Abstract:
A portable footrest device is provided, the footrest having a first and a second support portion, each of the first and second support portions having a first and second connector elements configured for releasable connection to a structure; and a first and a second foot portion coupled to said first and second support portions, wherein said first and second foot portions are configured to couple and decouple. A method for utilizing an enclosed space to rest a user&#39;s feet on a footrest, the foot rest having a foot portion is also provided.

Description:
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX 
     Not applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to footrests. More particularly, the invention relates to a footrest that is portable, adjustable and adaptable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The commercial airline industry has enjoyed enormous growth since its inception in the early 1940&#39;s. Advances in technology have allowed a large percentage of the population domestically to be able to travel by air. This, however, has led to over-crowding in airplanes, and as a result has led airlines to decreasing the area between each seat, leaving minimal legroom for their passengers. 
     Further, all airline seats and uniform and vertically non-adjustable. As such, shorter passengers and children have difficult in that their feet hang off the chair, which is ergonomically damaging and can cause loss of circulation in legs and feet, tired and sore feet, and deep vein thrombois. The ability rest ones feet on a surface has been shown to mitigate risk of these injuries. 
     Attempts have been made to provide a footrest for airplanes. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,322,655 describes a footrest comprising a sling having two ends and a strap connected to each end of the sling. A user in a seat rests a foot in the sling where the straps of the sling are attached around an object in front of the seat. The ends of the straps  120 ,  130  may be connected by tying the straps  120 ,  130  together. 
     Another footrest is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,832,741, in which a foot pad with longitudinally aligned strap members extend from opposite ends. Attached to the distal ends of the two strap members are clips that selectively attach the strap member to the framework or underside surface of seat or to a portable stand that may be included with the system. 
     More recent commercial airlines policies and pricing schemes has led passenger to check fewer bags at the check-in counter, and carrying on more bags into the cabin. Many times, leg room provided under the seat in front of a passenger is filled by the carry-on luggage, only decreasing the legroom for the passenger even farther. The footrests described above do not account for the decrease in legroom, and are not easily collapsible and attachable. 
     As such, there is a need for an adjustable in two axes, collapsible, easy to use footrest for an airplane seat that will fit in increasingly small spaces. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of a portable and collapsible footrest in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a top view of the footrest in its detached and collapsed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   b  is a bottom view of the footrest in its detached and collapsed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the foot portions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a step-wise diagram in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of an optional embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To achieve the forgoing and other aspects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, a footrest that is portable, adjustable and adaptable is presented 
     In one embodiment a portable footrest device is provided, The device comprises a first and a second support portion, each of the first and second support portions having a first and second connector elements configured for releasable connection to a structure; and a first and a second foot portion coupled to said first and second support portions, wherein said first and second foot portions are configured to couple and decouple. 
     In another embodiment a method for utilizing an enclosed space to rest a users feet on a footrest, the foot rest having a foot portion is provided, the method comprising attaching the footrest to a first structure with support members such that the footrest is hanging vertically from said structure, adjusting the support members vertically to correspond to a users seated leg length, connecting the footrest to a second structure with attachment members, and adjusting the attachment members to pull the foot members transversely toward said second structure such that said foot portions is under said second structure. 
     Other features, advantages, and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
     It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     One embodiment of the present invention relates to a footrest that is connectable to a structure that is in front of chair, for example, an airplane seat, when a person is in an enclosed space. The footrest is compact and collapsible to assure for east travel, and it is adjustable such that people of different sizes can use comfortably. The footrest comprises a first and second set of straps, so as to allow the user (also referred to herein as “passenger” to utilize the area between a piece of carry-on luggage under the seat in front of the passenger and the bottom of the seat in front of the passenger. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a footrest that is attachable or connectable to a structure (e.g. airline seat) in front of a user is shown generally at  100 . The device  100  may comprise a first foot portion  102  and a second foot portion  104 . Foot portions  102  and  104  comprise connecting members  106  and  108 . The connectors  106  and  108  may comprise male and female portions that may be press fit or fit by interference such that they are easily connectable and separable. Each of the connecting members will be discussed in greater detail in relation  FIG. 3 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 1 , a first pair of support portions  110 ,  112  are connected to a bridging member  114  on opposite ends of the bridging member  114 . A first connection point  116  is coupled to the support portion  110 , while the bridging member  114  is couple to support member  112  through connection point  118 . The support portions  110  and  112  may be coupled and decoupled to the bridging member  114  through the use of, in this exemplary embodiment, snaps fasteners. In other optional embodiments, the coupling and decoupling may occur via Velcro, clasps, buttons, male and female screw threads and like. In another optional embodiment, the support portions  110 ,  112  and bridge member  114  may be a single structure or element. 
