WO2006083158A1

WO2006083158A1 - Footrest for use at a seat in a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2006083158A1
Application number: PCT/NL2005/050039
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maisa Hilda Groot-Verwey; Norma Grace Verwey
Original assignee: Conmedi
Priority date: 2004-11-16
Filing date: 2005-11-14
Publication date: 2006-08-10
Also published as: NL1027526C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a footrest for use at a seat in a means of transport. The invention furthermore comprises a method for conveying a person in a seat in a means of transport in which such a footrest is used. When travelling in a means of transport, a very common problem is the occurrence of motion sickness, such as for example car sickness or sea sickness. Motion sickness can occur when people are conveyed in a variety of means of transport, such as cars, buses, aircraft or boats. The present invention provides for a solution to prevent motion sickness. The present invention furthermore increases safety and comfort when conveying people.

Description

FOOTREST FOR USE AT A SEAT IN A VEHICLE

The invention relates to a footrest for use at a seat in a means of transport. The invention also relates to a vehicle provided with means of attachment for such a footrest. The invention furthermore comprises a method for conveying a person in a seat in a means of transport in which such a footrest is used.

When travelling in a means of transport, a very common problem is the occurrence of motion sickness, such as for example car sickness or sea sickness. Motion sickness can occur when people are conveyed in a variety of means of transport, such as cars, buses, aircraft, trains or boats. Children and the elderly in particular are prone to suffer from motion sickness. To avoid motion sickness, general recommendations are to eat lightly, to face the direction of travel, to keep looking at the horizon while travelling, not to read, and to make sure (here is sufficient fresh air. Medicines are also available to suppress motion sickness.

Dutch patent NL 1 019 989C describes an electrically driven device that endeavours to prevent motion sickness with the aid of a device provided with electrical sensors that record sick-making vehicle movements, enabling the driver of the means of transport to then adjust the movement of the means of transport accordingly. However, such a device is technically highly complex.

The object of the present invention is to provide a simple solution to prevent, or at least to reduce, motion sickness.

To this end, the invention provides for a footrest for use at a seat in a means of transport, comprising at least one support surface to support feet, and positioning means connected to the support surface, to position the support surface in a way that is detachable with respect to the seat Surprisingly it turned out that the use of such a footrest in a means of transport leads to a reduced chance of people getting motion sickness when being conveyed. The invention furthermore increases safety and comfort when conveying people. The footrest is particularly suitable for situations in which babies, toddlers, young children, teenagers or adults are being conveyed and are dangling their legs over the seat for a long period of time. The footrest brings about a more efficient counterflow of blood from the legs, thus reducing fluctuations in the circulating volume of blood and corresponding corrections made by the body. In particular, it turns out that the invention is effective in preventing motion sickness in children and the elderly. Such a footrest is very simple to realise without having to make adjustments to the means of transport. It is assumed that the footrest provides for better contact between the means of transport and the person being conveyed in the means of transport, in turn ensuring that the person's organs of balance are better able Co record the movements of the means of transport. It turns out that improving a person's ability to record the movements of the means of transport reduces their chance of getting motion sickness. The footrest is preferably arranged for use at a seat in a car, bus, aircraft, boat or other means of transport. Because the footrest is detachable in design, the footrest can be flexibly applied in situations in which it is desired. For example, the footrest can be positioned at a specific seat in a car in which for example a child is being conveyed. If an adult has to be conveyed in the same seat, the footrest according to the invention can be removed again. The positioning means are preferably arranged to position the support surface in an as comfortable as possible position with respect to the seat, thus bringing about an optimum effect of suppressing motion sickness.

The positioning means are preferably adjustable. The position of the footrest can thus be adjusted in line with the physical requirements of the person to be conveyed. For a person with longer legs, for example, it is possible to position the footrest at a slightly greater distance from the surface of the seat than for a person with shorter legs. The footrest is preferably adjusted so that the feet can be optimally supported, thus bringing about an optimum effect of suppressing motion sickness.

