Patent Publication Number: US-8534762-B2

Title: Articulating footrest

Description:
FIELD 
     This application relates generally to a stylist chair and, more particularly, to an articulating footrest for a stylist chair. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Salon, stylist or barber&#39;s chairs are widely used by beauticians, stylists, barbers and other individuals for performing a service for a user seated in the chair.  FIG. 1  illustrates a typical prior art stylist chair, which contains a chair  70 ′, a center bar  50 ′, and a footrest  10 ′. The footrest  10 ′ supports a user&#39;s feet while he or she is sitting in the chair  70 ′. However, the center bar  50 ′ and footrest  10 ′ together form a “T shape” that is unmovable. The shape and location of such a footrest  10 ′ can create a tripping hazard. For example, when disembarking from the chair, the user typically removes his/her feet from the footrest  10 ′ and sets each foot on the ground such that the individual&#39;s legs straddle the center bar  50 ′ and the feet are behind the footrest  10 ′. The individual must then spread his/her legs wider in order to step away from the chair  70 ′ without tripping on the footrest  10 ′. Older people, in particular, have greater difficulty maneuvering in such a manner. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an improved footrest assembly that can be easily manipulated so that it presents less of a tripping hazard and allows for a user to easily step away from a stylist chair. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art stylist chair; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a stylist chair according to a first embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a center bar and footrest assembly according to the first embodiment, wherein the footrest assembly is in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a center bar and footrest assembly according to the first embodiment, wherein the footrest assembly is in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a center bar and footrest assembly according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a first pedal, second pedal and gear assembly according to the first embodiment, wherein a bottom plate is secured to the gear assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a center bar and footrest assembly according to the first embodiment, wherein the center bar is detached from the gear assembly; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a first pedal, second pedal and gear assembly according to the first embodiment, wherein the first gear and the second gear of the gear assembly are separated; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a first pedal, second pedal and gear assembly in a closed configuration according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a first pedal, second pedal and gear assembly in an open configuration according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a stylist chair according to a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a footrest assembly according to the second embodiment, wherein the footrest assembly is in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a footrest assembly according to the second embodiment, wherein the footrest assembly is in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a footrest assembly according to the second embodiment, wherein the footrest assembly is in between a closed configuration and an open configuration; 
         FIG. 15  is a back side view of a footrest assembly according to the second embodiment, wherein the footrest assembly is in between a closed configuration and an open configuration; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a gear assembly according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 17  is a back side view of a gear assembly according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a first pedal and a second pedal of a footrest assembly according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 19  is a back side view of a first pedal and a second pedal of a footrest assembly according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 20  is a front side view of a footrest assembly without a housing according to the second embodiment, wherein the footrest assembly is in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 21  is a front side view of a footrest assembly without a housing according to the second embodiment, wherein the footrest assembly is in between a closed configuration and an open configuration; 
         FIG. 22  is a front side view of a footrest assembly without a housing according to the second embodiment, wherein the footrest assembly is in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 23  is a bottom perspective view of a footrest assembly without a housing according to the second embodiment, wherein the footrest assembly is in between a closed configuration and an open configuration; 
         FIG. 24  is a side perspective view of a footrest assembly without a housing according to the second embodiment, wherein the footrest assembly is in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 25  is a side perspective view of a footrest assembly without a housing according to the second embodiment, wherein the footrest assembly is in between a closed configuration and an open configuration; 
         FIG. 26  is a side perspective view of a footrest assembly without a housing according to the second embodiment, wherein the footrest assembly is in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 27  is a side view of a footrest assembly without a housing according to the second embodiment, wherein the footrest assembly is in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 28  is a side view of a footrest assembly without a housing according to the second embodiment, wherein the footrest assembly is in between a closed configuration and an open configuration; and 
         FIG. 29  is a side view of a footrest assembly without a housing according to the second embodiment, wherein the footrest assembly is in an open configuration. 
