Abstract:
A quick folding step stool is provided that folds compactly enough to fit in a cabinet toe-kick area while requiring no modifications to existing cabinets. The quick folding step stool can also be mounted on a track to move laterally along a bank of cabinets. The quick folding step stool or the track can also be mounted on a wall, behind a bar, in a work area, or in any other location where occasional access to higher shelves or other features is required.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to collapsible steps and, more particularly, to compact collapsible steps which can be mounted on existing walls or cabinets and are movable along the wall or row of cabinets. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In most buildings, the height of the walls is much greater than the height of the building occupants. When shelves are mounted on a wall, they are typically mounted to likewise extend higher than most can reach. This situation is common in residential kitchens, pantries, closets, and garages. It is also a common issue in commercial facilities with storage rooms, kitchens, filing rooms, computer rooms, and other similar rooms where space is at a premium. The most common solution to this problem is the use of a step stool. However, in areas where space is at a premium, it can be difficult to store a step stool without interfering with the use of the space, and the stool may be stored in a distant location and be difficult to access. If the stool is stored in a cabinet or similar storage area, it takes up valuable storage space. It is therefore desirable to have a step stool which can be easily stored near the area of intended use, while requiring little or no extra space to store it. 
         [0003]    A number of step stools have been designed to hide away by folding or collapsing, but almost all existing solutions require either valuable storage space or require significant modifications to the cabinets or walls. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,673 issued to George Harris discloses a step assembly which mounts to a cabinet facing, and collapses to a narrow profile capable of mounting beneath the overhang in the toe-kick area of a standard kitchen cabinet. When pressed, the step assembly extends away from the cabinet and the resulting step can be lifted into position. The step disclosed in this patent has a number of drawbacks. First, it is fixed to the cabinet and cannot be moved to other locations. Second, the step, when extended and raised, rises on a vertical support with minimal capability for lateral stabilization other than small flanges on the bottom of the supports. This makes the step susceptible to overturning. 
         [0005]    U.S. Patent Application 2004/0251080 filed by Kalos discloses an extensible step designed for installation in the base of a cabinet. However, the mechanism disclosed by Kalos requires substantial modification of the cabinets to accommodate the installation of the step. Furthermore, the step extends well out from the cabinets when deployed, creating an increased hazard of tripping. Finally, the Kalos device is mounted in a single location on the cabinets and cannot be moved to different locations as needed. 
         [0006]    U.S. Patent Application 2004/0262082 filed by Bay also discloses an extensible step designed for installation in the base of a cabinet. The mechanism disclosed by Bay also retracts behind the back of the toe-kick area, so substantial modification of the cabinets is required to accommodate the installation of the step. The Bay mechanism includes a step that rises vertically from the extended main step, as well as lights integrated into the step. However, the step extends well out from the cabinets when deployed, creating an increased hazard of tripping. Additionally, the Bay device is mounted in a single location on the cabinets and cannot be moved to different locations as needed. Finally, the Bay device is not suitable for mounting on an unmodified wall, since it requires a large area to retract. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,881,040 issued to Hartridge discloses a step stool designed to be mounted on a rail in the toe-kick area and which folds into a cabinet. The mechanism disclosed by Hartridge is not collapsible and takes up a substantial amount of storage space in the block of cabinets. The Hartridge device is therefore not suitable for use along an unmodified wall, since it requires a large amount of space to store. 
         [0008]    It is therefore apparent that there is an established need for a step stool that collapses into a minimal size when not in use, that is safe and stable when extended, that is easily repositioned for use in different areas, and that does not require significant modifications to installed cabinets, walls, or other mounting surfaces. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention describes a quick folding step stool that collapses to a narrow profile to utilize a portion of the toe-kick area available under a cabinet overhang and avoid taking up valuable cabinet space. Furthermore, the quick folding step stool of the current invention requires no modification of the cabinets, requiring only the mounting of a track on the existing backing face. Additionally, the quick folding step stool of the present invention can be moved from place to place along the cabinet, making it easy to reposition to facilitate access to many shelves with minimal installation requirements. Furthermore, the quick folding step stool of the present invention offers significant additional benefits when it is incorporated into the design of the cabinets rather than being merely an addition to existing cabinets. As an alternative to the track mounted on the face of the toe-kick area backing, the track can be embedded in the floor of the kitchen or on the top of the toe-kick area. Alternatively, the cabinet face in the toe-kick area can be replaced with concrete to further enhance the stability of the quick folding step stool. 
