PORTABLE WASHBIN STEP

Abstract

A portable washbasin step having a step-structure including a support system that is configured to be in physical communication with a substantially horizontal surface. A washbasin that is useful for cleaning feet is separable from the step-structure. The washbasin may have an opening a first-distance from the substantially horizontal surface. A planar surface is configured to be parallel to, and a second-distance from the substantially horizontal surface. The second-distance may be greater than first-distance. The portable washbasin step may be used by a user to wash in the washbasin and subsequently climb onto the planar surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of functional stairs and more specifically relates to washbasins.

2. Description of Related Art

Bathing implements, washbasins, and similar art used to retain washing water may be known. At least one washing reservoir may be found in every residential or commercial building. Portable washing reservoirs may be easily created with any structure suitable to hold a suitable volume of water. Commonly known washing implements include sinks, bathtubs, buckets, etc. However, further utility of a washing implement may be defined by the integration of a reservoir with other specific structures. A suitable multi-purpose solution is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,460 to Jon R. Rossman relates to a tub-stool combination. The described tub-stool combination includes a base providing an upwardly-directed cavity having a mouth at an upper end thereof and configured to receive a portion of a child and to hold water. A lid is movably coupled to the base and movable into a tub position and a stool position, the lid extending angularly upward and away from the cavity to provide a back rest when in the tub position and the lid being disposed at least partially over the mouth and providing a substantially horizontal top surface when in the stool position. The base and lid provide a bathtub capable of holding a portion of a child therein and water for bathing the child when the lid is in the tub position and provide a step stool adapted to support the weight of a person standing on the substantially horizontal surface when in the stool position.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known functional step art, the present disclosure provides a novel portable washbasin step. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an efficient and effective portable washbasin step.

A portable washbasin step is disclosed herein. The portable washbasin step comprises a step-structure including a support system that is configured to be in physical communication with a substantially horizontal surface. A washbasin useful for cleaning feet is separable from the step-structure. The washbasin may have an opening a first-distance from the substantially horizontal surface. A planar surface is configured to be parallel to, and a second-distance from the substantially horizontal surface. The second-distance may be greater than first-distance. The portable washbasin step may be used by a user to wash in the washbasin and subsequently climb onto the planar surface.

A method of using portable washbasin step is also disclosed herein. The method of using the portable washbasin step may comprise the steps provided herein. A step of providing a portable washbasin step as described above; a next step of filling the washbasin with water; a step of washing feet in the water of the washbasin. Further, an optional step of removing water from the washbasin may be included.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a portable washbasin step, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the portable washbasin step during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable washbasin step of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the portable washbasin step of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portable washbasin step of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use for the portable washbasin step, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to functional stairs and more particularly to a portable washbasin step as used to improve the functionality of wash basins.

Generally, a portable washbasin step is a portable stepping device that includes a built-in water basin. The water basin is a tub/foot bath, intended for use in rinsing feet from debris such as sand, grass, and dirt. This helps to prevent the tracking of unwanted debris into a boat. This present invention will make accessibility ideal for use at the front of pontoons or when at a beach, so boaters can easily get on and off a boat. The grooves and grips also help to prevent slipping. The portable stepping device may also be used when placed beside other styles of boats. The device may also be utilized as for access into pools, tubs, and on decks. It may reduce the sand and debris brought onto the boat and deck, and into the pool and spa. By reducing the debris, the provided invention promotes boat, pool, and spa cleanliness. The device may be placed on any suitable surface location where the feet may be secured to the ground. The water basin may be filled with a with desired amount of water for washing. A user may then wash dirt and debris from feet before accessing the boat, pool, or other location.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, various views of a portable washbasin step 100. FIG. 1 shows a portable washbasin step 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the portable washbasin step 100 may include a step-structure 110, a washbasin 120, a planar surface 130 (FIG. 2), a solid-structure 140 (FIG. 2), a traction-material 150 (FIG. 3), a locking structure 160 (FIG. 3), and a ground-traction material 170. A step-structure 110 may have a support system 112 configured to be in physical communication with a substantially horizontal surface 60. The support system 112 may take the embodiment of legs or pillars. A washbasin is 120 separable from the step-structure 110. The washbasin 120 may have an opening 122 a first-distance 124 from the substantially horizontal surface 60. A planar surface 130 may be configured to be parallel to, and a second-distance 132 from the substantially horizontal surface 60. The plane formed by the opening 122 and the planar surface 130 forms the step-structure 110. The second-distance 132 may be greater than first-distance 124. The first-distance 124 defines the height of the first step of the step-structure 110, and the second-distance 132 defines the height of the second step of the step-structure 110. The portable washbasin step 100 may be used by a user 40 to wash in the washbasin 120 and subsequently climb onto the planar surface 130. The washbasin 120 may be replaceable with a solid-structure 140 (FIG. 2). The solid-structure 140 may be configured to span the opening 122 of the washbasin 120.