     
    
    
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides a footrest assembly for a stylist chair that can be easily manipulated so that it presents less of a tripping hazard and allows for a user to easily enter into and step away from the chair. The footrest assembly is coupled to a stylist chair through a central bar. The footrest assembly includes a gear assembly, a first pedal and a second pedal. The first pedal and the second pedal move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the first pedal and the second pedal are moved away from one another to form a footrest. In the closed configuration, the first pedal and the second pedal are moved toward one another to form a configuration that enables a user to easily exit the stylist chair. Also, the gear assembly is a cooperating gear assembly, so that when one of the first pedal and the second pedal moves, the other of the first pedal and the second pedal simultaneously moves. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawing and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended; any alterations and further modifications of the described or illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein, are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
     In the foregoing detailed description, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it can be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. 
       FIGS. 2-10  illustrate a footrest assembly  10  according to a first embodiment.  FIGS. 11-29  illustrate a footrest assembly  110  according to a second embodiment. In each embodiment, the footrest assembly includes a gear assembly, a first pedal and a second pedal. The first pedal and the second pedal move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the first pedal and the second pedal are moved away from one another to form a footrest. In the closed configuration, the first pedal and the second pedal are moved toward one another to form a configuration that enables a user to easily exit the stylist chair. Also, the gear assembly is a cooperating gear assembly, so that when one of the first pedal and the second pedal moves, the other of the first pedal and the second pedal simultaneously moves. Each the first embodiment and the second embodiment will now be described. 
       FIGS. 2-10  illustrate a footrest assembly  10  according to the first embodiment. The footrest assembly  10  can be coupled to a stylist chair  70  through a central bar  50 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Each the stylist chair  70  and central bar  50  can have any design or configuration known in the art. Likewise, the footrest assembly  10  can be attached to the central bar  50  using attachment mechanisms known in the art. The footrest assembly  10  has an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the footrest assembly  10  forms a footrest that enables a user to rest his or her feet on when using the stylist chair  70 . In the closed configuration, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the footrest assembly  10  closes enables a user to easily exit the stylist chair  70 . 
     The footrest assembly  10  includes a first pedal  12   a , a second pedal  12   b  and a gear assembly  14 . The first pedal  12   a  and the second pedal  12   b  are each coupled to the gear assembly  14 . The gear assembly  14  is a cooperating gear assembly that causes the first pedal  12   a  and the second pedal  12   b  to move simultaneously together and cooperate with one another. In other words, when one of the first pedal  12   a  or the second pedal  12   b  moves, the other of the first pedal  12   a  or the second pedal  12   b  simultaneously moves. In the first embodiment, the gear assembly  14  includes a first gear  14   a  and a second gear  14   b . The first gear  14   a  is coupled to the first pedal  12   a . Likewise, the second gear  14   b  is coupled to the second pedal  12   b . The pedals  12   a ,  12   b  generally move forward and backward. 
     The footrest assembly  10  also includes an optional housing  24  that covers at least a portion of the gear assembly  14 . The housing  24  can have a variety of different configurations. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the housing  24  includes a front guard  16  and a bottom plate  18 . The front guard  16  has a shape (such as a horseshoe shape) that generally matches the shape of the bottom plate  18 , so the front guard  16  can rest on top of or around the periphery of bottom plate  18 . The bottom plate  18  also includes a hole  22 . Each the first gear  14   a  and the second gear  14   b  is positioned on top of the bottom plate  18 . A fastening device  26  (such as a screw) extends through the hole  22  and into a corresponding hole (not shown) on the bottom of the first gear  14   a . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the fastening device  26  secures the bottom plate  18  to the first gear  14   a . Referring back to  FIG. 5 , the front guard  16  also has two openings  28   a ,  28   b  through which the first pedal  12   a  and the second pedal  12   b  can extend through. The front guard  16  is positioned around the gear assembly  14  so that the first pedal  12   a  extends through the opening  18   a  and the second pedal  12   b  extends through the opening  26   b.    
