Patent Publication Number: US-2022211184-A1

Title: Reversible ottoman

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to an ottoman that includes a foot massager. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Massaging systems may be provided in different forms, such as in handheld devices or in chairs. However, handheld devices may not be aesthetically pleasing and require storage when not in use. Chairs that incorporate a massaging system may enable built-in storage of the massaging system in contrast to a handheld device, but the treated areas of the body provided by a chair massager are limited. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present application provides an ottoman that includes a reversible footrest having an electrically powered massager. The reversible footrest includes a compression band having an expandable bladder that is configured to compress the feet of a user. When the reversible footrest is in a first orientation, the compression band is exposed and operable for use. The reversible footrest is configured to be flipped by 180 degrees to a second orientation in which the compression band is stowed in a support base that supports the reversible footrest in both orientations. The electrically powered massager is operable in both orientations. The support base defines an interior cavity that is configured to receive at least a portion of the reversible footrest. The height of the interior cavity is greater than the height of the compression band to accommodate the compression band when in the stowed position. 
     The height of the compression band may be adjustable via a center post that extends from the reversible footrest to the compression band. The electrically powered massager may include a heater and vibration device. An elongated through-slot may be formed in a sidewall of the reversible footrest for routing a power connector that is connectable to the electrically powered massager. Advantageously, the elongated through-slot is formed to enable the power connector to extend out of the reversible footrest when the reversible footrest is in either the first orientation in which the compression band is exposed or in the second orientation in which the compression band is stowed. 
     The ottoman may include hidden control buttons for operating the electrically powered massager that are enclosed and accessible from outside the reversible footrest. The compression band may include a user interface and the user interface may include an electronic ink interface. In exemplary embodiments, the compression band may include a magnet that is configured to attract another magnet of a remote control. The interior cavity of the support base may define a groove configured to support the remote control within the interior cavity adjacent the reversible footrest. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, an ottoman may include a reversible footrest. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, a reversible footrest may include an electrically powered massager having a heater and a vibration device. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, an ottoman may include a compression band having an expandable or inflatable bladder. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, an ottoman may include a footrest having a compression band and a support base that is configured to stow the compression band. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, an ottoman may include hidden buttons that are enclosed in a reversible footrest and accessible from outside the reversible footrest. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, an ottoman may include a reversible footrest having a compression band with an adjustable height. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, an ottoman may include a reversible footrest having an electronic ink display. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, an ottoman may include a support base, a reversible footrest that is removably supported in the support base and contains an electrically powered massager, and a compression band that is attached to the reversible footrest and extends over a top or bottom side of the reversible footrest, with the compression band being configured to compress a foot or feet of a user between the compression band and the reversible footrest. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method of assembling an ottoman may include arranging an electrically powered massager in a reversible footrest, attaching a compression band to a top or bottom side of the reversible footrest, with the compression band extending over the top or bottom side of the reversible footrest and being configured to compress a foot or feet of a user between the compression band and the reversible footrest, and removably inserting the reversible footrest into a support base in either a first orientation in which the compression band is exposed outside the support base or a second orientation in which the compression band is stowed in the support base, the electrically powered massager being operable when the reversible footrest is in both the first orientation and in the second orientation. 
     Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a top oblique view of an ottoman according to an embodiment of the present application. 
         FIG. 2  shows a bottom oblique view of the ottoman of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a side view of the ottoman of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a sectional view of the ottoman of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  shows a schematic drawing of a massaging system arranged in the ottoman of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects of the present application pertain to furniture that is configured to include massaging devices and systems. The principles described herein may be implemented in an ottoman, footrest, footstool, hassock, etc. Other types of furniture may also be suitable. In exemplary applications, the support base and the reversible footrest described herein may be arranged as part of a couch, sofa, chair, recliner, etc. 