         [0010]    The quick folding step stool of the present invention can also be enhanced with the addition of power, either from the house lines or from a battery module on the track or the step module. The addition of electric power allows for the addition of lights to the step stool or to the rail, allowing the option of lighting the toe-kick area with single or multicolor lights. Furthermore, the addition of electric power allows the step module to be motorized, providing the ability to move automatically along the track or to extend and collapse automatically. The movement or extension of the step unit can be controlled either remotely or with a switch embedded in the wall. 
         [0011]    Additionally, the quick folding step stool of the present invention has a very thin profile, allowing use in areas without an overhang or toe-kick area with a minimal danger of tripping. 
         [0012]    An object of this invention is to provide a step stool which is easy to use. 
         [0013]    A further object of this invention is to provide a step stool that collapses into a small space, so that it is not a tripping hazard. 
         [0014]    An additional object of this invention is to provide a step stool that can be easily relocated to different locations along a track. 
         [0015]    Another object of this invention is to provide a step stool that is permanently connected to a wall and therefore cannot be misplaced. 
         [0016]    A further object of this invention is to provide a step stool that can be configured to open automatically. 
         [0017]    An additional object of this invention is to provide a step stool that can be configured to move along the wall automatically. 
         [0018]    Another object of this invention is to provide a step stool with a track that can be lighted for decorative effect. 
         [0019]    A further object of this invention is to provide a step stool with a track that can be lighted to provide a safer floor environment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  provides an isometric view of a first embodiment of the quick folding step stool of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  provides a front view of the first embodiment of the quick folding step stool of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  provides a back view of the first embodiment of the quick folding step stool of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  provides a side view of the first embodiment of the quick folding step stool of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  provides a front view of the quick folding step stool of the present invention mounted on a block of cabinets; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  provides a side view of the quick folding step stool of the present invention mounted on a block of cabinets; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  provides a side view of a second embodiment of the quick folding step stool of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  provides a front elevation view of a fourth embodiment of the quick folding step stool of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  provides a side view of a fourth embodiment of the quick folding step stool of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  provides a front view of a fourth embodiment of the quick folding step stool of the present invention; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  depicts an isometric view of a fifth embodiment of the compact quick folding step stool of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0032]    Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawing. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a collapsible step stool which folds quickly and compactly to a size able to fit in a cabinet toe-kick area and which requires no modifications to existing cabinets for installation. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  depicts an isometric view of the first embodiment of the compact quick folding step stool of the present invention. The base of the compact quick folding step stool  100  is a mounting brace housing  110  which houses the extension mechanism, any support stands, step  150 , and associated components of the step stool  100  when retracted. An extension mechanism is affixed to, and configured to retract into, the mounting brace housing  110 . The extension mechanism includes a rotating housing  120 , rear cross member  130 , and front cross member  140 . 
         [0035]    The rotating housing  120  is connected to the mounting brace housing  110  by a sliding pin  125 . The rotating housing  120  can be shaped in a variety of ways, but is preferably configured to present a flat face  127  when rotated into the mounting brace housing  110 . In this first embodiment, the rotating housing is maintained in a closed position by a housing catch  117  configured as a flexible piece of metal attached to the mounting brace housing  110  above the sliding pin  125  and extending forward to the edge of the rotating housing  120 . The housing catch  117  is bent so that a portion extends in front of the rotating housing  120  preventing it from rotating forward until the housing catch  117  is released. However, the housing catch  117  may utilize any standard latch mechanism, may be an electro-mechanical switch, or may be a mechanism that can be activated by a computer system or an electrical system, either hardwired or by remote control. 
         [0036]    A rear cross member  130  is mounted to the rotating housing face  127  with a rear cross member pivot  135 , and a front cross member  140  is mounted to the rotating housing face  127  with a front cross member sliding pin  145  that is configured to catch when fully engaged. The rear cross member pivot  135  and the front cross member sliding pin  145  connect to appropriate interlocks provided in the rotating housing face  127 . The rear cross member  130  and the front cross member  140  are mounted to cross above the rotating housing  120 , and are shaped so that they do not interfere with each other as the assembly is extended or retracted. The rear cross member  130  and the front cross member  140  mount to a step  150  above their crossing point. In this embodiment, the front cross member  140  is mounted to the step  150  by a front cross member pivot  147 , and the rear cross member  130  is mounted to the step  150  by a sliding pin  137  ( FIG. 3 ). 