In a preferred embodiment, the positioning means can be adjusted at least in a vertical direction to vertically position the support surface. This makes it possible to achieve optimum support for the feet by positioning the support surface at a distance from the floor of the means of transport. Supporting the feet in this way via the footrest leads to a significantly reduced chance of getting car sickness, particularly for children whose legs are generally too short to reach the floor of the means of transport when in a seated position on a seat. The vertical adjustment furthermore provides for greater comfort while being conveyed. It is advantageous if the positioning means are designed so that they can be folded up, with the positioning means lying substantially adjacent to the support surface when in a folded position and extending substantially away from the support surface when in a folded-out position. This means that if the footrest is not being used, it can be compactly conveyed and stored in the folded position. The folded-out position is the position in which the footrest is used and the folded position is the position in which it is stored. Examples of folding positioning means include folding support elements such as legs or brackets that are attached to the support surface in a hinged fashion.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the positioning means comprise at least one detachable segment. A detachable segment makes it possible to adjust the physical dimensions of the footrest to a specific situation, thus achieving greater flexibility in the range of applications. For instance, removing a detachable segment makes it possible to use a footrest according to the invention in a smaller type of vehicle. Conversely, adding an extra detachable segment can for example increase the height of the support surface with respect to the seat.

It is advantageous if the angular position of the support surface can be adjusted with respect to the seat. Adjusting the angular position of the support surface increases sitting comfort. Furthermore, this improves the contact between the feet and the support surface, thus leading to a reduced chance of getting motion sickness.

The positioning means are preferably provided with at least one resilient material part to engage with the means of transport. A resilient material part makes it possible for the footrest to engage with the means of transport under a bias, thus stabilising the footrest. This enables the footrest to follow the movements of the means of transport more effectively, which in turn makes it possible to suppress motion sickness more effectively. The resilient material part also makes it possible to use the footrest flexibly in different vehicles, because the shape of the footrest can be adjusted to the space available in a means of transport on account of its resilience. By using a resilient material part, the footrest can for example be wedged between the driver's seat and rear seat of a car, so that a child on the rear seat can make use of the footrest according to the invention. It is advantageous if the resilient material part comprises a cushion. A cushion makes it possible to use the footrest in a flexible fashion at different seats in vehicles. A cushion can for example comprise a filling of foam rubber or a fibrous material. The resilient part is preferably at least partially inflatable. By inflating the resilient part, the footrest can thus be wedged particularly securely after positioning, in turn leading to greater safety. Furthermore, when detaching the footrest, the inflatable part can be deflated, making it easier to detach the footrest. The inflatable resilient material part is preferably substantially produced out of a self-inflating material provided with a valve. Such a self-inflating material is for example known from a camping mattress. Such a design makes it easy to inflate the resilient material part. In another preferred embodiment, the inflatable resilient material part is provided with inflating means, for example a manually or electrically operated pump, making it easy to pump up the resilient material part.

In a preferred embodiment, the footrest also comprises securing means for securing the footrest in a way that is detachable from the means of transport. Such securing means increase safety when using the footrest in a means of transport. With some types of securing means, engage points for the securing means will have to be affixed in the means of transport. It is advantageous if the securing means comprise Velcro. Velcro makes it possible to achieve a securing connection in a simple fashion. Some coverings used in means of transport are already suitable for engaging with the Velcro, whereas in other means of transport an adjustment will have to be made. A securing means can also be envisaged whereby loop straps that engage with the means of transport are fastened with Velcro. In another preferred embodiment, the securing means comprise a hook connection, a sliding connection or a snap connection. A snap connection can for example engage with connectors for safety belts that are generally already present in cars or aircraft. For some possible types of connections, the means of transport has to be adjusted to affix suitable connectors or means of attachment. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the securing means of the footrest comprise flexible binding means. Flexible binding means can for example be a strap or cord that can be used to attach the footrest. Such securing means are very flexible to use and highly compact in design. The footrest can be secured for example by using the flexible binding means to attach the footrest to the legs of the seat or the seat in front, for example via a clove hitch or another suitable knot. It is advantageous if the footrest according to the invention comprises at least one handle. This makes it easier to position and detach the footrest in the means of transport. The footrest is also easier to convey and manoeuvre. The handle can for example be a carrying strap or handgrip.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the footrest comprises at least one receptacle in which to place objects. This ensures that the space taken up by the footrest in the means of transport is efficiently used. The receptacle can take on a variety of forms, for example a side compartment, box or recess, in which for example books, maps, newspapers, toys or tools can be stored. It is advantageous if the receptacle comprises a holder in which to place a drink container. In this way, the footrest also makes it possible to place a drink container by the seat with a reduced risk of the drink spilling. The drink container can for example be a mug, bottle or can. It is advantageous if the receptacle is provided with cooling means. This makes it possible to cool the contents of the receptacle. The cooling means can be active or passive. Passive cooling means can for example comprise a heat-insulating layer and/or a pre-cooled cooling element . Active cooling means can for example comprise an electrical cooling device, such as a Peltier element. The electrical cooling means preferably comprise an electrical connection so that the cooling means can be powered. Such a connection makes it possible to make efficient use of the cooling facility.

