Abstract:
The present invention relates to a step assembly whereby the assembly can be deployed wherein person can climb a plurality of steps in a safe and secure manner, and whereby the assembly can be compacted for storage and/or transport. In one embodiment, the step assembly has two pieces hingedly connected to each other. The first piece is taller and wider than the second piece, wherein the second piece can be collapsed into the interior of the first piece for storage. A dual purpose handle is provided, and can be selectably extended into and retracted from the second piece for storage and transport, respectively. The handle can also be inserted into the first piece to act as a railing. A rod is also provided, and can be pivoted from a first position to a second position wherein it can contact a door to prevent the door from unintentionally closing.

Description:
This utility patent application claims priority on and the benefit of provisional application 61/493,775 filed Jun. 6, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a step assembly, and in particular to a step assembly having a plurality of pieces, whereby the assembly can be deployed wherein a person can climb the plurality of pieces (each having at least 1 step) in a safe and secure manner, and whereby the assembly can be compacted for storage and/or transport. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Steps, step stools, step ladders and the like exist in many forms. Some examples include: 
     United States Published Application having publication number 2006/0243522 to Hart et al. is titled Portable Stepping Device. It describes a device that has a transportable, platform-like device, lightweight, portable, and strong, for assisting people and animals as they enter and exit vehicles, buildings, etc. The device of the invention generally decreases the distance that a user must step when going from one level to another. Thus, a user who has trouble (due to frailty, illness, agedness, youth) getting in and out of cars or over the threshold of houses may place (or have a caregiver or other companion place) the device immediately in front of the door of a car or house. The user would then step on the device, and then step from the device onto the ground, or into the car or house. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,861,731 to Robinson is titled Folding Porch. It shows a folding or collapsible porch for use with house trailers, construction jobs, aircraft and the like. It appears to fold or collapse onto itself for storage. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,113,161 to Manuszak is titled Combination Carrying Case and Step Unit. It shows a combination carrying case and step unit wherein the case is adapted to contain small articles and is rigid to support the weight of a user standing thereon. The case is provided with means having two operative positions which serves in an extended position to be grasped by a user standing thereon and which has a second retracted position convenient for transport of the case from place to place. A telescopic tube is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
     U.S. Pat. No. Des. 331,808 to Paul et al. is titled Work Platform, and it illustrates the ornamental design of a work platform. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,119 to Schrock is titled Folding Steps. It illustrates a climbing aid for assisting people to move up or down to different levels has steps that can be folded into attached integral handrails that circumscribe the steps when folded so that no parts extend outside of the boundaries of the handrails. 
     While each of these products may work well for their intended purposes, they each can be improved upon. 
     For example, none show a device with a hinged connection between steps allowing for stable contact between the assembly and the underlying surface. 
     None show a device that is rollable. 
     None show a device that has a dual use handle that allows the device to be transported when in a first position, and then be used as a support rail when in a second position. 
     None show a device having a door stop to prevent the door from closing onto the user. 
     None of these devices are intended for use parallel to a vehicle. Rather, they appear to be intended for use in a manner perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. This can be problematic since 1) it can difficult to use the steps operating perpendicular to the vehicle when other vehicles are around, and 2) the stairs can lack sufficient depth to allow the user to turn around on the top step without a sizable risk of tripping or falling. 
     Thus there exists a need for a step assembly that solves these and other problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a step assembly, and in particular to a step assembly having a plurality of pieces, whereby the assembly can be deployed wherein a person can climb the plurality of pieces (each having at least 1 step) in a safe and secure manner, and whereby the assembly can be compacted for storage and/or transport. 
     In one embodiment, the step assembly has two pieces hingedly connected to each other. The first piece is taller and wider than the second piece, wherein the second piece can be collapsed into the interior of the first piece for storage. Each piece has a platform and feet. A dual purpose handle is provided, and can be selectably extended into and retracted from the second piece for storage and transport, respectively. The handle can be removed from the second piece and inserted into the first piece to act as a railing. A rod is also provided, and can be pivoted from a first position (storage) to a second position (upright) wherein the rod can contact a door to prevent the door from unintentionally closing. 
     In alternative embodiments, the pieces can have similar perimeter dimensions, whereby the pieces become flush with each other in the storage position but do not stack within each other. 
