US20140049088A1

US20140049088A1 - Folding portable footstool with platform adjustable to multiple heights and angles

Info

Publication number: US20140049088A1
Application number: US13/587,932
Authority: US
Inventors: Julie Appiah Finn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-08-17
Filing date: 2012-08-17
Publication date: 2014-02-20

Abstract

Disclosed is a folding portable footstool that is lightweight, portable, and easy to handle. The folding portable footstool includes a base, a first leg member, a second leg member, and a platform which, when engaged by one or both of the leg members, is adjustable to one of a plurality of possible angles and one of a plurality of possible heights. The folding portable footstool may also comprise a platform with a plurality of slits, stability members extending on both sides from a bottom surface of the second leg member, extension members on each top surface of both leg members to engage slits in the platform, a structural member connecting both leg members, a lock house assembly housed within the structural member, a pull strap mechanism attached to the first leg member, and a backstop mechanism attached to the bottom surface of the platform.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Patent Application 61/271,069, filed on Jul. 16, 2009, titled “FOLDING PORTABLE FOOTSTOOL WITH PLATFORM ADJUSTABLE TO MULTIPLE HEIGHTS AND ANGLES,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

The field of the disclosure relates to folding portable footstools, and more specifically, to a folding portable footstool with a platform adjustable to multiple heights and angles.

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding (i.e., nursing) is an important contributor to the health of both mother and child. These findings have been confirmed by many studies over the past decades. In addition, nursing deepens the bonds between the child and the mother. There are many factors which contribute to successful nursing. Foremost among these is the ability of the mother to find a comfortable, relaxing position in which to nurse. Stress and discomfort can make it difficult for milk to flow, making breastfeeding painful for mothers and ultimately discouraging mothers from nursing.
In order to nurse comfortably when seated without neck, arm, leg, back and shoulder strain, mothers need to elevate their feet. Without a footrest for nursing, many mothers strain, hunch over, and lift their heels to elevate laps to a suitable height. Many mothers give up nursing away from home or nursing altogether because they cannot easily achieve a comfortable position. A similar predicament often arises for parents during bottle feeding. When cradling the child during bottle feeding, a head of the child is raised at an angle often causing discomfort.
Conventionally, nursing foot supports may include ottomans or nursing stools which do not fold, making them difficult to store and transport. Conventional folding footstools, which are not intended specifically for caring for a baby, do not provide an angled surface to absorb a downward pressure from legs of a user while being adjustable to multiple positions to best accommodate the needs of the user.

SUMMARY

Provided is a folding portable footstool for nursing mothers to facilitate breastfeeding or bottle feeding while away from home.
Generally, the folding portable footstool of the present disclosure may comprise a platform, a base assembly, and first and second leg members.
The folding portable footstool described herein may provide the possibility of adjusting the platform to necessary angles to achieve a comfortable position.
The folding portable footstool may have several possible embodiments.
In some embodiments, the folding portable footstool may have a plurality of indentations on a bottom surface of the platform. When the first leg member engages one of a plurality of indentations, the platform may elevate at one of a plurality of angles, thus allowing modifying an angle of inclination of the folding portable footstool. The position of the folding portable footstool with the first leg member engaging one of a plurality of indentations may be referred to as a first position. Furthermore, the second leg member may engage one of the plurality of indentations together with the first leg member. This allows to further modify the angle on inclination and/or height of the platform of the folding portable footstool.
In some embodiments, the second leg member may have stability members engaging the floor or ground to ensure a stable position of the folding portable footstool. Each top surface of both leg members may have an extension member for engaging a slit or indentation on the platform. A platform may have a plurality of slits or indentations to adjust the platform to different angles.
In other embodiments, both leg members may be connected with a structural member by a pivot mechanism. The structural member may unify an operation of both leg members enabling operating the folding portable footstool with one hand.
In other embodiments, the structural member may house a lock house assembly comprising a lock pin assembly. When the lock pin assembly is not engaged, the structural member may move along leg channels of the second leg member, thus allowing the first leg member to be engaged without engaging the second leg member. When the lock pin assembly is engaged, both leg members may operate simultaneously, thus facilitating one-handed operation.
In various embodiments, the one-handed operation may also be facilitated by a pull strap mechanism attached to the first leg member. Additionally, ease of operation may be provided by a backstop mechanism attached to the bottom surface of the platform. The backstop mechanism comprising nubs may prevent the first leg member from moving beyond an engaged indentation on the bottom surface of the platform.
The folding portable footstool may be easily foldable (or collapsible) to provide portability and to facilitate storage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates how a mother may utilize a folding portable footstool while nursing a baby, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic representations of one configuration of a folding portable footstool in engaged orientations suitable for use, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of one configuration of a folding portable footstool in a partially engaged orientation, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exploded orthogonal view of one configuration of a folding portable footstool, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic representations of one configuration of a folding portable footstool in a collapsed orientation, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic representations of another configuration of a folding portable footstool with a plurality of slits on a platform in engaged orientations suitable for use, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an exploded orthogonal view of another configuration of a folding portable footstool with a plurality of slits on a platform, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of another configuration of a folding portable footstool with a plurality of slits on a platform in a partially engaged orientation, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematic representations of another configuration of a folding portable footstool with a plurality of slits on a platform in a fully collapsed orientation, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of another configuration of a folding portable footstool with a structural member connecting both leg members in an engaged orientation suitable for use, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an exploded orthogonal view of another configuration of a folding portable footstool with a structural member connecting both leg members, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of another configuration of a folding portable footstool with a structural member connecting both leg members in a collapsed orientation, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are schematic representations of another configuration of a folding portable footstool with a lock house assembly housed within a structural member in engaged orientations suitable for use, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of another configuration of a folding portable footstool with a lock house assembly housed within a structural member in an engaged orientation suitable for use, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an exploded orthogonal view of another configuration of a folding portable footstool with a lock house assembly housed within a structural member, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of a lock house assembly and attachment mechanisms, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 22 illustrates a detailed view of a lock house assembly, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 23 illustrates a detailed view of a lock pin assembly, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 24 illustrates a detailed view of a lock house assembly of a folding portable footstool when a lock pin assembly is not engaged, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 25 illustrates a way of engaging a lock pin assembly, in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a schematic representation of a folding portable footstool with a lock house assembly housed within a structural member, with pull strap and backstop mechanisms.

