Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
071983-837.1
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIo~
l. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a combined foot massage and support
and more particularily to an integral foot massage and foot sup-
port apparatus having a foot maasage treating surface, a foot
~upporting surface and, if desired, a rotatable disc actuatable
by the foot of a user, which are adapted to interact with the
foot of a user at approximately the ergonomic deslgn angle which
is adapted to reduce fatigue, stress and discomfort of the thigh,
lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting position.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Foot massage apparatus and the like are known in the prior
art. Typical of such devices are those disclosed in United
States Patent numbers D253,967; D255,835 and D257,883. Massage
devices adapted for massaging selected portions of the body of a
user ~re likewise known in the art. Typical of such devices is
that disclosed in United States Patent Number D263,623.
A Body Ton~r mas~age apparatus comprising a "U" shaped member
having a rod with a plurality of axially aligned, rotatable disc
member~ mounted thereon extending between the ends of the "U"
shaped member is distributed by Graham Bell Industries of ~rea,
California. In use, the user supports the massage apparakus by
the curved portion of the "U" shaped member, applies the rota-
table discs to the portion of the body to be massaged and moves
the mas~age apparatus in either a linear or curvilinear motion to
produce the ma~saging treatment. Another massage apparatus
distributed by the above firm under the marX Captain Carrot
Caresser comprises a device in the form of an elongated ~haft
having disc shaped, rotatable elements therearound and the
ma~saging trea~ment is produced by rolling the same, in a motion
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~imiliar to rolling pie dough with a rolling pin, over the por
tion of the body of a user to be massaged.
It is also known in the art to utili~e foot~tool6, foot-
restq and the like by a worker or other person who sits for an
extended period of time. The purpo~e for using such devices is
to elevate the feet of a user to relieve stress from the lower
back and leg~. 1`he foot fatigue footre~t is -typically higher in
the front relative to the back in order to place the feet at an
angle relative to the supporting surface, such as for example, an
office floor. Such footrests are offered for sale for use by
computer terminal operators by Devoke Data Product~,
3780 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, California 94303.
Another known footreMt having a wedge shape for receiving and
~upporting the feet of a user in a sitting position, which is
charactarized as as "New Ergonomic Footrest" i5 offered for sale
by Moore Business Products of Wheeling, Illinois. The
wedgeshaped footrest includes a foot operated knob for varying
the angle of the top, foot receiving ~urface relative to a fixed
base in engagement with the floor.
It is also known in the art to utilize adjustable or rota-
table platforms for supporting a keyboard of a computer terminal
at a proper or adjustable ergonomic angle or the user. One such
device is offered for sale by Biotech Systems, 3158 Production
Drlve, Fairfield, Ohio 45014.
It i8 also recognized in the art to design office furniture,
such a8 chairs for example, to have a specially designed seat
and back support members which conform with the human body in
both a 3itting position and when the user ~hifts body po~ition
when in a substantially Yittlng position. One such chair is
distributed and offered for sale under the trademark BIO CHAIR
by American Seating, 901 Broadway, N.W., Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
071983-837.1
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5~ 6
The concept of ergonomics, that is the tudy of how the human
body interacts with a mechanical environment, is being applied to
the design of office furniture, computer terminals and equipment
generally operated by human being~ in a sitting postion. The
application of ergonomic principles to designs of such devices
has as its intended purpose the reduction o fatigue, stre~s and
discomfort in daily work situations.
Several text~ are available which de~cribe and teach the use
of ergonomics in order to increase productivity of humans. One
such text i8 in a book entitled THE BIOMEDICAL BASIS OF
ERGONOMICS (1978), E. R. Tichauer, published by
Wiley-Interscience Publication which setsforth at page 71 thereof
the advantages of properly designed chairs in a production
environment.
Also, numerous medical reports and article~ are well known in
the art which teach the advantages of elevating the feet of a
user in a sitting position to relieve fatigue in the legs and
thighs.
