US 4,485,892 A · Platform stool

Abstract

A step stool has a top step that is foldable alongside a next lower step to form a large platform. The platform stool has a pair of hinged frame assemblies that are laterally spaced apart to embrace a plurality of uniformly ascending elevated steps disposed therebetween. A first step and a second step situated above the first step are journaled for pivotal movement to the frame assemblies. A pair of laterally spaced-apart step linkages support the first and second elevated steps. A third elevated step is supported between the frame assemblies. A pair of laterally spaced-apart platform linkages support the third elevated step in either a top position above the second step or a lower position alongside the second step. A pair of platform brackets can be mounted on the rear legs substantially adjacent to the second elevated step. The stool can further include a pair of latch assemblies. Receptacles can be provided in the frame assembly hinges and platform brackets to receive each latch assembly so that the third step is lockable in either the top or lower position. The fully extended platform stool is collapsible to permit the steps to fold flat within the folded frame assemblies.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A platform stool comprising

a pair of collapsible frame assemblies, each frame assembly including a front leg and a rear leg hingedly coupled to each other, the frame assemblies being laterally spaced apart to receive elevated steps therebetween,
a lower elevated step journaled for pivotal movement to each of the front legs,
an upper elevated step supported between the frame assemblies, the upper elevated step having a first position above the lower elevated step and a second position alongside the lower elevated step to form a platform therewith,
first linkage means for collapsibly supporting the lower elevated step, and
second linkage means for collapsibly supporting the upper elevated step in its first and second positions.

2 more elements

A platform stool comprising

a pair of collapsible frame assemblies, each frame assembly including a front leg and a rear leg, leg coupling means for hingedly coupling the rear legs and the front legs, the frame assemblies being laterally spaced apart to receive a plurality of elevated steps therebetween,
a first elevated step journaled for pivotal movement to each of the front legs,
a second elevated step journaled for pivotal movement to each of the front legs and situated above the first elevated step,
a third elevated step received between the frame assemblies, the third elevated step having a first position above the second elevated step and a second position alongside the second elevated step to form a platform therewith,
first linkage means for collapsibly supporting the first and second elevated steps, and
second linkage means for collapsibly supporting the third elevated step in its first and second position.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Platform stool

Life of this patent

Platform stool

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12