WO2011112150A1

WO2011112150A1 - Chair providing enhanced health care and comfort

Info

Publication number: WO2011112150A1
Application number: PCT/SG2010/000412
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manju Sarkar
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-03-12
Filing date: 2010-10-28
Publication date: 2011-09-15
Anticipated expiration: 2012-09-12
Also published as: SG161204A1

Abstract

Chair for enhancing comfort when required to be seated for long durations, such as in aeroplane, auditorium, theater, waiting lounge, automobile, library and the like. When for use in a public seating arrangement having multiple chairs laid one behind the other, a foot rest (210) is provided on the chair, at a height H from the floor level (220), the foot rest (210) on a first chair (100a) being usable by a person seated on a second chair (100b) that is behind the first chair (100a). In another aspect, the foot rest (210) is provided at a front side (290) of the chair at a height H that is closer to a seat level (280) than to the floor level (220), for use by a person seated on the same chair, while having to lift the knee joints significantly above the seat level (280).

Description

CHAIR PROVIDING ENHANCED HEALTH CARE AND COMFORT

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a chair that provides a healthier and a more comfortable sitting posture, particularly when the sitting duration is long, such as during long flight journeys, during watching movies in theaters, while waiting in lounges, during long automobile rides, while studying in libraries and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Swelling of legs and feet occurring due to sitting on a chair for a long duration is common, such as during long flight journeys, during watching movies for long hours in theaters, while waiting in lounges, during long automobile rides such as in buses, while studying in libraries and the like. The most likely reason for this is the inactivity in this duration. Sitting on a chair with the feet hanging downwards or the feet being along the floor for a long duration causes the blood under the gravitational force to pool in the leg veins, thereby increasing the pressure therein. This contributes to feet swelling due to the fluid in the blood that moves into the surrounding soft tissues, thereby resulting in excessive fluid in the tissues, Such swelling is also called as edema, that in this case usually affects the feet, the ankles and the lower legs. This results in feet enlargement, feet stiffness, feet pain or discomfort and difficulties in walking. Subsequently, many also suffer from shoe bites while having to walk with such swollen feet. Recovery from such swelling takes significant time, though is generally hastened by keeping the legs in lifted position or by increasing the physical activity. Other than a temporary discomfort due to the swollen feet, people such as frequent travellers, who are subjected to this issue frequently, may also have some long term negative side effect. One solution to alleviate feet swelling is by keeping the feet raised to a higher level, while being seated on the chair. Such sitting posture gives comfort, particularly when a person needs to be seated for a long duration. As a natural measure, a good number of passengers such as in the. aeroplanes and automobiles, attempt to fold their legs up on their seats, particularly during the sleeping hours but the chairs there are too small in size to comfortably accommodate the folded legs. Generally the leg room therei being small, some passengers also tend to raise their legs to rest their feet or knees against the back side of the chair that is immediately in front. However, the feet or the knees tend to slip down, as there is no provision for support. Leg and foot rests or footstools are provided in the upper classes in aeroplanes, where the seating arrangement provides larger leg rooms, so that while using them the legs can be stretched out and rested at levels higher than the floor level. The normal economy class has no such provision.

Several types of foot rests are available for relaxing type chairs wherein the lower legs and the feet can be supported in raised positions, while the legs are stretched out. However, in places like aeroplanes, theaters, auditoriums, waiting lounges, automobiles, libraries and the like, where the available space for each chair is limited, providing such foot rests is not feasible.

In public places, particularly when the chair is not provided with a covered back rest, a second person sitting on a second chair and trying to rest his/her feet on the rear part of the seat of a first chair in front, often receives unpleasant response from the first person sitting on the first chair.

The above discussions along with the examples emphasize the requirement of raised foot rests particularly for public seating arrangements, even when there is space constraint. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a chair for enhanced health care and comfort, particularly for a public seating arrangement that is under a space constraint. The present invention proposes an arrangement for addressing the requirement as described in the foregoing section. This is an optional arrangement that may be provided, to rest the feet at a higher level while being seated on a chair, such as in aeroplanes, in theaters, in auditoriums, waiting lounges, automobiles, libraries and the like.

A first aspect of the invention is for a chair, preferably with a back rest, the chair being for use in a seating arrangement where multiple chairs are laid one behind the other, such as in a line. The chair is provided with a back foot rest (BFR) that is attached to the chair and positioned at a height H from the floor level where the chair rests. The BFR on a first chair is usable by a second person seated on a second chair that is laid behind the first chair, when the second chair maintains a close spacing from the first chair as in an aeroplane. The second person may comfortably lift and rest at least a portion of his/her feet on the BFR. The BFR if on the second chair, is usable by a third person seated on a third chair if provided behind the second chair and so on. The last chair in the line need not be provided with the BFR. With this aspect however, a first person sitting on the first chair does not have the privilege of using such a BFR. According to an embodiment, the BFR is provided at a hind side of the chair. According to another embodiment the BFR is provided under the seat of the chair, such that there is a gap G between the BFR and an underside of the seat, for resting the feet.

According to a most preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the BFR is a sling, that is suspended from the chair by at least one fixing means such as on the hind side or on the under side of the seat, as applicable. Such a BFR as a sling is surely one of the most economical and simplest options. In yet another embodiment, the height H of the sling is user adjustable by at least one adjusting means that is coupled with the sling. According to another embodiment, the sling when suspended from the underside of the seat can be pulled out for use as the foot rest at the hind side, while having to rest at least a portion of the feet or a lower side of the legs against the hind side, for support.