However, the art is devoid of any suggestions, teachings or
di~closures which recognize the advantages associated with an
apparatus having both a foot massaging ~urface and a foot
receiving and support surface and having the same positioned at
a slope which approximates the ergonomic design angle which is
adapted to reduce atigue, stress and discomfort of the thigh,
lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a new, novel and unique com-
bined foot mas~age and support. In the preferred embodiment, the
combined foot massage and support includes a base ~upport which
has a base plate having a substantially planar surface and a
071983-837.1
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~econd opposite surface and a circular ~haped opening located
centrally therein. The combined foot massage and support inclu-
des a pair of substantially planar side support members each of
which terminate in a first support end and a second support end.
The first support end of each of the side ~upport members include
means deining a substantially planar support surface and the
second support end of each of the side support members are
located opposite the first support end and includes mean~
defining a ramp support surface having a a slope which approxima-
tes the ergonomic design angle which is adapted to reduce fati-
gue, strefis and discomfort of the thigh, lower leg and ~oot of a
human user in a sitting position. The substantially planar side
support members are operatively coupled to and extending in the
same substantially normal direction from the ba~e support and
base plate and in a spaced parallel relation~ip to each other
with the substantially planar support surface of the first sup-
port end of each of said side support members positioned adjacent
the base support and with the ramp support sur~ace of the ~econd
support end of each of said side support members positioned with
the ramp support surface extending in the same direction. The
suppport Eurther includes a plurality of massage as3emblies each
of which include an axially extending center support member and a
plurality of annular shaped mas~age elements mounted axially on
and rotatable about said center support members. The center sup-
port members are mounted in an arcuate, ~paced parallel alignment
between the spaced parallel planar side ~upport members above the
base support and above the opposite slde of the base plate. The
plurality of massage elements are mounted on the center ~upport
members and have a radius which extends therefrom to below the
ramp support surfaces to form a convex shaped, angularly disposed
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treating surface which extends sub3tantially between the substan-
tially parallel side support members. The support member has a
means including a rotatable disc positioned in the circular
opening in the ba~e plate which is adapted to be engaged and
rotated by at least one foot of a user. The foot massage and
support are adapted to have a mas~age position wherein the base
support, the 6ubstantially planar surface of the base plate and
the substantially planar surface of the side support members are
positioned on a supporting surface placing the convex shaped,
angularly disposed treating ~urface in a ma~sage position which
is adapted to receive the feet of a user. The feet of a u6er may
be ma6saged by movement of the feet relative to the rotatably
mounted mas6age elements and a support position wherein the ramp
support surfaces of the second support end of each side 6upport
members are po~itioned on a supporting surface placing the base
support including the substantially planar surface of the base
plate at an angle to receive and support the feet of a user.
The present invention overcome6 certain of the deficiencies
of the known prior art footrests. None of the known prior art
devices ~uggest or disclose the po6itioning of foot massaging
devices at an angle which approximates the ergonomic design angle
which iB adapted to reduce fatigue, stres6 and discomfort of the
thigh, lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting position.
One advantage of the present invention i~ that a combined
foot ma6sage and support device i3 di~closed wherein both the
foot treating surface and the foot receiving and supporting sur-
face are at the ergonomic design angle.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the foot
treating surface can be formed of a plurality of massage
a~semblies each of which include an axially extending center sup-
port member and a plurality of annular ~haped mas~age elements
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mounted axially on and rotatably about said center support
members which are mounted in an arcuate, spaced parallel align-
ment between spaced parallel planar ~ide support members to form
an arch ~ype surface which is adapted to conform with the arch of
the foot of a user.
A yet another advantage of the present invention is that the
foot receiving and supporting surface and the foot treating sur-
face can be easily xeversed by merely reversing the integral foot
massage and foot support apparatus.
A still yet further advantage of the present invention iB the
the foot receiving and supporting surface can be fixed relative
to the foot treating ~urface at the desired ergonomic design
angle.
A yet still further advantage of the present invention is
that the foot receiving and support surface can be covered with a
rubberized matt or resilient covering, having a plurality of
~ubstantially parallel protruding members which can be used to
cushion or resiliently support the feet~ Also, the resilient
covering ~timulates circulation in the foot as a result of
relative movement therebetween.
