Patent Publication Number: US-10316584-B1

Title: Bathroom vanity with retractable step

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention generally relates to a bathroom vanity with a retractable step. More particularly, the invention relates to a bathroom vanity with a retractable step for enabling easier access to the top of the bathroom vanity for individuals having a small stature (e.g., children). 
     2. Background 
     A typical bathroom vanity has a countertop height in the range between 30 inches and 36 inches (e.g., 32 inches). For individuals having a small stature, such as children, this countertop height makes reaching items on the top of the countertop difficult, such as the sink faucet, etc. In order to reach the top of the countertop, it is possible for these individuals to utilize a conventional step stool. However, a conventional step stool tends to obstruct access to the vanity for those individuals who do need the step stool, unless the step stool is stowed each time it is used. And, stowing the step stool after each use is inconvenient and cumbersome, thus interfering with the enjoyable use of the vanity. 
     Therefore, what is needed is a bathroom vanity with a built-in retractable step that enables individuals with a small stature, such as children, to reach items on the top of the bathroom vanity (e.g., the sink faucet) without requiring a separate step stool, and without requiring help from someone else (e.g., a parent or older brother or sister). Moreover, a bathroom vanity is needed that has a built-in retractable step that is easily pulled out from the vanity when needed, and then easily retracted back into vanity when it is not needed. Furthermore, a bathroom vanity is needed that has a retractable step with a built-in storage compartment so that the step may also be used as a drawer to store various items (e.g., towels or toiletries). 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a bathroom vanity with a retractable step that substantially obviates one or more problems resulting from the limitations and deficiencies of the related art. 
     In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a bathroom vanity that includes a cabinet body portion including a top wall and a plurality of sidewalls, the cabinet body portion defining a bottom recess with an open bottom; and a retractable step slidingly coupled to the cabinet body portion, the retractable step being displaceable between a stowed position where the retractable step is disposed within the bottom recess of the cabinet body portion and an extended position where the retractable step extends outwardly from a front of the cabinet body portion so as to provide a step for a user of the bathroom vanity, the retractable step being configured to slide along a floor on which the bathroom vanity is disposed when the retractable step is displaced between the stowed position and the extended position, and at least a portion of the retractable step being configured to contact the floor when the retractable step is displaced between the stowed position and the extended position. 
     In a further embodiment of the present invention, the top wall of the cabinet body portion is in the form of a countertop with an aperture for accommodating a sink bowl. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the cabinet body portion further comprises a main cabinet compartment with at least one door pivotably mounted to the cabinet body portion, the at least one door pivotal between a closed position where the main cabinet compartment is generally enclosed and an open position where a user is able to gain access to an interior of the main cabinet compartment. 
     In still a further embodiment, the plurality of sidewalls of the cabinet body portion comprise a first sidewall, a second sidewall oppositely disposed relative to the first sidewall, and one or more rear walls partially enclosing a backside of the cabinet body portion. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the retractable step further defines a storage compartment for receiving one or more items configured to be stored within the bathroom vanity. 
     In still a further embodiment, the retractable step further comprises a removable lid for gaining access to the storage compartment, the removable lid configured to form a top stepping surface of the retractable step when the removable lid is covering the storage compartment. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the removable lid of the retractable step further comprises one or more protruding members extending from a bottom surface of the removable lid, the one or more protruding members configured to engage with a frame portion of the retractable step so as to retain the removable lid in place. 
     In still a further embodiment, the one or more protruding members of the removable lid of the retractable step are in the form of one or more block members, the one or more block members of the removable lid configured to be received between one or more pairs of frame members of the frame portion of the retractable step. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the removable lid of the retractable step is not pivotally attached to the frame portion of the retractable step by a hinge. 
     In still a further embodiment, the retractable step further comprises a plurality of walls bounding the storage compartment, the plurality of walls including peripheral sidewalls and a bottom wall, the peripheral sidewalls forming at least a part of the frame portion of the retractable step. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the retractable step further comprises a pair of spaced-apart interior walls, the removable lid of the storage compartment configured to engage with one or more of the peripheral sidewalls and/or one or more of the spaced-apart interior walls. 
     In still a further embodiment, the retractable step further comprises a plurality of casters, the plurality of casters configured to slide along the floor as the retractable step is displaced between the stowed position and the extended position. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the bottom recess of the cabinet body portion is bounded by an interior top partition wall and at least two of the plurality of sidewalls of the cabinet body portion, the open bottom of the bottom recess configured to be bounded by the floor on which the bathroom vanity is disposed. 