In an alternate embodiment of the first aspect, the BFR is a groove engraved in the hind side. In a preferred embodiment, multiple grooves are provided, wherein the height H for each groove is different such that the person can choose a particular BFR for use. Designing the BFR as a groove has the advantage of not occupying any extra space. Besides, the cost of building the BFR is also minimal.

According to another embodiment of the first aspect, the BFR is a projection surface extending outwardly from the hind side. In a preferred embodiment, the projection surface is extendable outwardly to an extended position when in use and retractable otherwise to a retracted position such as for being substantially along a surface of the chair. This feature of retracting when not in use, saves space. The projection surface is also releasably lockable in the extended position, particularly when under the load of the resting feet. In a preferred embodiment, the projection surface is pivotally operable between the extended and the retracted positions, as a pivotal arrangement is one of the most popular mechanisms in the art for such applications. The extended position is preferably at a user selectable angle relative to the retracted position, for flexibility of usage. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the projection surface is colored suitably for being easily noticeable even under a dark ambient, for safety reasons. According to another embodiment, the chair is provided with an indicating light when the projection surface is in the extended position, again for safety reasons. The BFR in the form of the projection surface is costlier and more complicated compared to the sling or the groove, however it may be more suitable for certain designs of the chair. In an advantageous embodiment, the height H of the projection surface is adjustable such as by telescopic means that is releasably lockable at a user selectable height H.

In another embodiment of the first aspect, the chair is also provided with a front foot rest (FFR) at a front side of the chair, the FFR being attached to the chair and being at a height H from a floor level of a floor where the chair rests. The second height H is closer to a seat level of the seat than to the floor level and is for use by a person seated on the seat of the same chair. The FFR further is significantly narrow in a forward direction F thereby enabling the person to lift up and rest at least a portion of his/her feet on the FFR, while having to raise his/her knee joints significantly above the seat level. Such a position of the FFR on the front side is useful particularly in seating arrangements where the inter chair spacing in the line is a bit too large for a person sitting on a chair to reach the BFR on the hind side of the chair that is immediately in front or when there is no chair in front with the BFR.

Likewise, according to a second aspect, when with the FFR on the front side, the chair

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need not necessarily have the BFR on the hind side or under the seat. In such a case the chair may as well be an independent unit instead of being a part of the public seating arrangement. Such a chair with the FFR can be useful in places such as homes, libraries and the kind, when there is a space constraint to have the conventional foot rests for stretched legs. Such a position of the FFR on the front side is also useful when the chair design is such that having the FFR on the front side is more convenient than the BFR and the allowed space in front of the chair is not enough to have a conventional foot rest which can be used with stretched legs.

According to a most preferred embodiment, the FFR is a sling suspended from the chair by at least one fixing means such as on the front side or on the underside of the seat. In yet another advantageous embodiment, the height H is adjustable by at least one adjusting means that is coupled with the sling. According to another embodiment, the sling when suspended from the underside can be pulled out for use as the foot rest at the front side while having to rest at least a portion of the feet or a lower side of the legs against the front side, for support.

In yet another embodiment^ the FFR is a projection surface instead of the sling, the projection surface extending outwardly from the front side. Preferably the projection surface is pivotally adjustable at a user selectable angle. In a preferred embodiment, the projection surface is extendable to an extended position when in use and retractable to a retracted position otherwise, such as for being under the seat, for compactness. The projection surface is releasably lockable in the extended position, particularly when the FFR is being used, in order to be able to take the load of the resting feet. According to a preferred embodiment, the projection surface is pivotally operable between the extended position and the retracted position by a pivoting arm coupled between the chair and the projection surface. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the projection surface is colored suitably for being easily noticeable even under dark ambient. In yet another embodiment, the chair is provided with an indicator for optically indicating when the projection surface is in the extended position, for safety reasons. In yet another embodiment, the height H of the projection surface is adjustable by any means in the art such as a telescopic means that is releasably lockable at a user selectable height H. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the projection surface is provided with a peripheral guard to prevent the feet from slipping away from the FFR, when in use.

For all the embodiments with the sling, preferably at least a portion of the sling comprises a flexible material, for enhancing the comfort of resting the feet and also for making the foot rest more accommodative in space particularly when there are persons moving between the chairs in the line.

For all the embodiments with the sling, preferably the sling is detachable from the chair and can be provided optionally. In an advantageous embodiment, the detachable sling is washable for reuse, for hygienic purposes. Alternatively the detachable sling is disposable where washing for reuse is not economical.

For all the embodiments with the sling being suspended from the underside of the seat, further a pulling means is provided that is coupled between any suitable location of the chair and the sling, the pulling means being for pulling out the sling for use from under the seat, without having to touch the sling. The pulling means thus used is for hygienic purposes.

The foot rest in any of the embodiments may be split into two pieces with a space in between, for resting either foot separately. According to an embodiment, for the first aspect of the invention when the line of the chairs is in a zigzag fashion, the second person may use the two foot rests behind two adjacent chairs in front, the two adjacent chairs in front belonging to two adjacent lines in the zigzag fashion,

A third aspect of the invention is for a sling, that is suitable for any of the embodiments with the sling as discussed above. The sling is directly or indirectly attachable to the chair under the first and the second aspects of the invention.

A fourth aspect of the invention is for a projection surface, that is suitable for any of the embodiments with the projection surface as discussed above. The projection surface is directly or indirectly attachable to the chair under the first and the second aspects of the invention.

Under a fifth aspect of the invention, for providing enhanced comfort to those having to sit on a chair particularly for a long duration, a method is proposed for providing the detachable sling for use as the foot rest and collecting the detachable sling after the use. Similarly, another method is proposed for providing the detachable sling for disposal after use, or washing after use when washing is convenient and economical.

