Footstool

A footstool comprising:

• a platform having an upper, foot supporting surface;
• a pair of legs adapted to support the platform in an elevated position above a surface on which the foot-stool is disposed;
• hinge means coupling the legs to the platform at positions spaced along the platform, the hinge means permitting movement of the legs between operative positions in which the legs extend outwardly from the platform for supporting the same, and inoperative positions in which the legs are folded inwardly below the platform, the platform and legs being shaped to define a generally flat configuration when the legs are folded inwardly;
• stop means preventing outward movement of the legs beyond said operative positions;
• and,
• bracing means capable of maintaining the legs in their operative positions against said stop means, said bracing means comprising, in association with each leg, a ramp structure provided at the inner side of the respective leg and defining an inclined outer surface, and a strut pivotally coupled adjacent a first end thereof to the underside of the platform and having a second, distal end co-operable with the ramp structure of the relevant leg for bracing the leg in said operative position, the strut being pivotal about its said first end between a leg bracing position and an inoperative position in which the leg can fold inwardly against the platform, and the strut and the ramp structure being arranged so that, as the strut moves from its inoperative position to its bracing position, the distal end of the strut initially engages the respective inclined surface at a position intermediate its ends.