Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a foot resting assistive device for public transport vehicles that provides an adjustable footrest to the passengers sitting in a public transport vehicle for allowing passengers of different height and age groups to comfortably place their feet for resting while sitting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The need for comfortable seating in public transport vehicles is well-documented, with passengers often facing discomfort due to inadequate leg support. Proper leg support helps prevent discomfort, muscle strain, and circulation issues during long journeys, promoting overall well-being. Without adequate support or a footrest, passengers often experience fatigue, numbness, or cramps in their legs and feet. Prolonged periods of unsupported legs also lead to stiffness and reduced mobility upon exiting the vehicle. Moreover, improper leg support contribute to restless leg syndrome and discomfort, impacting the passenger's ability to relax and enjoy the journey comfortably.

[0003] Traditionally, passengers in public transport have used basic methods and equipment for resting their feet, often improvising with available resources. These include placing feet on bags or backpacks on the floor, crossing legs uncomfortably, or utilizing small, fixed footrests if provided. Some modern buses or trains may offer fold-down footrests attached to seats, but these are limited and not adjustable. Existing seating configurations often lack adjustable footrests, resulting in discomfort and reduced leg circulation during extended journeys. This issue affects passengers across age groups and physical conditions, impacting their overall travel experience. Addressing this issue requires innovative solutions that cater to diverse passenger needs, offering adjustable footrests that promote better posture and comfort. The present invention aims to fill this gap by providing a device that enhances passenger comfort and satisfaction during travel in public transport vehicles.

[0004] GB2563003A discloses about an invention which includes a footrest movable between a stowed position and a deployed position in which a surface supports the occupant’s feet. The footrest is bendable about an upstanding structural support of the seat such that the footrest in stowed position is bent about the structural support. The footrest may form a U-shape when bent. The footrest may have a distal end furthest from, and a proximal end nearest to, the seat when in the deployed position. The footrest may rotate between the deployed and stowed position such that the proximal end is lower than the distal end when in the stowed position. The deployable footrest assembly may be part of a seat assembly, which may in turn be a part of a vehicle.

[0005] JP2021028193A discloses about an invention which includes a foot rest consists of a pair of left and right foot rests and each of the foot rests includes a foot putting part which is formed of a net not having knot-like bend at nodal point, an elastic part which relaxes impact when putting a foot on it and a hanging-down string which supports the foot putting part and the elastic part. Favorably, the foot putting part and the hanging-down string is non-elasticity.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of providing a footrest to the passengers in a public transport vehicle. However, these devices are incapable of adjusting the height of the footrest as per the height of the passenger, and fails in allowing passengers of small height and children’s to place their feet comfortably over the footrest while sitting. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in preventing touching of legs of one passengers with legs of other’s while sitting.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of allowing passengers to place their feet for resting in a public transport vehicle by providing a footrest at an optimum height according to the passenger’s height. In addition, the developed device should also detect the accumulation of dust/dirt on the sole of the passenger footwear and accordingly provide a means to remove the dust/dirt from the sole.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a footrest at an optimum height to a passenger sitting in a public transport by getting adjusted as per their height in an automated manner, thereby allowing passengers of all age groups and heights to place their feet for resting.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of removing the dust/dirt from the sole of the passenger footwear by detecting the accumulation of dust/dirt on the sole, thus preventing the public transport from getting dirty/muddy by the dust/dirt from the sole of the passengers footwear.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of deploying a barrier in an automated manner by detecting shaking of the passengers legs in order to prevent touching of legs of one passengers with legs of other’s while sitting, thereby increase privacy and reduce discomfort by avoiding inadvertent physical contact with neighboring passengers.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a foot resting assistive device for public transport vehicles that is capable of deploying a footrest at an optimum height by detecting the height of the passenger sitting in a public transport vehicle. Additionally, the developed device should also provide a means to prevent touching of legs of one passengers with legs of other’s.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a foot resting assistive device for public transport vehicles comprises of a platform affixed with a backrest of each seats of a public transit system via multiple suction cups and configured with a push button that is accessed by passengers sitting in front of the platform to activate the device, a touch interactive display panel installed on the platform is accessed by the passenger to provide input command regarding need of footrest while sitting, a vertical motorized slider installed on the platform to provide upward translation motion to a plate arranged with the slider to position the plate at an optimum height, a pair of cuboidal body installed on the plate by means of springs for allowing the passenger to place feet for resting, a dust sensor integrated in the bodies to detect accumulation of dust/dirt on sole of the footwear of the passenger.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a two axis motorized slider configured in each the bodies to provide a bi-directional movement to a clamp holding cleaning jelly in order translate the jelly in contact with the sole for removing the dirt from the sole of footwear, a pair of set of plates hinged with each other by means of motorized hinges installed with each side of the platform to form a barrier in order to prevent touching of legs of one passengers with legs of other’s, a laser sensor is integrated on the platform and synced with the imaging unit to detect height of the passenger, a motorized pivot joint configured with one of the side of the platform to deploy a handgrip configured with the pivot joint for allowing the passenger to take support while getting up from the seat, and a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a foot resting assistive device for public transport vehicles; and
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a cuboidal body associated with the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a foot resting assistive device for public transport vehicles that is capable of providing a footrest at an optimum height to a passenger sitting in a public transport by adjusting as per the height of the passenger in an automated manner.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1and 2, an isometric view of a foot resting assistive device for public transport vehicles and a cuboidal body associated with the proposed device are illustrated, respectively comprising a platform 101 developed to affixed with a backrest of each seats of a public transit system, plurality of suction cups 102 configured behind the platform 101, a touch interactive display panel 103 installed on the platform 101, a vertical motorized slider 104 installed on the platform 101, a plate 105 arranged with the slider 104, a pair of cuboidal body 106 installed on the plate 105 by means of springs 107, a two axis motorized slider 201 configured in each bodies, a clamp 202 configured with the two axis motorized slider 201, a pair of set of plates 108 hinged with each other by means of motorized hinges 109 and installed with each side of the platform 101, an artificial-intelligence based imaging unit 110 installed on the platform 101, a motorized pivot joint 111 configured with one of the side of the platform 101, and a handgrip 112 configured with the pivot joint 111.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises of a platform 101 designed for installation on the backrests of each seats in a public transit system which includes but not limited to bus, van, airplanes, and trains. The platform 101 is secured using multiple suction cups 102 ranging from six to ten in numbers that are arranged beneath the platform 101 to adhere to the backrest of the seat for securing the platform 101 and ensure it remains stable and doesn't require permanent fixtures that damage the seats. The platform 101 serves as the main structure and is made from strong and lightweight materials which includes but not limited to hardened steel, aluminum alloy, hard fiber, and composite materials. The outer surface of the platform 101 is coated with scratch-resistant material to protect against scratches from daily use.