     The central bar  50  is also secured to the footrest assembly  10 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , the central bar  50  can be secured to the first gear  14   a  and the second gear  14   b . For example, the first gear  14   a  has a top hole  20   a  and the second gear  14   b  has a top hole  20   b . The central bar  50  also has holes  56   a ,  56   b . The hole  56   a  is configured to align with hole  20   a  and the hole  56   b  is configured to align with hole  20   b . A pair of screws  58   a ,  58   b  extend through holes  56   a ,  56   b  into holes  20   a ,  20   b  to secure the central bar  50  to the first gear  14   a  and the second gear  14   b . Once the central bar  50  is secured to the first gear  14   a  and the second gear  14   b , the central bar  50 , together with the housing  24 , hides at least a portion of the gear assembly  14 . 
     The first gear  14   a  and the second gear  14   b  are coupled to one another in a cooperating fashion, so that when one gear moves, the other gear simultaneously moves. As best shown in  FIG. 8 , the first gear  14   a  includes a plurality of teeth  34   a  and the second gear  14   b  also includes a plurality of teeth  34   b . The plurality of teeth  34   a  of the first gear  14   a  engages with the plurality of teeth  34   b  of the second gear  14   b  to cause the first gear  14   a  and the second gear  14   b  to cooperate with one another. The plurality of teeth  34   a ,  34   b  can have any desired configuration that allows the first gear  14   a  and the second gear  14   b  to engage with and cooperate with one another. In this first embodiment, the plurality of teeth  34   a  includes three peaks  46   a  and four grooves  48   a  adjacent the peaks  46   a  and the plurality of teeth  34   b  includes four peaks  46   b  and three grooves  48   b  adjacent the peaks  46   b . The three peaks  46   a  of the first plurality of teeth  34  mate with the three grooves  48   b  of the second plurality of teeth  34   b . Likewise, the four peaks  46   b  of the second plurality of teeth  34   b  mate with the four grooves  48   a  of the first plurality of teeth  34   a . Of course, any number of peak and groove combinations can be present on the plurality of teeth  34   a ,  34   b  to enable the first gear  14   a  and the second gear  14   b  to engage with one another. 
     The pedals  12   a ,  12   b  cooperate with one another through the gears  14   a ,  14   b . Specifically, the first gear plurality of teeth  34   a  engages with the second gear plurality of teeth  34   b  so that as one of the first gear  14   a  or the second gear  14   b  is turned, the engaging plurality of teeth  34   a ,  34   b  causes the other of the first gear  14   a  or the second gear  14   b  to simultaneously turn. Specifically, when a user moves the first pedal  12   a  rearward (towards the stylist chair), the first gear  14   a  turns clockwise. The engaging plurality of teeth  34   a ,  34   b  causes the second gear  14   b  to turn counterclockwise simultaneously, also causing the second pedal  12   b  to move rearward simultaneously. Likewise, when a user moves the first pedal  12   a  forward (away from the stylist chair), the first gear  14   a  turns counterclockwise. The engaging plurality of teeth  34   a ,  34   b  causes the second gear  14   b  to turn clockwise simultaneously, also causing the second gear  14   b  to move forward simultaneously. 
     In other words, when a user moves the second pedal  12   b  rearward, the second gear  114   b  turns counterclockwise. The engaging plurality of teeth  34   a ,  34   b  causes the first gear  14   a  to turn clockwise simultaneously, also causing the first pedal  12   a  to move rearward simultaneously. Likewise, when a user moves the second pedal  12   b  forward, the second gear  114   b  turns clockwise. The engaging plurality of teeth  34   a ,  34   b  causes the first gear  114   a  to turn counterclockwise simultaneously, also causing the first gear  14   a  to move forward simultaneously. Thus, the first pedal  12   a  and the second pedal  12   b  always move rearward and forward together and simultaneously. 