     In a further alternative embodiment, more than two stepping surfaces can be provided whereby additional height of the largest piece allows for a greater assembly rise height. 
     In a still further embodiment, the second piece can slide, roll or otherwise be moved into and out of the side of the first piece in a linear manner. 
     According to one advantage of the present invention, a step assembly is provided with a hinged connection between pieces allowing for stable contact between the assembly and the underlying surface. The hinge allows the individual pieces to flex relative each other to better accommodate any changes in the contour of the underlying surface. 
     According to another advantage of the present invention, the step assembly is rollably movable when compacted. This advantageously allows for easy transport of the step assembly. 
     According to a further advantage of the present invention, the step assembly has a dual use handle that allows the device to be transported when in a first position, and then be used as a support rail when in a second position. 
     Related, the dual use handle advantageously can be retracted within the step assembly for storage. 
     According to a still further advantage of the present invention, the step assembly has a door stop to contact a vehicle door to prevent it from closing onto the user or step assembly. 
     According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the step assembly is compact when in a storage position, yet is easily deployed to a usable position. Specifically, in many embodiments described hereafter, the step assembly collapses within itself for the storage position. 
     According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, non-slip material can cover the step surfaces. Further, the step surfaces have a large surface area, allowing the user to ascend the steps and turn around in a safe manner. This allows, for example, for the user to turn, grab the handle and then sit on the seat of the vehicle with little risk of falling or tripping. In other uses, which are illustratively but not exhaustively recited, the step assembly can be used as a step stool, to get onto and off from medical tables and/or to enter and exit recreational vehicles. 
     The feet of the step assembly of the present invention can also be covered with non-slip material to prevent the step assembly from slipping during use. 
     According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the step assembly can be used parallel to a vehicle. In this regard, the present invention can be used even when other vehicles are present. Further, the present invention has a top surface with sufficient depth to allow the user to turn around without a sizable risk of tripping or falling. 
     Still further, in some embodiments, the handle can also function as a door stop. 
     Other advantages, benefits, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the invention and studying the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention positioned adjacent a vehicle. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a person transporting an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the handle is in an extended position relative the second piece. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in an open or deployed position. 
         FIG. 4  is similar to  FIG. 3 , but illustrates a dual use handle shown in position where it is engaging the first piece and acting as a rail. 
         FIG. 5  is an additional perspective view showing the wheels of the present invention and showing the rod in an upright position. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing the pieces compacted into each other in the storage position. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing the second piece swiveling relative the first piece in the expansion plane. 
         FIG. 8  is a partial cross-sectional view showing the underside of the second piece. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view showing an embodiment of a catch of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view showing the handle extended to a position relative the housing and interacting with the catch of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view showing the underside of the first piece. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment in the deployed position. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12  but shown in a compacted position. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment in the deployed position. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14  but shown in a compacted position. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment in the deployed position. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 16  but shown in a compacted position. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment in the deployed position. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 18  but shown in a compacted position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     While the invention will be described in connection with one or more preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     Many embodiments are described below. It is appreciated that while sizes, shapes, dimensions and materials may be described herein, that those sizes, shapes and materials are illustrative only and that other sizes, shapes and materials may be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1-11 , it is seen that a first preferred embodiment is illustrated. A step assembly  10  has a first piece  20 , a second piece  40 , a dual or multi-use handle  70  and a rod  90 . Each of these components is described in detail below. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3 ,  5  and  11 , it is seen that the first piece  20  has a surface  21 , four feet  22 , casters  23 , a hand hold  24 , a stop bracket  25 , a housing  30  having openings  31 , support tubes  32  and a brace  33 , and a fixed handle  35 . The first piece  20  is preferably about 11 inches tall, and the surface  21  preferably has dimensions of 24 inches by 24 inches. The top surface  21  perimeter defines the length and width dimensions of the side walls extending between the surface and the feet  22 . There are preferably four feet  22  located at the four perimeter corners of the first piece. The feet located on the hinged side of the first piece can have a rectangular profile to allow for maximum space between the feet. To the contrary, the feet opposite the hinged side can have a generally L-shaped profile to provide increased strength. The surface  21  and feet  22  can be coated with non-slip material to aid in the stability and functionality of the step assembly  10 . The perimeter of the surface can be bound with a covering to protect the edge of the non-slip material. The casters  23  preferably are fixed into a linear alignment. The stop bracket  25  supports the second piece (described below) when the step assembly  10  is in a closed position (described below). The housing  30  is located along one of the sides of the step assembly  10  that is parallel with the expansion plane of the step assembly. The hand hole  24  is preferably located on a side that is perpendicular to the expansion plane. The fixed handle  35  is preferably located on the same side as the housing  30 . A support can be provided to provide structural support to the underside of the surface  21 . The support can have an I-beam configuration. 