       FIGS. 1-4  show an ottoman  20  including a support base  22  and a reversible footrest  24  that is removably supported in the support base  22 . The reversible footrest  24  contains or houses an electrically powered massager that is enclosed by the reversible footrest  24 . A compression band  28  is attached to the reversible footrest  24  and extends over a first side  30  of the reversible footrest  24 . The compression band  28  is configured to receive the feet of a user under the compression band  28 , such that the user inserts his or her feet between the reversible footrest  24  and the compression band  28 . The first side  30  of the reversible footrest  24  may be a top or bottom side of the reversible footrest  24 , depending on the orientation of the reversible footrest  24 . When the reversible footrest  24  is in a first orientation, as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the first side  30  is a top side of the reversible footrest  24 . When the reversible footrest  24  is in the first orientation, the compression band  28  is exposed and operable. The reversible footrest  24  may be flipped 180 degrees to a second orientation, such that the first side  30  is a bottom side of the reversible footrest  24  and the compression band  28  is stowed in the support base  22 . 
     The compression band  28  has two opposite ends  28   a ,  28   b , and a bridge portion  28   c  that extends between the opposite ends  28   a ,  28   b . The bridge portion  28   c  is spaced from the first side  30  of the reversible footrest  24  and may have a curved or arcuate shape. Other shapes, such as rectangular, may also be suitable for the compression band  28 . The opposite ends  28   a ,  28   b  of the compression band  28  may be attached to sidewalls  32  of the reversible footrest  24  which extend around the reversible footrest  24 . The opposite ends  28   a ,  28   b  may extend upwardly in a vertical direction along the sidewalls  32 . 
     The compression band  28  includes an inflatable or expandable bladder  34  disposed along a side of the compression band  28  that faces the first side  30  of the reversible footrest  24 . An entire surface of the compression band  28  may be covered by the expandable bladder  34 . The expandable bladder  34  may be inflated and filled with fluid, such as air, to expand and compress the feet of the user arranged between the reversible footrest  24  and the compression band  28 . When not in use or when the compression band  28  is stowed in the support base  22 , the expandable bladder  34  is deflated. The expandable bladder  34  may be formed of any suitable material. In an exemplary embodiment, the expandable bladder  34  may be formed of a polyurethane fabric material. 
     The reversible footrest  24  includes an electrically powered massager  36  that is housed inside the reversible footrest  24 , as schematically shown in  FIG. 3 . In an exemplary embodiment, the reversible footrest  24  may be formed of a shell that surrounds the electrically powered massager  36 . The shell is covered with a fabric material, which may be any suitable material. The shell may be formed of any suitable rigid material, such as a polymer material. Other structural materials may be suitable. The reversible footrest  24  may have any suitable shape. For example, the reversible footrest  24  may have a square or rectangular shape. In other exemplary embodiments, the reversible footrest  24  may have a cylindrical shape, or any other polygonal shape. The reversible footrest  24  may have a continuous surface and smooth transitions between surfaces of the reversible footrest  24 , such that the reversible footrest  24  does not have any sharp corners. For example, the edges of the first side  30  may curve toward the sidewalls  32 . Other shapes of the reversible footrest  24  may be suitable. 
     The shape of the reversible footrest  24  is complementary to the shape of the support base  22 , such that the sidewalls  32  of the reversible footrest  24  mate with the inside of sidewalls  38  of the support base  22  when the reversible footrest  24  is inserted in the support base  22 . The sidewalls  38  of the support base  22  and the sidewalls  32  of the reversible footrest  24  extend normal to a surface on which the ottoman  20  is arranged. The support base  22  may be defined by a shell formed of a rigid material and covered with any suitable fabric material. A polymer material or any other structural material may be suitable for the shell. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of feet  40  may be attached to a bottom of the support base  22 . The feet  40  may have any suitable shape, such as circular, oval, rectangular, etc. Any suitable material may be used to form the feet  40 . For example, the feet  40  may be formed of a wood and plastic composite material. Any number of feet may be provided. In other exemplary embodiments, the support base  22  may be formed without feet such that the support base  22  rests directly on the ground on which the ottoman  20  is arranged. In still other embodiments, the ottoman  20  may be formed integrally as part of a couch, sofa, or chair. 