[0024] The suction cups 102 used herein are type of tools which uses the atmospheric pressure to vacuum and hold the platform 101 at one place on the surface. The suction cups 102 consist of a circular disc which are made of a flexible material mostly rubber with a rounded edge, whenever the pressure is applied in the center of the disc, a concave shape is generated and when the cups is forced against the surface of the backrest of the seat, a vacuum is created in the cups which causes the cups to stick strongly with the backrest of seat and affix the platform 101 with the backrest of each seats of the public transit system. The platform 101's design and installation method using suction cups 102 make it versatile and non-intrusive, allowing it to be easily attached or removed as needed.

[0025] The platform 101 is configured with a push button that is accessible to a passenger/ user sitting in front of the platform 101. The user is required to press the push button, such that when the user presses the push button, it initiates an electrical circuit mechanism. Inside the push button, there is a spring-loaded contact mechanism that, under normal circumstances, maintains an open circuit. When the button is pressed, it compresses the spring, causing the contacts to meet and complete the circuit. This closure then sends an electrical signal to an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device to power up/ activate the device. Conversely, releasing the button allows the spring to return to its original position, breaking the circuit and sending the signal to deactivate the device.

[0026] Upon pressing of the button, the microcontroller actuates a touch interactive display panel 103 installed on the platform 101 for allowing the passenger to provide input command regarding the need of footrest while sitting. The touch interactive display panel 103 used herein is a type of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) that detect touch input from the passenger. It consists of both an input unit (preferably a capacitive touch panel) and an output unit (a visual display). The capacitive touch panel is layered on the top of the visual display. The touch panel consists of an insulator such as glass, coated with a transparent conductor, such as indium tin oxide (ITO). When the user touches the surface of the screen for giving input commands, the electrostatic field of the screen gets distorted, that is measured as a change in capacitance. This change in capacitance is used to determine the location of the touch. The determined location of the touch is then sent in the form of electrical signals to the microcontroller linked with the display panel 103.

[0027] The microcontroller further processes the received signals in order to determine the user requirement for the footrest and accordingly activates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 110 which is installed on the platform 101 to work in sync with a laser sensor integrated on the platform 101, in order to detect height of the passenger. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 110 comprises of a high-resolution camera lens, digital camera sensor and a processor, wherein the lens captures multiple images of the passenger from different angles and perspectives with the help of digital camera sensor for providing comprehensive coverage of the passenger.