     The sidewalls of the first piece are open between the feet  22 , allowing access to the second piece when it is nested within the interior of the first piece  20 , and specifically allowing access to the handle  70 . Further, the presence of four distinct feet provide an added level of stability to the present invention, since there will be four distinct points to contact the underlying surface. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3 ,  5  and  8 - 10 , is it seen that the second piece  40  is illustrated. The second piece  40  has a surface  41 , feet  42 , caster support blocks  43  supporting casters  44  and a housing assembly. The second piece is preferably narrower and shorter than the first piece  20  to enable it to nest within the first piece. In this regard, the surface can have dimensions of approximately 20½ inches wide by 22½ inches in length. The feet  42  are preferably L-shaped, and can be located at or near the corners of the second piece  40 . Specifically, the feet  42  on the side closer to the first piece  20  are preferably located inward from the second piece side a distance greater than or equal to the first piece side wall width. This allows the feet to clear the first piece sidewall when the second piece is nested into the first piece. The feet  42  and surface  41  are preferably covered by a non-slip material. The perimeter of the surface can be bound with a covering to protect the edge of the non-slip material. The caster support blocks  43  are preferably about 1½ inch in thickness, so that the casters  44  can be laterally positioned similarly to casters  23  of the first piece  20 . Casters  44  are preferably free to rotate or swivel about their respective rotation axis. 
     The housing  50  of the second piece  40  has openings  51  and two support tubes  52 . At least one of the support tubes has a hole laterally there through. A catch assembly  56  with a support block  57  and a lug  58  having a pin  59  there through is shown. A base  60  with a guide  61  and a lock  62  is also shown. The lug  58  is preferably extendable into and retractable from support tube  52  during operation. In this regard, the lug  58  is retractably mounted in support block  57 . The pin  59  moves within guide  61  and can be manipulated into lock  62  by twisting it. The distal end of the lug  58  preferably is radiused on a first side and squared on the opposed second side. The opposite radiused (or rounded) and squared edge allows for easier operation in a first direction and less easy operation in the opposed second direction. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  8  and  10 , it is seen that a handle  70  is illustrated. The handle  70  has a bridge  71  and tow sides  75 . At least one of the sides  75  has a recess  76  with a taper  77  on one side of the recess, and a distal end  78  with a taper  79  interior of the distal end. It is appreciated that while the handle is shown having a generally round cross section, that other profiles can be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. A grip can be formed into or added to the bridge  71  of the handle  70 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5 , it is seen that a rod  90  is provided. The rod  90  pivots about a pivot  91 , and is held in a first position (storage) by a holder  95 , and in a second position (deployed) by holders  96  and  97 . It is appreciated that while the rod is shown having a generally round cross section, that other profiles can be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     A hinge  100  is further provided as seen in  FIG. 6 . The hinges are operable upon a hinge axis. The hinge axis is generally perpendicular to the expansion plane  101  referenced above. A body latch  110  is further provided, as seen in  FIG. 3 . The latch  110  is useful to maintain a closed or storage position of the step assembly  10 . 
     Turning now to some of the operative features not heretofore described, the storage position is first described. The step assembly  10  is shown in the storage position in  FIGS. 2 and 6 . In this regard, the second piece  40  is neatly and securely nested into the interior of the first piece  20 . In this regard, the stop bracket  25  (seen in  FIG. 11 ) acts against the outer edge of surface  41  when the second piece  40  is fully nested. The body latch  110  is useful to secure the pieces  20  and  40  in this position. It is seen that casters  44  can be used during transport of the step assembly  10 . 
     The open position is illustrated in  FIG. 1  wherein the present invention is shown in one of many intended environments. In the open position, the first piece  20  and second piece  40  are both upright. The second piece  40  has fully swung out of the interior of the first piece  20  wherein both surfaces  41  and  21  respectively are facing the same or nearly the same direction. The hinge  100  allows the first piece  20  to rotate relative the second piece  40  if the contour of the underlying surface is uneven. 
