CABINET MOUNTED STEP STOOL

摘要

The present invention generally relates to a folding step stool that is, in one embodiment, mounted and stored within a cabinet. Children and short adults are typically not tall enough to readily access a kitchen or bathroom sink. Accordingly, many homes have a portable step stool located in the kitchen or bathroom. While effective, one problem with such a portable step stool is storage of the stool when not in use. Aspects of the present invention are directed to 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.

主权项

1. A step stool comprising:
a base adapted to connect the step stool to a generally horizontal surface within an interior of a cabinet; at least one rear leg fixedly connected to the base wherein the at least one rear leg extends upward from the base; a first step wherein a rearward portion of the first step is pivotally connected to an upper portion of the at least one rear leg, the first step having a planar surface that pivots between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position; at least one forward leg pivotally connected to a forward portion of the first step; and a linkage wherein a first portion of the linkage is pivotally connected proximate to the base of the at least one rear leg and a second portion of the linkage is pivotally connected to the at least one forward leg, wherein the linkage provides actuating force that during rotation of the first step from the vertical position to the horizontal position, the linkage displaces at least one forward leg from a first position juxtaposed against the first step when the first step is in the vertical position to a second position substantially transverse to the first step when the first step is in the horizontal position.