The invention also provides for a means of transport equipped with means of attachment for a footrest according to the invention. Such a means of transport makes it possible to position or remove such a footrest quickly and easily. The means of attachment can for example be arranged to attach the securing means, such as a hook connection, sliding connection or snap connection. The means of attachment are preferably adjustable in design, so that the position of the footrest with respect to the seating surface can be flexibly adjusted to meet the requirements of the user.

The invention also provides for a method for conveying a person, in particular a child, in a seat in a means of transport, comprising the following steps: positioning a support surface of a footrest according to the invention in a way that is detachable from the seat, and supporting the feet of the child by means of the support surface. A person can thus be conveyed with a reduced chance of getting motion sickness. Safety and comfort are furthermore increased while people are being conveyed. The means of transport can for example be a car, bus, aircraft, train or boat.

Further features of the invention will emerge from the following non-restrictive embodiments:

Figure 1 shows the use of a footrest according to the invention in a means of transport.^" Figures 2a-e show various preferred embodiments of a footrest according to the invention. Figure 3 shows a means of transport provided with means of attachment for a footrest. Figures 4a-d show a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figures 5a and 5b show a further preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure Ia shows a car 1, in which a detachable footrest 2 according to the invention is positioned at a seat on the rear seat 3. The footrest 2 is produced out of a robust material On which the feet of passenger 4 on the rear seat 3 rest. The support surface 5 slopes towards the seat of passenger 4, enabling a comfortable sitting position. Furthermore, the angular position of the support surface 5 is such' that good contact with the feet of passenger 4 is ensured, in turn enabling passenger 4 to effectively sense the movements of the floor 6 via the footrest 2. This reduces the chance of passenger 4 getting motion sickness when being conveyed in the car 1, while increasing safety and travel comfort. The footrest 2 is provided with two cushions 7 that are used to wedge the footrest 2 by squeezing the cushions between the rear seat 3 and back of the driver's seat 8. Because the cushions are made of resilient material, the footrest 2 can be used flexibly in cars of varying dimensions, in which the space available for the footrest 2 differs. Flexibility is further increased in that the cushions 7 are designed as detachable segments, so that the space occupied by the footrest 2 can be further reduced by removing one or two cushions 7. The cushions 7 can for example be connected to the footrest 2 using Velcro. The dimensions of the footrest 2 are obviously selected such that the footrest 2 can fit in the most common models of cars, whereby the depth of the footwell 9 is of particular importance to ensure a tight fit. It should be noted that, in addition to being used in a car 1 as shown in this example, the detachable footrest 2 can be used in a similar fashion at seats in other means of transport, such as buses, trains, boats or aircraft. Figures 2a-e show various preferred embodiments of a footrest according to the invention. The footrests shown can be used in the way as shown and described in Figure 1.