     The bridge member  114  is further coupled to each foot portions  102  and  104 , which will be discussed in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 2 . Each of the of the support portions  110 ,  112  are fitted with adjustable slides  120  and  122 . The adjustable slides operate to shorten or lengthen each of the support portions such that a user can alter the length of each of the support portions  110  and  112 . The adjustable slides  120  and  122  may comprise any adjustable buckle strap or analogous adjustable slide. At an end of each support portion  110 ,  112  are connector elements  124  and  126 . In this exemplary embodiment, connector elements  124 ,  126  may comprise hooks which are configured for connection to, for example, the underside of an airline food tray  130  or the metal side or back bars of said food tray  130 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 1 , a pair of transverse attachment members  132 ,  134  are coupled to the support members  110 ,  112 , respectively. The transverse attachment members  132 ,  134  may be coupled and decoupled to the bridging member  114  through the use of, in this exemplary embodiment, snaps fasteners. In other optional embodiments, the coupling and decoupling may occur via Velcro, clasps, buttons, male and female screw threads and like. In another optional embodiment, the support portions  110 ,  112  and transverse members  132 ,  134  may be a single structure or element. 
     Like the support members  110 ,  112 , each of the transverse attachment members  132  and  134  may comprise, or be fitted with a second pair adjustable slides  136  and  138 . The second pair of adjustable slides  136 ,  138  operate to shorten or lengthen each of the support portions such that a user can alter the length of each of the support portions  132  and  134 . The adjustable slides  132  and  134  may comprise any adjustable buckle strap or analogous adjustable slide. At an end of each support portion  132 ,  134  are a second set of connector elements  140  and  142 . In this exemplary embodiment, connector elements  140  and  142  may comprise hooks. However, unlike the first connector elements  120  and  122 , the connector elements  140  and  142  are configured for attachment under the seat that is positioned in front of the passenger. In this way, a user can transversely adjust the slides  132 ,  134  to pull the users feat in an approximately transverse and also vertical direction (e.g., approximately twenty five degrees) so as to avoid any carry-on luggage under the seat in front of the user, and comfortably being able to rest his or her feat in the space between the bottom of the seat and carry-on. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a side view of the foot rest  100  is shown together with each passenger seat, shown generally at reference numeral  200 . As shown, support member  112  is connected to the food tray bar  130 . The adjustable strap  122  functions to move the foot rests  104  in a vertical direction, as shown in arrow  212 . Transverse attachment member  134  is shown attached to the bracket  206  and  204 . The transverse attachment member  134 , using adjustable slide  138 , functions to move the foot portion  104  in a transverse direction as shown in arrow  210 , such that the passengers feet, when seated in chair  208 , can utilize the area between the carry on luggage  202  and the seat  204  bottom. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3   a , a top view of foot portions  102  and  104  are shown in greater detail to illustrate the collapsibility, connectivity and de-connectivity of said foot rest  100 . For reference, bridge member  114  is shown as dashed line  114 . In this exemplary embodiment, foot portion  102  comprises female screw thread portion which forms a cavity  304  inside the foot portion  102 . Foot portion  104  comprises make screw thread  306 , which is configured for mating with female portion  302 . In other optional embodiments of the present invention, other types of fits can be used. For example, foot portion  102  can be fitted with foot portion  104  using interference, press, or frictions fits. Other optional embodiments may include clasps  308  and  310  on rings  312  and  314  which connect the opposite ring  308  or  310  for attachment. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3   b , a bottom view of foot portions  102  and  104  are shown in greater detail to illustrate connectivity of said foot rest  100  to bridge member  114  which is shown as dashed line  114 . Clasps  318  and  320  are attached to each of the foot portion s  102  and  104 . The clasps  318  and  320  are configured such that they may be detachable from bridge portion  104 . In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the foot portions  102  and  104  are connected to the bridge member and are not removable, such as by using rivets, screws, adhesives, and the like. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 4 , a more detailed illustration of the foot portion  102  and  104  is shown generally at  400 . The foot portions  102  or  104  may comprise a shell that is constructed from any type of commercial plastics and/or other polymers that have sufficient tensile strength. A soft cover shell  402  is provided that covers the foot portions, which can be constructed of, for example, rubber or foam. The foot rests may be further provided with certain massaging features such as bumps and ridges  404 . In other exemplary embodiments, the foot rests  102 ,  104  may be battery powered and have power massaging features as well. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a flow chart to better help illustrate a method for attaching a foot rest to a chair to utilize a small area under the chair in front a passenger shown generally at  500 . While the flowchart shows an exemplary step-by-step method, it is to be appreciated that a skilled artisan may rearrange or reorder the steps while maintaining like results. 