FIG. 27 is a schematic representation of a folding portable footstool with a lock house assembly housed within a structural member in a fully collapsed orientation, in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. Present example embodiments relate to a folding portable footstool.
In some example embodiments, the folding portable footstool or a folding support apparatus may comprise at least three surfaces. The surfaces, when configured together, may create a planar (or substantially planar) support surface capable of elevating and supporting the feet of a user without the need for any additional or external means of structural support. The folding portable footstool may comprise a base assembly, a first leg member, and a platform for resting feet at an incline to a floor or other surface. The platform may be attached to the base assembly with a hinging mechanism and provide a primary support surface where a nursing mother places her feet during nursing or bottle feeding. The first leg member may be coupled to the base assembly with a hinging mechanism, and when the first leg member is rotated, a top of the first leg member may engage an indentation on a bottom of the platform, thereby elevating the platform at a first angle and creating a first position. The folding portable footstool may also comprise a second leg member disposed within the base assembly with a pivot mechanism, which when engaged along with the first leg member, enables the folding portable footstool to create an elevated support surface at a second angle which is parallel (or substantially parallel), thereby creating a second position.
It should be apparent for those skilled in the art that the platform may have a plurality of indentations, and depending on indentations engaged by the first leg member or both by the first and second leg members, the platform may be elevated at different angles, thereby creating different positions.
The first and second positions of the folding portable footstool with the platform inclined at the first and second angles are disclosed hereinafter by way of example for different embodiments.
The ergonomic features disclosed above may improve overall comfort during nursing, which, in turn, may increase the likelihood of nursing occurring away from or throughout the home.
In some embodiments, the folding portable footstool may comprise a base assembly, a first leg member disposed within the base assembly, and a platform for resting feet at an incline to a floor or other surface. The first leg member may be coupled to the base assembly with a hinging mechanism and have notches cut from an engaging end. These notches may create an extension member. The platform may be attached to the base assembly with a hinging mechanism and may have a plurality of slits. When the first leg member is rotated, the extension member on the end of the first leg member may engage a slit in the platform, thereby elevating the platform. When the first leg member engages alternate slits in the platform, the platform may be set at different angles, which, in turn, may allow adjusting the incline of a support surface. The folding portable footstool may also comprise a second leg member disposed within the base assembly with a pivot mechanism. The second leg member may have notches cut from an engaging end. These notches may create a second extension member. When the second leg member is rotated, the second extension member may engage one of the slits in the platform. When engaged along with the first leg member, the second leg member may enable the folding portable footstool to create an elevated support surface which is parallel (or substantially parallel) to a floor.
In some embodiments, the folding portable footstool may comprise a base assembly, first and second leg members disposed within the base assembly, a structural member connecting the first and second leg members, and a platform for resting feet at an incline to a floor or other surface. The platform may be attached to the base assembly with a hinging mechanism. The first leg member may be coupled to the base assembly with a hinging mechanism, and the second leg member may be coupled to the base assembly with a pivot mechanism. To ensure the relative stability and comfort of the user, the second leg member may also have stability members, which may extend orthogonally from each side, thereby engaging a floor and creating a wider foot. This helps ensure that the folding portable footstool does not easily tip over. The first and second leg members may support the platform. The structural member may be flexible or rigid. The structural member may connect the first and second leg members to each other, thereby causing both leg members to operate simultaneously and helping a user to operate the folding portable footstool with one hand.
In some embodiments, the folding portable footstool may comprise a base assembly, first and second leg members disposed within the base assembly, a structural member connecting both leg members, a lock assembly housed within the structural member, and a platform for resting feet at an incline to a floor or other surface. The platform may be attached to the base assembly with a hinging mechanism and provide a primary support surface for a user. The first leg member may be coupled to the base assembly with a hinging mechanism, and the second leg member may be coupled to the base assembly with a pivot mechanism. The first and second leg members may support the platform. To ensure the relative stability and comfort of the user, the second leg member may also have stability members, which extend orthogonally from each side to engage a floor and create a wider foot. This helps ensure that the folding portable footstool does not easily tip over. The first and second leg members may have openings allowing the structural member to move in a pivot motion. The structural member may include a lock house assembly and outwardly extending cylindrical protrusions to connect the structural member to the second leg member. These outwardly extending cylindrical protrusions may create a pivot mechanism connecting the second leg member and the structural member. The second leg member further may comprise leg channels, wherein the outwardly extending cylindrical protrusions slide along the leg channels to allow the folding portable footstool to be operated with the first leg member without the structural member engaging the second leg member (in other words, to be put in a first position). The lock house assembly may be housed in a recess of the structural member and contain a lock pin assembly. When the lock pin assembly is engaged, the structural member may no longer be able to slide along the leg channels of the second leg member and instead rotates in a pivot motion. When the lock pin assembly is engaged, operating the first leg member may cause the structural member to also operate the second leg member ( ).
