Variably-oriented footstool

Abstract

A footstool is disclosed which is variable in both its height and its slope to accommodate the varying needs of individuals who are required to hold a leg in an elevated position for extended periods of time and are, therefore, prone to fatigue of the leg, back and other portions of the body. The stool includes a main body portion having adjustable legs at each end and which may be hinged to the main body portion for convenience in transport and storage. Each of the legs is formed of a base portion and a portion fixed to the main body of the stool with an infinitely-variable adjustment member such as a screw anchored in one of the leg portions and a mating nut mounted in the other of the leg portions. Preferably, the legs extend downwardly from the main body at diverging angles, in their use position, to enhance the longitudinal stability of the stool. Lateral stability and overall stability are provided by widely separated guides in each leg which provide both lateral and longitudinal guidance and bracing on both sides of each of the leg adjusters. The leg portions which are fixed with respect to the main body portion may be latched in their use position to provide an essentially rigid joint between the main body and that portion of the leg.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.