Patent ID: 6880673
Filing Date: 2005-04-19
Classification: A47B,E06C

Abstract:
1. A step assembly that occupies a relatively small space when in a storage configuration but which provides a full-size step when in a fully deployed configuration, comprising: a back wall adapted to be mounted in a vertical plane to a support surface; a first back rod and a second back rod pivotally secured at their respective rearward ends to said back wall at laterally spaced apart opposite ends thereof for movement in a horizontal plane; a front wall disposed in a vertical plane; a first front rod and a second front rod pivotally secured at their respective forward ends to said front wall at laterally spaced apart opposite ends thereof for movement in a horizontal plane; said first back rod and said first front rod being pivotally connected to one another at their respective forward and rearward ends for pivotal movement in a horizontal plane and in a vertical plane; said second back rod and said second front rod being pivotally connected to one another at their respective forward and rearward ends for pivotal movement in a horizontal plane and in a vertical plane; said back wall and said front wall being disposed in closely spaced relation to one another when said step assembly is in said stored configuration; said first back rod and said first front rod being disposed in parallel, abutting relation to one another and in parallel relation to said back and front walls when said step assembly is in said stored configuration; said second back rod and said second front rod being disposed in parallel, abutting relation to one another and in parallel relation to said back and front walls when said step assembly is in said stored configuration; said first back rod and said first front rod being disposed in perpendicular relation to said back and front walls when said step assembly is in a fully extended configuration; said second back rod and said second front rod being disposed in perpendicular relation to said back and front walls when said step assembly is in said fully extended configuration; said first back rod and said first front rod being disposed in parallel relation to said second back rod and said second front rod when said step assembly is in said fully extended position; and said first front rod and said second front rod being disposed in perpendicular relation to said first back rod and said second back rod when said front wall is fully deployed in a horizontal plane to provide a step.