Those who have cared for infants may acknowledge that ease of use is often critical for tools for infant care or else they will not be readily used. As such, an important feature of the folding portable footstool is that it may be easily engaged by a person (e.g., nursing mother) attempting to prepare herself and her surroundings for a nursing operation. Additional features may help operate the folding portable footstool with one hand. For example, a pull strap mechanism attached to the first leg member may help operate the first leg member when the lock pin assembly is not engaged and may help operate both leg members when the lock pin assembly is engaged.
The pull strap mechanism may be used in various embodiments of the folding portable footstool. Additionally, various embodiments of the folding portable footstool may have a backstop mechanism to provide ease of operation.
To provide improved comfort and security during nursing, the support surface of the platform may be substantially non-slip. This non-slip aspect may be provided by one or more of grooves, slits, bumps, polymeric material, or the like. A specific configuration of the platform is not believed to be critical to non-slip properties of the folding portable footstool. The platform may also have slits or grooves to decrease an overall weight of the folding portable footstool as well as to increase traction and aeration.
Additional improvement and security during nursing may be provided when one or more parts of the folding portable footstools which are in contact with a floor exhibit a non-skid property. A suitable way to provide such non-skid property is coating or otherwise applying a polymeric material to some or all of those parts of the folding portable footstool that are in contact with the floor. For example, rubber feet or appliques, or a polymeric coating may be applied. As would be recognized by those skilled in the art, such material may increase a coefficient of friction of the folding portable footstool so as to make it less likely to slide or move across the floor when a user places pressure on it during use.
The folding portable footstool may comprise, in whole or in part, plywood (veneer, softwood, or hardwood), solid hardwood, solid softwood, bamboo, rubberwood, metal, or plastic. Other materials may also be suitable as long as the features of the folding portable footstool may be achieved without diminishing an ability to use the folding portable footstool comfortably or reducing a desirable portability of the folding portable footstool. Specifically, a material may exhibit a fairly low thermal conductivity, long life (i.e., be durable), and be able to be made into a smooth surface. In order to successfully achieve a balance of comfort, portability, and strength for the folding portable footstool, various components may be mixed and matched. Additionally, the support surface of the platform may comprise canvas, fabric, leather, nylon, or another material combined with other materials to further improve the portability by taking weight out of a final product.
The folding portable footstool should be configured so as to reduce a possibility that opening or closing the folding portable footstool may result in pinching.
In contrast to currently available footstools, which may or may not be intended for nursing mothers, the folding portable footstool is lightweight and portable so that it may be easily moved within and outside of the home. Moreover, the folding portable footstool is compact and may be folded for ease of storage and portability (e.g., it may suitably be carried in a diaper bag and easily stored).
In use, the folding portable footstool will allow a mother (or other person) to elevate her feet with a device, which does not need any external support and may be folded for easy portability and storage. In this way, back, shoulder, neck, and lower leg strain may be alleviated. While the folding portable footstool is intended for nursing and bottle feeding mothers, it should be understood that the folding portable footstool may be useful in other situations where a portable way to provide a foot support is desirable. Such situations include, but are not limited to, pregnancy, guitar playing, air travel, knitting or other activities, reading, watching television, or numerous other situations.
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an overall schematic representation of a folding portable footstool in use.
FIGS. 2-7 illustrate one configuration of a folding portable footstool.
FIG. 2 illustrates a folding portable footstool with a platform 202, a base assembly 204, a first leg member 206, and a second leg member 208. The platform 202 is generally flat and rectangular in shape. However, it may have different dimensions and shapes.
As shown in FIG. 3, the platform 202 has a first top surface 302, a first front edge 304, a first back edge 308, first and second side edges 306, and a first bottom surface 312. The platform 202 also has a support surface 310, which may be planar or mostly planar. The support surface 310 of the platform 202 has a non-slip means comprised of grooves, indentations, polymeric materials, or another suitable configuration. Additionally, FIG. 3 shows a first position of a folding portable footstool, wherein the first leg member 206 elevates the first front edge 304 of the platform 202 and the second leg member 208 rests within the base assembly 204. When so positioned, the platform 202 is in a first position defining a first angle with a horizontal. The support surface 310 forms an incline facing a user. However, different configurations are possible as well.