A still yet further advantage of the present invention is
that the base support can be integral with the apparatus housing
and a base plate can be pivotally mounted to the base support
such that the angle of the base plate can be varied relative to
the baae support by an elongated rod and cam a~embly.
Another advantage of the preaent invention i8 that the
selected ergonomic de~ign angle further helps circulation of the
body in the unstre6sed area and further reduces pressure,
compre~sion and strain on the back.
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Another advantage of the present invention is that a combined
foot massage and support device can be fabricated in a width to
accomodate one foot of a user.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the base
plate can be Pabricated with a rotatable disc located centrally
therein to enable a user to place a foot thereon and obtain exer-
cise by rotating the disc with the foot.
A still yet further advantage of the pre~ent invention i~
that the base plate can be centrally pivotly mounted on the side
walls such that a user can exercise a foot by a pitching axis
about the pivotal axis of the base plate.
A stii yet further advantage of the preaent invention is that
the pivotaly base plate can be split to as to permit independent
pitching movement of each half of the base plate with the feet of
a user.
A still further advantage of the present invention is that
the base plate, with or without the rotatable disc, can be sli-
deably mounted to the side supports to enable a user to slideably
extend the base plate along a plane and to still pivot or pitch
the base plate about the pivotal axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The foregoing and other advantages and features of thi~
invention will become apparent from the following description of
the preferred embodiment, when considered together with the
illustrations and accompanying drawlng which includes the
following Figures:
Figure 1 i5 a top perspective view of a combined foot massage
and support having a plurality of massaging a~semblies using the
teachings of the present invention;
Figùre 2 is a bottom perspective view of the foot massage and
~upport of Figure l;
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Figure 3 i8 a top plan view of the combined foot ma~sage and
support of Figure l;
~ igure 4 is an end view of the combined foot massage and sup-
port of Figure l;
Figure 5 is a section view taken along section lines 5-S of
Figure 3;
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a different embo-
diment of a mas~age assembly having spherical massage elements
and spacers therebetween;
Figure 7 i8 an exploded perspective view of a yet another
embodiment of a massage assembly having toroidal shaped massage
elements and cylindrically shaped spacers therebetween;
Figure 8 is a top perspective view of a combined foot massage
and support having a plurality of massaging a~semblies
illustrated in Figure 7;
Figure 9 i~ a exploded partial perspective view of a
variation of the embodiment of Figure 1 wherein the base plate is
piyotable relative to the base support and hou~ing;
Figure 10 i5 a per~pective view of a combined foot message
and support device having a width to accommodate one foot of a
user;
Figure 11 is a perspective view of a combined foot message
and support device having a pivotally mounted base plate which is
divided into two parallel sections each of which can be indepen-
dently pivoted by the two feet o a user;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of a yet another embodiment
of a combined foot massage and support similiar to that of Figure
1 with a rotatable disc mounted in the base plate;
Figure 13 iB a perspective view of a yet another embodiment
of a combined foot maClsage and support similiar to that o~ Figure
10 with the ba~e plate being moveable in a plane;
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592~;
Figure 14 is a sectional end view of the embodiment
illustrated in Figure 13 illustrating the slidable ba~e piate
assembly;
Figure 15 iR a top plan view of the combined foot massage and
support having a carrying handle and a pivotally mounted base
plate;
Figure 16 i3 an end view of the combined foot ma~sage and 5Up-
support of Figure 15 showing the pivotal positions of ~he base
plate;
Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of a the preferred
embodiment of a combined foot me~sage and support having a pivo-
tally mounted base plate an a tor~ion spring for applying a
restoring force to the base plate to keep it in position when the
0upport i~ being carried by the user; and
Figures 18(a) abd 18(b) are top views of the torsions springs
u~ed on each side of the base plate.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figures 1 and 2 illu~trate a combined foot massage and 8Up-
port which is shown generally by arrow 20. The combined foot
massage and support comprises a base support 22 which includes a