Figure 2a shows a footrest 10 comparable wiih footrest 2 shown in Figure 1. The footrest 10 comprises a sloping support surface 11 to support feet, positioned on a polymer foam block 12. The use of a foam block 12 is favourable because it is lightweight and also reduces the chance of people, in particular children, getting injured or trapped. Two cushions 13 are connected in a detachable fashion to the foam block 12, enabling the foam block 12 for example to be positioned under a bias in the footwell between two seats. The dimensions of the footrest 10 are selected such that the footrest 10 can fit properly into the usual space of a footwell of seats as known for example in cars, buses or aircraft. The foam block 12 comprises a detachable segment 14 that is connected using Velcro connecting straps 15. The detachable segment 14 can be removed to bring the support surface 11 into a lower position with respect to a seat. Alternatively, it is also possible to add extra segments 14 to the underside to create a stack raising the support surface 11 to a higher position. The footrest 10 furthermore comprises a storage compartment 16, in which for example pens or other things can be stored.

Figure 2b shows a footrest 20 that comprises a support surface 21 provided with a moulded surface 22 to ensure better grip for feet. The moulded surface 22 improves safety and makes it easier for motion sickness to be suppressed in a person using the footrest 20. The support surface 21 furthermore comprises a recess 23, in which for example a drinking mug 24 or other drink container can be placed. This prevents drink spilling out of the drink container 24. The support surface 21 is attached onto a cushion- like supporting structure 25. This supporting structure 25 is filled with resilient filling material. This resilient material preferably comprises multiple pieces of filler that can be flexibly positioned inside the supporting structure 25. Foam rubber beads or another type of filler can be envisaged for this purpose. By positioning foam blocks inside the supporting structure 25, the shape of the supporting structure 25 can be adjusted in such a way that the position and slope of the support surface 21 can be adjusted with respect to a seat. The surface of the supporting structure is furthermore at least partially covered in an anti-slip material 26, to prevent people's feet from slipping while they are being conveyed. The supporting structure 25 is also provided with a handgrip 27, to make it easier to manually position and convey the footrest 20.

Figure 2c shows a footrest 30 according to the invention, comprising a metal or wooden supporting structure 31 to which a footplate 32 is attached that can be adjusted upward A and in the angle of slope B. The supporting structure 31 is provided with connectors 33 that are used to form a hook, sliding or snap connection with the counter connectors affixed in the means of transport (not shown). Such connections are for example known from safety belts. The footrest 30 comprises two rubber elements 34, 35 on which the supporting structure 31 rests, whereby at least one rubber element 35 can be adjusted in horizontal direction C enabling the supporting structure to be wedged in a footwell of a seat. The adjustable elements of the supporting structure can be adjusted using set screws 36.

Figure 2d shows a further non-restrictive example of a footrest 40 according to the invention. The footrest 40 is formed by a storage box 41 that can be closed via a lid 42 hinged in the direction of arrow C. The lid 42 acts as a support surface for feet. The footrest 40 is provided with inflatable elements 43, 44, 45, provided with valves 46 to inflate and deflate the elements 43, 44, 45. By inflating the inflatable elements 43, 44 positioned on either side of the footrest 40, the footrest 40 can be wedged into the footwell at a seat in a means of transport. The first inflatable element 43 is shown in an inflated state, and element 44 positioned on the opposite side of the footrest is not inflated. The inflatable element 45 attached to the underside of the footrest 40 is wedge- shaped in design, so that the angular position of the footrest changes when this element 45 is inflated.

Figure 2e shows a footrest 50 according to the invention, comprising storage space 51 provided with a lid 52, with the Hd 52 acting as a support surface for feet. The storage space is provided with resilient segments on either side, enabling the footrest 50 to be wedged into a footwell of a seat under a bias. The footrest 50 is also provided with two carrying straps 54, with which the footrest 50 can easily be conveyed and repositioned.

Figure 3 shows a means of transport 60 provided with means of attachment 61 for a footrest 62 according to the invention. The means of attachment 61 are arranged to work in conjunction with a suitably shaped element 63 of the footrest 62, in this instance a hook. The means of attachment 61 make it possible to position the footrest 62 according to the invention quickly and easily, and also to remove it again quickly and easily. Different engage points 61 are affixed on the seats 64 of the vehicle 60, making it possible to easily place the footrest 62 in the desired position, depending on the requirements of the user 65.