[0028] The captured images then go through pre-processing steps by the processor integrated with the camera. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operation including pre-processing, feature extraction and classification in order to enhance the image quality, which includes adjusting brightness and contrast and removing any distortion or noise. The pre-processed images are transmitted to the microcontroller linked with the processor in the form of electrical signals.

[0029] Simultaneously, a laser diode present in the laser sensor emits a focused and narrow beam of laser light toward the passenger. When the laser beam strikes the passenger, it gets reflected back towards the sensor. The receiver of the laser sensor captures the reflected light and employs a time-of-flight measurement principle to calculate the distance. The pattern of the received laser pulse gets converted into an analogue value which is further converted into an electrical signal, wherein the electrical signal is send to the microcontroller.

[0030] The microcontroller processes the combined signals received from the imaging unit 110 and the laser sensor in order to determine the height of the passenger. Based on the determined height, the microcontroller actuates a vertical motorized slider 104 installed on the platform 101 to provide upward translation motion to a plate 105 arranged with the slider 104. The motorized slider 104 used herein consists of a sliding-rail and multiple rolling members which are integrated with a step motor. On actuation, the step motor rotates the rolling members in order to provide rolling motion to the members which results in sliding of the plate 105 and provide upward translation motion to the plate 105 in order to position the plate 105 at an optimum height for allowing the passenger to position their feet for resting over a pair of cuboidal body 106 installed on the plate 105 by means of springs 107.

[0031] The cuboidal body 106 used herein are designed to serve as a footrest where the passenger comfortably place their feet for resting during travel and is made up of soft and durable material and covered with fabric or vinyl to enhance comfort and aesthetics, providing a softer surface for passengers' feet. The use of springs 107 allows the cuboidal bodies to have some flexibility or movement, which enhance comfort by adapting to the natural movements or adjustments passengers might make while seated. This design also potentially helps absorb shocks or vibrations, contributing to a smoother and more comfortable ride experience.

[0032] The cuboidal bodies are integrated with a dust sensor that detect the accumulation of dust/dirt on sole of the footwear of the passenger. The dust sensor is an optical dust sensor that uses an optical sensing method to detect dust. A photo sensor and an infrared light-emitting diode which is known as an infrared LED are optically arranged in the dust sensor. The photo-sensor detects the reflected infrared LED rays which are bounced off of the dust particles present over the footwear of the passenger. The reflected infrared LED rays are converted into an analog value which is further converted into an electrical signal, wherein the electrical signal is sent to the microcontroller. Further the microcontroller processes the received signal and detects the accumulation of dust/dirt on sole of the footwear of the passenger.

[0033] Upon detection of the dust/dirt, the microcontroller actuates a two axis motorized slider 201 configured in each of the bodies to provide a bi-directional movement to a clamp 202 holding cleaning jelly. The slider 201 consists of a base stand that moves along a horizontal track (axis 1) and a carriage mounted on the base that moves vertically (axis 2). These movements are facilitated by motorized mechanisms integrated into the slider 201. An electric motor with a drive mechanism (such as a belt, gear, or lead screw) moves the base stand horizontally along the track. This movement is bi-directional, to move the clamp 202 left and right. Another electric motor with a similar drive mechanism controls the vertical movement of the carriage where the clamp 202 is mounted. This motor allows the clamp 202 to move up and down. The bi-directional movement of the slider 201 ensures that the cleaning jelly is evenly spread or applied over the sole of footwear for effectively removing the dirt from the sole of footwear.

[0034] Further, a pair of set of plates 108 hinged with each other by means of motorized hinges 109 are installed with each side of the platform 101. These plates 108 are hinged to each other, forming a barrier that is deployed on both sides of the platform 101. The microcontroller continuously processes the signals received from the imaging unit 110 to determine the movement of the passenger’s legs, and in case the detected movement corresponds to shaking of the legs, the microcontroller actuates the hinges 109 to form a barrier in order to prevent touching of legs of one passengers with legs of other’s. The hinge is a piece of metal that interconnects the plates 108 and allows the plates 108 to revolve along the longitudinal axis whose operation is governed by a bi-directional direct current motor that is linked with the microcontroller.

[0035] The bi-directional direct current motor is capable of converting direct current into mechanical work by following the principle of Lorentz Law which states that, the current carrying conduction when placed in magnetic or electrical field experiences a force known as Lorentz force. Such that the motor converts the electrical current derived from an external source into a mechanical torque for providing the required power to the hinges 109 to tilt the plates 108. When the motor rotates, then provides movement to the hinges 109 followed by which the plates 108 interconnected with the hinges 109 also gets tilted to an angle and form a barrier between adjacent seating areas to prevent unintentional contact between the legs of different passengers in order to enhance personal space and comfort during transit.