     Additionally, the gears  14   a ,  14   b  include stops that hold them in place in either the open configuration or the closed configuration. These stops are perhaps best illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 .  FIG. 9  shows the gears  14   a ,  14   b  (and thus the pedals  12   a ,  12   b ) in a closed configuration and  FIG. 10  shows the gears  14   a ,  14   b  (and thus the pedals  12   a ,  12   b ) in an open configuration. The first gear  14   a  includes a proximal edge  30   a  and a distal edge  32   a . Likewise, the second gear  14   b  includes a proximal edge  30   b  and a distal edge  32   b.    
     As best shown in  FIG. 9 , the proximal edge  30   a  of the first gear  14   a  abuts the proximal edge  30   b  of the second gear  14   b  to position the first pedal  12   a  and the second pedal  12   b  in the closed configuration. When the proximal edges  30   a ,  30   b  abut together, they form a proximal junction  40  or stop. In this closed configuration, the first pedal  12   a  and the second pedal  12   b  are moved forward and toward one another so that they are adjacent to or even in contact with one another. This closed configuration enables a user to easily exit the stylist chair. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 10 , the distal edge  32   a  of the first gear  14   a  abuts the distal edge  32   b  of the second gear  14   b  to position the first pedal  12   a  and the second pedal  12   b  in the open configuration. When the distal edges  32   a ,  32   b  abut together, they form a distal junction  42  or stop. In this open configuration, the first pedal  12   a  and the second pedal  12   b  are moved rearward and away from one another so that they extend outward as a footrest. This open configuration provides a footrest that enables a user to rest his or her feet on when using the stylist chair. 
     During use, a user simply moves the pedals  12   a ,  12   b  rearward and forward between the open configuration and the closed configuration. As shown in  FIG. 9 , when a user moves the either the first pedal  12   a  or the second pedal  12   b  rearward towards the closed configuration, the interlocking plurality of teeth  34   a ,  34   b  allow for the gears  14   a ,  14   b  to turn until their proximal edges  30   a ,  30   b  abut one another at the proximal junction  40 . The proximal junction  40  therefore serves as a stop that holds the pedals  12   a ,  12   b  in the closed configuration. Likewise, as shown in  FIG. 10 , when a user moves the either the first pedal  12   a  or the second pedal  12   b  forward towards the open configuration, the interlocking plurality of teeth  34   a ,  34   b  allow for the gears  14   a ,  14   b  to turn until their distal edges  32   a ,  32   b  abut one another at the distal junction  42 . The distal junction  42  therefore serves as a stop that holds the pedals  12   a ,  12   b  in the open configuration. 
       FIGS. 11-26  illustrate a footrest assembly  110  according to a second embodiment.  FIG. 2  shows a stylist chair  170  having a footrest assembly  110 . The footrest assembly  110  is coupled to the stylist chair  170  via the central bar  150 . Each the stylist chair  170  and central bar  150  can have any design or configuration known in the art. Likewise, the footrest assembly  110  can be attached to the central bar  150  using attachment mechanisms known in the art. 