base plate 24. The base plate 24 i~ integral with the ba~e sup-
port 22 which forms part of a houslng means shown generally as
26. The base plate 24 has a substantially planar ~urface 30 and
a second opposite surface 32. The housing means includes means
for deflning a pair of sùbstantially planar side support members
38 and 40, each of which term,inate in a first ~upport end 44 and
46, respectively, and a second ~upport end 48 and 50, respec-
tively. The first ~upport ends 44 and 46 of side support members
38 and 40, respectively, including means defining a sub6tantially
planar ~upport qurface 60 and 62, respectively. The second sup-
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071983-837.1
port ends 48 and 50 of side support members 38 and 40, respec-
tively, are located opposite the first support ends 44 and 46,
respectively. The second support ends 48 and 50 include means
defining a ramp support surface 66 and 68 respectively. The ramp
support surfaces 66 and 68 extend a selected distance and have a
slope which approximates the ergonomic design angle which is
adapted to reduce ~atigue, ~tress and discomfort of the thigh,
lower leg and foot of a human user in a sitting po~ition. The
substantially planar side support members 38 and 40 are opera-
tively coupled to and extend in the same substantially normal
direction from the base support 22 and base plate 24 and in a
spaced parallel relationship to each other with the sub~tantially
planar suppc)rt surfaces 60 and 62 of the first support ends 44
and 46, respectively, of the side ~upport members 38 and 40 posi
tioned adjacent the base support 22 and with the ramp ~upport
surfaces 66 and 68 positioned to extend in the same direction.
A plurality of massage assemblies 70 each of which include an
axially extending center support member 74 and a plurality of
annular shaped mas~age elements 72 are mounted axially on and
rotatable about the center support members 74. The ends of each
center support member 74 in side wall 40 of Figure 1 are iden-
tified by numerals 76 to 86. As is apparent from Figures 1 and
2, the center ~upport members are mounted on an arcuate, spaced
parallel alignment between the spaced, parallel planar side sup-
port members 38 and 40 and above the base support 22. Each of
the plurality of massage asaemblies 70 are also located above the
opposed surace 32 ol: base plate 24.
In order to insure that the massage elements 72 do not extend
beyond the housing means 20, the radius of the spherical massage
element 72 extend from the center support member 74 to below the
ramp`support surfaces 66 and 68.
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The plurality of message assemblie~ 70 together form an
arcuate shaped, which is generally convex, treating surface. The
treating surface is angularly di6posed and extends between the
substantially parallel side support members 38 and 40.
In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures l and 2,
the base plate 24, which i5 integral with the base support 22,
has affixed to the substantially planar surface 30 a resilient
covering 90 which has a plurality of substantially parallel
protruding members extending therefrom. A user, when utilizing
the combined foot massage and support as shown in Figure 2, has
a resilient support for the feet.
In Figures 3, 4, and 5 the convex treating ~urface formed by
the massage elements 72 of the plurality of massage
a0semblies 70 is readily apparent. The angle of the convex
shaped treating surface permits a user to place the arch of a
foot over the convex shaped massage assemblies 70 to massage the
foot. A handle 92 is provided to lift and/or reverse the posi-
tion of the foot massage an~ ~upport.
As illustrated in Figure 1, the foot massage and support 20
has a ma~sage portion wherein the base support 22, the substan-
tially planar surface 30 of th~ ba~e plate 24 and the substan-
tlally planar support surfaces 60 and 62 of the side support
members ~8 and ~0, respectively, are positioned on a 0upporting
0urface .
In the massage position, the convex shaped, angularly
disposed treating surface is adopted to receive the feet of user
which may be massaged by movement of the feet relative to the
rotatably mounted massage elements 76. A dashed foot 88
illustrate~ that the preferred size of the massage element~ 70 is
that two of the elements are sufficient to support the foot 88.
In Figure 5, the preferred ergonomic design angle is about
10 to about 20.
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Figure 6 illustrates an alternate embod~ment of a ma~sage
assembly 70. The massage assembly 70 includes a center support
member 100 having alternate spherical shaped massage elements 102
and spacer elements 104 having a radius which is substantially
les~ than that of the massage elements 102. The spacer
elements 104 are axially mounted on the center support member 100
and are interposed between adajacent spherical massage
elements 102.
