Deployable backrest, footrail and anti-fatigue mat ergonomic office stool

Abstract

A deployable anti-fatigue mat for a stool includes a first portion flexibly joined to a second portion along a common edge, the first portion comprising a footrest secured thereto and the second portion being configured to be movably attached to a base of the stool.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A deployable anti-fatigue mat for a stool, the deployable anti-fatigue mat comprising:
 a first portion flexibly joined to a second portion along a common edge, the first portion comprising a footrest secured thereto and the second portion being configured to be movably attached to a base of the stool.   
     
     
         2 . The deployable anti-fatigue mat of  claim 1 , wherein the deployable anti-fatigue mat is configured to be moved between a first position in which a user can stand upon the deployable anti-fatigue mat and a second position in which the user does not stand upon the deployable anti-fatigue mat. 
     
     
         3 . The deployable anti-fatigue mat of  claim 1 , wherein a bottom of the first portion can be configured as a footrest when the deployable anti-fatigue mat is not deployed. 
     
     
         4 . The deployable anti-fatigue mat of  claim 1 , wherein the deployable anti-fatigue mat is configured to be pivotably attached to the base of the stool via a hinged connection between the second portion and the base of the stool. 
     
     
         5 . The deployable anti-fatigue mat of  claim 1 , wherein a bottom surface of the deployable anti-fatigue mat comprises a low-friction material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, delrin, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, ceramic, and polytetrafluoroethylene. 
     
     
         6 . The deployable anti-fatigue mat of  claim 1 , further comprising an actuator that is configured to deploy the deployable anti-fatigue mat. 
     
     
         7 . The deployable anti-fatigue mat of  claim 6 , wherein the actuator is controlled by a control mechanism that is selectively operated by a user. 
     
     
         8 . The deployable anti-fatigue mat of  claim 1 , wherein a top surface of the deployable anti-fatigue mat is a padded mat comprising one of rubber, vinyl, variable durometer urethane, or a gel. 
     
     
         9 . The deployable anti-fatigue mat of  claim 1 , wherein the footrest is configured to be received by a tray secured to a base of the stool. 
     
     
         10 . The deployable anti-fatigue mat of  claim 1 , wherein, when the deployable anti-fatigue mat is configured for use while a user is sitting, the first portion is oriented generally horizontal to act as a footrest for the user. 
     
     
         11 . The deployable anti-fatigue mat of  claim 1 , wherein, when the deployable anti-fatigue mat is configured for use for a user that is sitting, the second portion is oriented generally vertical. 
     
     
         12 . The anti-fatigue mat of  claim 1 , wherein, when the deployable anti-fatigue mat is configured for use for a user that is standing, the first and second portions are oriented generally horizontal to act as a mat for the user to stand on.