A footstool is provided having outer pockets for storage of magazines, newspapers or the like. Additional storage space is available when the cushion is removed to expose an internal compartment having a shelf. The cushion includes a bottom pocket with a stiffener therein. The cushion can be removed and inverted into a bottom-up posture to provide a rigid writing or work surface. The stiffener can be removed from the cushion pocket and placed on the frame to function as a work table whereby the cushion may be used either as a pillow or simply placed atop the stiffener for use as a footstool.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein pertains to footstools as are conventionally used with upholstered chairs and sofas and particularly pertains to a footstool which includes a top cushion which can be removed and used in a bottom-up posture as a writing or work surface.

Footstools, ottomans and the like have been used for many years to provide comfort and utility for the user. Past footstools often have hinged tops which open to reveal a storage space. Other prior footstools are formed from a rigid frame covered with fabric while others have a top cushion which can be removed and used separately from the footstool as needed.

Such prior footstools while useful in certain instances, are generally large and are difficult to transport and store. Some prior ottomans include complex, expensive mechanisms for cushion removal. Other prior art footstools include permanently affixed fabric coverings, which make cleaning of the covering difficult and time consuming.

Thus, with the limitations and disadvantages of footstools and ottomans used here-to-date, the present invention was conceived and one of its objectives is to provide a footstool of the KD (knock down) type which can be easily shipped from a factory and assembled on site using only simple hand tools.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a footstool which will allow the user to easily exchange the fabric covering for decoration or maintenance purposes.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a footstool in which the method of use provides for removal of the cushion to expose a convenient storage space therebeneath.

It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a footstool having a removable cushion whereby the cushion can be inverted to a bottom-up posture and be used remotely as a portable desk top or work area.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a footstool which allows removal of a stiffener in the cushion which can be placed on frame supports to serve as a rigid table top.

It is also an objective of the present invention to provide an aesthetically appearing, sturdy footstool which is inexpensive to manufacture and purchase.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforesaid and other objectives are realized by providing a footstool having a tubular metal frame of the KD type. The metal frame is assembled using threaded members which can be easily, manually applied to create a rectangular frame with a bottom shelf. A fabric covering slides over the frame and is tied to the corners thereof. The cushion is then placed atop the frame where it rests on supports affixed at each corner of the frame. The cushion includes a stiffener within a bottom pocket for integrity purposes when used in a conventional manner. As needed, the cushion can be removed from the footstool, rotated into a bottom-up posture and while in this inverted position the rigid bottom of the cushion provides a convenient work space for writing or other purposes. The stiffener can be removed from the cushion and placed on the cushion supports as an option. In this manner the footstool becomes a work surface or table with the stiffener becoming a rigid top.

For a better understanding of the invention and its operation, turning now to the drawings,FIG. 1illustrates a side elevational view of preferred footstool10with fabric covering11positioned over knock down frame12seen exploded inFIG. 6. Frame12is formed from preferably, metal tubular members and includes rectangular lateral frame ends13,13′. Each of tubular lateral members15,15′ is affixed to rectangular tubular corner members14,14′ such as by welding, brazing, soldering or the like. Shelf18is seen exploded from lower lateral members15′,15′ and includes tubular shelf ends19,19′ which are each joined to six (6) solid shelf rods27having a smaller diameter. Shelf18is joined to each corner member14,14′ by threaded members16.

As further seen inFIG. 6, threaded members16likewise join spacers17,17′ which are internally threaded to corner members14,14′ which assist in maintaining frame12in a sturdy, rectangular configuration. Each corner member14,14′ has a cushion support20attached thereto for receiving cushion25as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3.

Fabric covering11formed from cotton, vinyl, leather or other materials is affixed to frame12by tie straps22which are sewn or otherwise affixed to the corners of fabric covering11as shown inFIG. 3. Fabric covering11defines v-shaped notch23at each of the upper corners of fabric covering11. Tie straps22are not shown inFIG. 1as they are tied to corner members14,14′ beneath spacers17,17′ and upper lateral members15,15to secure covering11on frame12. Fabric covering11also includes a pair of side pockets24,24′, one on either side as shown inFIG. 3(pocket24′ not shown). Pockets24,24′ provide convenient storage space for personal items such as magazines, newspapers or the like placed therein through respectively openings21,21′.

Once frame12has been fully assembled as shown inFIG. 3(threaded members16shown removed), fabric covering11can be for example, unfolded from its shipping container and placed over frame12. As seen inFIG. 3, storage compartment26is provided beneath cushion25. With fabric covering11in place on frame12and tie straps22secured around corner members14,14′, cushion25as seen inFIG. 2can then be placed thereon. Upon removal of cushion25from frame12, storage compartment26is revealed whereby shelf18can be utilized for storage purposes.

InFIG. 4, cushion supports20are rigidly affixed to corner members14,14′ and support the bottom of cushion25as shown for example, inFIG. 3. Cushion25includes stiffener pocket28as seen inFIG. 4for placement of stiffener31therein. Stiffener pocket28includes flap29having hook and loop fastener30to maintain flap29in a closed posture as needed. While hook and loop fastener30is preferred, other types of fasteners could be used such as buttons, snaps, zippers or the like. Stiffener31has a planar, rectangular shape and may consist of wood, metal, masonite, plastic or other suitable rigid materials. Stiffener31, once inside pocket28presents a rigid base for cushion25as it rests on cushion supports20. Cushion25can be removed from frame12, inverted to a bottom-up posture as seen inFIG. 5and placed on the user's lap, bed or otherwise whereby stiffener31will maintain drinking glass32, pencil33, or paper sheet34thereon in a stable manner. Stiffener31can also be removed from cushion25and placed on cushion supports20for use as a table top as seen inFIG. 7.

The method of use for footstool10comprises first manually assembling frame12with threaded members16as illustrated inFIG. 6. Once frame12is suitably assembled fabric covering11is placed over frame12and tie straps22are secured at each corner of frame12. Next, stiffener31is inserted into pocket28and flap29can then be closed and cushion25placed atop frame12. Footstool10can then be used in a conventional manner. For storage purposes, cushion25is removed revealing storage compartment26for maintaining books, toys or the like in a concealed manner. As desired, cushion25can be removed and inverted to be used on a chair, bed or otherwise as a rigid work surface.