Foldable step
AssigneeTNICO Technology Division Ltd.
InventorDon CORNTHWAITE
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention relates to at least a foldable step. The step features an upper and a lower step supported by a structure including a right side each having a vertical support member, an angled support member, and upper and lower step support members. A horizontal front support member provides support for the lower step. Left and right diagonal support members are slidably coupled to the upper step support members. A rear horizontal support member and optional diagonal members provide additional support to the upper step. The step is foldable into a folded position, by folding both the upper and lower steps upwardly. The step has a minimal profile in the folded position.
Claims15
A foldable step for installing within a cupboard comprising:
- (i) a right side and a left side each comprising:
- a vertical support member having a top end and a floor end;
- an upper step support member having:
- a first end pivotally coupled to the top end of the vertical support member,
- a second end, and
- a longitudinal slot extending between the second end thereof and an intermediate point theralong;
- an inner and an outer lower step support member, each:
- being longer than the upper step support member,
- having a first end pivotally coupled to the vertical support member between the top end and the floor end thereof, and
- having a second end,
- a longitudinal slot formed in the outer lower step support member between the second end and an intermediate point theralong;
- a diagonal support member having:
- a first end pivotally coupled to the vertical support member between the upper step support member and the outer and inner lower step support members, and
- a second end slidably coupled to the longitudinal slot formed in the upper step support member;
- an angled support member:
- having a top end pivotally coupled to the second end of the upper step support member and a floor end, and
- being slidably coupled at an intermediate point thereof to the longitudinal slot of the outer lower step support member;
- (ii) an upper step supported by the upper step support members of the right and left sides;
- (iii) a lower step supported by the inner and outer lower step support members of the right and left sides;
- and
- (iv) a front horizontal support member extending between the angled support members of the right and left sides, and positioned for supporting the lower step when the foldable step is in an in-use position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.