         [0037]    In this first embodiment, the rear cross member pivot  135  and the rear sliding pin  137  ( FIG. 3 ) are formed as a unit with the rear cross member  130 . Likewise, the front cross member sliding pin  145  and the front cross member pivot  147  are formed as a unit with the front cross member  140 . Optionally, the pins may be formed separately and attached to the cross members using any standard secure connection, such as a welded connection, retainer clips, or bolts with locking nuts. Furthermore, the connections between the step  150  and the cross members  130  and  140 , and the connections between the cross members  130  and  140  and the rotating housing  120  are not restricted to pivots and sliding pins, but could optionally be any suitable connector which provides sufficient lateral movement to allow the cross members  130  and  140  to be extended and retracted. The cross members  130  and  140  can also optionally be configured with a spring mounted between the lower ends near the rear cross member pivot  135  and the front cross member sliding pin  145 , or with a spring mounted between the upper ends near the rear cross member pivot  135  and the rear sliding pin  137  ( FIG. 3 ), or in both locations. This spring can assist in lifting the step  150  into position or, if strong enough, can serve to extend the step  150  automatically upon release of the housing catch  117 . 
         [0038]    The cross members  130  and  140  can further be optionally configured with a motor which drives a worm gear, screw drive, belt drive, or other type of linear actuator mounted between the lower ends near the rear cross member pivot  135  and the front cross member sliding pin  145 . The motor can be configured to extend or retract the step  150  under the control of an electrical or computer system. 
         [0039]    This first embodiment of the compact quick folding step stool  100  also provides for a left stabilizing stand  160  mounted to the left hand side of the step  150  with a left stabilizing stand pivot  165  and a right stabilizing stand  170  mounted to the right side of the step  150  with a right stabilizing stand pivot  175 . Although the rear cross member  130  and the front cross member  140  can be made strong enough to support a person&#39;s weight, the left stabilizing stand  160  and the right stabilizing stand  170  provide additional stability and support, while reducing the strain on the rear cross member  130  and the front cross member  140 , as well as on the track mount  115  and other parts of the step stool  100 . The left stabilizing stand pivot  165  and the right stabilizing stand pivot  175  are mounted parallel to the rear cross member pivot, allowing the left stabilizing stand  160  and the right stabilizing stand  170 , respectively, to lay on top of the step  150  when collapsed, but to rotate up and around roughly 270 degrees to be finally positioned substantially vertically in order to provide additional support and stability to the step  150 . 
         [0040]    In addition to the rotating housing  120  and assembly of the extension mechanism, a track mount  115  is mounted to the back of the mounting brace housing  110  which allows the step stool  100  to be mounted on a track  500  ( FIG. 5 ). The track mount  115  allows easy lateral movement, so that the step stool  100  can be repositioned in any location along the track  500  ( FIG. 5 ). The compact quick folding step stool  100  can also be enhanced with a motor  155  ( FIG. 11 ) capable of automatically moving the step stool  100  along the track  500  ( FIG. 5 ) based on electrical or mechanical input, such as from a switch or other mechanism, or from an electrical or computer system, either hardwired or by remote control. Furthermore, a power source  106  ( FIG. 11 ), optionally providing battery power or household electrical power, can be provided as necessary for the compact quick folding step stool  100  in order to power on-board motors or lighting  155 , as desired. 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  presents a front view of the first embodiment of the compact quick folding step stool  100  of the present invention. In this first embodiment of the compact quick folding step stool  100 , the left stabilizing stand pivot  165  and the right stabilizing stand pivot  175  each preferably rotate roughly five degrees past vertical, so that they are angled toward the center of the step  150  to provide improved lateral stabilization. However, other positions with a roughly vertical orientation are also suitable for use, and may be preferable depending on the hardware configuration of the stabilizing stands and their respective pivots. Additionally, it is possible to configure the stabilizing stands to be positionable to multiple final positions, or to provide a locking mechanism to further increase stability with a slight increase in the effort required to use the compact quick folding step stool  100 . The rear cross member sliding pin  145  is shown engaged with a track in the rotating housing front face  127 , which is smooth except for a notch which locks the rear cross member sliding pin  145  in place when fully engaged. The rear cross member sliding pin  145  can be disengaged by lifting the rear cross member  140  to disengage the cross member sliding pin  145  from the notch. 