Under a sixth aspect of the invention, a method is proposed for providing enhanced comfort to those having to sit on a chair particularly for a long duration, the chair being particularly for a : public seating arrangement where the chairs are laid one behind the other such as along a line. The method provides the chair with the BFR, while maintaining the necessary spacing between the chairs in the line.

Under a seventh aspect of the invention, a method is proposed for providing enhanced comfort to those having to sit on a chair particularly for a long duration, by providing the chair with the FFR. The chair with the FFR may or may not be a part of the public seating arrangement. With the sitting posture under the first two aspects of the invention, the feet are lifted though the legs are likely to remain unstretchable and folded due to space constraint. Folding is likely to be more under the second aspect as compared to the first aspect. .

The present invention consists of certain novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings and particularly pointed out in the appended claims; it being understood that various changes in the details may be possible without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following drawings, same reference numbers generally refer to the same parts throughout. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, instead emphasis is placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. The various embodiments and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood when considered with respect to the following detailed description, appended claims and accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig.l illustrates a side view of a section of a public seating arrangement with a line of two chairs positioned one behind the other, as in the art.

Fig.2a illustrates a side view of the section of Fig.l, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. Herein, either chair is shown to be provided with a

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back foot rest (BFR), at a height H from a level of the floor. The BFR of the first chair is for use by a person sitting on the second chair. The first chair is also shown to be provided with a front foot rest (FFR) on the front side, for use by a person seated on the same chair. The FFR is significantly proximate the chair such that the person needs to raise the knee joint significantly above the seat level while using the FFR. In the embodiment shown, both, the BFR and the FFR are slings,

Fig.2b is a planar view of Fig.2a, from the hind side, as viewed from the direction A. In this illustration, the hind side of the chair is similar to those in the aeroplanes, having an extendable / retractable meal tray towards the top and a paper / magazine pouch towards the bottom. This figure shows a single sling.

Fig.2c shows Fig.2b with the BFR split into two separate spaced apart BFRs, for resting the two feet separately.

Fig.2d is a planar view of Fig.2a, as viewed from the direction B. This figure shows the FFR as a single sling.

Fig.2e shows Fig.2d with the FFR split into two separate spaced apart FFRs, for resting the two feet separately.

Fig.3a to Fig.3c illustrate Fig.2a to Fig.2c respectively for the embodiment where the BFR is a groove instead of the sling.

Fig.4a illustrates an embodiment of the first aspect, where the BFR is a projection surface.

Fig.4b is a planar view of Fig.4a, from the hind side, as viewed from the direction A, wherein the height H is adjustable by a telescopic means.

Fig.4c is a side view of Fig.4b, illustrating the arrangement for adjusting the height H with the telescopic means.

Fig.5a illustrates a side view of the first aspect of the invention for a section of a seating arrangement with two chairs positioned one behind the other. Herein, either chair is provided with a BFR under the seat and at a height H from a level of the floor. The BFR under the seat of the first chair is for use by a person sitting on the second chair. In this illustration, the BFR is a sling.

Fig.5b illustrates the embodiment as in Fig.Sa, wherein the person sitting on the second chair may pull out the sling from under the seat, for resting the feet at the hind side instead of resting the feet under the seat. In this arrangement, the front side of the foot is shown to rest against the hind side of the first chair, for support. A pulling means is also shown for pulling the sling out from under the seat.

Fig.6 illustrates another embodiment according to the second aspect of the invention wherein the FFR such as a sling is provided at the front side of the chair and at a height H from a level of a floor on which the chair rests, while the fixing means is secured to the under side of the seat. The chair is shown to be a section of a public seating arrangement. A pulling means is also shown for pulling the sling out from under the seat.

Fig.7 illustrates yet another embodiment according to the second aspect of the invention wherein the FFR is a projection surface instead of the sling. A telescopic means for adjusting the height H of the projection surface is shown. A peripheral guard is also shown that prevents the feet from slipping away from the FFR.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description presents several preferred embodiments of the present invention in sufficient detail such that those skilled in the art can make and use the invention. Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be noted that all of the figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention only. The extension of the figures with respect to the number, position, relationship and dimension of the parts of the preferred embodiment will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood, Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood.

Fig.l illustrates a side view of a section of a public seating arrangement such as in a gallery, theater, auditorium, aeroplane, waiting lounge, automobile and the like. The seating arrangement is typically related to places where a line of such chairs preferably with back rest (110) are arranged one behind the other. For illustration, the section shows only a second chair (100b) behind a first chair (100a) with a second person and a first person seated on a seat (140) of the respective chairs.

In this text, the terminology 'foot rest' is being used for resting either or both the feet. The first and the second height H for the foot rest (210) in this text refers to the minimum height of the feet from the floor level (220) when the foot rest (210) is being used.

According to the first aspect of the invention, Fig.2a illustrates an embodiment wherein each of the two chairs(100a, 100b) of the section as described in Fig.l is provided with a BFR (210) attached at the hind side (150) and at a height H from the floor level (220) of the floor where the chairs (100a, 100b) rest. The second person sitting on the seat (140) of the second chair (100b) can comfortably lift and rest at least a portion of his/her feet on the BFR (210) on the first chair (100a). In this illustration, the BFR (210) is a sling that is suspended from the hind side (150) of each of the chairs (100a, 100b) by at least one fixing means (260) that is secured to the hind side (150). Alternatively, the fixing means (260) may be secured to the chair at any location of convenience. The BFR (210) if along the back rest (110) is desirable only when the back rest (110) is covered sufficiently so that the first person sitting on the first chair (100a) is not disturbed when the second person uses the BFR (210) behind the first chair (100a). The height H is user adjustable by at least one adjusting means (240) that is coupled with the sling. In this illustration, the adjusting means (240) is an adjusting belt coupled between the sling and the fixing means (260), a length of the belt being variable. The planar view of Fig.2a from the hind side (150), as viewed from the direction A is shown in Fig.2b. In this illustration, the hind side (150) of the chair is similar to those in the aeroplanes, having an extendable/retractable meal tray (204) towards the top and a paper/ magazine pouch (206) towards the bottom. This figure shows a single first sling, as the BFR (210). Fig.2c shows Fig.2b with the BFR (210) split into two separate BFRs (210) with a space in between, for resting the two feet separately. As understood from this illustration, the height H for the sling can be easily raised without severely obstructing the use of the pouch (206). Securing the fixing means (260) at a higher level on the hind side (150) will enable achieving a higher height H, for usage. Adding the BFR (210) in the form of the sling on the hind side (150) will cause insignificant obstruction to the persons moving between the chairs, particularly when the sling is of a flexible material.

