Abstract
The present invention relates to the field of footrests for outdoor applications. The present invention is a footrest device for sitting on the ground. The footrest is comprised of an angled platform for resting feet in an inclined position. The footrest is comprised of edges with steps that prevent sliding. Further, the footrest are individual pieces so the left and right foot can be in the optimal position. The footrest incorporates tabs protruding out the front to prevent sliding. These tabs function as a device to remove debris that can make noise in a hunting application. These tabs can be used to mimic the sound of a turkey scratching leaves. The tabs can be used at a beach for digging sand. The shape of the footrest creates a pocket that functions as a scoop for moving sand or water. The two individual pieces nest together for storage or transport.
Claims
1. A footrest device comprising a forward and a rearward inclined plane that form a fixed angle, a side edge on each side connected to the forward and rearward planes, a lower edge of each side edge and a lower edge of the forward and rearward inclined planes, a reference plane formed by the lower edges of the side edges and forward and rearward inclined planes, a tab or multiple tabs formed by a portion or multiple portions of each side edge extending below the reference plane, a forward and a rearward edge of the tab(s) extending below the reference plane forward and rearward edges to form an angle, a series of one or more steps formed on the forward edge of the tab extending below the reference plane to prevent sliding in the forward direction, a platform that protrudes out the front of the footrest in the forward direction to form 3 tabs, and a pocket formed by the sides and the forward and rearward inclined planes so the two footrests nest together for compact storage or transport.
2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the angle formed between the forward and rearward inclined planes is between 80 and 115 degrees.
3. The invention of claim 1 further comprising steps on the forward edge of the tabs extending below the reference plane forming angles equal to, greater than, or less than 90 degrees.
4. The invention of claim 1 further comprising steps on the rearward edge of the tabs for rearward application.
5. The invention of claim 1 further comprising more or less than 3 tabs extending in the forward direction from the forward inclined plane.
6. The invention of claim 1 further comprising a platform that extends out the sides or in the rearward direction from the rearward inclined plane.
7. The invention of claim 1 comprising curved surfaces instead of forward and rearward inclined planes where the curved surfaces serve the function of the inclined planes.
8. The invention of claim 1 comprising treads on the forward and rearward surface.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a right side view of one potential embodiment of a footrest device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of one potential embodiment of a footrest device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a left side view of one potential embodiment of a footrest device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of one potential embodiment of a footrest device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of one potential embodiment of a footrest device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of (2) footrest devices of the present invention nested together for storage or transport in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a view of one potential embodiment of a footrest device of the present invention in an outdoor hunting situation with the hunter resting against a tree and the hunter's right and left legs are in different positions and supported by each individual footrest in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a view of one potential embodiment of a footrest device of the present invention in a beach or shoreline situation where the footrest device forms a comfortable position for the beachgoer's feet to rest on uneven sand in accordance with the disclosed architecture.
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a view of one potential embodiment of the a footrest device of the present invention with a curved surface in lieu of the forward or rearward plane.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The invention is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
[0023] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a footrest device 1. The device 1 is a footrest for use on a supporting surface of the ground such as dirt or sand. The footrest 1 provides a support surface for the feet. The footrest 1 is useful when sitting outdoors such as sitting on the ground in hunting applications or in the sand at the beach. In hunting applications such as turkey hunting, hunters often find themselves moving around in pursuit of their game. This involves moving to new locations and sitting on the ground and often resting their back against a tree, stump, rock, log or embankment. This puts the hunter's feet in uncomfortable positions, especially when the ground is flat or slopes away from the hunters seated position. The top surface of the footrest 1 are comprised of two planes 2 and 3. These planes, primarily plane 2, are at an angle against which the person's foot can rest. This provides support for the person's feet in a more comfortable position. This allows the person to be still and stay in position longer without the discomfort caused without a footrest. The two planes 2 and 3 intersect to form the top surface of the footrest device. The device 1 can be formed with these two planes 2 and 3 at a range of angles to allow for different slopes. Further, each footrest device 1 are of a size and shape to be individually used for each foot. This way, a pair of footrest device 1 form a set for the left and right feet. This allows the optimal placement of the device 1 on the ground for the best position and comfort for outdoor situations such as hunting. This optimal placement is often at different lengths and elevations from the body due to the uneven ground experienced in outdoor applications.