     In still a further embodiment, the retractable step is connected to the cabinet body portion by one or more slidable tracks. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the retractable step further comprises one or more handles disposed on a front wall of the retractable step for facilitating the grasping and pulling of the retractable step from the stowed position to the extended position by a user. 
     In accordance with one or more other embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a bathroom vanity that includes a cabinet body portion including a top wall and a plurality of sidewalls, the cabinet body portion defining a bottom recess with an open bottom; and a retractable step slidingly coupled to the cabinet body portion, the retractable step being displaceable between a stowed position where the retractable step is disposed within the bottom recess of the cabinet body portion and an extended position where the retractable step extends outwardly from a front of the cabinet body portion so as to provide a step for a user of the bathroom vanity, the retractable step defining a storage compartment for receiving one or more items configured to be stored within the bathroom vanity, the retractable step being configured to slide along a floor on which the bathroom vanity is disposed when the retractable step is displaced between the stowed position and the extended position, and at least a portion of the retractable step being configured to contact the floor when the retractable step is displaced between the stowed position and the extended position. 
     In a further embodiment of the present invention, the retractable step further comprises a removable lid for gaining access to the storage compartment, the removable lid configured to form a top stepping surface of the retractable step when the removable lid is covering the storage compartment. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the retractable step further comprises a plurality of walls bounding the storage compartment, the plurality of walls including peripheral sidewalls and a bottom wall. 
     In still a further embodiment, the retractable step further comprises a pair of spaced-apart interior walls, the removable lid of the storage compartment configured to engage with one or more of the peripheral sidewalls and/or one or more of the spaced-apart interior walls. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the removable lid of the retractable step further comprises one or more protruding members extending from a bottom surface of the removable lid, the one or more protruding members configured to engage with the one or more of the peripheral sidewalls and/or the one or more of the spaced-apart interior walls. 
     It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are merely exemplary and explanatory in nature. As such, the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the invention should not be construed to limit the scope of the appended claims in any sense. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bathroom vanity with a retractable step, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the retractable step of the bathroom vanity is disposed in its stowed position; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the bathroom vanity of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of the bathroom vanity of  FIG. 1 , wherein the retractable step of the bathroom vanity is disposed in its extended position; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the bathroom vanity of  FIG. 1 , wherein the retractable step of the bathroom vanity is disposed in its extended position; 
         FIG. 5  is another perspective view of the bathroom vanity of  FIG. 1 , wherein the retractable step of the bathroom vanity is disposed in its extended position, and a user of the bathroom vanity is depicted standing on the step; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the bathroom vanity of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the retractable step of the bathroom vanity of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is yet another perspective view of the bathroom vanity of  FIG. 1 , wherein the retractable step of the bathroom vanity is disposed in its extended position, and the removable top panel is shown removed from the remainder of the step in order to illustrate the storage compartment inside the step; 
         FIG. 9  is a first longitudinal sectional view of the bathroom vanity of  FIG. 1 , wherein the section is generally cut along the cutting-plane line A-A in  FIG. 2 ; and 
         FIG. 10  is a second longitudinal sectional view of the bathroom vanity of  FIG. 1 , wherein the section is generally cut along the cutting-plane line B-B in  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     Throughout the figures, the same parts are always denoted using the same reference characters so that, as a general rule, they will only be described once. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     An illustrative embodiment of a bathroom vanity  100  with a retractable step  40  is shown in  FIGS. 1-6 and 8-10 . Initially, referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , it can be seen that the bathroom vanity  100  generally comprises a cabinet body portion and retractable step. The cabinet body portion includes a top wall  12  and a plurality of sidewalls  16 ,  24 ,  26 ,  30 , and the cabinet body portion defines a bottom recess (i.e., bounded by panels  24 ,  26 ,  30 ) with an open bottom. The retractable step  40  is slidingly coupled to the cabinet body portion (e.g., by sliding track subassemblies  48 ,  50 ). The retractable step  40  is displaceable between a stowed position where the retractable step is disposed within the bottom recess of the cabinet body portion (i.e., the  FIG. 1  position) and an extended position where the retractable step extends outwardly from a front of the cabinet body portion so as to provide a step for a user (e.g., child  74 ) of the bathroom vanity (i.e., the  FIG. 5  position). The retractable step  40  is configured to slide along a floor on which the bathroom vanity  100  is disposed when the retractable step is displaced between the stowed position and the extended position (i.e., displaced between the  FIG. 1  position and the  FIG. 5  position). In the illustrative embodiment, when the retractable step is displaced between the stowed position ( FIG. 1 ) and the extended position ( FIG. 5 ), and at least a portion of the retractable step  40  is configured to contact the floor (i.e., the bottom surfaces of the casters  72  contact the floor). 
