Retractable step stool/ access device

摘要

The present invention is for a step stool to be used by a child, diminutive person or an adult of average height to gain vertical reach. The retractable step stool/access device is positioned by one's foot between an elevated, retracted position or a lowered, deployed step accessible position. Internal stored energy mechanisms can be employed to ease some of the physical effort required, especially by a child or diminutive person, to complete the deployment/retraction cycle with either of their feet. In the raised, retracted position, the step stool is elevated from contact with the floor and clear of the standing area for general usage and allowing access for cleaning and maintenance of the floor.

主权项

1. A retractable step stool assembly for assisting a person in elevating him or herself above a floor, the step stool assembly comprising:
a base member configured to directly rest on a cabinet floor elevated above the floor; a step stool member in an upright position, the step stool member comprising a generally horizontal platform surface having two side members depending downwardly from opposite ends of the platform surface; an arm assembly pivotally connecting the step stool member to the base member, the arm assembly configured to swing the step stool member between a stored position, in which the step stool member is positioned directly over a substantial portion of the base member as bottom surfaces of the side members directly rest on the cabinet floor, and a deployed position, in which the bottom surfaces directly rest on the floor in front of the base member and the cabinet floor; the step stool member being self-supporting in its upright position in both the stored and the deployed positions; wherein the arm assembly is configured to swing the step stool member such that the platform surface remains generally horizontal while moving the step stool member between the stored position and the deployed position; and wherein the step stool member comprises a foot-engaging member which is located below the platform surface and between the side members, the foot-engaging member comprising a downwardly directed surface which extends parallel to the platform surface and is configured to be engaged by a top of a foot of the person to move the step stool member between the stored and deployed positions such that the person can move the step stool member from the stored position to the deployed position by engaging the foot-engaging member with only his or her foot and then step up on the platform surface to elevate him or herself above the floor.