     The compression band  28  may have an adjustable height relative to the reversible footrest  24  such that the compression band  28  is adjustable for the feet of different users. A center post  42  may extend from the reversible footrest  24  to a middle of the bridge portion  28   c  of the compression band  28 . The center post  42  is extendable and retractable through the reversible footrest  24 . A suitable shape for the center post  42  is rectangular, but other shapes are suitable. For example, the center post  42  could be cylindrical. More than one center post  42  may be provided in other exemplary embodiments. The compression band  28  may be formed of a semi-rigid material that enables the compression band  28  to be slightly bent when the center post  42  is retracted into the reversible footrest  24 . The reversible footrest  24  includes an aperture  43  that extends through the reversible footrest  24 . The aperture  43  defines the path of movement for the center post  42  which is configured to move linearly. The center post  42  may be moved automatically or manually by the user. A ratchet mechanism or other mechanical locking mechanism may be arranged in the reversible footrest  24  to lock the center post  42  in position. For example, the center post  42  may be pushed down to the retracted position and the ratchet mechanism may lock the reversible footrest  24  in the retracted position. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 4 , the fabric material covering the reversible footrest  24  may be continuous along the entirety of a second side  44  of the reversible footrest  24  that is opposite the first side  30 . The first side  30  and the second side  44  may be substantially planar to extend parallel with the ground surface on which the ottoman  20  is arranged. When the reversible footrest  24  is in the first orientation shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the second side  44  is a bottom side of the reversible footrest  24 . When the reversible footrest  24  is flipped to the second orientation in which the compression band  28  is stowed, the second side  44  is the top side of the reversible footrest  24 . When the reversible footrest  24  is in the first orientation, the first side  30  of the reversible footrest  24  is the top side and the compression band  28  is exposed and configured for operation. When the reversible footrest  24  is flipped 180 degrees to the second orientation, the second side  44  of the reversible footrest  24  is exposed. When the reversible footrest  24  is in the second orientation, the electrically powered massager  36  is still operable with the compression band  28  being stowed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the support base  22  defines an interior cavity  46  that is configured to receive at least a portion of the reversible footrest  24 . In an exemplary embodiment, approximately half of a height of the reversible footrest  24  may be accommodated in the support base  22  such that approximately half of the reversible footrest  24  is exposed outside the reversible footrest  24 . The height H of the interior cavity  46  is greater than the height of the center post  42  and the compression band  28  such that the center post  42  can be accommodated in the interior cavity  46  when the reversible footrest  24  is in the second orientation for stowing the compression band  28 . When the center post  42  is in the extended position shown in  FIG. 4 , the portion of the center post  42  extending in the reversible footrest  24  may extend through approximately half of the height of the reversible footrest  24 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the height of the compression band  28  when the center post  42  is in the extended position may be between 65 and 85 millimeters. A width of the bridge portion  28   c  of the compression band  28  may be between 125 and 145 millimeters. The width and length of the ottoman  20  may be between 320 and 360 millimeters. In exemplary embodiments, the width and length may be the same. A total height of the ottoman  20  when the reversible footrest  24  is in the first orientation shown in  FIGS. 1-4  may be between 220 and 260 millimeters. The feet  40  may have a height that is between 20 and 40 millimeters. Many other dimensions and shapes may be suitable for the ottoman  20  and the ottoman  20  may be sized up or down. 
     Advantageously, the interior cavity  46  of the support base  22  may be used to store other components of the ottoman  20 , or other household items. The support base  22  may define at least one groove  48  that is integrally formed in the support base  22 . In an exemplary embodiment, the groove  48  may be formed by a continuous surface of the shell that defines the support base  22 . The continuous surface protrudes upwardly from a bottom of the support base  22  and is shaped to accommodate a remote control  50  for the ottoman  20  adjacent the reversible footrest  24 . The continuous surface may have a shape that is complementary in shape to the surface of the remote control  50 . Accordingly, the remote control  50  can be easily stowed in the interior cavity  46  of the support base  22 . 