Referring back to Fig.2a, a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention is also shown, where the FFR (210) that is provided at the front side (290), is a sling suspended at the front side (290) by at least one fixing means (260) that is secured to the chair (100a) such as on the front side (290). Fig.2d and Fig.2e are planar views of Fig.2a, as viewed from the direction B, having the FFR (210) on the front side (290), as single sling and double slings respectively. Herein, the FFR (210) is provided at the front side (290) of the chair (100a) and at a height H from a floor level (220) of a floor on which the chair (100a) rests, such that the second height H is closer to a seat level (280) of the seat (140) than to the floor level (220). A person sitting on the chair (100a) can comfortably lift and rest at least a portion of the feet on the FFR (210), while having to raise the knee joints significantly above the seat level (280), since the foot rest (210) is significantly narrow in the forward direction F as well as significantly close to the seat level (280). The maximum adjustable height H for the sling depends on the position of the fixing means (260) on the chair. The seat level (280) here is the top level of the seat (140) as shown in the figure. Foot rests attached to the front side of a chair for use with stretched legs and without having to raise the knee joints significantly above the seat level, are already in the art. The FFR (210) is provided at the front side (290) such as at the seat level (280) or below. For this second aspect of the invention, the chair (100a) need not necessarily have to be a part of a seating arrangement with more of such chairs and may be used as an independent piece as well such as for domestic use, for use in libraries and the like.

Fig.3a illustrates the first aspect of the invention as in Fig.2a for the embodiment where the BFR (210) is a groove engraved on the hind side (150), instead of the sling. The chair may be provided with multiple grooves along the hind side (150), where the height H for each groove is different. This feature would enable the second person to select the groove of a desirable height H, for use. A planar view of Fig.3a, when viewed from the hind side (150), from the direction A is shown in Fig.3b. Fig.3c shows an embodiment where the groove type BFR (210) is split into two separate BFRs (210) with a space in between, for resting either foot separately. The grooves may be cushioned for the comfort of resting the feet. Advantageously, the groove takes no additional space and may be implemented if the chair design is such that the groove can be accommodated on the hind side (150). Such an arrangement of the BFR (210) is referred to in this text as being attached directly to the chair.

Fig.4a illustrates the first aspect of the invention as in Fig.2a for the embodiment where the BFR (210) is in the form of a projection surface. Such an arrangement of the BFR (210) is referred to in this text as being attached directly to the chair. Having a projection surface extending out of the hind side (150) may be inconvenient as the spacing between the two chairs (100a, 100b) gets further reduced and it is difficult for a person to get in and get out of the second chair (100b). Similarly, it is also difficult for a person sitting in another chair in the same row to get in and get out of the row, from between the two chairs (100a, 100b). This issue is addressed by having the projection surface extendable outwardly from the hind side (150) when in use as shown for the first chair (100a) and retractable otherwise such as by being substantially along the hind side (150), as shown for the second chair (100b). The projection surface is releasably lockable in the extended position (not shown), particularly when the BFR (210) is being used, so that the retractable projection surface is able to take the load of the resting feet. In this illustration, the projection surface is pivotally operable between the extended position and the retracted position and the extended position is at a user selectable angle (410) relative to the retracted position. Fig.4b is a planar view of Fig.4a, from the hind side (150), as viewed from the direction A. In this illustration, as shown by the broken lines, the height H of the projection surface is adjustable, by moving the projection surface by telescopic means (420) and the projection surface is releasably lockable (not shown) at a user selectable height H, so that the projection surface is able to take the load of the resting feet. The telescopic means (420) has at least one set of telescopic cylinders. A second set of telescopic cylinders is also shown for a better support. A side view of Fig.4b, illustrating a possible arrangement for the telescopic movement is shown in Fig.4c. Such an arrangement of the BFR (210) is referred to in this text as being attached indirectly to the chair, as the projection surface is attached to the chair by the telescopic cylinders. Increasing the height H of the projection surface may restrict the use of the pouch (206) to some extent unless the height H is decreased back. The invention does not limit the height H or the kind of arrangement for fixing the projection surface on the hind side (150). As a safety measure, at least a portion of the projection surface may be colored suitably such that it is easily noticeable even under a dark ambient, such that a person is not accidentally hurt by it. Fluorescent or phosphorescent coatings may be used for this purpose. As another safety measure, the chair may be provided with an indicator (not shown) for emitting an indicating light when the BFR (210) on it is in the extended position. The indicating light may be positioned anywhere on the chair such that it is easily visible, even when the chair is occupied.

