Patent Publication Number: US-10758055-B2

Title: Foot swing

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to a foot swing, and more particularly to a portable foot swing for use with or under a structure. 
     Whether people are learning or working, staying focused in a world of distraction can be very difficult. For example, these days, children are so mentally stimulated by computers, tablets, televisions, smart phones, etc. that it can be very difficult for them to focus on a single operation as their minds are scattered by all of the things they are exposed too. 
     One area where focus is particularly important is in the education of our children. Children need to be able to focus on the lesson that is being taught by their instructors. Often the children are day-dreaming or are so distracted that they simply cannot comprehend what is being taught or simply do not hear what the instructor is saying. Another area of concern is the need to move or fidget while sitting at their workstations or desks. This need to move is often the result of excess energy, learning disabilities, or from disorders such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Autism or Asperger&#39;s, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). It has been found that movement can often times provide a calming effect and/or stimulation to the brain for children at their workstation or desk and allow them to better focus on the lessons being taught. Instead of allowing children to get up and move around the classroom, which would distract other children, the children need to be able to move and refocus at their workstation or desk without additional distractions to the class. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a foot swing that provides motion to refocus a child&#39;s mind to the task at hand and provide sensory input. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This need is addressed by the present invention, which provides a portable foot swing configured for placement under a student&#39;s workstation or desk to allow the student to swing his/her feet or push on an elastic member to provide a bouncing sensation. 
     According to an aspect of the invention, a foot swing includes a first support having a first leg pivotally connected to a second leg; a second support spaced from the first support, the second support having a first leg pivotally connected to a second leg; and a foot support extending between the first and second supports, the foot support including a first distal end pivotally connected to the first support and a second distal end pivotally connected to the second support to permit the foot support to move relative to the first and second supports. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a foot swing includes a first support spaced-apart from a second support, each of the first and second supports having a first leg pivotally connected to a second leg; a foot support extending between the first and second supports, the foot support including a first distal end pivotally connected to the first support and a second distal end pivotally connected to the second support to permit the foot support to move relative to the first and second supports; and an elastic member extending between the first and second supports. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a method of using a foot swing includes the steps of assembling the foot swing, including the steps of moving a first support to an open position; moving a second support to an open position; inserting a first distal end of a foot support into an aperture of the first support and inserting a second distal end of the foot support into an aperture of the second support; and interconnecting the first and second supports using first and second connectors extending between the first and second supports. The method further including the step of placing a user&#39;s foot on the foot support and moving the foot support back and forth. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a portable foot swing; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the portable foot swing of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation of the portable foot swing of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear elevation of the portable foot swing of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a left side view of the portable foot swing of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5A  is an inside view of a first support of the portable foot swing of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a right side view of the portable foot swing of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the portable foot swing of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the portable foot swing of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a portable foot swing; and 
         FIG. 10  is a left side view of the portable foot swing of  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views,  FIGS. 1-8  illustrate a portable foot swing  10 . The foot swing  10  includes first and second spaced-apart supports  12  and  14  interconnected by a lower connecter bar  16  and an upper connector bar  18 , a foot support  20  having distal ends  22  and  24  pivotally connected between the first and second supports  12  and  14 , and an elastic member  26  extending between the first and second supports  12  and  14 . 
     The first support  12  includes a first leg  30  pivotally connected to a second leg  32  by a fastener and/or connector  34 . The first leg  30  has a distal end  36  adapted to rest on a support surface, such as a floor, and a proximal end  38  configured for pivotal engagement with the second leg  32 . The first leg  30  has an outer face  40  and an inner face  42 , an aperture  43  positioned near the distal end  36  and extending through the first leg  30  from the outer face  40  to the inner face  42 , and a plurality of apertures  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 , and  52  positioned on the proximal end  38  extending through the first leg  30  from the outer face  40  to the inner face  42 . 
     The second leg  32  also includes a distal end  54  adapted to rest on a support surface and a proximal end  56  configured for pivotal engagement with the first leg  30 . The second leg  32  has an outer face  58  and an inner face  60 , an aperture  62  positioned near the distal end  54  and extending through the second leg  32  from the outer face  58  to the inner face  60 , and a plurality of apertures  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  70 , and  72  positioned on the proximal end  56  extending through the second leg  32  from the outer face  58  to the inner face  60 . The second leg  32  further including a first slot  74  positioned in the distal end  54  to receive a portion of the lower connector bar  16  therein and a second slot  76  positioned near the proximal end  56  to receive a portion of the upper connector bar  18  therein. 