     Like the footrest assembly  10  of the first embodiment, the footrest assembly  110  of the second embodiment is also movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.  FIG. 12  shows the footrest assembly  110  in a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the footrest assembly  110  closes and enables a user to easily exit the stylist chair  170 .  FIG. 13  shows the footrest assembly  110  in an open configuration. In the open configuration, the footrest assembly  110  forms a footrest that enables a user to rest his or her feet on when using the stylist chair  170 .  FIGS. 14 and 15  show the footrest assembly  110  in a configuration that is in between the closed configuration shown in  FIG. 12  and the open configuration shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     Generally, the footrest assembly  110  includes a gear assembly  114 , a first pedal  112   a  and a second pedal  112   b . Like the first embodiment, the first pedal  112   a  and the second pedal  112   b  are coupled to the gear assembly  114  and the gear assembly  114  is a cooperating gear assembly that causes the first pedal  112   a  and the second pedal  112   b  to move simultaneously together. The gear assembly  114  also includes a first gear  114   a  and a second gear  114 . The first gear  114   a  is coupled to the first pedal  112   a  and the second gear  114   b  is coupled to the second pedal  112   b . The pedals  112   a ,  112   b  generally move upward and downward between the closed configuration shown in  FIG. 12  and the open configuration shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 through 15 , the footrest assembly  110  also includes an optional housing  116  that surrounds at least a portion of the gear assembly  114 . The housing  116  can have a variety of different configurations. In the second embodiment, the housing  116  is a two-piece structure and includes a first section  116   a  and a second section  116   b . The sections  116   a ,  116   b  are assembled together to form the housing  116  that surrounds at least a portion of the gear assembly  114 . Of course, the housing  116  can alternatively include a three-piece structure, four-piece structure and the like. The housing  116  can include openings  180   a ,  180   b , which receive tubular portions of the central bar  150 . Of course, other attachment mechanisms to the central bar  150  can be used instead. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the gear assembly  114  includes a first gear  114   a  and a second gear  114   b . Each the first gear  114   a  and the second gear  114   b  includes a generally circular body  132   a ,  132   b  having an outer perimeter or circumference  134   a ,  134   b . In some embodiments, the first gear  114   a  and the second gear  114   b  are mirror images of one another, although this is by no means required. At least a portion of the outer circumference  134   a ,  134   b  defines a plurality of teeth. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire outer circumference  134   a ,  134   b  defines the plurality of teeth. 
     The plurality of teeth  134   a ,  134   b  can have any desired configuration that allows the first gear  14   a  and the second gear  14   b  to engage with and cooperate with one another. The plurality of teeth  134   a ,  134   b  generally includes alternating peaks  146   a ,  146   b  and grooves  148   a ,  148   b . Each peak  146   a  peak on the first gear  114   a  has a size and shape that fits or mates within each groove  148   b  on the second gear  114   b . Likewise, each peak  146   b  peak on the second gear  114   b  has a size and shape that fits or mates within each groove  148   a  on the first gear  114   a . In the second embodiment, all of the peaks  146   a ,  146   b  are identical and all of the grooves  148   a ,  148   b  are identical, but this is by no means required. Any desired peak and groove configuration can be used to cause the plurality of teeth  134   a ,  134   b  to engage with each other. 
     The generally circular body  132   a ,  132   b  of each gear  114   a ,  114   b  also has an extending portion  138   a ,  138   b  that extends outward from the body  132   a ,  132   b . The extending portion  138   a ,  138   b  also has a generally circular shape. In some embodiments, the extending portion  138   a ,  138   b  has the same size and shape of the generally circular body  132   a ,  132   b  but does not include the outer plurality of teeth  134   a ,  134   b . Both the generally circular body  132   a ,  132   b  and the extending portion  138   a ,  138   b  include a central bore (not shown) that extends all the way through from a front of the circular body  132   a ,  132   b  to a rear of the extending portion  138   a ,  138   b.    
     An axle  136   a ,  136   b  extends through the central bore. The axle  136   a ,  136   b  has a generally circular body that is sized and shaped to extend through the central bore. More specifically, the axle  136   a ,  136   b  has a front end and a rear end, the front end being the portion that extends outward and frontward from the generally circular body  132   a ,  132   b  and the rear end being the portion that extends outward and rearward from the extending portion  136   a ,  136   b.    
     The first gear  114   a  is coupled to the first pedal  112   a  and the second gear  114   b  is coupled to the second pedal  112   b . Referring to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the pedal  112   a ,  112   b  includes a receiving hole  140   a ,  140   b  and a recess  142   a ,  142   b . The receiving hole  140   a ,  140   b  extends through the recess  142   a ,  142   b . In the second embodiment, the recess  142   a ,  142   b  is generally circular in shape and the receiving hole  140   a ,  140   b  has a shape that is smaller than the shape of the recess  142   a ,  142   b.    
