the ledge further comprises a non-skid surface.

8. The foot ledge of claim 1, wherein a surface of the ledge is generally planar and further comprises a heel spot; the heel spot comprising a hole in a direction normal to the generally planar surface.

9. The foot ledge of claim 1, wherein a surface of the ledge is generally planar and further comprises a heel spot; the heel spot comprising an indentation in a direction normal to the generally planar surface.

10. The foot ledge of claim 1, further comprising a hook fixed to an outer surface of the sheath.

11. The foot ledge of claim 1, wherein the sheath further comprises an upper surface; further comprising a hook, having a curved or hooked profile terminating at a hook end; and wherein the hook is fixed to an upper surface of the sheath and oriented so that the hook end is facing in a direction generally opposite that of the end cap.

12. The foot ledge of claim 11, wherein the end cap is configured to prevent a heel from slipping off the edge of the ledge in the direction of the end cap; and wherein a surface of the ledge further comprises a non-skid surface.

13. The foot ledge of claim 11, wherein the end cap is configured to prevent a heel from slipping off the edge of the ledge in the direction of the end cap; and wherein a surface of the ledge is generally planar and further comprises a heel spot; the heel spot comprising a hole in a direction normal to the generally planar surface.

14. A method of holding a person's foot nearer to their core, steps comprising:

providing a foot ledge comprising:

a sheath defining an internal cavity;

a ledge movably coupled to the internal cavity of the sheath;

an end cap fixed to the ledge on one end; and

wherein a surface of the ledge is configured to hold a user's foot;

placing the foot ledge in a location under a person's center of mass so that the person's weight fixes the sheath in place;

sliding the ledge out towards the front of the person; and

placing the person's heel on the ledge.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of placing the foot ledge at least partially under a mattress.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of placing the foot ledge at least partially under a seat cushion.