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Monday, 8 August 2005 | Levent OZLER
Humanscale Introduces The FM500 Footrest
Humanscale announces the introduction of the award-winning FM500 Footrest, a striking addition to its line of ergonomic accessories for the workplace. The FM500 provides perfect support for the feet and legs to ease pressures on the lower back when sitting. With its curved supports that encourage healthful rocking, the footrest offers a surprising amount of functionality in a simple and elegant package. The FM500 was recently awarded the Grand Prize for Safety and Accessibility Solutions in the 2005 Innovations competition presented by Buildings Magazine.
Studies have shown that 70% of all women and 40% of all men have health issues such as blood clots, varicose veins and pressure on the Achilles tendon due to pooling of fluids in the lower limbs - the result of prolonged, inactive sitting. The die-cast aluminum legs of the FM500 are curved to encourage rocking of the feet, which increases blood flow to the lower extremities and reduces the health risks of inactive sitting. The FM500 readily accommodates all users, is incredibly easy to use without instructions or training, and is moveable so that it travels with users if and when they are moved to a new location.
The molded plywood platform provides a large surface area for exceptional and stable support. Rubber discs incorporated into the wood platform provide a non-skid surface to keep feet securely on the platform. While the shape of the FM500's aluminum base encourages gentle rocking of the feet during prolonged sitting, it also provides a stable support when needed. The bottom edge of the aluminum legs has non-skid runners to keep the FM500 in place during use.
Like all Humanscale products, the aesthetics of the FM500 were born out of its function. The shape of the platform, the curves of the aluminum legs and the location and pattern of the rubber grips were all based on the performance criteria and function of the product. When design is approached this way, the resulting aesthetic will be timeless. In the case of the FM500, the result is endowed with timeless, sculptural beauty. The FM500 was designed by Manuel Saez, Design Director of Humanscale, and Yuji Fujimura, Humanscale Designer.
The materials and processes used in the manufacturing of the FM500 are in keeping with Humanscale's philosophy of renewable design. The die-cast aluminum used in the FM500 is 100% recycled and 100% recyclable and the wood used in the platform is sourced from sustainable forests. Made predominantly from molded plywood and die-cast aluminum, the FM500 is designed and manufactured to provide years of reliable service and timeless beauty. In fact, as with most Humanscale products, the FM500 comes with a lifetime warranty.
The FM500 is available in Cherry and Oak wood finishes, with a retail price of $145.
About Humanscale
Humanscale designs and manufactures ergonomic products for a more comfortable workplace. From the Freedom chair to the Diffrient Light - each product is designed to improve the health, efficiency and quality of work life. Humanscale's seating, monitor arms, lighting, keyboard supports and other ergonomic accessories follow the belief that if a design solves a functional problem as simply and elegantly as possible, the resulting form will be honest and timeless.
In their annual issue celebrating the individuals and organizations that "Drive Design," the prestigious design publication I.D. Magazine recognized Humanscale as one of 10 Best companies worldwide "that help push design forward." Humanscale was the only company from the contract furniture industry, and one of only seven U.S. organizations honored.
Headquartered in New York City, with global distribution, Humanscale remains the leader in ergonomic design.
Humanscale: http://www.dexigner.com/directory/detail/5890/
Environmental Statement
Humanscale is committed to sustainability and environmental conservation, which guide our choices in product design, manufacturing and packaging. Recycled and/or recyclable materials account for approximately 85% (by weight) of all materials used in Humanscale products shipped in 2004, and our packaging contains approximately 40% recycled content. In addition, Humanscale is a proud sponsor of World Wildlife Fund, and our founder and CEO, Robert King, has served on WWF's National Council since 1999.
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