Figure 7 shows another embodiment of a mas~age assembly
having a center support member 120 and ma~age elements 122 ~hich
are toroidal in shape. Cylindrically shaped spacer elements 124
have a hollowed out central area which is adapted to receive and
pass the center support member 120. The cylindrically shaped
6pacer elements 124 are interpo&ed between the adjacent toroidal
massage elements.
Figure 8 illustrates the integral foot massage and foot sup-
port using the massage assembly of Figure 7. Side supports 138
and 140 support the center support members of which center sup-
port member 120 i5 typical. A base support 122 i8 integral with
the base plate 124. The axial length of the cylindrical spacers
is a function of the desired spacing between the toroidal mas~age
members 122.
Figure 9 shows another embodiment of a combined foot massage
and support wherein a base plate 166 is pivotly mounted for move-
ment relative to the base ~upport 162. The base ~upport 162, the
planar support ~urface 164 of side support 160 form the hou~ing
means. The base plate 166 is moveable into a position shown by
166' to vary the angle thereof. As illustrated in Figure 9, a
hinge 168 is provided to enable the base plate 166 to rotate
relative to the fixed base ~upport 162.
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071983-837.1
An elongated rod 172 i8 rotatably mounted for rotation bet-
ween the side support members 164 and 176 by means of
handle 178. The elongated rod 172 i~ positioned below the
ma~sage elements (not shown) and in ~ubstantially spaced parallel
alignment with the center support member 78 being exemplary.
A cam member 174 having a shaped surface is fixedly mounted
onto and moveable with rotation of the elongated rod 172. The
shaped surface of the cam member 174 is positioned in moveable
engagement with the oppo~ed ~ubstantially parallel surface so as
to vary the angle of the base plate 166 relative to the ba~e
support 162.
A resilient means 170, which may be a helical ~pring, is
operatively coupled between one of the center support members,
~uch as member 78, and the opposed substantially parallel surface
of the base plate 166 to apply a clamping force therebetween.
The clamping force of resilient means 170 maintain~ contact bet-
ween the ba~e plate 166 and the cam member 174 whereby rotation
oE the elongated rod 172 in a ~elected direction of rotation will
rotate the cam members 174 varying the position of the shaped
surface belng urged against the ba~e plate 166 to change the
angle thereof relative to the ba~e plate.
Figure 10 lllu~trates a com~ined foot mas~age and support
apparatus 180 having a base 182 having side walls 184 and 186
affixed thereto with a dimension or width to support three
message elements 188 mounted on central supports 200. This width
is intended to accommodate one foot of a user. In this embodi-
ment, the base palte 182 i9 mounted at pivot point l90 to be
moveable or to be rocked in a pitch mode, about the axis of the
pivot point 190. A toe bar 202 is provided for exercising the
toes of~a user.
Figure ll illustrates another embodiment of a ~upport shown
generally by arrow 210 wherein the ba~e plate is formed of two
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half sections 212 and 214 which are adapted to be pivotally
mounted to side walls 216 and 218 at axially aligned pivot points
on the axis of the pivot polnt 210. Sufficient massage elements
220 mounted on central support~ 224 are provlded in a width to
accommodate two feet of a u~er. A user may place both feet on
the support in the position ahown in Figure 11, on each on one of
the half sections 212 and/or 214. The feet can then be u~ed to
independently rock or rotate the base half section~ 212 and 21
about the pivot point 210 a~ shown by the arrows. A toe bar 226
is also provided to exerci~e the u~er's toes.
Figure 12 illustrate~ a combined foot maQsage and support
apparatus 230 comprising a base support including a ba3e plate
234 having a substantially planar surface and a second opposite
surface. The base plate 234 has a circular shaped opening 242
located centraliy therein. A pair of substantially planar side
support members 232 and 236 each of which terminate in a first
support end and a ~econd support end. The first support end of
each of the side support members 232 and 236 including means
defining a substantially planar support surface and the second
support end of each of the ~lde ~upport members 232 and 236 being
located opposite the first support end and including means
defining a ramp support surface which ha~ a slope which approxi-
mates the ergonomic design angle which is adapted to reduce ati-
gue, stress and di~comfort of the thigh, lower leg and foot of a
human user in a sitting po~ition. In the embodiment of Figure
12, a means including a rotatable disc 244 i5 positioned in the
circular opening 242 in the base plate 234. The rotatable disc
244 is adapted to be engaged and rotated by at least one foot of
a user. The rotation is illustrated by the arrow 250 imposed on
the rotatable disc 244 in Figure 12.