Fig.5a illustrates a side view of the first aspect of the invention for a section of the public seating arrangement with the first chair (100a) and the second chair (100b) positioned one behind the other. Herein, either chair is provided with a BFR (210) under the seat (140) and at a height H from the floor level (220), instead of at the hind side (150) as in the embodiments described above. There is a gap G between the BFR (210) and the underside (505) of the seat (140). The BFR (210) under the seat (140) of the first chair (100a) is for use by the second person sitting on the second chair (100b). The second person can rest at least a portion of the feet over the BFR (210) that is under the seat (140) of the first chair (100a) and within the gap G. The BFR (210) shown is a sling suspended from the chair and under the seat (140), by at least one fixing means (260). The height H is adjustable by at least one adjusting means (240) that is coupled with the sling. In this illustration, this adjusting means is an adjusting belt coupled between the sling and the fixing means (260), a length of the belt being variable. However, since generally the vertical space under the seat (140) is too limited, there is not much scope of adjusting the height H in this embodiment of the invention. Fig.5b illustrates the embodiment as in Fig.5a, wherein the second person sitting on the second chair (100b) may pull out the sling from under the seat (140), for resting the feet at the hind side (150) instead of resting the feet under the seat (140). In this arrangement, the front part of the lower leg or at least a portion of the foot may rest against the hind side (150) of the first chair (100a), for support. A pulling means (510) such as a pulling cord is also shown for pulling the sling out from under the seat (140).

Under the first and the second aspects of the invention, the back rest (110) is desirable as then the person using the BFR (210) and the FFR (210) will have better support to balance the body with the lifted legs. Back rest (110) is generally available when the seating arrangement is meant for use over long durations.

For the first aspect of the invention, where the BFR (210) is accessed from behind the chair, the last chair in the line need not be provided with such a BFR (210). The line of the chairs also need not have to be straight for realizing the inventive concept disclosed here. For example, the lines of the chairs may be of a zigzag fashion, wherein the second person may use the two BFRs (210) behind two adjacent chairs in front, the two adjacent chairs in front belonging to two adjacent lines of the zigzag fashion.

A drawback under the first aspect of the invention as described above is that a person sitting on the front chair in a line has no privilege of having a BFR (210), just like all passengers in a flight cannot have the privilege of having a window seat. Besides, the concept under this aspect of the invention would be applicable only if the spacing between the chairs is small enough such that the second person can comfortably reach the BFR (210) behind the chair that is immediately in front. Particularly for the embodiment with the sling being suspended from the first chair (100a) with the fixing means (260) being secured to the hind side (150), to some extent, the length of the adjusting means (260) can be increased to enable the second person to reach the BFR (210) with the legs better stretched, even when the spacing between the chairs (100a, 100b) is too large otherwise. The application is also desirable only for a line of chairs placed one behind the other, where there is no significant relative movement of the chairs under the force while using the BFR (210), particularly when the chair in front is unoccupied and is lighter. The relative movement is avoided when the chairs are heavy or fixed to the floor or fixed relative to each other with a spacer between them. Another drawback of the first aspect is that when the second person uses the BFR (210) on the first chair (100a), any other person wanting to get out (in) of (into) the row from within the two chairs (100a, 100b) will need to disturb the second person for making space, however in seating arrangements such as in aeroplanes and buses, the leg rooms are so small that the second person even otherwise needs to vacate his chair (100b) for making the space.

Another embodiment of the second aspect of the invention is shown in Fig.6, where the FFR (210) as the sling is on an underside (505) of the seat (140). The sling can be pulled forward from under the seat (140) for resting the feet as shown for the first chair (100a). In this arrangement, the back part of the lower leg or at least a portion of the foot, rests against the front side (290) of the chair (100a), for support. The chair (100a) may further be provided with a pulling means (510) such as a cord, as described earlier for Fig.5b. The height H is user adjustable by at least one adjusting means (240), such as an adjusting belt that is coupled between the fixing means (260) and the sling.

Having the sling made of a flexible material and desirably with a cushioning layer will provide better comfort of usage. Preferably, the sling is detachable from the chair with or without the adjusting means and can be provided optionally. Having the detachable sling as a washable one for reuse is preferable. However in cases where washing is not economical or convenient, disposable slings would serve the hygienic requirement. For a seating arrangement such as in the flights, the chair may be provided with the fixing means (260) secured to the chair and the sling with / without the adjusting belt may be provided to those who wish to use them. A simple hook type mechanism may serve this purpose of attaching/detaching the sling to the fixing means (260), when with / without the adjusting means (240). Herein, the fixing means (260) has been shown as a simple ring. Any kind of fixing means (260) in the art may be used, such as a stitch that attaches the sling whether with / without the adjusting means (240), to the chair, for a non-detachable foot rest (210). The sling may be directly attached to the chair by the stitch as the fixing means (260). The fixing means (260) may be secured to the chair at any suitable location. The adjustment mechanism in the adjusting means (240) may be of the kind used in seat belts. Any other mechanism in the art may also be used, for varying the length. The current chairs in flights, auditoriums, theaters, lounges, automobiles, libraries and the like can be easily upgraded with the foot rest (210) of the sling type, as they are cheap, simple and convenient to use. The first aspect for accessing the sling from the hind side (150) is preferable compared to the second aspect of accessing the sling from the front side (290), as in the former case the user generally would have more space to better stretch the legs while using the BFR (210). The detachable sling that is washable or disposable may be made available in extra numbers for being attached to the chair as necessary. Such an arrangement of the foot rest (210) is referred to in this text as being attached indirectly to the chair, when the sling is attached to the chair by hooking to the ring like fixing means (260), whether with or without the adjustment means (240). The sling type foot rest (210) may be a better option in consideration with the comfort and convenience of usage, even as compared to the groove type foot rest (210). Where the pulling means (510) is the cord, as illustrated in Fig.5b and Fig.6, the cord may be coupled between any user accessible location on the chair and the sling, the cord being usable for pulling out the sling for use from under the seat (140), without having to touch the sling, for hygienic purposes. Having the fixing means (260) under the seat (140) as in Figs.5a,5b and 6, has the advantage of accommodating the sling under the seat (140) naturally, when not in use.