     The axle  136   a ,  136   b  extends through the receiving hole  140   a ,  140   b  to secure the gear  114   a ,  114   b  to the pedal  112   a ,  112   b . Generally, the gear  114   a ,  114   b  is inserted into the retaining hole  140   a ,  140   b  so that the rear end of the axle  136   a ,  136   b  extends through the retaining hole  140   a ,  140   b . At the same time, the extending portion  138   a ,  138  fits nicely within the recesses  142   a ,  142   b . As such, the recess  142   a ,  142   b  has a size and shape that matches the size and shape of the extending portion  136   a ,  136   b  so that the extending portion  136   a ,  136   b  can fit within the recessed portion  142   a ,  142   b . This allows the pedals  112   a ,  112   b  to be coupled to the gears  114   a ,  114   b.    
     The pedals  112   a ,  112   b  cooperate with one another through the gears  114   a ,  114   b . Specifically, the first gear plurality of teeth  134   a  engages with the second gear plurality of teeth  134   b  so that as one of the first gear  114   a  or the second gear  114   b  is turned, the engaging plurality of teeth  134   a ,  134   b  causes the other of the first gear  114   a  or the second gear  141   b  to simultaneously turn. Specifically, referring to  FIGS. 20 through 22 , when a user moves the first pedal  112   a  downward, the first gear  114   a  turns clockwise. The engaging plurality of teeth  134   a ,  134   b  causes the second gear  114   b  to turn counterclockwise simultaneously, also causing the second pedal  112   b  to move downward simultaneously. Likewise, when a user moves the first pedal  112   a  upward, the first gear  114   a  turns counterclockwise. The engaging plurality of teeth  134   a ,  134   b  causes the second gear  114   b  to turn clockwise simultaneously, also causing the second gear  114   b  to move upward simultaneously. 
     In other words, when a user moves the second pedal  112   b  downward, the second gear  114   b  turns counterclockwise. The engaging plurality of teeth  134   a ,  134   b  causes the first gear  114   a  to turn clockwise simultaneously, also causing the first pedal  112   a  to move downward simultaneously. Likewise, when a user moves the second pedal  112   b  upward, the second gear  114   b  turns clockwise. The engaging plurality of teeth  134   a ,  134   b  causes the first gear  114   a  to turn counterclockwise simultaneously, also causing the first gear  114   a  to move upward simultaneously. Thus, the first pedal  112   a  and the second pedal  112   b  always move upward and downward together and simultaneously. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 20 through 22 , the footrest assembly  110  also includes a biasing apparatus  182  that biases the footrest assembly  110  towards the closed configuration. The pedals  112   a ,  112   b  include top surfaces  124   a ,  124   b  and bottom surfaces  126   a ,  126   b . The top surfaces  124   a ,  124   b  define a footrest surface. The bottom surface  126   a  of the first pedal  112   a  includes a recess  180  that houses the biasing apparatus  182 . The recess  180  and the biasing apparatus  182  can have any desired shape or configuration that allows the biasing apparatus  182  to fit within and be retained by the recess  180 . The biasing apparatus  182  can be a torsion spring that biases the first pedal  112   a  (and thus the second pedal  112   b ) upwards and towards the closed configuration shown in  FIG. 20 . In order to move the pedals  112   a ,  112   b  towards the open configuration shown in  FIG. 22 , a user must apply a generally downward force to one of the pedals  112   a ,  112   b . This force goes against the biasing force of the biasing apparatus  182  to force the pedals  112   a ,  112   b  downward and towards the open configuration. 