     Referring in addition to  FIG. 5 , power is supplied to the electrically powered massager  36  via a power connector  52  that may be plugged into a power source  53 . In other exemplary embodiments, the power source  53  may be contained in the ottoman  20 , such as in a battery which may be chargeable. The power connector  52  may be any suitable cable or a cord. As shown in  FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 , an elongated through-slot  54  is formed in one of the sidewalls  32  of the reversible footrest  24  for routing the power connector  52  inside the reversible footrest  24  to connect to the electronics of the electrically powered massager  36 . The elongated through-slot  54  extends along the entire height of the sidewall  32  from the first side  30  to the second side  44  of the reversible footrest  24 . When the reversible footrest  24  is seated in the support base  22 , the power connector  52  extends over an upper edge  56  of the support base  22 . Providing the elongated through-slot  54  is advantageous in that the power connector  52  can extend out of the reversible footrest  24  when the reversible footrest  24  is in either the first orientation in which the first side  30  of the reversible footrest  24  faces outwardly relative to the support base  22  or in the second orientation in which the second side  44  of the reversible footrest  24  faces outwardly. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the electrically powered massager  36  may include a vibration device  58  and a heater  60 . The vibration device  58  and heater  60  may be operable when the reversible footrest  24  is in either the first orientation in which the compression band  28  is exposed or in the second orientation in which the compression band  28  is stowed. A processor  62  may be configured to control the vibration device  58 , the heater  60 , and the compression band  28  in response to a user input. Any suitable processor, circuitry, and other electronic components may be implemented in the reversible footrest  24 . 
     The processor  62  may be in communication with an air compressor  63  that is arranged in the reversible footrest  24  and configured to inflate and deflate the expandable bladder  34  (shown in  FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 ). The center post  42  may be automatically moved in response to a user input received by the processor  62  to adjust the height of the compression band  28 . The compression band  28  may also include a return mechanism  64  that is configured to reset the compression band  28  to its tallest height. For example, the return mechanism  64  may include a spring-back mechanism, such that if the center post  42  is pushed to a lowermost position within the reversible footrest  24 , i.e. the retracted position, the center post  42  and thus the compression band  28  may be pushed back upwardly out of the reversible footrest  24  to an upper most position, i.e. the extended position. 
     Any suitable user interface may be provided on the ottoman  20 . A user interface may be provided in addition to the remote control  50  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). In other exemplary embodiments, the ottoman  20  may be operable with only the remote control  50  or with only a user interface located on the ottoman  20 . A top surface  66  of the bridge portion  28   c  of the compression band  28  may include a user interface  68 . The user interface  68  may be arranged at other locations on the ottoman  20  and more than one user interface may be provided. An electronic ink (e-ink) display may be used in the user interface  68 . The e-ink display is configured to show various settings and modes of the ottoman  20 . Exemplary modes include a vibration mode in which the vibration device  58  is operating, a heat mode in which the heater  60  is operating, and a compression mode in which the compression band  28  is operating. The modes may occur independently or simultaneously. 
     The user interface  68  may include buttons or any other suitable component configured to receive a command from a user. For example, buttons may be provided for turning components on and off and adjusting operation of the electrically powered massager  36  and the compression band  28 , e.g. adjusting the heat of the heater  60  and/or the vibration of the vibration device  58 . Buttons may also be provided for controlling inflation of the expandable bladder  34  or the height of the compression band  28 . The electrically powered massager  36  may be configured with other massage components besides the heater  60  and the vibration device  58 . In other exemplary embodiments, the electrically powered massager  36  may be configured without the heater  60 . 
     The ottoman  20  may also be configured to have other surfaces for easily accommodating the remote control  50 . For example, magnetic surfaces or materials may be arranged on thee ottoman  20 . In an exemplary embodiment, the top surface  66  of the compression band  28  may include a magnet or may be a magnetic surface that is configured to attract a magnet of the remote control  50 . Other surfaces of the ottoman  20  may be configured to provide magnetic attraction for the remote control  50 . For example, the sidewalls  38  of the support base  22  may include magnetic surfaces. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the reversible footrest  24  may include at least one hidden control button  70  that is enclosed by the fabric of the reversible footrest  24  and accessible from outside the reversible footrest  24 . For example, the control button  70  may be a power on/off button. Stitching in the fabric surrounding the reversible footrest  24  may be used to indicate the location of the control button  70  inside the reversible footrest  24 . The control button  70  may be arranged on the second side  44  of the reversible footrest  24 . In other exemplary embodiments, more than one control button  70  may be provided and the control buttons may be positioned anywhere inside the reversible footrest  24 . 
