US3826336A - Step stool - Google Patents

Step stool Download PDF

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Publication number
US3826336A
US3826336A US00340695A US34069573A US3826336A US 3826336 A US3826336 A US 3826336A US 00340695 A US00340695 A US 00340695A US 34069573 A US34069573 A US 34069573A US 3826336 A US3826336 A US 3826336A
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Prior art keywords
base
support member
platform
flat top
extending
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US00340695A
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H Cramer
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JUDD PATRICIA ANN
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Individual
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06C—LADDERS
    • E06C1/00—Ladders in general
    • E06C1/02—Ladders in general with rigid longitudinal member or members
    • E06C1/14—Ladders capable of standing by themselves
    • E06C1/24—Non-hinged free-standing ladders
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06C—LADDERS
    • E06C1/00—Ladders in general
    • E06C1/005—Ladders in use as furniture or ladders in relation to furniture, e.g. in cupboards
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06C—LADDERS
    • E06C1/00—Ladders in general
    • E06C1/02—Ladders in general with rigid longitudinal member or members
    • E06C1/38—Special constructions of ladders, e.g. ladders with more or less than two longitudinal members, ladders with movable rungs or other treads, longitudinally-foldable ladders
    • E06C1/397—Special constructions of ladders, e.g. ladders with more or less than two longitudinal members, ladders with movable rungs or other treads, longitudinally-foldable ladders characterised by having wheels, rollers, or runners

Definitions

  • a step stool includes a base engageable with a support surface, such as a floor or the like, and an upstanding support member or standard having a lower end thereof received in a first socket depending from a flat top of the base.
  • a first step member is supported on the base and the standard.
  • a second step member or platform is mounted on an upper end of the standard whereby the first step member, standard, and second step member or platform are removably mounted relativeto the base.
  • the step stool may include one or more steadying members having a lower end portion thereof supported relative the second step member and extending upwardly therefrom and adapted to be grasped by a person standing on the step stool.
  • the present invention relates to movable step stools and more particularly to a multiple step stool having a base, a standard upstanding therefrom, a first step member supported on the base and standard, and a second step member or platform mounted on an upper end of the standard.
  • the principle objects of the present invention are: to provide a step stool wherein the components thereof are adapted to be of synthetic resin by molding or extruding; to provide such a structure wherein the components are separable for ease in shipment and storage; to provide such a step stool having a base and a standard extending upwardly therefrom and one or more step members supported on the base and standard; to provide such a step stool having a hollow base adapted to receive therein for storage and shipment other components of the step stool whereby a container for the step stool need only be large enough to enclose the hollow base; to provide such a step stool having supports extending upwardly above an upper step or platform for steadying a person on the step stool; to provide such a step stool wherein various portions or components thereof engage in portions on respective other components thereof and hold against relative rotation; to provide such a step stool having a removable member extending between and engaging a second step member and the base for effecting engagement of the support member on the base and engagement of the second step member on the support member and for retaining the engagement; to
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a step stool embodying features of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the step stool.
  • FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 33, FIG. 2 and showing the wedge fit of the various components
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the component parts of the step stool.
  • FIG. .5 is a per'spectiveview of a modified form step stool.
  • FIG. '6 is an exploded perspective view showing the components of the modified form of step stool.
  • FIG. 7 is a transverse sectional view showing the wedge fit of the various components of the modified form of step stool.
  • the invention comprises a step stool having a base engageable with a support surface and an upstanding standard or column having one end mounted'on the base and at least one step or platform mounted on the standard above a flat top of the base.
  • the mounting of the standard or column on the base and the step or platform on the standard is such that relative movement between engaging components is substantially restricted.
  • the step stool may be a two-step structure or have additional step members intermediate the base and the platform.
  • the reference numeral 1 generally designates a step stool which includes a base 2 engageable with a support surface 3, such as a floor or the like, and an upstanding support member or standard 4 having a lower end 5 thereof suitably mountedon the base 2, as by being received in a first socket 6 preferably depending from a flat top 7 of the base 2.
  • a first step member 8 has a lower end 9 of each of a pair of spaced depending portions 10 thereof received in a respective one of a pair of second sockets 11 also preferably depending from the flat top 7 of the base 2.
