Patent Application
20170226800
The present invention relates to the field of foldable step stools having a sensing mechanism. More particularly, the invention relates to a foldable toe kick step stool structure which provides a means for sensing the lifting of the structure.
Today custom homes are being constructed having some form of built-in or custom cabinetry step stools in which homeowners are finding great uses for these step stools. Step stools are very practical to use if the homeowner needs to reach items stored in their kitchen cupboards if they don't have to stand on their toes and risk breaking them or having to strain their back and arms when they reach for something that's stored way up high. If someone works in an office, a folding step stool is an ideal tool when a person needs to reach for supplies or if the person needs to store some items or even files in very high storage spaces. Over the past few decades, modern kitchen, stores, and other related premises have improved step stools, partly as a result of ergonomic research. However, functionality is the primary consideration.
Commercially available step stools are designed to fold so that the front to rear dimension is greatly reduced. This permits the step stool to be stored more easily. However, this folding does not reduce the height of the step stool. Thus, a tall or long storage area is required even though the step stool may have assumed a much flatter configuration. There have been a number of solutions provided in the prior art for efficient and easy to store and use step stools in which: US patent publication 20150001005 issued to Goodson discloses a folding step stool that may be mounted within an interior of a cabinet. When not in use, the entirety of the folding step stool may be disposed within an interior of the cabinet to permit closure of the cabinet door. Likewise, when needed, the cabinet door may be opened and the step stool may be deployed to provide one or more steps for use in accessing a counter or sink above the cabinet. US patent publication 20080264723 issued to Tatum et al., describes a step stool for storing underneath a cabinet and extending therefrom when in use. The step stool includes a platform member for supporting a user. A mechanism is operably disposed on a bottom portion of the platform member and at least one side of the platform member at a predetermined location for facilitating movement of the step stool such that the step stool may be extended from underneath the cabinet during use and may be returned to a position underneath for storage. US patent publication 20140111072 issued to Camadella discloses a cabinet base for supporting a cabinet having a built-in step so that a user may reach higher cabinets. Further, the step is foot-operated wherein and no use of hands is necessary for its use. The step collapses into a drawer which slides into the cabinet base for storage.
Therefore a need exists for a step stool that can be integrated into a small cabinet thereby occupying less space but that upon use be deployed and retracted allowing the user a safe way to access high places such as out of the reach cabinets, storage files and the like. The present invention solves this in a unique and novel fashion.
A foldable toe kick step stool is disclosed. The foldable toe kick step stool comprises a cabinet adapted to provide a housing for a rack further housing a plurality of metal steps, a hinge mechanism for sliding the rack in a horizontally outward direction and means for sensing an operating a lifting mechanism for lifting a plurality of metal steps in a vertically upward direction. Further, the means for sensing is operably adapted to apply a hydraulic pressure mechanism for lifting the plurality of metal steps in a vertically upward direction which may be operated by an electric sensor or an actuator.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a foldable toe kick step stool configured to have a frame or skeleton by a plurality of rods and bars.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a foldable toe kick step stool which may be moved from place to place along a cabinet, making it easy to reposition to facilitate access to many shelves with minimal installation requirements.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide the foldable toe kick step stool structure has a very simple structure and profile, which allows easy installation in areas without an overhang or toe-kick area with a minimal danger of tripping.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide the foldable toe kick step stool having metal steps with non-slip top which provides a safe and secure platform for a user to stand on.
The invention will be better understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
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In summary, the present invention provides a step stool which has a plurality of levels for elevating the plurality of metal steps of the step stool structure as per the need of the user. Preferably, the plurality of levels for the plurality of metal steps of the step stool structure is, but not limited to, at least three levels of elevation for raising the height of the plurality of metal steps in vertically upward direction. The above-mentioned foldable toe kick step stool structure with a level sensor provides flexibility to users by controlling the level of the elevation, therefore avoid any danger of tripping or stumbling of the person. The foldable toe kick step stool structure directed to a fold-away step stool that folds into the interior of a cabinet when not in use and provides a step stool which is additionally characterized of being inexpensive in manufacturing. Further, the foldable toe kick step stool structure has three steps of different heights for helping the users in accessing bigger cabinets. It is easy to use and store as per the need of the user. Users can easily store it in the underneath of the cabinet. It eliminates the use of ladders in stores, home premise, office and the like places for accessing bigger cabinets. The foldable toe kick step stool structure that is permanently connected to a brace of a supporting wall and therefore cannot be misplaced.
While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements to the embodiments described above are possible. It is contemplated that these variations, modifications, additions and improvements fall within the scope of the invention.
