Patent ID: 7311177

Claim:
A method for using a folding step stool comprising the steps of: gripping a third section of the folding step stool that is in an unfolded state, wherein when the folding step stool is in an unfolded state, the first and second sections form a base on a floor and are an in angular relationship with each other, and the third section extends upward from the hinge mechanism relative to the first section; and moving the folding step stool into a folded state by moving the third section toward a second section of the step stool about a hinge mechanism connected to the third section, second section and a first section of the step stool until the first, second and third sections are essentially in parallel with each other, and the sections are no more than ¾ as tall and ½ as long as when the step stool is in the unfolded state, wherein the hinge mechanism includes a first hinge and a second hinge; the first section includes a first side rail connecter with the first hinge and a second side rail connected with the second hinge; the second section includes a third side rail connected to the first hinge and a fourth side rail connected to the second hinge; and the third section includes a fifth side rail connected to the first hinge and a sixth side rail connected to the second hinge and a top bar extending between the fifth and sixth side rails; and a support mechanism for supporting the step stool when it is in the unfolded state, the support mechanism includes a top link connected to the fifth rail, a rail ink connected to the top link and the third rail, and a front link connected to the top and rear links.