  • the first step member 8 is also suitably mounted on the standard 4 and in the illustrated structure, the first step member 8 is also suitably mounted on the standard 4 and in the illustrated structure, the first step member 8 has an aperture 12 adapted to receive therein a hook portion 14 extending from the standard 4.
  • a second step member or platform 15 may also be mounted on the column or standard 4 and the illustrated second step member. 15 has a depending socket 16 adapted to receive therein an upper end 17 of the standard 4 whereby the first step member 8, standard 4, and second step member: 15 are removably mounted on the base 2.
  • the step stool 1 may include one or more steadying members having a lower end portion thereof suitably supported and adapted to be grasped by a person using the step stool 1.
  • the stepstool 1 preferably includes a plurality of post members 18 each having a lower end portion 19 thereof received within a respective one of a plurality of sockets 20 in the platform or second step member 15.
  • a top member 18 extends between the post members 18 and is adapted to be mounted thereon, as by receiving each of the upper ends of the post members 18 in suitable respective sockets 19' depending from the top member 18. Either the top member 18. or one or more of'the post members 18 may be grasped by a person using the step stool 1.
  • the base 2 is a hollow member with front and rear walls 21 and 22 respectively and side walls 23 and 24 extending between the front and rear walls 21 and 22 and each depending from the flat top 7 and each having a'lower peripheral rim portion 25 adapted to receive thereon a floor engaging bumper 26.
  • the flat top 7 of the base 2 provides a deck area which is suitably strengthened, as by plurality of ribs 27, to thereby support loads thereon, such as individuals standing or sitting on the flat top 7 of the base 2. it is desirable that the flat top 7 provide suitable traction for individuals standing thereon, therefore, a tread surface portion 28 is mounted -on the portion of the flat top 7 adjacent the front wall 21.
  • the hollow base 2 is preferably sized to receive therein the platform 15 and one or more step members, as desired, and the standard 4 whereby the step stool 1 may be shipped or stored in a minimum space. It is also desireable to coordinate the spacing of the front and rear walls 21 and 22 and the side walls 23 and 24 with the size of the platform 15 and any step members mounted on the standard 4 and base 2 whereby. the load of a person standing or sitting on the step stool 1 is within the'walls of the base 2.
  • the step, stool 1 be easily movable to adesired location, therefore, arms 29 and 30 extend inwardly from the front wall 21 and the rear wall 22 respectively .and are suitably formed to support suitable casters or rollers 31whereby the step stool 1 is rollably supported and has the floor engaging bumper 26 positioned above the support surface 3 when under no load condition thereby being movable to a desired location. It is desirable that the casters or rollers 31 be collapsible vertically under load to permit the bumper 26 to engage the support surface 3 in response to loading, as by an individual standing or sitting on the knock down step stool 1.
  • the first socket 6 in the flat top 7 of the base 2 is illustrated as being formed of side walls 32 and a bottom wall 33 thereby defining an upwardly open socket depending from the flat top 7- of the base 2.
  • the firstsocket 6 is non-round whereby relative rotation between the base 2 and the standard 4 is substantially restricted.
  • a guide sleeve 34 is positioned in the bottom wall 33 to define an aperture therein, for a purpose later described. 1 Y
  • step stool 1 has one or more step members between the platform and the flat top 7 of the base 2, said step member or step memberseach has a flat portion and a post portion depending therefrom to be supported on the next lower member.
  • The-first step member 8 is illustrated as a generally inverted U-shaped structure having a generally flat portion 37 with the depending portions or posts 10 each being non-roundfand illustrated as a generally planar portion having the width thereof positioned transverse to the long dimension of the flat portion 37.
  • the flat portion 37 has a tread surface portion 38 to provide traction for individuals standing on the first step member 8.
  • the aperture 12 is positioned in the flat portion .37 adjacent a-rear'edge 39 thereof.
  • the lower end 9 of the'depending portions or posts 10 of the firststep member 8 are preferably shaped to conform to the respective second socket 11 whereby relative rotation between the respective second socket 11 and the depending portion or post 10 received therein is substantially restricted.
  • the lower end 9 of each of the depending portions 10 of the first step member 8 are, therefore, shaped to conform to and to wedge fit within the respective second socket 11 depending from the flat top 7 of the base 2.