For convenience, the sling when suspended from the underside (505) may be positioned such that it is accessible particularly by the pulling means, for use either from behind the chair according to the first aspect of the invention or from the front side (290) according to the second aspect of the invention. For such an option, an adjustment of the height H may be appropriately made.

In an alternate embodiment of the second aspect, the FFR (210) is a projection surface that is adjustable at a user selectable angle (760). Such an arrangement of the FFR (210) is referred to in this text as being attached directly to the chair. According to an embodiment, as illustrated in Fig.7, the projection surface is extendable to an extended position when in use and retractable to a retracted position otherwise, such as for being under the seat (140), the projection surface being releasably lockable (not shown) in the extended position, particularly when the FFR (210) is being used. As shown, the projection surface may be pivotally operable between the extended position and the retracted position by a pivot arm (720) that is coupled between the chair and the projection surface. Such an arrangement of the FFR (210) is referred to in this text as being attached indirectly ,to the chair as the projection surface is attached to the chair by the pivot arm (720). For illustration, the projection surface for the first chair (100a) has been shown at the retracted position while the projection surface for the second chair (100b) has been shown at the extended position. In the figure, as shown by the broken lines, the height H of the projection surface is adjustable, by moving the projection surface up and down, by the telescopic means (790) having at least one set of telescopic cylinders. The projection surface is releasably lockable (not shown) at a user selectable height H. The up and down movement for adjusting the height H may be parallel to the front side (290) for minimizing the space required in the horizontal direction. Such an arrangement is helpful when the available space for the foot rest (210) is limited. Also shown in this figure is a peripheral guard (710), which is an obstruction at the periphery of the FFR (210), to prevent the feet from slipping away from the FFR (210), when in use. The size of the guard (710) may be determined based on the convenience of usage.

When the projection surface is extended, the space between the first chair (110a) and the second chair (110b) is likely to get further congested. Hence, the projection surface needs to be used judiciously, such as during the sleeping hours in long flights, when the movement of the people is minimal. This is similar to using the meal tray during the flights, where the same is allowed to be extended outwards generally only during meal times. The projection surface may preferably be cushioned, for a comfort of resting the feet and for a better grip, as well as for reducing accidental injuries. The projection surface may be extended and retracted or be releasably locked by any suitable means in the art. Similarly, the height H may be adjusted by any suitable means in the art. The pivotal and telescopic operations described here are very commonly used in the art, hence are not described with further details. They may be operable manually or by automatic means. Having the foot rest (210) as the projection surface is more complicated, expensive and not as convenient as compared to having the sling or the groove.

A method of providing the sling optionally for the chair having the detachable sling is proposed, where the sling is attached to the fixing means (260) for use and detached from there after use. Another method of providing the sling optionally for the chair having the detachable and disposable sling is also proposed, where the sling is attached to the fixing means (260) for use, detached and disposed after use. Yet, another method of providing the sling optionally for the chair having the detachable and

I

washable sling is proposed, wherein the sling is attached to the fixing means (260) for use, detached and washed after use, for reuse. For example, in an aeroplane, the staff can provide the detachable slings to the passengers upon request. Also at a public seating arrangement such detachable slings may be offered at an affordable price, desirably with a returnable deposit if the detachable sling is washable type. Herein, the detachable sling may be with or without the adjusting means (240).

Another method of providing enhanced comfort to those having to sit on a chair particularly for a long duration and in a public seating arrangement is proposed for the first aspect of the invention. The method comprises the steps of providing the BFR (210) to the chair for access of the BFR (210) from behind and maintaining a close spacing between a first chair (100a) and a second chair (100b) such that the second person seated on the second chair (100b) can comfortably lift and rest at least a portion of his/her feet on the BFR (210) on the first chair (100a). The BFR (210) is at a hind side (150) of the chair. Alternatively, the BFR (210) is under the seat (140) such that there is a gap G between the BFR (210) and the underside (505) of the seat (140) for resting the feet.

Yet, another method of providing enhanced comfort to those having to sit on a chair particularly for a long duration and particularly in a public seating arrangement is proposed for the second aspect of the invention. The method comprises a step of providing the FFR (210) at a front side (290) of the chair such that the height H is closer to the seat level (280) than to the floor level (220) and the FFR (210) is significantly narrow in the forward direction F. The FFR (210) is for use by a person seated on a seat (140) of the same chair, while having to raise his/her knee joint significantly above the seat level (280).

The figures present various embodiments for the invention. Suitable combinations of these embodiments may be implemented, as desirable, particularly for a public seating arrangement. The shape and size of the foot rest (210) may be designed based on factors such as the convenience of usage, the design of the chair and the inter chair spacing in the line. The range of adjustment of the height H of the foot rest (210) may be determined as per the convenience of designing and the comfort of resting the feet. The embodiments having the BFR (210) or the FFR (210) under the seat (140), particularly when not in use, may be aesthetically more preferable, apart from the reasons of compactness.