     Referring particularly to  FIGS. 1-5 , the features of the illustrative cabinet body portion of the bathroom vanity  100  will be described in detail. As most clearly shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , in the illustrative embodiment, the top wall of the cabinet body portion of the bathroom vanity  100  is in the form of a countertop  12  with an aperture for accommodating a sink bowl  14 . Also, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the countertop  12  of the bathroom vanity  100  may further comprise a countertop backsplash  10  and a plurality of faucet apertures  15  disposed therethrough for accommodating the water supply piping of the sink faucet. Turning to the sectional views of  FIGS. 9 and 10 , in the illustrative embodiment, the sink bowl  14  may include a sink drain  82  disposed at the bottom of the sink bowl  14 , which includes a sink drain tailpiece  84  that is connected to a P-trap  86 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , in the illustrative embodiment, the P-trap  86  is connected to a waste line  88  that extends through the wall behind the bathroom vanity  100 . The waste line  88  carries the waste water from the sink  14  to the sanitary system of the building structure (e.g., home) in which the bathroom vanity  100  is disposed. As illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the waste line  88  may be provided with an escutcheon plate  90  disposed therearound at the point where the waste line  88  enters into the wall to improve the aesthetics of the installation. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the sink bowl  14  and the associated drain components  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88 ,  90  are merely shown in  FIGS. 1, 4, 5, and 8-10  in order to better illustrate the environment in which the bathroom vanity  100  is used. It is to be understood that the bathroom vanity  100  is typically provided without the sink bowl  14 , and is almost always provided without the associated drain components  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88 ,  90 . As such, in these embodiments, the countertop  12  of the bathroom vanity  100  simply includes a sink aperture and the faucet apertures  15  so that the user can install the sink and faucet of his or her choice within the bathroom vanity  100 . 
     Turning again to  FIGS. 1-5, 9, and 10 , additional features of the illustrative cabinet body portion of the bathroom vanity  100  will be explained. In the illustrative embodiment, the cabinet body portion further comprises a main cabinet compartment with a pair of doors  32 ,  34  pivotably mounted to the cabinet body portion by means of door hinges  36 . The cabinet doors  32 ,  34  of the illustrative bathroom vanity  100  are pivotal between a closed position where the main cabinet compartment is generally enclosed and an open position where a user is able to gain access to an interior of the main cabinet compartment. Each of the cabinet doors  32 ,  34  may be provided with a door handle  38  disposed on the front thereof for facilitating the grasping and opening of the cabinet doors  32 ,  34  by a user. 