  • the column or standard 4 may be any suitable .nonround shape, however, the standard 4 is illustrated as a generally square, tubular member having opposite ends thereof open, for a purpose later described
  • the lower end 5 of the standard 4 is shaped to conform to and to wedge fit within the first socket 6 depending from the base 2.
  • the lower end 5 of the standard 4 has a smaller dimension than theremainder of the standard 4 thereby defining a shoulder 40 adapted to engage the flat top 7 of the base 2.
  • the upper end 17 of the upstanding standard 4 is shaped to conform to and to wedge fit within the depending socket 16 of the second step member 15.
  • the upper end 17 of the. standard 4 has a projection or rib 41 extending outwardly therefrom to define a shoulder 42, for a purpose later described.
  • the second step member or platform 15 is illustrated as a generally planar member having a tread'surface portion 43' covering substantially the entire surface area of the second step member or platform 15.
  • the depending socket 16 is formed of side walls 44 depending from the platform or second step member 15 with each of the side walls 44 having a lower edge 45 adapted to be moved into engagement with the shoulder 42 adjacent the upper end 17 of the standard 4.
  • the second step member 15 has suitable surfaces defining a recess 46 in an upper surface of the second step member or platform 15.
  • the recess 46 has an aperture 47, for a purpose later described, in one of the surfaces defining same and the aperture 47 is preferably coaxially aligned with the depending socket 16.
  • the sockets 20 for receiving the guide members'18 are illustrated as being positioned adjacent a rear edge 48 of the second step member or platform 15 and are preferably defined by a side wall and closed .by a bottom wall. r
  • the post members 18 each having the lower end portion 19 thereof received within a respective one of the sockets 20 may be any suitable members, such as rods or tubular members for lightness in weight, and are adapted to be gripped or grasped by an individual standing on the step stool 1.
  • the lower end portion 19 preferably has a smaller dimension than the remainder of the respective post member 18 thereby defining'a surface or shoulder adapted to engage the upper surface of the second step member or platform 15.
  • the step stool 1 may be used with. one or both of the post members 18 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 or the top member 18 may be mounted on the upper ends of the post members 18 to be grasped by a person using the step stool l.
  • the top member 18' may also be used as a platform for supporting selected items thereon by a person standing on the base 2, first step member 8, or the second step memberor platform 15.
  • the wedge fit of the lower end 5 of the standard 4 in the first socket 6, thewedge fit of the lower end 9 of each of the depending portions 10 of the first step member 8 inthe respective second socket 11, and the wedge fit of the upper end 17 of the standard 4 in the depending socket 16 is sufficient to provide a substantially rigid structure when in use, it may be preferable to provide means for effecting seating engagement of the standard or support member 4 on the base 2 and seating engagement of the second step member or platform 15' on the support member or standard 4 and to retain said seating engagement.
  • an elongated shaft 49 extends through the support member or standard 4 and has a head portion 50 thereof adapted to be received in the recess 46 in the second step member 15 and a threaded end portion 51 extending through the guide sleeve 34 in the bottom wall 33 defining the first socket 6 in the base 2.
  • a suitable nut such as a wing nut 52, is mounted on the threaded end portion 51 of the elongated shaft 49 and positioned within the hollow base 2 whereby tightening of the wing nut 52 against the guide sleeve 34 effects seating of the second step member 15 on the upper end 17 of the upstanding standard or support member 4 and seating of the lower end 5 of the standard 4 in the first socket 6, as by engagement of the shoulder 40 on the lower end of the standard 4 with the flat top 7 of the base 2.
  • the elongated shaft 49' effects a substantially rigid structure particularly when the first step member 8 has the lower end 9 of each of the depending portions 10 wedge fit within the respective second socket 11 and the hook portion 14 received within the aperture 12 in the flat portion 37 of the first step member 8.
  • the base 2 may be used separately as a step stool with a person standing or sitting on the flat top 7 of the base 2. It is a simple operation to assemble the illustrated step stool 1 including mounting the first step member 8 and the second step member on the base 2 which includespositioning the lower end 5 of the standard 4 in the first socket 6 with the hook portion 14 extending toward the front wall 21 of the base 2.
  • the lower end 9 of each of the depending portions 10 of the first step member 8 is positioned in the respec tive second socket 11 and moved downwardly to wedge fit within said respective second socket 11.
  • the aperture 12 is positioned above and aligned with the hook portion 14 during movement of the first step member 8 for seating the lower end 9 of each of the depending portions 10 in the second socket 11.