[0024] In FIG. 2, the sideplanes 4 and 5 are identified. These sideplanes 4 and 5 intersect with the top planes 2 and 3. These sideplanes 4 and 5 are at an acute angle for ease of release from a casting mold or injection molding tool. This acute angle allows the two pieces of device 1 to nest together for storage and transport. The planes 2 3 have a thickness of material to the inside of the footrest to form the top of the footrest. The sideplanes 4 and 5 have a thickness of material to the inside of the footrest to form the sides of the footrest. The bottom edges 6 7 8 and 9 of the top 2 3 and sides 4 and 5 form a reference plane 10. This reference plane represents the ideal intersection with the ground. This reference plane exists whether the edges 8 and 9 of top 2 and 3 and edges 6 and 7 of sides 4 and 5 are continuous or form some other shape. The edge 6 of side 4 is shown in FIG. 1. The edge 8 of top 2 is shown in FIG. 1. The reference plane 10 is shown in FIG. 1.
[0025] In FIG. 3 the edge 7 of side 5 is shown. The reference plane 10 is shown.
[0026] In FIG. 4 the edge 9 of top 3 is shown. The bottom of the footrest device 1 can be seen in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, a pocket formed by the enclosed sides 4 and 5 and top 2 and 3 is visible. This pocket functions as a scoop. Therefore, the device 1 can be used to scoop water, dirt, sand and other media for purposes of recreation, or in an emergency situation, water can be scooped for use in cooking, cleaning, or consumption.
[0027] In FIG. 1. a portion of the side 4 extends down below the reference plane 10 to form tabs 11 and 12. In FIG. 3. a portion of the side 5 extends down below the reference plane 10 to form tabs 13 and 14. These tabs 11 12 13 and 14 extend below the surface of the ground when in use.
[0028] One or more edges of the tabs 11 12 13 and 14 may contain intersecting lines, such as but not required to be vertical and horizontal, that form steps 15 along the edge. In this way, one or more edges of tabs 11 12 13 and 14 are not a straight continuous line. These steps 15 provide resistance to horizontal motion of the footrest device 1 when the foot and leg place forces on it from sitting. The steps 15 prevent sliding of the footrest 1. This resistance to sliding provides support for the feet when sitting.
[0029] In FIG. 1, A platform 16 is shown extending out from the top 3. This platform 16 is shown parallel with reference plane 10. This platform 16 can be at a small acute angle from reference plane 10. The bottom surface 17 of platform 16, along with edges 6 and 7 from sides 4 and 5 and edges 8 and 9 from top 2 and 3, provides resistance to keep the footrest device 1 from submerging too far below the ground when the ground is wet or is loose such as sand. This platform 16, can extend out along plane 10 or a shallow angle from plane 10. Further, platform 16 can extend out from any of the sides 4 and 5 or top 2 and 3.
[0030] In FIG. 5 the area of platform 16 extending from the top 3 to form tabs 18 is shown. The number of tabs 18 extending out from platform 16 can be three or more or less than three. In FIG. 5, the tabs 18 are formed by edges 19 at an acute angle to each other to form a point 20. This point 20 can be sharp or can have a radius or other shape at the connection of the two sides 19 for each tab 18. The multiple tabs 18 act together like teeth on a rake. Three tabs are best suited to mimic the forward toes of a turkey in turkey hunting situations. These tabs 18 can be raked against leaves in a hunting situation to mimic the action and sound of a turkey scratching away leaves and debris searching for food. Further, these tabs 18 can rake away leaves, twigs, and other debris before the device 1 is placed on the ground. The sitting area in a hunting situation, such as the base of a tree, can be raked away with these tabs 18. Removing debris such as leaves and twigs will reduce noise and prevent spooking game if the hunter shifts position. Further, at a beach, campsite, sandbox, creek or river bank or other recreational area, the tabs can be used as a rake for the enjoyment of building or construction of the earth or sand such as sand castles at the beach. They can also remove debris to create a space for sitting or placing objects.
[0031] In FIG. 6 a side view of (2) footrest devices 1 nested together for storage or transport is shown.
[0032] In FIG. 7 device 1 being used in a hunting situation is shown, where the hunter is leaning against a tree and the each foot is in a position at a different length form the body.
[0033] In FIG. 8. a person is shown at a beach or shoreline with the device 1 in sand to create a comfortable position for their feet to rest on the uneven sand is shown.
[0034] In FIG. 9. a potential embodiment of the footrest device where the forward 21 and rearward 22 surfaces are curved instead of flat planes 2 and 3.