     Also, as best shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 9, and 10 , in the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of sidewalls of the cabinet body portion comprise a first sidewall  24 , a second sidewall  26  oppositely disposed relative to the first sidewall  24 , and rear walls  16 ,  30  partially enclosing a backside of the cabinet body portion. The first and second sidewalls  24 ,  26  form the bounding sidewalls of the main cabinet compartment. As shown in the sectional view of  FIG. 9 , the upper rear wall  16  is disposed behind the sink  14 , and has a bottom edge at approximately the base of the sink  14 . The upper rear wall  16  forms a partial back wall of the main cabinet compartment. In the illustrative embodiment, the remainder of the back of the main cabinet compartment is open to the wall on which the bathroom vanity  100  is disposed (i.e., the bathroom wall of the building forms the remainder of the back wall of the main cabinet compartment so as to enclose the main cabinet compartment). Also, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the lower rear wall  30  is disposed below the main cabinet compartment, and forms the back wall adjacent to the bottom recess of the bathroom vanity  100  that receives the retractable step  40  therein. The lower portions of the two sidewalls  24 ,  26  form the bounding side walls adjacent to the bottom recess of the bathroom vanity  100  (see  FIGS. 9 and 10 ), and the interior partition  28  forms the top wall adjacent to the bottom recess of the bathroom vanity  100 . Together, the walls  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  enclose the bottom recess on four (4) sides. The front of the bottom recess of the bathroom vanity  100  is open so as to allow the retractable step  40  to pass therethrough. In the illustrative embodiment, the bottom recess is also open at the bottom thereof, but the bottom of the bottom recess is enclosed by the floor of the room in the installed state of the bathroom vanity  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 9, and 10 , in the illustrative embodiment, the cabinet body portion of the bathroom vanity  100  may further comprise a shelf  20  in the main cabinet compartment for supporting items thereon (e.g., cleaning supplies, toiletries, etc.), which are stored in the main cabinet compartment of the bathroom vanity  100 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the first and second sidewalls  24 ,  26  of the bathroom vanity  100  may comprise a plurality of vertically spaced-apart holes or bores  96  formed therein for receiving pegs to support shelf  20  at different mounting heights within the bathroom vanity  100 . That is, the spaced-apart holes  96  allow the shelf  20  to be positioned at a selected height by the user to accommodate different items being stored in the main cabinet compartment of the cabinet body portion. Also, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the shelf  20  is vertically spaced apart from the interior partition  28  that forms the top wall of the bottom recess of the bathroom vanity  100 , thereby enabling items to be supported on the top of both the shelf  20  and the interior partition  28 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the front of the bathroom vanity  100  may further comprise an upper front panel  18  that simulates the face of a drawer (i.e., the upper front panel  18  is a faux drawer). In the illustrative embodiment, the faux drawer panel  18  may be provided with a pair of drawer handles  22 , which match the door handles  38  on the cabinet doors  32 ,  34 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, with reference to the sectional views of  FIGS. 9 and 10 , it can be seen that the wall panels  16 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  of the cabinet body portion of the bathroom vanity  100  may be connected to one another using a plurality of block members  92  (e.g., wooden blocks) with fastener members  94  (e.g., screws) disposed therethrough. As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the block members  92  may be mounted in the corners of the panels  16 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  so as to connect the panels  16 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  to one another. 
     Now, with reference primarily to  FIGS. 4-8 , the retractable step  40  of the illustrative bathroom vanity  100  will be described in detail. As best shown in  FIG. 8 , in the illustrative embodiment, the retractable step  40  further defines a storage compartment for receiving a plurality of items  76 ,  78 ,  80  configured to be stored within the bathroom vanity  100 . Advantageously, in the illustrative embodiment, the retractable step  40  is in the form of a combination step/drawer that can be used as both a step and a storage drawer. As such, the overall storage space of the bathroom vanity  100  is not significantly reduced by the inclusion of the retractable step  40 . Also, as shown in the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the retractable step  40  further comprises a removable lid  42  (i.e., a removable top panel) for gaining access to the storage compartment. In  FIG. 5 , it can be seen that the removable lid  42  forms a top stepping surface of the retractable step  40  when the removable lid  42  is covering the storage compartment. Turning to  FIGS. 7, 8, and 10 , it can be seen that, in the illustrative embodiment, the removable lid  42  of the retractable step  40  further comprises a plurality of protruding members  44  extending from a bottom surface of the removable lid  42 . As depicted in the sectional view of  FIG. 10 , the plurality of protruding members  44  frictionally engage with a frame portion (e.g., peripheral walls  46 ,  52 ,  54 ) of the retractable step  40  so as to retain the removable lid  42  in place. The plurality of protruding members  44  may also frictionally engage with inner partition members  56 ,  58 . Referring again to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , it can be seen that, in the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of protruding members  44  of the removable lid  42  of the retractable step  40  are in the form of a plurality of block members (e.g., wood block members). As shown in the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 10 , the block members  44  of the removable lid  42  are configured to be received between one or more pairs of frame members of the frame portion of the retractable step  42  (e.g., between the peripheral walls  52 ,  54  and the adjacent inner partitions  56 ,  58 ). 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the removable lid  42  of the retractable step  40  is not pivotally attached to the frame portion (e.g., peripheral walls  46 ,  52 ,  54 ) of the retractable step  40  by a hinge. Rather, as diagrammatically represented in  FIG. 8 , the removable lid  42  frictionally engages the frame portion of the retractable step  40 , and is removable from the remainder of the retractable step  40  by the user applying an upward lifting force on the removable lid  42  to disengage it from the frame portion. 