     The step assembly  10  is shown in  FIG. 7  in a position intermediate between open (or deployed) and closed (or stored). The expansion plane  101  is illustrated therein as a plane that is generally perpendicular to an axis of rotation between the first and second pieces. While not illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the casters  23  and  44  are useful in the expansion and compaction of the step assembly  10 . Casters  23  hold the first piece  20  stationary while casters  44  freely rotate as the second piece  40  swings relative the first piece  20 . It is appreciated that any size caster is usable, and that sizes of two or three inches are preferred. 
     The handle  70  is a dual or multiple use handle. In one position shown in  FIG. 2 , the handle can be extended from the second piece  40  and used to transport the step assembly  10 . The handle is shown fully retracted into the second piece  40  in  FIG. 6  for storage. The handle  70  can be further removed from the housing  50  of the second piece  40  and inserted into the housing  30  of the first piece  20  to act as a railing as seen in  FIG. 4  when the step assembly is deployed. In this regard, the handle is useful for stability of the user. 
     It is appreciated that the catch assembly  56  allows the handle  70  to be fully inserted into the second piece  40 , to be held retracted from the second piece and removed from the second piece. Because of the round nature of one side of the lug  58 , the handle can easily be moved in a first direction (into the second piece housing  50 ). Yet, it is appreciated that the squared second side prevents the handle from moving in the opposite direction unless the lug is first manually retracted by the user. It is appreciated that other catch assemblies could alternatively be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     It is appreciated that the handle can have an alternative form without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. For example, the handle can be a luggage style handle that extends and retracts from within the assembly. As a further alternative, two handles could be provided, and each could be extendable and retractable from the pieces wherein one could function as a transport device and the other could function as a support device. 
     Looking now at  FIG. 1 , it is seen how the rod  90 , when pivoted to the open position, can contact the door of an adjacent vehicle to prevent the vehicle door from unintentionally closing. 
     It is appreciated that handle  70  can additionally act as a door stop instead of rod  90  when the handle  70  is placed in position within the first piece  20 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , it is seen that an alternative embodiment of the step assembly  210  of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, a first piece  220  has a surface  221  and feet  222 . A second piece  240  also has a surface  241  and feet  242 . The each surface  221  and  241  is preferably square and has dimensions of 24 inches by 24 inches. The first piece  220  can have a rise of 9 inches and the second piece can have a rise of 4.5 inches. In this embodiment, the pieces pivot relative each other to a storage position wherein the feet  242  of the second piece  240  engage the feet  222  of the first piece  220 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , it is seen that an additional alternative embodiment is illustrated. Step assembly  310  has a first piece  320  with surface  321  and feet  322 . The first surface is approximately 24 inches by 24 inches. Step assembly  310  also has a second piece  340  with surface  341  and feet  342 . Surface  340  is approximately 20½ inches wide (sufficiently small to allow nesting within the interior of the first piece) and approximately 12 inches deep. In this regard, the first step is wider than it is deep. The first piece has a height of 11 inches and the second piece can have a height of 5.5 inches. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , it is seen that a still further alternative embodiment is illustrated. In this regard, the step assembly  410  has a first piece  420  and a second piece  440 . The first piece  420  has a height of approximately 18 inches, and the surface  421  can be approximately 30 inches by 30 inches. The second piece  440  has a first surface  441  and a second surface  442 . Each surface can be about 12 inches by 28 inches. The first surface  441  has a rise of about 6 inches from the bottom of the feet  443 , and the second surface  442  has a rise of about 6 inches from the first surface  441 . Piece  440  preferably nests within piece  420 . Legs of the first piece  420  are preferably sufficiently tall to allow access to the handle retracted within the second piece  440 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , it is seen that a still further alternative embodiment yet is illustrated. In this embodiment, a step assembly  510  is provided having a first piece  520  with a surface  521  and feet  522 . The surface can be 24 inches by 24 inches. A second piece  540  having a surface  541  that is about 20 inches wide by 22½ inches deep and feet  542  is also provided. A slide assembly  550  can be provided for allowing the second piece  540  to slidably, rollably or movably be selectably extended from the first piece  520 . 
     Thus it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, a step assembly that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages as set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.