As shown in FIG. 4, the first bottom surface 312 of the platform 202 may have a plurality of indentations 404. FIG. 4 also shows a way of engaging a folding portable footstool in a second position, wherein the base assembly 204 and the platform 202 are elevated as the second leg member 208 engages one or more indentations 404 on the first bottom surface 312 of the platform 202. When so positioned, the platform 202 is in a second position defining a second angle with the horizontal. The second angle is smaller than the first angle, and, thereby, enables the platform 202 to be at a smaller incline or parallel, or nearly parallel to the horizontal (FIG. 2).
Referring to FIG. 5, the base assembly 204 has arms 506 and a back 502 constructed as a unitary member, though it may be constructed of multiple members. The base assembly 204 has a second top surface 510, a second front edge 504, a second back edge 512, a third side edge 508, a fourth side edge 514, and a second bottom surface 542. The arms 506 further define an opening of the base assembly 204 with a first inside edge 516 and a second inside edge 518. The second bottom surface 542 of the base assembly 204 has a first non-skid means comprised of rubber or some polymeric materials. The base assembly 204 is attached to the platform 202 with a hinging mechanism 520. The base assembly 204 is generally flat and generally U-shaped, and is generally of the same width and length as the platform 202. However, the base assembly 204 may have different sizes, dimensions, and shapes. For example, the base assembly 204 could be generally X-shaped or it could be generally H-shaped with an additional structural member between the arms 506. The first leg member 206 may be generally flat and rectangular shaped. The first leg member 206 is generally of the same depth as the base assembly 204 and is no wider than the opening of the base assembly 204. However, it may have different sizes, dimensions, and shapes. The first leg member 206 is constructed as a unitary member, but could also be constructed of multiple members. The first leg member 206 has a third top surface 524, a third front edge 522, a third back edge 528, a fifth side edge 530, a sixth side edge 526, and a third bottom surface 544. The first leg member 206 rests in the base assembly 204 between the first inside edge 516 and the second inside edge 518 with a sufficient space to allow free movement, and is connected to the base assembly 204 by a hinging mechanism 548. The second leg member 208 is generally flat and rectangular shaped. The second leg member 208 is generally of the same depth as the base assembly 204 and is no wider than the opening of the base assembly 204. However, it may have different sizes, dimensions, and shapes. The second leg member 208 is constructed as a unitary member, but could also be constructed of multiple members. The second leg member 208 has a fourth front edge 532, a fourth back edge 534, seventh and eighth side edges 536, a fourth bottom surface 538, and a fourth top surface 546. The second leg member 208 rests in the base assembly 204 between the first inside edge 516 and the second inside edge 518 with a sufficient space to allow free movement, and is connected to the base assembly 204 by a pivot mechanism 540. The fourth back edge 534 has a second non-skid means comprised of rubber or some polymeric material.
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a collapsed orientation of a folding portable footstool. Referring to FIG. 7, when neither the first nor second leg members 206 and 208 are engaged, the folding portable footstool is in a closed position in which the platform 202 lies on top of the base assembly 204. When in the closed position, both leg members 206 and 208 lie flat against the platform 202 and do not extend beyond the base assembly 204 (i.e., they are flush or nearly flush with the base assembly 204). This creates a generally flat configuration that is portable and easy to store.
Different shapes and dimensions of the base assembly 204, platform 202, support surface 310, and the leg members 206 and 208 may be used, and different configurations and attachment mechanisms may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, the platform 202 could have multiple indentations for engaging the first leg member 206, thereby enabling a user to place the platform 202 in additional positions and define additional angles with the horizontal.
FIGS. 8-13 illustrate another configuration of a folding portable footstool with a plurality of slits on a platform, according to certain example embodiments.
FIG. 8 illustrates a first position of a folding portable footstool. The first front edge 304 of the platform 202 may be elevated when the first leg member 206 is rotated, and the first leg member 206 may engage one or more slits 802 of the platform 202. When so positioned, the platform 202 is in a first position and creates a first angle with a horizontal. The support surface 310 may form an incline facing a user. However, additional configurations are possible as well.
FIG. 9 illustrates a second position of a folding portable footstool, wherein the first and second leg members 206 and 208 elevate the platform 202 to fix the folding portable footstool in an engaged orientation.
FIG. 10 is an exploded orthogonal view of another configuration of a folding portable footstool with a plurality of slits on a platform, in accordance with an example embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the third front edge 522 of the first leg member 206 may contain first and second notches 1002 and 1004, thereby defining a first extension member 1006, and a fourth front 532 edge of the second leg member 208 may contain third and fourth notches 1008 and 1010, thereby defining a second extension member 1012. However, different configurations are possible. To further improve the stability of a folding portable footstool, the second leg member 208 may have stability members 1014 extending outward orthogonally from the seventh and eighth side edges 536, which creates a foot that helps prevent the folding portable footstool from wobbling or tipping over. The second leg member 208 with the stability members 1014 may be constructed as a unitary member, but may also be constructed of multiple members.