         [0042]      FIG. 3  provides a back view of the first embodiment of the compact quick folding step stool  100  of the present invention. This view provides a view of the rear cross member sliding pin  137 , as well as the other parts of the compact quick folding step stool  100  already discussed. 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  depicts the first embodiment of the compact quick folding step stool  100  of the present invention from the side. The rotating housing  120  is shown fully rotated out from the mounting brace housing  110 . When collapsed, the rotating housing front face  127  is approximately vertical, but when extended, as shown, the housing is rotated away from the mounting brace housing  100 , so that the angle between the front face  127  and the ground is approximately 60 degrees. The rear cross member  130  and front cross member  140  maintain the same angle as they extend upward and outward from the rotating housing  120 . The cross members  130  and  140  extend upward to approximately three times the height of the mounting brace housing  110 , and are surmounted by the step  150  which is oriented to be substantially parallel to the ground. 
         [0044]      FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of an application of the first embodiment of the compact quick folding step stool  100  of the present invention when mounted below a row of cabinets  200 . The compact quick folding step stool  100  is shown mounted on a rail  500  to provide for the easy relocation of the step stool to any location along the rail  500 . Although the compact quick folding step stool  100  can be sized as needed, in this first embodiment it is sized so as to not extend past the overhang under the cabinets  200  when fully retracted. The toe-kick area under the front of a typical block of cabinets is around 3 inches deep, so the step stool  100  is typically designed to be less than 3 inches deep, but can be sized as necessary to account for variations in the size of the toe-kick area on the cabinets it is intended for use with. 
         [0045]    In this depiction, the rail  500  is mounted to the back of the cabinet toe-kick area  210 , but the rail  500  could also be embedded in the floor, in which case the track mount  115  ( FIG. 1 ) would be mounted on the bottom of the mounting brace housing  110  ( FIG. 1 ). The rail  500  could also optionally be mounted under the top of the toe-kick area, in which case the track mount  115  ( FIG. 1 ) would be mounted on the top of the mounting brace housing  110  ( FIG. 1 ). The track  500  and track mount  115  ( FIG. 1 ) are preferably configured as a roller bearing track, but can optionally be configured as any suitable form of track desired. Additionally, if the rail  500  is sufficiently anchored, it is possible to mount the step stool  100 , so that the mounting brace housing  110  ( FIG. 1 ) does not touch the floor. In this case, only the left stabilizing stand  160  and the right stabilizing stand  170  would touch the ground. It is also possible to mount lighting  105  on any part of the folding step stool  100  or on the track  500  to provide lighting to the toe-kick area for safety or for visual effect. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of an application of the first embodiment of the compact quick folding step stool  100  of the present invention when mounted below a row of cabinets. The compact quick folding step stool  100  of the present invention is sized to fit into the toe-kick area of the cabinet when collapsed into the mounting bracket  110 , but when extended as shown, the step  150  is several inches in front of the cabinets, providing a stable platform with sufficient distance from the cabinets that a person can easily step on the step  150  and reach up to an upper row of cabinets, shelves, or other fixtures which may be mounted above the position of the compact quick folding step stool  100 . 
         [0047]    To use the compact quick folding step stool  100  in the form of this first embodiment, a user can release the housing catch  117  with his or her foot. If spring loaded, the step  150  will automatically extend, or the step  150  can alternatively be manually extended. After the step is extended, the user can rotate the left stabilizing stand  160  and the right stabilizing stand  170  into position by stepping on the portion of the left and right stabilizing stands  160 ,  170  that extends past the edge of the step  150 . The left and right stabilizing stands  160 ,  170  will rotate outward around the left stabilizing stand pivot  165  and right stabilizing stand pivot  175  respectively. The user can then stand on the step  150  as needed. To retract the step  150  the user can use his/her foot to push the left and right stabilizing stands  160 ,  170  outward and around back to their retracted position atop the step  150 . The user can then lift the step  150  with the top of his/her foot, causing the front cross member sliding pin  145  to rise out of the interlock which allows the user to push down on the step  150  to push the rear cross member  130  and the front cross member  140  into their retracted positions with the step  150  inside the rotating housing  120 . The rotating housing  120  can then be folded inside the mounting brace housing  110  into a fully retracted position. 
