US4290502A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Folding step stool
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1979-09-10
•
Granted: 1981-09-22
•
Expires: 1999-09-10
Abstract
Abstract When folded the step stool is self standing and has a narrow width to permit the step stool to be stored in otherwise unusable spaces. When the legs are extended, a stable triangular support for two or more steps is provided. The vertical uprights of the device carry a handgrip positioned well above the level of the highest step to be useful when a person is on the highest step and during ascent and descent of the steps.
Inventors
- 👤 John B. Anderson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 11:18
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47C; A47C12/00; A47C12/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
178 words
A folding step stool comprising: a frame having a floor engaging terminus and having at least two substantially vertical uprights, plurality of legs been carried on said frame by mounting means for movement of said legs between extended and retracted positions, said legs comprising means in said extended position for extending into engagement with a horizontal floor and for coacting with said frame lower terminus to support said uprights substantially vertically, said legs, in said retracted position being adapted to lie closely against said frame, at least one platform-step pivotally mounted adjacent a first edge on said legs and pivotal mounted adjacent the opposite edge on said upright, said platform step lying entirely within the vertical projection of a planar area defined by said floor engaging terminus and the bottom surface of said legs in said extended position, at least one additional step carried by said legs and lying within the vertical projection of said area but extending beyond the vertical projection of a area defined by said step platform when said legs are in said extended position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
178 words
A folding step stool comprising: a frame having a floor engaging terminus and having at least two substantially vertical uprights, plurality of legs been carried on said frame by mounting means for movement of said legs between extended and retracted positions, said legs comprising means in said extended position for extending into engagement with a horizontal floor and for coacting with said frame lower terminus to support said uprights substantially vertically, said legs, in said retracted position being adapted to lie closely against said frame, at least one platform-step pivotally mounted adjacent a first edge on said legs and pivotal mounted adjacent the opposite edge on said upright, said platform step lying entirely within the vertical projection of a planar area defined by said floor engaging terminus and the bottom surface of said legs in said extended position, at least one additional step carried by said legs and lying within the vertical projection of said area but extending beyond the vertical projection of a area defined by said step platform when said legs are in said extended position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A step stool according to claim 1, wherein: said lower terminus comprises a base having substantially planar floor engaging surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A step stool according to claim 2, wherein: said legs, in the retracted position, lie within the vertical projection of said base.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A step stool according to claim 1, further comprising: a slot in said uprights, said mounting means comprises a pivot received in said slot for combined rotation and translation along said slot.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A step stool according to claim 4, wherein: said slot is in the half of the width of said uprights opposite the side of said frame from which said legs extend.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A step stool according to claim 1, wherein: the pivotal mounting of said platform-step on said uprights comprises a dowel member received in bores in said uprights.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
A step stool according to claim 6, wherein: said bores are in the half of the width of said uprights opposite the side of said frame from which said legs extend.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
54 words
A step stool according to claim 1, wherein: said platform-step is the highest step carried by said legs, said uprights extend substantially above the level of said platform step, and said frame includes a handgrip forming a part of said frame and secured to said uprights substantially above the level of said platform step.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
A step stool according to claim 8, wherein: said handgrip is above said platform by a distance of at least twice the step-to-step vertical distance.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
A step stool according to claim 8, wherein: said handgrip is substantially 28 inches above said platform step.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-09-21 | 1985-03-23 | 1985-09-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-09-21 | 1989-03-23 | 1989-09-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-09-21 | 1993-03-23 | 1993-09-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |