U.S. patent application number 12/689477 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-29 for child's portable collapsible step stool.
This patent application is currently assigned to Leslie Faye Crouch. Invention is credited to Leslie Crouch.
Application Number | 20100187041 12/689477 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42353264 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100187041 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Crouch; Leslie |
July 29, 2010 |
Child's Portable Collapsible Step Stool
Abstract
The disclosed invention provides a compact; collapsible or
folding, one tier, step stool for children that easily transforms
into a smaller unit which is lightweight and portable. It has the
advantages of being child friendly, lightweight, cleanable and
becomes compact in the closed position for storage. In that state
it could easily be transported by a child or carried in an adult's
carrying bag, or a child could carry it in hand or in their
bag/backpack. A child could also use it as a seat or table.
Inventors: |
Crouch; Leslie; (Tucker,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Leslie Crouch
3489 Castlehill Ct
Tucker
GA
30084
US
|
Assignee: |
Crouch; Leslie Faye
Tucker
GA
|
Family ID: |
42353264 |
Appl. No.: |
12/689477 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61146810 |
Jan 23, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
182/223 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 12/00 20130101;
A47D 15/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
182/223 |
International
Class: |
A47C 12/00 20060101
A47C012/00; A47C 4/00 20060101 A47C004/00; A47D 13/00 20060101
A47D013/00 |
Claims
1. A portable, collapsible, compact and lightweight step stool for
a child comprising: a) A flat top platform of matched sections with
a slip-resistant material on top and sides walls that extend
downward to create a cavity underneath whereas the structural
support is integral to the top platform as to accommodate the
standards for a small child. integral means made out of the same
material and continuous without the need of attachment by other
means or materials b) A concealed cylindrical central core enclosed
by end caps which connect the matched seating sections and contains
the mechanism that controls the folding capabilities of the top
platform. c) A matched pair of movable legs with slip-resistant
feet attached to the underside of the matched sections whereas
folded in the closed position are hidden within the cavity created
by the side walls of the top platform and whereas in the open
position are angled outward to support the top platform and as
appropriate to support the weight of a small child. d) An integral
handle on each seating section whereas in the closed position align
to accommodate handling and transport by a small child.
2. A portable, collapsible step stool according to claim 1 whereas
the moveable legs with slip-resistant feet are fastened to the
underside of the top platform within the integral structure of said
top platform allowing for the folding connectors to be hidden as
appropriate for a small child.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to an earlier filed
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/146,810 Filed: Jan. 23,
2009.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] At a very young age, it is difficult for most children to
reach the toilet and sink in public places. Existing step stools
are too large and heavy for use by a small child or for a parent to
store it in a carrying bag. Existing products are also difficult
for children to operate and can pose a safety hazard. There is not
an existing step stool that is compact and lightweight that can be
easily transported by a child or carried in an adult's carrying bag
for travel away from home. It is desirable to have a step stool for
a child that overcomes these disadvantages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention in an expanded
position.
[0004] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the underside of the
invention in an expanded position.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the invention in an expanded
position showing the direction of movement to collapse the step
stool.
[0006] FIG. 2a is a side end elevation of the invention in an
expanded position.
[0007] FIG. 3 is front elevation of the step stool in a closed
position.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the step stool in a closed
position.
[0009] FIG. 5: is a top view of the invention in an expanded
position.
[0010] FIG. 6: is a view of the underside of the invention in an
expanded position.
[0011] FIG. 7: is a perspective view of the invention in the closed
position.
[0012] FIG. 7a: is another perspective view of the invention in the
closed position
[0013] wherein [0014] 10: is the invention [0015] 1 and 2: is a
matched pair of seating sections [0016] 3 and 4: is a matched pair
of legs for the step stool [0017] 5 and 6: is a matched pair of
connectors each joining a seating section to a leg. [0018] 7: is a
handle [0019] 8: is a slip-resistant foot [0020] 9: is a central
core with end caps for top platform [0021] 10: is a slip-resistant
surface on the top platform
DESCRIPTION
[0022] The present invention relates to a child's portable
collapsible step stool for use at home and traveling.
[0023] The invention provides a collapsible step stool 10, which
transforms into a compact, portable unit that can be easily
transported by a child or carried in an adult's carrying bag. The
legs 3,4 and the top 1,2 unfold to create a sturdy step stool 10
that is lightweight and cleanable.
[0024] The step stool is designed to accommodate the standards
required to support a small child in the open position. It may have
a horizontal top platform 1,2 of any useful shape, regular or
irregular, wherein the horizontal surface defines a step. In all of
the embodiments of the invention, the top platform, in conjunction
with the supporting legs 3,4 and the connectors 5,6 folds into a
smaller compact unit FIGS. 3,4 and FIGS. 7,7a. In the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1-4, the top portion 1,2 may be constructed by some
means of fastening together preferably two sections but there is no
limit to the possible number, preferably four or fewer. Fasteners
may include any connector known including but not limited to metal
hinges, plastic hinges, pivots, screws and bolts of the same
material that allows the top to fold several ways. The top may
comprise any material including but not limited to plastic, wood,
metal, rubber or fabric.
[0025] The legs 3,4 are supports configured together with the
connectors 5,6 to support the top platform 1,2 when in the open
position and, in conjunction with the top, fold into a smaller
compact unit FIGS. 3,4. There are preferably two legs but there is
no limit to the possible number of legs, preferably four or fewer.
The legs 3,4 of the device may comprise any material known
including but not limited to plastic, wood, metal, rubber or
fabric. The legs 3,4 preferably have a length that allows a child
to use public facilities including but not limited to lavatories
and toilets. This height is preferably between 31/2'' and 61/2''
but the possible height is limited only by convenience or the
requirements of the child.
[0026] The step stool top of FIGS. 1 and 2 is one plane, comprised
of two parts which is folded in half. The two halves meet flush to
form a carrying handle 7 formed from sections at the ends of the
top sections 1,2.
[0027] The shape of the legs can include but is not limited to
square, oval, circle or rectangle. The legs can be solid material
or may be constructed by some means of fastening together several
sections of the same material that allows the legs to be concealed
by folding up flush into the underside of the step stool top.
[0028] The device also can include a soft carrying case for the
step stool in the closed position but could also include other
methods for carrying such as a hard carrying case, strap or
attaching to a bag. The carrying component may comprise any
suitable material known including but not limited to plastic, wood,
metal, rubber or fabric. This component preferably would include a
storage area on the underside of platform for wipes or other
convenience items.
[0029] The product may be manufactured out of molded plastic, metal
or wood pieces for the step stool top and legs. Connector or pivot
pieces may be molded out of plastic or sourced metal or plastic
parts. The separate parts would then be assembled for the final
product.
[0030] To use the step stool, a person would remove the invention
10 from the carrying case. Next, they would unfold it and make sure
it is secure. Then, it would be placed on the ground or floor,
making sure it is a flat and horizontal surface, with the platform
1, or 1 together with, on top and the legs supporting it from
underneath. A child could then step on top 1 or 1 and 2 to perform
the desired activity.
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