         [0048]      FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of a second embodiment of the compact quick folding step stool  100  of the present invention. In this embodiment of the compact quick folding step stool  100  of the present invention, the track mount  115 , mounting brace housing  110 , rear cross member  130 , and the front cross member  140  are constructed to be sufficiently robust that the left and right stabilizing stands  160 ,  170  ( FIG. 5 ) are not necessary. This embodiment requires a more robust anchoring to a rail  500  ( FIG. 5 ) or wall, but provides a simpler device which is easier to deploy and retract. A third embodiment is also provided which replaces the front and rear cross members with preferably two telescopic cylinders which serve to extend and retract the step  500 . In this third embodiment, the telescopic cylinders are aligned with the rotating housing face  127  ( FIG. 1 ) and the step  150  ( FIG. 1 ) is securely mounted on the opposite end of the telescopic cylinders. 
         [0049]    Like the first embodiment, the second and third embodiments are used by extending the step  150 . The housing catch  117  is released by the user and the step  150  will automatically extend. The second and third embodiments do not include additional stabilizing stands, so there is no further action necessary before stepping on the step  150  as needed. The retraction process is also like the first embodiment, with the user lifting the step  150  to release the front cross member sliding pin  145  from the interlock, then pressing down on the step  150  to push the rear cross member  130  and the front cross member  140  or the two telescopic cylinders (in locations of  130 ,  140 ) into the rotating housing  120 . The rotating housing  120  can then be folded back into the mounting brace housing  110  so the device will again be fully retracted. 
         [0050]      FIG. 8  depicts an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of the compact quick folding step stool  100  of the present invention. In this embodiment, the left and right stabilizing stands  160 ,  170  are replaced by left folding stand  180  and right folding stand  190 . Left folding stand  180  is configured to attach to the step  150  with a left upper hinge  183  and to attach to the rotating housing  120  with a left lower hinge  185 . The left folding stand is also configured to fold onto itself around left center pivot  187 . The right folding stand  190  is similarly configured, being mounted to the step  150  with a right upper hinge  193  and to the rotation housing  120  with a right lower hinge  195 . Also like the left folding stand  180 , the right folding stand  190  is configured to fold onto itself around a right center pivot  197 . The left folding stand  180  and right folding stand  190  are shown here in  FIG. 8  extended in a position configured to brace the step  150 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of a fourth embodiment of the compact quick folding step stool  100  with the left folding stand  180  ( FIG. 8 ) and right folding stand  190  extended to provide a brace for step  150 . Right folding stand is shown bent at right center pivot  197  to form an acute angle bracing the step  150 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 10  presents a front view of a fourth embodiment of the compact quick folding step stool  100  of the present invention. In this figure, the left folding stand  180  and right folding stand  190  are shown folded inward against the front of the step stool  100 . In this position, the left folding stand  180  and right folding stand  190  are configured to fold up when the step stool  100  is retracted. 
         [0053]    To use this fourth embodiment, the user extends the step  150  by releasing the housing catch  117  with his/her foot. The step  150  will automatically extend, and the user can the rotate the left folding stand  180  and right folding stand  190  outward from their positions along the front of the compact quick folding step stool  100  to extend forward from the device. In doing this, the user will cause the left folding stand  180  and right folding stand  190  to align with the ground and provide additional stabilization and support to step  150 . When the user retracts the step  150 , the user first folds the right folding stand  190  inward to align with the front of the quick folding step stool  100 , then folds the left folding stand  180  inward so that it aligns with the front of the device and is positioned in front of the right folding stand  190 . The user then lifts the step  150  to disengage the front cross member sliding pin  145  from the interlock, then pushes down on the step  150  to retract the step  150 , rear cross member  130  and front cross member  140  into their retracted positions with inside the rotating housing  120 , with the left and right folding stands  180 , 190  crossing in front of the rotation housing  120 . The rotating housing  120  can then be folded back into the mounting brace housing  110  to fully retract the device. 
         [0054]      FIG. 11  depicts an isometric view of a fifth embodiment of the compact quick folding step stool  100  of the present invention. This embodiment uses left folding stand  180  and right folding stand  190  to stabilize the step  150 , and also features a light strip  105  mounted to the side of step  150  to provide enhanced visibility when using the step  150 . The light strip  105  may be optionally mounted in any location to provide advantageous light. For example, it may be disposed on any side or top of the step  150 , on the mounting brace housing  110 , on the rotating housing  120 , on the cross members, or other similar location. This embodiment also provides a motor  155  mounted to drive a worm gear which can be remotely activated to extend or retract step  150 . 
         [0055]    Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.