FIG. 11 illustrates a way of engaging a folding portable footstool in a second position. The second back edge 512 of the base assembly 204 and the first back edge 308 of the platform 202 are elevated when the second leg member 208 is rotated and the second extension member 1012 of the second leg member 208 engages one or more slits 802 in the platform 202. This allows the platform 202 to rest on the third and fourth notches 1008 and 1010 of the second leg member 208, and when the fourth back edge 534 of the second leg member 208 engages a ground or floor. When so positioned, the platform 202 is in a second position defining a second angle with the horizontal. The second angle is smaller than a first angle, and thereby enables the support surface 310 to be parallel or nearly parallel with the horizontal. FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a collapsed orientation of a folding portable footstool. Referring to FIG. 13, when neither the first nor second leg members 206 and 208 are engaged, the folding portable footstool is in a closed position in which a platform 202 lies on top of a base assembly 204. When in the closed position, both leg members 206 and 208 lie flat against the platform 202 and are flush or nearly flush with the base assembly 204, thereby creating a generally flat configuration which is portable and easy to store.
FIGS. 14-16 illustrate another configuration of a folding portable footstool with a structural member connecting both leg members.
FIG. 14 illustrates an engaged orientation suitable for use. A folding portable footstool may include a structural member 1402 attached both to the first leg member 206 and the second leg member 208, thereby unifying an operation of both leg members 206, 208 and facilitating use of the folding portable footstool. In unifying the operation, both leg members 206 and 208 may be engaged simultaneously. In various embodiments, the structural member 1402 may be rigid or flexible.
As shown in FIG. 15, the first bottom surface 312 of the platform 202 has a plurality of indentations 404. If a structural member connecting both leg members 206 and 208 is rigid, the structural member 1402 may have a fifth top surface 1502, a fifth bottom surface 1508, a first front surface 1504, a first back surface 1510, and first and second side surfaces 1506. In order to accommodate the structural member 1402, the first leg member 206 may have a first opening 1522 in the third front edge 522. The first opening 1522 has third and fourth inside edges 1526 and 1528. The second leg member 208 may have a second opening 1512 in the fourth front edge 532. The second opening 1512 has fifth and sixth inside edges 1516 and 1518. The structural member 1402 is connected to the first leg member 206 by a pivot mechanism 1530 and to the second leg member 208 by a pivot mechanism 1520.
FIG. 16 illustrates a collapsed orientation of a folding portable footstool. When neither the first nor second leg members 206 and 208 are engaged, the folding portable footstool is in a closed position in which the platform 202 lies on top of the base assembly 204. When in the closed position, both leg members 206 and 208 lie flat against the platform 202 and are flush or nearly flush with the base assembly 204, thereby creating a generally flat configuration which is portable and easy to store.
FIGS. 17-27 illustrate another configuration of a folding portable footstool with a lock house assembly housed within a structural member, according to certain example embodiments.
FIG. 17 illustrates a first position of a folding portable footstool, wherein the platform 202 may be elevated by the first leg member 206 at a first angle to a horizontal.
FIG. 18 illustrates a second position of a folding portable footstool, where the platform 202 may be elevated by the first and second leg members 206 and 208 at a second angle to a horizontal. The first and second leg members 206 and 208 are connected by the structural member 1402.
FIG. 19 illustrates a bottom view of a folding portable footstool in the first position. The folding portable footstool may comprise a lock house assembly 1902 housed within the structural member 1402.
Referring to FIG. 20, fifth and sixth inside edges 2004 and 2002 of the second leg member 208 contain first and second leg channels 2010 and 2012, and also have first and second leg apertures 2006 and 2008. The second leg aperture 2008 in the sixth inside edge 2002 is deeper and creates an extended cylindrical barrel aperture 2014. The extended cylindrical barrel aperture 2014 may also include a casing (not shown), which may sit inside of the extended cylindrical barrel aperture 2014 and protect an inside surface from wear and tear.
FIG. 21 illustrates the lock house assembly 1902 and attachment mechanisms 2110 and 2112 connecting the structural member 1402 described above with reference to FIG. 18 with the second leg member 208 described above with reference to FIG. 18. The attachment mechanisms 2110 and 2112 comprise outwardly extending cylindrical protrusions 2102 and 2104 with tubular apertures 2106 and 2108. These outwardly extending cylindrical protrusions 2102 and 2104 are generally of the same shape and diameter as the first and second leg apertures 2006 and 2008 described above with reference to FIG. 20. When the outwardly extending cylindrical protrusions 2102 and 2104 are received by the second leg member 208 described above with reference to FIG. 20, they rotate in the first and second leg apertures 2006 and 2008 described above with reference to FIG. 20, thereby creating a pivot motion, and may also slide along the first and second leg channels 2010 and 2012 described above with reference to FIG. 20. The lock house assembly 1902 comprises a lock pin assembly 2120. The lock house assembly 1902 also has a lock house opening 2118. The lock house assembly 1902 sits in a recess 2122 in the structural member 1402 described above with reference to FIG. 18 with the lock house opening 2118 aligned with a structural member opening 2124, which further aligns with the outwardly extending cylindrical protrusion 2104, tubular aperture 2108, and the second leg aperture 2008 of the second leg member 208 described above with reference to FIG. 20.