In addition, the base plate 234 is pivotally mounted at
pivot point 230 and i~ adapted to be moved in a
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rocXing or pitch direction as shown by the arrows 252. The
mes3age elements 246 are supported by central rod members,
e~tending between the side walls in the manner described herein-
before. m e suppport 230 includes a toe exercise bar 248.
The combined foot massage and ~upport 250 illustrated in
Figures 13 and 14 include a base plate 252 which i8 slideable
into the po6itions illustrated by phantom base plate positions
272 and 276 and in the directions shown by arrow 270. In the
embodiment of Figure 13, the base plate 252 has a central opening
266 which is adapted to receive a rotatable disc 268. An inter-
mediate support member 254 is pivotaliy mounted to side wall~ 260
and 262 and i~ slideably attached to the base plate 252 to afford
the sliding movement therebetween and relative to the ~ide walls 260.
The relationship between the side walls 260 and 262, the pivot
supports 264 and the intermediate member 254 i3 illustrated in
Figure 14.
Figures 15 and 16 illustrate a combined foot ma6~age and sup-
port 270 having side walls 272 and 274 for supporting the massage
elements 278 and a handle 276 for carrying the support 270. As
illustrated in the side view of Figure 16, the 6upport 270 has
the 6idewals 274 with a central opening which define6 a frarne 296
for the central ~upport members for 6upporting the me6sage mem-
bers 278. In addition, a base plate 292, which i~ pivotally
attached to the side walls 272 and 274 at pivot point 294, is
rotatable approximately 20 which is controlled by a stop 300.
In order to use the pivotal base plate, the support i9 placed on
a horizontal surface with the massage members under the base
plate 292 which results in the degree of pivot to be from a -2
to a + 18 relative to a horizontal surface.
Fiyure 17 illustrates an embodiment wherein a ~upport
includes torsion spring members 314 for insuring that a pivotal
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071983-837.1
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base plate 306 i9 held in position relative to the side walls
with side wall 308 being typical. The base plate is pivotally
mounted by means of a dowel 310 which is affixed to the base
plate 306 but which is rotatable mounted in the side wall 308.
the torsion spring has a central loop and two arms which ter-
minate in "L" shaped ends 318 and 322. The end 318 is inserted
into an aperture formed in the base plate 3~6 while the end 314
i3 inserted into an aperture 324 formed in side wall 308. The
tor~ion in spring 31~ is such that the base plate 306 is held
substantially planar to the side wall bottom members.
Figure 18(a) and 18(b) illustrate that a match set of torsion
springs 330 and 332 are required for each support. Each apring
includes a central loop 334 and 336, respectively. Torsion
spring 330 has two ends, end 344 which is inserted into an aper-
ture in one side wall and end 338 which i~ inserted into an aper-
ture in the base plate. In a similiar manner but opposite in
design to be complementary, the torsion spring 332 ha~ end 342
which is adaped to be in~erted into an aperture in the opposite
~ide wall and an end 340 which is adapted to be inserted into an
aperture in the same base plate.
The present invention has wide utility in both industrial and
health applications. The present day trends in the computer and
production fields generally require a human being to spend
substantial time in a sitting position. Accordingly, the
fatigue, stress and di~comfort of a human being is greatly
reduced by elevating the feet, legs and thighs. As a result
thereof, the duration span, comfort and health of a user is
substantially improved by application of the ergonomic principles
to the combined foot massage and foot rest.
In addition, the foot massage treating ~urface ha~ theraputic
value, that is, by massage of the feet of a user at the preferred
071983-837.1
~Z~5~126
ergonomic angle, the circulation in the feet is improved while
reducing stress and fatigue in the legs and thighs of a user.
The teachings of the present invention have substantial
utilities for use by computer terminal operators and word
processing operators.
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