     Turning again to  FIGS. 7, 8, and 10  of the illustrative embodiment, it can be seen that the retractable step  40  further comprises a plurality of walls  46 ,  52 ,  54 ,  60 ,  68  bounding the storage compartment. The plurality of walls  46 ,  52 ,  54 ,  60 ,  68  include a back wall  46 , peripheral sidewalls  52 ,  54 , a bottom wall  60 , and a front wall  68 . In the illustrative embodiment, the peripheral sidewalls  52 ,  54  form at least a part of the frame portion of the retractable step  40 . Also, in the illustrative embodiment, the retractable step  40  further comprises a pair of spaced-apart interior walls  56 ,  58  that are disposed parallel to, and interiorly from the peripheral sidewalls  52 ,  54  (see  FIGS. 7, 8, and 10 ). The removable lid  42  of the storage compartment may be configured to engage with the spaced-apart interior walls  56 ,  58  as well as the peripheral walls  46 ,  52 ,  54  (see  FIG. 10 ). Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 10 , it can be seen that, in the illustrative embodiment, the bottom wall  60  of the storage compartment of the retractable step  40  is supported on a plurality of bottom frame members  62 ,  64 ,  66 . In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 10 , the plurality of bottom frame members  62 ,  64 ,  66  includes side frame members  62 ,  64  and front frame member  66 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7-10 , in the illustrative embodiment, the retractable step  40  further comprises a plurality of casters  72  (e.g., five (5) casters  72 ). The plurality of casters  72  slide along the floor as the retractable step  40  is displaced between the stowed position and the extended position. In the illustrative embodiment, two (2) of the casters  72  may be attached to the side bottom frame member  62 , two (2) of the casters  72  may be attached to the side bottom frame member  64 , and one (1) of the casters  72  may be attached to the front bottom frame member  66 . Also, as depicted in  FIGS. 7-10 , the retractable step  40  is connected to the cabinet body portion by a pair of slidable tracks  48 ,  50  in the illustrative embodiment. More particularly, a first one  48  of the slidable tracks  48 ,  50  may attach the peripheral sidewall  52  of the retractable step  40  to the interior surface of the sidewall  24  of the bathroom vanity  100 , and the a second one  50  of the slidable tracks  48 ,  50  may attach the peripheral sidewall  54  of the retractable step  40  to the interior surface of the sidewall  26  of the bathroom vanity  100 . Also, in the illustrative embodiment, the front wall panel  68  of the retractable step  40  further comprises a pair of handles  70  disposed on a front surface thereof for facilitating the grasping and pulling of the retractable step  40  from the stowed position to the extended position by a user (see  FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8 ). That is, when a user wants to pull the retractable step  40  from its stowed position to its extended position, he or she grasps the handles  70  with his or her hands, and pulls out the step  40 . 
     It is readily apparent that the aforedescribed the bathroom vanity  100 , which is provided with the retractable step  40 , offers numerous advantages. First of all, as described above, the bathroom vanity  100  with the built-in retractable step  40  enables individuals with a small stature, such as children, to reach items on the top of the bathroom vanity  100  (e.g., the sink faucet) without requiring a separate step stool, and without requiring help from someone else (e.g., a parent or older brother or sister). Secondly, the retractable step  40  of the bathroom vanity  100  is easily pulled out from the vanity  100  when needed, and then easily retracted back into vanity  100  when it is not needed. Finally, the retractable step  40  of the bathroom vanity  100  has a built-in storage compartment so that the step may also be used as a drawer to store various items (e.g., towels or toiletries). 
     Any of the features or attributes of the above described embodiments and variations can be used in combination with any of the other features and attributes of the above described embodiments and variations as desired. Also, as it is used throughout this disclosure, the conjunction “and/or” means one, or the other, or both (e.g., when it is said that the removable lid of the storage compartment is configured to engage with one or more of the peripheral sidewalls and/or one or more of the spaced-apart interior walls, this means that the removable lid of the storage compartment is configured to engage with one or more of the peripheral sidewalls, with one or more of the spaced-apart interior walls, or with one or more of the peripheral sidewalls and one or more of the spaced-apart interior walls). 
     Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is apparent that this invention can be embodied in many different forms and that many other modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. 
     Moreover, while exemplary embodiments have been described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the exemplary embodiments set forth above are merely illustrative in nature and should not be construed as to limit the claims in any manner. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents, and not, by the preceding description.