Figures 4a-d show a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 4a shows a footrest

70 in a folded position. The footrest 70 comprises a support surface 71, a first fold-out support element 72 connected to the support surface 71, and a second support element

73 attached at a distance from the first support element 71. The second support element is provided with a telescopic extending mechanism 73 that can be used in the folded position to fold away the footrest 71 as compactly as possible. The first support element

71 and second support element 72 lie substantially adjacent to the support surface 71 when in the folded position, so that the footrest 71 can be compactly stored and conveyed. The first support element 71 is hereby a bracket that fits around the second support element 72 when in the folded position. The fold-out mechanisms 75 of the support elements 71, 72 used are known from other technical fields, such as for fold-out tables. Instead of the supports 71, 72 shown, other support elements could also be used, such as fold-out legs, to support the support surface 71 in the folded-out position.

Figure 4b shows the footrest 70 from Figure 4a, whereby only the first support element

72 is folded out, and the second support element 73 is still folded up against the support surface 71.

Figure 4c shows the footrest 70 from 4a and 4b in a folded-out position, whereby both support elements 71, 72 are folded out from the support surface 71.

Figure 4d shows the folded-out footrest 70 from Figure 4c positioned on a floor surface 76_» such as the floor of a car. The telescopic extending mechanism 73 of the second support element 73 can be used to set height C and the angular position of the support surface 71 simultaneously. Figure 5a shows a further preferred embodiment of a footrest 80. The footrest 80 is provided with an elongated support surface 81 that is supported at its two opposite longitudinal ends 84 by a body 82 inflated with air. Each inflatable body 82 is provided with a valve 83 enabling the bodies to be inflated or deflated. The inflatable bodies 82 are integrated with a flexible covering 85 that fixes the inflatable bodies 82 into position. The space between the inflatable bodies can be arranged as storage space. The inflatable bodies 82 are dimensioned such that they can be wedged for example between a rear seat and driver's seat of a car. The angle of slope of the support surface 81 can be changed by turning in the direction of arrow D. By partially deflating the inflatable bodies 82, it is also possible to adjust the height. By fully deflating the inflatable bodies 82, it is possible to achieve a very compact storing position as shown in Figure 5b. If the flexible covering 85 is provided with a resealable opening, the footrest 80 can be used as a carrier or bag when it is deflated.

It should be noted that many other preferred embodiments and variants can be envisaged for a person skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Footrest for use at a seat in a means of transport, comprising - at least one support surface to support feet, and

S - positioning means connected to the support surface to position the support surface in a way that is detachable with respect to the seat.

2. Footrest according to claim 1, characterised in that the positioning means are adjustable. 0

3. Footrest according to claim 2, characterised in that the positioning means can be adjusted at least in a vertical direction to vertically position the support surface.

4. Footrest according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that 5 the positioning means are designed so that they can be folded up, whereby the positioning means lie substantially adjacent to the support surface when in a folded position, and whereby the positioning means extend substantially away from the support surface when in a folded-out position. 0

5. Footrest according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the positioning means comprise at least one detachable segment.

6. Footrest according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that 5 the angular position of the support surface can be adjusted with respect to the seat.

7. Footrest according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the positioning means are provided with at least one resilient material part to engage with the means of transport. 0

S. Footrest according to claim 7, characterised in that the resilient material part comprises a cushion.

9. Footrest according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the resilient part is at least partially inflatable.

10. Footrest according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the footrest also comprises securing means for securing the footrest in a way that is detachable with respect to the means of transport.

11. Footrest according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the footrest comprises at least one handle.

12. Footrest according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the footrest comprises at least one receptacle in which to place objects.

13. Footrest according to claim 14, characterised in that the receptacle comprises a holder in which to place a drink container.

14. Footrest according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the receptacle is provided with cooling means.

15. Means of transport provided with means of attachment for a footrest according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. Method for conveying a person in a seat in a means of transport, comprising the following steps: - positioning a support surface of a footrest according to any one of the preceding claims in a way that is detachable from the seat, and - supporting the feet of the person by means of the support surface.