     Attaching a footrest to a food tray step  502  may comprise connecting, via connector elements  124  and  126  to the food tray. The connector elements, as shown in  FIG. 2 . In this exemplary embodiment, connector elements  124 ,  126  may comprise hooks which are configured for connection to, for example, the underside of an airline food tray  130  or the metal side or back bars of said food tray. 
     Connecting the foot rest to an underside of chair in front may comprise providing a pair of transverse attachment members  132 ,  134  which are coupled to the support members  110 ,  112 , respectively, and at each end comprise connector elements  140  and  142 . The connector elements  140  and  142  may comprise hooks and are configured for attachment under the seat that is positioned in front of the passenger. 
     Adjusting the transverse attachment members such that the foot portions  102 ,  104  are pulled under the seat in the area step  106  may comprise providing adjustable slides  136  and  138 . The second pair of adjustable slides  136 ,  138  operate to shorten or lengthen each of the support portions such that a user can alter the length of each of the support portions  132  and  134 . The adjustable slides  132  and  134  may comprise any adjustable buckle strap or analogous adjustable slide. The adjustment portions are configured for attachment under the seat that is positioned in front of the passenger. In this way, a user can transversely adjust the slides to pull the users feat in an approximately transverse and also vertical direction so as to avoid any carry-on luggage under the seat in front of the user, and comfortably being able to rest his or her feat in the space between the bottom of the seat and carry-on. 
     The method may further comprise adjusting the height of foot rests in a vertical direction though use of adjustable slides on each of the support portions  110 ,  112 . The adjustable slides operate to shorten or lengthen each of the support portions such that a user can alter the length of each of the support portions  110  and  112 . 
     The method may further comprise collapsing the footrest for storage. This step may comprise a providing one foot portion having female screw thread portions and another having make screw portions. A user can unscrew the foot portions from the other to collapse said device  100 . In other optional embodiments of the present invention, other types of fits can be used. For example, foot portion  102  can be fitted with foot portion  104  using interference, press, or frictions fits. Other optional embodiments may include clasps  308  and  310  on rings  312  and  314  which connect the opposite ring  308  or  310  for attachment. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an optional embodiment of a footrest that is attachable or connectable to a structure (e.g. airline seat) in front of a user is shown generally at  600 . The device  600  may comprise a single foot portion  602 . Of course, the foot portion  602  may be bifurcated in a manner similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     A first pair of support portions  610 ,  612  are connected to the footrest at first  604  and second ends  606  of the foot portion  602 . The support portions  610  and  612  diverge into a single connection line  608  At the connection point  614 , an adjustable slide  620  is attached. The adjustable slides operate to shorten or lengthen each the support portions such that a user can alter the length of each of the support portion  608 . The adjustable slides  620  may comprise any adjustable buckle strap or analogous adjustable slide. At an end of the support portion  608  is a connector element  622 . In this exemplary embodiment, connector element  622  may comprise hooks which are configured for connection to, for example, the underside of an airline food tray or the metal side or back bars of said food tray. 
     A transverse attachment members  624  is coupled to the support members  610  and  612  and connection line  608  at connection point  614 . The transverse attachment member  608  may be coupled and decoupled to the connection point  614  through the use of, in this exemplary embodiment, snaps fasteners. 
     Like the support member  608  the transverse attachment member  624  may comprise, or be fitted with a second adjustable slide  626 . At an end of transverse member  624 , a connector element is attached which may comprise a hook configured for attachment under the seat that is positioned in front of the passenger. In this way, a user can transversely adjust the slides  626  to pull the users feat in an approximately transverse and also vertical direction (e.g., approximately twenty five degrees) so as to avoid any carry-on luggage under the seat in front of the user, and comfortably being able to rest his or her feat in the space between the bottom of the seat and carry-on. 
     While the present invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to these herein disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present invention is intended to cover all of the various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 
     Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, the feature(s) of one drawing may be combined with any or all of the features in any of the other drawings. The words “including”, “comprising”, “having”, and “with” as used herein are to be interpreted broadly and comprehensively and are not limited to any physical interconnection. Moreover, any embodiments disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as the only possible embodiments. Rather, modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.