According to one embodiment, the portable washbasin step 100 may be arranged as a kit. The kit may include instructions. The instructions may detail functional relationships in relation to the structure of the portable washbasin step 100 (such that the portable washbasin step 100 can be used, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner).

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the portable washbasin step 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the portable washbasin step 100 may include a step-structure 110, a washbasin 120, a planar surface 130, a solid-structure 140, a traction-material 150 (FIG. 3), a locking structure 160 (FIG. 3), and a ground-traction material 170 (FIG. 4). The washbasin 120 may have an opening 122 a first-distance 124 from the substantially horizontal surface 60. A planar surface 130 may be configured to be parallel to, and a second-distance 132 from the substantially horizontal surface 60. The solid-structure 140 may be collapsible. The collapsibility of the solid-structure 140 may allow for easy portability. Further, the solid-structure 140 may be inflatable, providing buoyance if needed. The solid-structure 140 may comprise a polycarbonate material, a metal, and other further conceived materials. The solid-structure 140 includes traction-grooves 142 (FIG. 3). The traction-grooves may be useful to prevent a user 40 from slipping. The solid-structure 140 may be include a padded material 144. The padded material 144 may be useful for a user to sit on. The padded material 144 may be removable. The padded material 144 may be attached with fastening mechanism including: hook and loop, adhesive, ties, and further conceived fastening mechanisms. The padded material 144 may be buoyant. The planar surface 130 includes traction-grooves 142. The planar surface 130 is configured to be stepped on by a user 40.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the portable washbasin step 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the portable washbasin step 100 may include a step-structure 110, a washbasin 120, a planar surface 130, a solid-structure 140 (FIG. 2), a traction-material 150, a locking structure 160, and a ground-traction material 170 (FIG. 4). The portable washbasin step 100 includes a traction-material 150. The traction-material 150 may be disposed over the entire step-structure 110. The step-structure 110 includes an aperture 146 configured to receive the washbasin 120. The washbasin 120 is removably replaceable from the aperture 146. The aperture 146 includes a locking structure 160 configured to retain the washbasin 120. The locking structure 160 may comprise latches, press-fittings, and further conceived means of retaining the washbasin 120.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the portable washbasin step 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the portable washbasin step 100 may include a step-structure 110, a washbasin 120, a planar surface 130, a solid-structure 140 (FIG. 2), a traction-material 150 (FIG. 3), a locking structure 160 (FIG. 3), and a ground-traction material 170. The washbasin 120 may be collapsible. The portable washbasin step 100 may be collapsible. The support system 112 includes a ground-traction material 170. The ground-traction material 170 may comprise rubber, felt, and any further conceived material to provide adequate traction for conditional use. The ground-traction material 170 may be removable.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram 500 illustrating a method of using a portable washbasin step 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the method of using a portable washbasin step 500 may include the steps of: step one 501, providing a portable washbasin step, the portable washbasin step may comprise a step-structure may have a support system configured to be in physical communication with a substantially horizontal surface; a washbasin separable from the step-structure, the washbasin may have an opening a first-distance from the substantially horizontal surface; a planar surface, the planar surface may be configured to be parallel to, and a second-distance from the substantially horizontal surface; wherein the second-distance may be greater than first-distance; and, wherein the portable washbasin step may be used by a user to wash in the washbasin and subsequently climb onto the planar surface; step two 502, filling the washbasin with water; step three 503, washing feet in the water of the washbasin; and step four 504, removing water from the washbasin.

It should be noted that step 504 is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use 500. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for the portable washbasin step 100 (e.g., different step orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.), are taught herein.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. A portable washbasin step comprising: a step-structure having a support system configured to be in physical communication with a horizontal surface;a washbasin separable from the step-structure and having an opening a first-distance from the horizontal surface;anda planar surface parallel to and a second-distance from the horizontal surface,

2. The portable washbasin step of claim 1, further comprising a solid-structure that is interchangeable with the washbasin

3. The portable washbasin step of claim 2, wherein the solid-structure is collapsible.

4. The portable washbasin step of claim 3, wherein the solid-structure includes traction-grooves.

5. The portable washbasin step of claim 4, wherein the solid-structure includes a padded material.

6. The portable washbasin step of claim 5, wherein the padded material is removable.

8. The portable washbasin step of claim 1, wherein the planar surface includes traction-grooves.

9. The portable washbasin step of claim 1, further comprising a traction-material.

10. The portable washbasin step of claim 1, wherein the step-structure includes a washbasin aperture.

11. The portable washbasin step of claim 10, wherein the aperture includes a washbasin locking structure.

12. The portable washbasin step of claim 1, wherein the washbasin is collapsible.

13. The portable washbasin step of claim 1, wherein the portable washbasin step is collapsible.

14. The portable washbasin step of claim 1, wherein the support system includes a ground-traction material.

17. A portable washbasin step comprising: a step-structure having a support system configured to be in physical communication with a horizontal surface,a washbasin separable from the step-structure, the washbasin having an opening a first-distance from the horizontal surface,a solid structure that is interchangeable with the washbasin,a planar surface parallel to and at a second-distance from the horizontal surface,