     The first and second legs  30  and  32  are pivotally connected by connector  34  at the proximal ends  38  and  56  such that the inner face  42  of the first leg  30  resides against the outer face  58  of the second leg  32  so that the first leg  30  is offset from the second leg  32  to allow a “scissor” type action when the legs  30  and  32  are moved from an open position, shown in  FIG. 2 , to a collapsed position where the distal ends  36  and  54  reside adjacent to each other. 
     Apertures  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 , and  52  of the first leg  30  have a pattern to match apertures  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  70 , and  72  of the second leg  32  when in the open position. As shown, connector  34  extends through apertures  44  and  64  to pivotally connect the first leg  30  to the second leg  32 . 
     Like the first support  12 , the second support  14  includes a first leg  130  pivotally connected to a second leg  132  by a fastener and/or connector  34 . The first leg  130  has a distal end  136  adapted to rest on a support surface and a proximal end  138  configured for pivotal engagement with the second leg  132 . 
     The first leg  130  includes an outer face  140  and an inner face  142 , an aperture  143  positioned near the distal end  136  extending through the first leg  130  from the outer face  140  to the inner face  142 , and a plurality of apertures  144 ,  146 ,  148 ,  150 , and  152  positioned on the proximal end  138  extending through the first leg  130  from the outer face  140  to the inner face  142 . 
     The second leg  132  also includes a distal end  154  adapted to rest on a support surface and a proximal end  156  configured for pivotal engagement with the first leg  130 . It should be appreciated that one or more of the distal ends  36 ,  136 ,  54 , and  154  includes a traction material, such as rubber  80  positioned thereon to prevent the foot swing  10  from sliding along the support surface when in use. It should be appreciated that the traction material may also be positioned along a bottom of lower connector bar  16  to prevent sliding. The second leg  130  has an outer face  158  and an inner face  160 , an aperture  162  positioned near the distal end  154  extending through the second leg  132  from the outer face  158  to the inner face  160 , and a plurality of apertures  164 ,  166 ,  168 ,  170 , and  172  positioned on the proximal end  156  extending through the second leg  132  from the outer face  158  to the inner face  160 . The second leg  132  further including a first slot  174  positioned in the distal end  154  to receive a portion of the lower connector bar  16  therein and a second slot  176  positioned near the proximal end  156  to receive a portion of the upper connector bar  18  therein. 
     The first and second legs  130  and  132  are pivotally connected by connector  34  at the proximal ends  138  and  156  such that the inner face  142  of the first leg  130  resides against the outer face  158  of the second leg  132  so that the first leg  130  is offset from the second leg  132  to allow a “scissor” type action when the legs  130  and  132  are moved from an open position, shown in  FIG. 2 , to a collapsed position where the distal ends  136  and  154  reside adjacent to each other. As shown, the first legs  30 ,  130  are longer than second legs  32  and  132 ; however, it should be appreciated that the first legs  30 ,  130  and second legs  32 ,  132  may be of the same length depending on the size and configuration desired. 
     Apertures  144 ,  146 ,  148 ,  150 , and  152  of the first leg  130  have a pattern to match apertures  164 ,  166 ,  168 ,  170 , and  172  of the second leg  132  when in the open position. As shown, connector  34  extends through apertures  144  and  164  to pivotally connect the first leg  130  to the second leg  132 . 
     Apertures  53  may also be formed in one or more of the first and second legs  30 ,  32 ,  130 , and  132  to provide a writing utensil holder for pencils, pens, and any other suitable writing utensil,  FIG. 5 . 
     As illustrated, foot support  20  is pivotally connected to the first and second supports  12  and  14  by inserting distal end  22  into a respective one of the apertures  66 ,  68 ,  70 , and  72  and inserting distal end  24  into a respective one of the apertures  166 ,  168 ,  170 , and  172 . The position of the foot support  20  can be changed by moving the distal ends into another aperture. For example, it can be lowered by removing the distal ends  22  and  24  from apertures  66  and  164  and inserting the distal end  22  into aperture  68  and distal end  24  into aperture  168 , or moved forward towards a user by inserting distal end  22  into aperture  72  and distal end  24  into aperture  172 . 
     Like foot support  20 , elastic member  26  extends between the first support  12  and the second support  14 . As shown, the elastic member  26  extends between the second leg  32  of the first support  12  and the second leg  132  of the second support  14 . As shown, the elastic member  26  is positioned along the second legs  32  and  132  closer to the second distal ends  56  and  156  than the first distal ends  36  and  136 ; however, it should be appreciated that the elastic member  26  may be positioned anywhere along a length of the second legs  32  and  132 . 