     The ottoman  20  may be formed of any suitable materials and may be formed using any suitable manufacturing and assembly methods. The assembly method may include arranging the electrically powered massager  36  in the reversible footrest  24 , attaching the compression band  28  to a top or bottom side  30 ,  44  of the reversible footrest  24 , and removably inserting the reversible footrest  24  into the support base  22 . 
     The ottoman including the support base and the reversible footrest described herein is advantageous in that the ottoman has different orientations and modes. In contrast to conventional massage devices or massage chairs that only massage a portion of the body of a user, the arrangement of the components, such as the interior cavity of the support base, the hidden buttons, the elongated slot, the e-ink display, etc. provides a functional foot massage device that is also aesthetically pleasing as a piece of furniture. Accordingly, separate stowing of the foot massager is eliminated. 
     An ottoman may include a support base, a reversible footrest that is removably supported in the support base and contains an electrically powered massager, and a compression band that is attached to the reversible footrest and extends over a top or bottom side of the reversible footrest, with the compression band being configured to compress a foot or feet of a user between the compression band and the reversible footrest. 
     The reversible footrest may have a first orientation in which the compression band is exposed outside the support base and a second orientation in which the compression band is stowed in the support base. 
     The electrically powered massager may be operable when the reversible footrest is in both the first orientation and the second orientation. 
     The compression band may include an expandable bladder. 
     The compression band may have opposite ends attached to opposite sidewalls of the reversible footrest, and a bridge portion that extends between the opposite ends. 
     The compression band may have an adjustable height relative to the reversible footrest. 
     The ottoman may include a center post that extends from the reversible footrest to the compression band. The center post may be extendable and retractable through the reversible footrest. 
     The center post includes a return mechanism that is engaged by the center post when the center post is moved to a fully retracted position to move the center post to an extended position. 
     The reversible footrest may define an elongated through-slot that extends along a sidewall of the reversible footrest for routing a power connector that is connectable to the foot massager. 
     The elongated through-slot may extend along the sidewall from the top or bottom side of the reversible footrest to an opposite side of the top or bottom side. 
     The electrically powered massager may include a heater. 
     The reversible footrest may include a control button that is enclosed by the reversible footrest and accessible from outside the reversible footrest. 
     The control button may be arranged on an opposite one of the top or bottom side relative to the top or bottom side of the reversible footrest over which the compression band extends. 
     The ottoman may include an electronic ink interface arranged on the compression band. 
     The ottoman may include feet attached to the support base. 
     The feet may be formed of a composite material including wood and plastic. 
     The support base may define an interior cavity that is configured to receive at least a portion of the reversible footrest. 
     The interior cavity may have a height that is greater than a height of the compression band. 
     The support base may define a groove in the interior cavity, with the groove being configured to support a remote control within the interior cavity adjacent the reversible footrest. 
     The compression band may include a magnet configured to attract another magnet of a remote control for the ottoman. 
     A method of assembling an ottoman may include arranging an electrically powered massager in a reversible footrest, attaching a compression band to a top or bottom side of the reversible footrest, with the compression band extending over the top or bottom side of the reversible footrest and being configured to compress a foot or feet of a user between the compression band and the reversible footrest, and removably inserting the reversible footrest into a support base in either a first orientation in which the compression band is exposed outside the support base or a second orientation in which the compression band is stowed in the support base, the electrically powered massager being operable when the reversible footrest is in both the first orientation and in the second orientation. 
     Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described elements (components, assemblies, devices, compositions, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such elements are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any element which performs the specified function of the described element (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiment or embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been described above with respect to only one or more of several illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments, as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.