As to further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

While the foregoing description presents preferred embodiments of the present invention along with many details set forth for purpose of illustration, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many variations or modifications in details of design, construction and operation may be made without departing from the present invention as defined in the claims. The scope of the invention is as indicated by the appended claims and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A chair, preferably with a back rest (110), the chair being for use in a public seating arrangement where a plurality of the chairs are laid one behind the other such as along a line, the chair being characterized by:

a back foot rest (BFR) (210) being directly or indirectly attached to the chair and being positioned at a first height H from a floor level (220) of a floor where the chair rests, the BFR (210) on a first said chair (100a) being usable by a second person seated on a seat (140) in a second said chair (100b) that is behind the first said chair (100a) wherein the second said chair (100b) maintains a close spacing from the first said chair (100a) such as in an aeroplane, such that the second person can comfortably lift and rest at least a portion of his/her feet on the BFR (210), particularly when the first (100a) and the second (100b) said chairs are substantially immovable relative to each other, the BFR (210) being for providing enhanced comfort to the second person when seated on the second said chair (100b) particularly for a long duration, likewise, the BFR (210) if attached to the second said chair (100b) being usable by a third person seated on a third said chair if the third said chair is provided behind the second said chair (100b), and so on, a last said chair in the line optionally having the BFR (210), the first height H being a minimum height of the feet from the floor level (220) when the BFR (210) is being used.

2. The chair according to Claim 1 wherein the BFR (210) is provided at a hind side (150) of the chair.

3. The chair according to Claiml wherein the BFR (210) is provided under the seat (140) such that there is a gap G between the BFR (210) and an underside (505) of the seat (140), for resting the feet.

4. The chair according to Claim2 or Claim3 wherein the BFR (210) is a first sling, that is suspended from the chair by at least one first fixing means (260), the at least one first fixing means (260) being secured to the chair anywhere such as on the hind side (150) or on the under side (505), as applicable.

5. The chair according to Claim4 further comprising at least one first adjusting means (240) that is coupled with the first sling such as by being coupled between the first sling and the first fixing means (260), wherein the at least one first adjusting means (240) is user adjustable in length, for adjusting the first height H.

6. The chair according to Claim4 wherein the first fixing means (260) is secured to the chair on the underside (505), the first sling being pullable for use as the foot rest (210) at the hind side (150) while having to rest at least a portion of the feet or a lower side of the legs against the hind side (150), for support.

7. The chair according to Claim2 wherein the BFR (210) is an engraved groove.

8. The chair according to Claim7, wherein the groove is a plurality of grooves, the first height H for each groove being different.

9. The chair according to Claim2, wherein the BFR (210) is a first projection surface extending outwardly from the hind side (150).

10. The chair according to Claim9, wherein the first projection surface is extendable outwardly from the hind side (150) to a first extended position when in use and retractable to a first retracted position otherwise such as for being substantially along the hind side (150), the first projection surface being releasably lockable in the first extended position, particularly when being used.

11. The chair according to ClaimlO, wherein the first projection surface is pivotally operable between the first extended position and the first retracted position, the first extended position preferably being at a user selectable angle (410) relative to the first retracted position.

12. The chair according to Claim9, wherein at least a portion of the first projection surface is colored suitably for being easily noticeable even under dark ambient.

13. The chair according to ClaimlO further comprising a first indicator attached to the chair, the first indicator being capable of optically indicating when the first projection surface is in the first extended position.

14. The chair according to Claim9, wherein the first projection surface is user adjustable for the first height H, by any means in the art.

15. The chair according to ClaimM, wherein the any means in the art is a first telescopic means (420) that is releasably lockable at the first height H.

16. The chair according to Claim 1 further comprising:

a front foot rest (FFR) (210) provided at a front side (290) of the chair, the FFR (210) being attached directly or indirectly to the chair and being at a second height H from the floor level (220), such that the second height H is closer to a seat level (280) of the seat (140) than to the floor level (220), the FFR (210) being for use by a person seated on the seat (140) of the said chair, the FFR (210) further being significantly narrow in a forward direction F thereby enabling the person to lift up and rest at least a portion of his/her feet on the FFR (210) while having to raise his/her knee joints significantly above the seat level (280) and being for providing enhanced comfort to the person when seated on the chair particularly for a long duration, the second height H being the minimum height of the feet while using the FFR (210).

17. A chair, preferably with a back rest (110) and being particularly for a public seating arrangement, the chair being characterized by:

a front foot rest (FFR) (210) provided at a front side (290) of the chair, the FFR (210) being attached directly or indirectly to the chair and being at a second height H from a floor level (220) of a floor where the chair rests, such that the second height H is closer to a seat level (280) of a seat (140) of the chair than to the floor level (220), the FFR (210) being for use by a person seated on the seat (140) of the chair, the FFR (210) further being significantly narrow in a forward direction F thereby enabling the person to lift up and rest at least a portion of his/her feet on the FFR (210) while having to raise his/her knee joints significantly above the seat level (280), the FFR (210) being for providing enhanced comfort to the person when seated on the chair particularly for a long duration, the second height H being the minimum height of the feet while using the FFR (210).

18. The chair according to Claiml6 or Claiml7, wherein the FFR (210) is a second sling, the second sling being suspended from the chair by at least one second fixing means (260), the at least one second fixing means (260) being secured to the chair anywhere such as on the front side (290) or on an under side (505) of the seat (140).

19. The chair according to Claim 18 further comprising at least one second adjusting means (240) that is coupled with the second sling, wherein the at least one second, adjusting means (240) is user adjustable in length, for adjusting the second height H.

20. The chair according to Claim 18 wherein the second fixing means (260) is secured to the chair on the underside (505), the second sling being pullable for use as the foot rest (210) at the front side (290) while having to rest at least a portion of the feet or a lower side of the legs against the front side (290), for support.

21. The chair according to Claim 16 or Claim 17, wherein the FFR (210) is a second projection surface extending outwardly from the front side (290).

22. The chair according to Claim21, wherein the second projection surface is pivotally operable for adjusting to a user selectable angle (760).