     The footrest assembly  110  also includes a locking mechanism. Referring to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , the locking mechanism includes a lever  172  that locks and unlocks the pedals  112   a ,  112   b  in the open configuration. The lever  172  is coupled to the bottom surface  126   a  of the first pedal  112   a . The lever  172  includes a front end  164  and a rear end  166 . The frontend  164  includes a knob  190  for gripping by a user. The lever also includes a biasing apparatus  178  that biases the lever in a forward direction y. The biasing apparatus  178  can be a compression spring that pushes the lever forwardly in the direction y. The compression spring can have a size and shape that allows it to be positioned on the lever  172  so that it wraps around at least a portion of the front end  164 . The knob  190  is also placed on the front end  164  so that it holds the compression spring in place on the front end  164 . In some cases, the compression spring is secured to the knob  190  itself. 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , the lever  172  also includes a bellow  174  that is positioned on the lever  172  so that it is in between the front end  164  and the rear end  166 . The lever bellow  174  includes an engaging surface or shoulder  176 . The bottom surface  126   a  of the first pedal  112   a  also includes a protrusion  184  that extends outward and downward from the bottom surface  126   a . The protrusion  184  also includes an engaging surface or shoulder  186 . The bellow engaging surface  176  is configured to slidably engage with the protrusion engaging surface  186 . The surfaces  176 ,  186  can have any desired configuration that allows them to slidably engage with one another. In this second embodiment, the surfaces  176 ,  186  are slanted at angles that allow the surfaces  176 ,  186  to slide over one another. Typically, both surfaces  176 ,  186  will be slanted at the same angle. The protrusion  184  of the bottom surface  126   a  of the first pedal  112   a  also includes a receiving aperture  188  that is positioned above the engaging surface  186  and receives the bellow engaging surface  176 . As such, the aperture  188  has a size and shape that allows for the bellow engaging surface  176  to insert thereinto.  FIG. 26  best shows the receiving aperture  188  receiving the bellow engaging surface  176 . 
     The overall operation of the footrest assembly  110  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 27 through 29 . The default configuration of the footrest assembly  110  is the closed configuration shown in  FIG. 27 . Again, this is because the biasing apparatus  182  biases the first pedal  112   a  towards the closed configuration. When a user desires to use a footrest, he or she pushes downward on one of the pedals  112   a ,  112   b . For example, a user may simply place a foot on a pedal  112   a ,  112   b  so that the weight of the foot forces the pedals  112   a ,  112   b  to move downward. 
     Referring to  FIG. 28 , as the first pedal  112   a  moves downward, the protrusion engaging surface  186  moves closer to the bellow engaging surface  176  until the surfaces  176 ,  186  contact one another. As the surfaces  176 ,  186  contact one another, the protrusion engaging surface  186  slides downward along the bellow engaging surface  176 . This sliding engagement causes the bellow engaging surface  176  (and thus the lever  172 ) to move rearward against the biasing direction y. 
     The user continues to push downward on one of the pedals  112   a ,  112   b  (and the lever  172  continues to move rearward) until the bellow engaging surface  176  slides past the protrusion engaging surface  186  and reaches the receiving aperture  188 . The bellow engaging surface  176  then snaps or otherwise locks into the receiving aperture  188 , as shown in  FIG. 29 . The forward biasing of the lever  172  pushes the bellow engaging surface  176  into the receiving aperture  188  and thus locks the footrest assembly  110  in the open configuration. A user then uses the footrest assembly  110  to rest his or her feet while it is in this open configuration of  FIG. 29 . 
     When a user is done using the stylist chair and desires to exit the chair, he or she positions his or her hands on the lever knob  190  and pushes the lever  172  rearward against the forward biasing direction y. The lever is pushed rearward until the bellow engaging surface  176  moves out of and away from the receiving aperture  188 . At this point, the biasing apparatus  182  of the first pedal  112   a  biases the pedals  112   a ,  112   b  upward and back the default closed configuration shown in  FIG. 27 . Thus, a user simply pushes the lever  172  rearward until the pedals  112   a ,  112   b  unlock from the open configuration of  FIG. 29  and revert back to the closed configuration of  FIG. 27 .