     The elastic member  26  may be connected to the second legs  32  and  132  by adhesive, fasteners, and any other suitable method. As illustrated, the elastic member  26  is secured by fasteners  27 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a slot  180  may be formed in the second legs  32  and  132 . As shown, the slot  180  has a “horseshoe” shape that creates a projection  182 . It should be appreciated that the slot  180  may be of any shape which forms the projection  182 . The slot  180  and projection  182  allow an elastic member  126  with loops  184  formed on opposing ends to be slid over the projections  182 , thereby securing the elastic member  126  between the first and second supports  12  and  14 . As discussed with respect to the foot support  20 , the elastic member  26  may also be adjustable. As shown in  FIG. 10 , multiple connection points, i.e. slots  180  and projections  182 , may be included along second legs  32  and  132  to allow the elastic member  26  to be lowered and raised as desired. 
     The portable foot swing  10  is designed to be portable by allowing the foot swing  10  to be collapsed into a smaller package. In use, a user would move the first and second supports  12  and  14  from the collapsed position to the open position, see  FIG. 2 , where apertures  46 ,  48 ,  50 , and  52  are aligned with apertures  66 ,  68 ,  70 , and  72  on the first support  12  and apertures  146 ,  148 ,  150 , and  152  are aligned with apertures  166 ,  168 ,  170 , and  172  of the second support  14 . The user then inserts distal end  22  of the foot support  20  into one of apertures  66 ,  68 ,  70 , and  72  and inserts distal end  24  into a corresponding one of the apertures  166 ,  168 ,  170 , and  172 . The distal ends  22  and  24  are sized to provide a friction fit with apertures  66 ,  68 ,  70 , and  72  and  166 ,  168 ,  170 , and  172 . This prevents the foot support  20  from freely swinging and when not in use, allows the user to push the foot support  20  up and out of the way. 
     With the foot support  20  installed between the first and second supports  12 ,  14 , the user then positions lower connector bar  16  into slots  74  and  174  respectively to interconnect distal ends  54  and  154  of the second legs  32  and  132 . Once the lower connector bar  16  is installed, the upper connector bar  18  is installed in slots  76  and  176 . It should be appreciated that the upper connector bar  18  may be installed prior to the lower connector bar  16 . It should also be appreciated that the upper connector bar  18  may be secured in position by friction fit and/or by a fastener such as a set screw. The elastic member  26  may also be installed between second legs  32  and  132 . The elastic member  26  allows a user to bounce his/her foot up and down on the elastic member  26 —such bouncing helps children with SPD relieve the pressures of the day by providing a sensory input when the child pushes against the elastic member  26 . The elastic member  26  may also be used to secure the foot support  20  up and out of the way. 
     Once the foot swing  10  has been assembled, the user may place the foot swing  10  under a workstation or desk to allow the user to move the foot support  20  in a pivotal motion, see  FIG. 1 , with his/her foot, simply rest his/her foot thereon, or place his/her foot on the elastic member  26  to provide a bouncing motion. Apertures  43 ,  62 ,  143 , and  162  allow the user to secure the foot swing  10  to legs of a desk using hook and loop fastener strips, rope, and/or any other suitable connector. Apertures  43 ,  62 ,  143 , and  162  include a cutout  90 ,  92 ,  190 ,  192  for securing the hook and loop fastener strips, rope, etc. in position within the apertures  43 ,  62 ,  143 , and  162 . In other words, the cutouts  90 ,  92 ,  190 ,  192  prevent the hook and loop fastener strips, rope, etc. from sliding and/or moving within the apertures  43 ,  62 ,  143 , and  162 , thereby providing a secure and/or solid anchor point when securing the foot swing  10  to a desk and/or other structure. 
     When the user is finished using the foot swing  10 , the user can collapse the foot swing  10  into a smaller package for storage or transport. In collapsing the foot swing  10 , the user disconnects the elastic member  26 , removes lower and upper connector bars  16  and  18 , removes foot support  20 , and collapses the first and second supports  12  and  14 . With everything broken down, the user can then pack the pieces into a bag, backpack, or other suitable carry device and take the foot swing  10  with them for use in another room, etc. 
     The foot swing  10  allows children to move without distracting the classroom via a swinging motion using the foot support  20  or a bouncing motion using the elastic member  26 . Such movement provides the benefits of calming and/or stimulating a child&#39;s brain, refocusing the children, improving in-seat behavior so that teachers do not have to redirect the children, and provide sensory input to help children relieve pressure due to sensory overload during the day. 
     The foregoing has described a portable foot swing. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. 
     Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
     The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.