23. The chair according to Claim21, wherein the second projection surface is extendable outwardly from the front side (290) to a second extended position when in use and retractable to a second retracted position otherwise such as for being under the seat (140), the second projection surface being releasably lockable in the second extended position.

24. The chair according to Claim23, wherein the second projection surface is pivotally operable between the second extended position and the second retracted position, by a pivoting arm (720) that is coupled between the chair and the second projection surface.

25. The chair according to Claim21, wherein at least a portion of the second projection surface is colored suitably for being easily noticeable even under dark ambient.

26. The chair according to Claim23 further comprising a second indicator attached to the chair, the second indicator being capable of optically indicating when the second projection surface is in the second extended position.

27. The chair according to Claim21, wherein the second height H of the second projection surface is user adjustable by any means in the art.

28. The chair according to Claim27, wherein the any means in the art is a second telescopic means (790) that is releasably lockable at the second height H.

29. The chair according to Claim21, wherein at least a portion of the second projection surface is provided with a peripheral guard (710) along the periphery, to prevent the feet from slipping away from the second projection surface, when in use.

30. The chair according to Claim4 or Claiml8 wherein at least a portion of the sling comprises a flexible material.

31. The chair according to Claim4 or Claim 18 wherein the sling is detachable from the chair and can be provided optionally.

32. The chair according to Claim31 wherein the detachable sling is disposable for hygienic reasons.

33. The chair according to Claim31 wherein the detachable sling is washable for reuse.

34. The chair according to Claim4 or Claim 18 and wherein the at least one fixing means (260) is secured to the chair on the under side (505) of the seat (140), the chair further comprises respectively a first or a second pulling means (510) such as a cord, the pulling means (510) having a first portion coupled to the chair at any user accessible location and a second portion coupled to the sling , the pulling means (510) being usable for pulling out the sling from under the seat (140) for use as the foot rest (210) while without having to touch the sling.

35. The chair according to any one of the claims 1,16 and 17 wherein the foot rest (210) is split into two different foot rests (210) with a space in between, for resting the two feet separately.

36. The chair according to Claiml wherein the line of the chairs is in a zigzag fashion such that the second person may use the two foot rests (210) behind two adjacent said chairs in front, the two adjacent said chairs in front belonging to two adjacent lines in the zigzag fashion.

37. The sling, for being the foot rest (210) in the chair according to any one of the claims 4,5,18,19, 30-33 by being directly or indirectly attachable to the chair.

38. The projection surface, for being the foot rest (210) in the chair according to any one of the claims 9-12, 14,15, 21-25, 27-29 by being directly or indirectly attachable to the chair.

39. A method of providing enhanced comfort to those having to sit on a chair particularly for a long duration and wherein the chair is according to Claim31, the method comprising the steps of :

providing the detachable sling, for attaching to the chair by the at least one fixing means (260), for use as the foot rest (210); and

collecting the detachable sling that is detached from the at least one fixing means (260), after the use.

40. A method of providing enhanced comfort to those having to sit on a chair particularly for a long duration and wherein the chair is according to Claim32, the method comprising a step of :

providing the detachable sling, for attaching to the chair by the at least one fixing means (260), for use as the foot rest (210).

41. A method of providing enhanced comfort to those having to sit on a chair particularly for a long duration and wherein the chair is according to Claim32, the method comprising the steps of :

providing the detachable sling, for attaching to the chair by the at least one fixing means (260), for use as the foot rest (210);

collecting the detachable sling that is detached from the at least one fixing means (260) after the use; and

disposing the detachable sling.

42. A method of providing enhanced comfort to those having to sit on a chair particularly for a long duration and wherein the chair is according to Claim33, the method comprising the steps of :

washing the detachable sling, for reuse.

43. A method of providing enhanced comfort to those having to sit on a chair particularly for a long duration, the chair being preferably with a back rest (110) and being particularly for a public seating arrangement where a plurality of the chairs are laid one behind the other such as along a line, the method comprising the steps of :

providing a BFR (210) that is directly or indirectly attached to the chair and is positioned at a height H from a floor level (220) of a floor where the chair rests, the BFR (210) on a first said chair (100a) being usable by a second person seated on a seat (140) in a second said chair (100b) that is behind the first said chair (100a); and

maintaining a close spacing between the first said chair (100a) and the second chair (100b) such as in an aeroplane, such that the second person can comfortably lift and rest at least a portion of his/her feet on the BFR (210), particularly when the first (100a) and the second (100b) said chairs are substantially immovable relative to each other, likewise, the BFR (210) if attached to the second said chair (100b) being usable by a third person seated on a third said chair if provided behind the second said chair (100b), and so on, a last said chair in the line optionally having the BFR (210).

44. The method according to Claim43 wherein the BFR (210) is at a hind side (150) of the chair.

45. The method according to Claim43 wherein the BFR (210) is under the seat (140) such that there is a gap G between the BFR (210) and an underside (505) of the seat (140), for resting the feet.

46. A method of providing enhanced comfort to those having to sit on a chair particularly for a long duration, the chair being preferably with a back rest (110) and being particularly for a public seating arrangement, the method comprising a step of :

providing a FFR (210) at a front side (290) of the chair, the FFR (210) being attached directly or indirectly to the chair and being at a second height H from a floor level (220) of a floor where the chair rests, such that the second height H is closer to a seat level (280) of a seat (140) of the chair than to the floor level (220), the FFR (210) being for use by a person seated on the seat (140) of the chair, the FFR (210) further being significantly narrow in a forward direction F thereby enabling the person to lift up and rest at least a portion of his/her feet on the FFR (210) while having to raise his/her knee joints significantly above the seat level (280), the second height H being the minimum height of the feet while using the FFR (210).