FIG. 22 illustrates a detailed view of the lock house assembly 1902. The lock house assembly 1902 also has a raised nub 2202, which further defines a first lock house channel 2204, a second lock house channel 2206, a third lock house channel 2208, and a fourth lock house channel 2210. The raised nub 2202 also has arcuate protrusions 2212.
FIG. 23 illustrates the lock pin assembly 2120. The lock pin assembly 2120 has a first lock pin member 2302 and a second lock pin member 2304. The first lock pin member 2302 is relatively wider than the second lock pin member 2304.
The lock pin assembly 2120 is received by the lock house assembly 1902 described above with reference to FIG. 22 with the first lock pin member 2302 sitting in the first lock house channel 2204 described above with reference to FIG. 22 and held in place by the arcuate protrusions 2212 described above with reference to FIG. 22.
FIG. 24 illustrates a position when the lock pin assembly 2120 is not engaged. The first lock pin member 2302 is completely within the lock house assembly 1902, and the second lock pin member 2304 rests in the fourth lock house channel 2210.
When the lock pin assembly 2120 is not engaged, the outwardly extending cylindrical protrusions 2102 and 2104 described above with reference to FIG. 21 slide along the first and second leg channels 2010 and 2012 described above with reference to FIG. 20, thereby allowing the structural member 1402 described above with reference to FIG. 18 to engage the first leg member 206 described above with reference to FIG. 18 without engaging the second leg member 208 described above with reference to FIG. 18.
FIG. 25 illustrates a way of engaging the lock pin assembly 2120 in a locked position. To engage the lock pin assembly 2120, the second lock pin member 2304 is raised in a vertical position and moved along the first lock house channel 2204 described above with reference to FIG. 22 so that the first lock pin member 2302 described above with reference to FIG. 23 moves through the tubular aperture 2108 described above with reference to FIG. 21 in the outwardly extending cylindrical protrusion 2104 described above with reference to FIG. 21, and when the first lock pin member 2302 described above with reference to FIG. 23 rests in the extended cylindrical barrel aperture 2014 described above with reference to FIG. 20 of the second leg member 208 described above with reference to FIG. 20, the second lock pin member 2304 is lowered in a horizontal position in the second lock house channel 2206 described above with reference to FIG. 22, thereby creating a lock means and causing the first and second leg members 206 and 208 described above with reference to FIG. 18 to operate simultaneously. When the lock pin assembly 2120 is engaged, the outwardly extending cylindrical protrusions 2102 and 2104 described above with reference to FIG. 21 do not slide but rather rotate within the first and second leg apertures 2006 and 2008 described above with reference to FIG. 20, thereby creating a pivot mechanism.
The lock house assembly 1902 described above with reference to FIG. 21 provides the possibility to determine an appropriate position of the platform 202 described above with reference to FIG. 18, and then engage the lock pin assembly 2120 described above with reference to FIG. 21 in a locked or unlocked position such that a folding portable footstool may subsequently be operated more easily with one hand.
FIG. 26 illustrates a pull strap mechanism 2602, which may be attached to the first leg member 206. To further facilitate the operation, the first bottom surface 312 of the platform 202 may have a backstop mechanism 2604 against which the first leg member 206 abuts, thereby preventing the first leg member 206 from becoming dislodged and moving beyond an engaged indentation on the first bottom surface 312 of the platform 202, or splaying unintentionally. The backstop mechanism 2604 may comprise nubs 2606, which extend downward from the first bottom surface 312 of the platform 202. However, the configuration of the backstop mechanism 2604 may vary.
FIG. 27 illustrates a folding portable footstool in a fully collapsed orientation when neither the first nor second leg members 206 and 208 are engaged. The platform 202 lies on top of the base assembly 204. When in a closed position, both leg members 206 and 208 and the structural member 1402 lie flat against the platform 202 and are flush or nearly flush with the base assembly 204, thereby creating a configuration which is portable and easy to store. An opening 2702 in the first leg member 206 will allow the backstop mechanism 2604 to pass through when the folding portable footstool is in a closed position.
Various materials may be used to manufacture the folding portable footstool in various embodiments. For example, a material may be a laminate of bamboo or another hardwood, which is aesthetically pleasing and also provides a safe supporting structure capable of supporting a downward pressure from a foot and leg of a user. A choice of bamboo laminate is not critical, but a material should be resilient with a sufficient rigidity to hold the downward pressure exerted by the user.
An exact arrangement and configuration of a leg security mechanism may be varied. The embodiments described herein are not to be limited by a particular aspect of configuration disclosed above. Specifically, variations, changes, modifications, and departures from the configuration disclosed above may be adopted without departure from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.
The present disclosure involves a folding portable footstool adjustable to multiple heights and multiple angles to assist during nursing of an infant. Principles of the present disclosure, however, are not limited to collapsible footstools and, in light of the present disclosure, the folding portable footstool may be successfully used in connection with other types of stools and supports.
While the present disclosure describes various embodiments of the folding portable footstool, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and its equivalents as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A folding support apparatus comprising:

a platform including a support surface, a first front edge, a first back edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, a first top surface, and a first bottom surface, the first bottom surface having a plurality of indentations;

a base assembly including a second top surface, a second bottom surface, a second front edge, a second back edge, a third side edge, and a fourth side edge, the base assembly being attached to the platform with a hinging mechanism;

a first leg member including a third top surface, a third bottom surface, a third front edge, a third back edge, a fifth side edge, and a sixth side edge, wherein the first leg member is disposed within a base opening in the base assembly, the base opening being configured to receive the first leg member; and

wherein the first leg member is coupled to the base assembly with a hinging mechanism so that the first leg member is configured to rotate and the third front edge of the first leg is configured to engage one of a plurality of indentations of the first bottom surface of the platform causing the platform to be elevated above a ground surface at one of a plurality of angles;

a second leg member including a fourth top surface, a fourth bottom surface, a seventh side edge, an eighth side edge, a fourth front edge, and a fourth back edge, wherein the second leg member is disposed within a base opening in the base assembly, the base opening being configured to receive the second leg member; and

wherein the second leg member is pivotally mounted within the base assembly so that the second leg member is configured to rotate and the fourth front edge of the second leg member is configured to engage one of the plurality of indentations of the first bottom surface of the platform causing the platform to be elevated at one of the plurality of angles; and

at least two stability members extending outward orthogonally from the seventh side edge and the eight side edge of the second leg member.

2. The folding support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising

a non-skid member coupled to the fourth back edge of the second leg member and the second bottom surface of the base assembly.

3. The folding support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support surface is made of non-slip using one or more of the following: slits, grooves, and a polymeric material.

4. The folding support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform includes a plurality of slits.

5. The folding support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third front edge of the first leg member includes a first extension member, and the fourth front edge of the second leg member includes a second extension member, the platform includes a plurality of slits, and a first slit is to engage the first extension member of the first leg member and a second slit is to engage the second extension member of the second leg member.