[0036] When the passenger access the display panel 103 to input the command, indicating the need for a support in getting up from the seat, then the display panel 103 convert the analogue signals into electrical signals and transfer to the linked microcontroller, the microcontroller processes the signal and firstly actuates the vertical motorized slider 104 to translate the plate 105 downward to facilitate easier access and stability for the passenger. Subsequently, a motorized pivot joint 111, integrated into one side of the platform 101, is actuated by the microcontroller. This pivot joint 111 deploys a handgrip 112 configured with the pivot joint 111 and designed specifically for providing support to the passenger.

[0037] The pivot joint 111 used herein is a mechanical component that is powered by a DC (Direct Current) motor that is capable of converting the electric current provided from an external force into mechanical torque for providing the required power to the pivot joint 111 in order to rotate around a single axis and moves the handgrip 112 from its stowed position to a convenient location for the passenger to grasp securely, aiding in their movement and support as they rise from the seat. This integrated set-up/ arrangement ensures that passengers safely and comfortably maneuver out of their seats with the necessary support, enhancing accessibility and convenience in public transit environments.

[0038] Lastly, a battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0039] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the platform 101 as disclosed in the invention is developed to get affixed with the backrest of each seats of the public transit system via multiple suction cups 102. The push button is accessed by the passenger to activate the device. On activation, the passenger provide input command regarding need of footrest while sitting via the touch interactive display panel 103. Based on that the microcontroller actuates the vertical motorized slider 104 to position the plate 105 at an optimum height according to the passenger’s height as detected by the laser sensor in sync with the artificial-intelligence based imaging unit 110 for allowing the passenger to position the feet over the cuboidal bodies for resting the feet. Further, the dust sensor detect accumulation of dust/dirt on sole of the footwear of passenger and upon detection the microcontroller actuates the two axis motorized slider 201 to translate the clamp 202 holding cleaning jelly in contact with the sole for removing the dirt from the sole of footwear. If the microcontroller via the imaging unit 110 detects shaking of the passengers legs, then the microcontroller actuates the motorized hinges 109 to extend the pair of set of plates 108 in order to form a barrier to prevent touching of legs of one passengers with legs of other’s. Afterwards, if the passenger via the panel, provides command regarding need of support while getting up from the seat, then the microcontroller actuates the slider 104 to translate the plate 105 downward and followed by actuation of the motorized pivot joint 111 to deploy the handgrip 112 for allowing the passenger to take support while getting up from the seat.

[0040] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A foot resting assistive device for public transport vehicles, comprising:

i) a platform 101 developed to affixed with a backrest of each seats of a public transit system, by means of plurality of suction cups 102 and configured with a push button that is accessed by passengers sitting in front of said platform 101, to activate said device;
ii) an inbuilt microcontroller linked with said button, actuates a touch interactive display panel 103 installed on said platform 101, that is accessed by said passenger to provide input command regarding need of footrest while sitting, wherein based on said command said microcontroller actuates a vertical motorized slider 104 installed on said platform 101, to provide upward translation motion to a plate 105 arranged with said slider 104, to position said plate 105 at an optimum height;
iii) a pair of cuboidal body 106 installed on said plate 105 by means of springs 107, for allowing said passenger to place feet for resting, wherein a dust sensor integrated in said bodies, to detect accumulation of dust/dirt on sole of said footwear of said passenger;
iv) a two axis motorized slider 201 configured in each said bodies, that are actuated by said microcontroller to provide a bi-directional movement to a clamp 202 holding cleaning jelly, in order translate said jelly in contact with said sole for removing said dirt from said sole of footwear; and
v) a pair of set of plates 108 hinged with each other by means of motorized hinges 109, installed with each side of said platform 101, wherein in case said microcontroller via an artificial-intelligence based imaging unit 110 which is installed on said platform 101, detects shaking of said passengers legs, then said microcontroller actuates said hinges 109 to form a barrier in order to prevent touching of legs of one passengers with legs of other’s.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a laser sensor is integrated on said platform 101 and synced with said imaging unit 110, to detect height of said passenger and in accordance to said determined dimension, said microcontroller actuates said slider 104 to position said plate 105 at an optimum height for allowing said passenger to position said feet over said bodies for resting said feet.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in said passenger via said panel, provides command regarding need of support while getting up from said seat, then said microcontroller actuates said slider 104 to translate said plate 105 downward and followed by actuation of a motorized pivot joint 111 configured with one of said side of said platform 101, to deploy a handgrip 112 configured with said pivot joint 111, for allowing said passenger to take support while getting up from said seat.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.