6. A folding support apparatus comprising:

a platform including a support surface, first front edge, a first back edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, a first top surface, and a first bottom surface, the first bottom surface having a plurality of indentations;

a first leg member with a third top surface, a third bottom surface, a third front edge, a third back edge, a fifth side edge, and a sixth side edge, wherein the first leg member is disposed within a base opening in the base assembly, the base opening being configured to receive the first leg member; and

wherein the first leg member is coupled to the base assembly with a hinging mechanism so that the first leg member is configured to rotate and the third front edge of the first leg member is configured to engage one of a plurality of indentations of the first bottom surface of the platform causing the platform to be elevated above a ground surface at one of a plurality of angles;

wherein the second leg member is pivotally mounted within the base assembly so that the second leg member is configured to rotate and the fourth front edge of the second leg member is configured to engage one of the plurality of indentations of the first bottom surface of the platform causing the platform to be elevated at one of the plurality of angles;

at least two stability members extending outward orthogonally from the seventh side edge and the eight side edge of the second leg member; and

a structural member connecting the first and second leg members to each other, the structural member including a fifth top surface, a fifth bottom surface, a first front surface, a first back surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface.

7. The folding support apparatus of claim 6, further comprising

8. The folding support apparatus of claim 6, wherein the support surface is made of non-slip using one or more of the following: slits, grooves, and a polymeric material.

9. The folding support apparatus of claim 6, wherein the structural member is attached to the first and second leg members with a pivot mechanism and the structural member unifies the operation of the leg members causing the folding support apparatus to achieve the second position when operated.

10. The folding support apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first leg member has a first opening proximate to the third front edge, the first opening having a third inside edge and a fourth inside edge.

11. The folding support apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second leg member has a second opening proximate to the fourth front edge, the second opening having a fifth inside edge and a sixth inside edge, and wherein the fifth and sixth inside edges of the second leg member house a first leg channel and a second leg channel, the fifth and sixth inside edges include leg apertures, and the sixth inside edge includes an extended cylindrical barrel aperture.

12. The folding support apparatus of claim 6, wherein the structural member includes first and second attachment mechanisms, the attachment mechanisms connect the structural member to the second leg member, the structural member rotates in a pivot motion, when received by the leg apertures of the second leg member, and slides along the leg channels of the second leg member.

13. The folding support apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a backstop mechanism for the first leg member, wherein the first leg member engages the backstop mechanism to fix the first leg member in an open position relative to the platform so that the first leg member is unable to splay unintentionally, and the third back edge of the first leg member includes an opening enabling a free passage of the backstop mechanism through the first leg member of the folding support apparatus in a closed position.

14. The folding support apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a pull strap mechanism attached to the first leg member.

15. The folding support apparatus of claim 6, wherein the structural member is connected to the first leg member by a pivot mechanism, the structural member including a recess, the recess housing a lock house assembly.

16. The folding support apparatus of claim 15, wherein the lock house assembly includes a raised nub with arcuate protrusions and first, second, third, and fourth lock house channels.

17. The folding support apparatus of claim 15, wherein the lock house assembly includes a lock pin assembly including first and second lock pin members, the first and second lock pin members defining locked and unlocked positions, the first lock pin member being located within the lock house assembly.

18. The folding support apparatus of claim 17, wherein the unlocked position is achieved when the lock pin assembly is not engaged and outwardly extending cylindrical protrusions move along leg channels of a second leg member allowing a first leg member to be engaged without engaging the second leg member and thereby causing a platform to achieve a first position.

19. The folding support apparatus of claim 17, wherein the locked position is achieved when the second lock pin member is raised in a vertical position and moved along a first lock house channel so that the first lock pin member moves through a tubular aperture in an outwardly extending cylindrical protrusion, and when the first lock pin member rests in an extended cylindrical barrel aperture in a sixth inside edge of a second leg member, the second lock pin member is lowered in a horizontal position in a second lock house channel, thereby creating a lock means and causing first and second leg members to operate substantially simultaneously so that a platform achieves a second position.

20. A folding support apparatus for elevating feet of nursing mothers to facilitate breastfeeding or bottle feeding, the apparatus comprising:

a platform for elevating feet;

a base assembly attached to the platform with a hinging mechanism;

first and second leg members for elevating the platform when one or both leg members are engaged by indentations and slits of the platform;

a structural member connecting the first and second leg members to each other, thereby helping to facilitate one-handed operation of the folding support apparatus;

a lock house assembly housed within the structural member and containing a lock pin assembly causing the structural member to rotate in a pivot motion;

a pull strap mechanism attached to the first leg member for operating the first leg member when the lock pin assembly is not engaged and for operating both leg members when the lock pin assembly is engaged; and

a backstop mechanism preventing the first leg member from splaying unintentionally and moving beyond an engaged indentation of the platform.