  • the platform or second step member 15 is positioned on the upper end 17 of the standard 4 with the depending socket 16 engaging the upper end 17 and the lower edge 45 of the side walls 44 defining the depending socket 16 in engagement with the shoulder 42 adjacent the upper end l7'of the standard 4.
  • the elongated shaft 49 is moved through the aperture 47 in the recess 46 and through the tubular standard 4 and through the guide sleeve 34 in the bottom wall33 of the first socket 6.
  • the wing nut 52 is mounted on the threaded end portion 51 of the elongated shaft 49 and tightened against the guide sleeve 34 until seating of the second step member 15 on the upper end 17 and seating of the lower end 5 of the standard 4 in the first socket 6 is accomplished.
  • the step stool l is thereby assembled for use.
  • the guide members 18 may then be mounted in the sockets 20 if desired.
  • the step stool may be a two step structure including the base 2, standard 4, and platform 15 or a three step structure as illustrated. Additional step members may be positioned between the platform 15 and the illustrated first step member 8 with each of the additional step members having a flat portion and a pair of post portions depending therefrom to be supported on the next lower member, as by having a lower end of each of the depending portions received in a respective socket in the next lower member and having an aperture in the flat portion adapted to receive a respective hook portion extending from the standard 4.
  • the base 2, step member 8, platform 15, and top member 18 each may be molded of a suitable synthetic resinous material.
  • a number of synthetic resinous ma-' terials are available for forming the step stool of the present invention and these materials include the thermoplastics of which polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, and acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene (commonly referred to as A B S) are examples.
  • High density structural foam plastic or synthetic resin for example, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene, polystyrene, or the like may be used to thereby form a light weight rigid structure.
  • FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 illustrate a modified form of step stool 60 having a base 61 which is substantially similar to the base 2 of the step stool 1.
  • the base 61 has a flat top 62 having a tread surface portion 63 on a forward or front portion thereof.
  • the stool has a plurality of stops or a platform supported on the base 61.
  • the base 61 has a recess 64 in the flat top 62 defining a generally U-shaped path, for a purpose later described.
  • An aperture 65 is positioned in the fiat top 62 of .the base 61 and is positioned adjacent the recess 64.
  • a column or support member 66 is adapted to have one end thereof received within the recess 64 and the column or support member extends upwardly from the flat top 62 of the base 61 for supporting at least one step member thereon, as later described.
  • the illustrated column or support member 66 includes spaced side walls 67 and 68 and a web member 69 extending therebetween whereby a lower end 70 of the column or support member 66 is generally U-shaped and is thereby adapted to be received within the recess 64 in the flat top 62 of the base 61.
  • An upper end 71 of the column or supportmember I 66 includes the spaced side walls 67 and 68 and the web member 69 extending therebetween and an arm 72 spaced from the web member 69 and extending between the side walls 67 and 68 to thereby provide support for a platform 73, as later described, on the upper end 71.
  • the column or support member 66 includes a'second arm 74'extending between the side walls 67 and 68 and positioned below the arm 72 at the upper end 71 of the column or support member 66. Facing surfaces of the side walls 67 and 68 each have spaced upper and lower enlarged portions 75 and 76 respectively which cooperate with the second arm 74 to receive and support a step member 77, as later described.
  • One of the enlarged portions, or examplethe lower enlarged portion 76, on each of the sidewalls 67 and 68 is aligned with and extends from thesecond arm 74 thereby defining a substantially coplanar surface for supporting the step member 77.
  • the platform 73 mounted on the upper end 71 of the column or support member 66 is illustrated as a generally planar member having a tread surface portion 78 mounted on an upper surface thereof.
  • the platform 73 has a recess 79 in the lower surface thereof and the rec ess 79 is adapted to receive therein the upper end 71 of the column or support member 66.
  • the platform 73 includes at least one socket 82 adjacent a rear edge .83 of the platform 73 and-the socket 82 is preferably defined by aside wall and is closed by a bottom wall.
  • the side wall defining the socket 82' has a key slot 84 adapted to receive a key 85, for a purpose later described.
  • the step member 77 is illustrated as a generally planar member having a flat portion with a tread surface portion 86mounted thereon.
  • the step member 77 includes a tongue portion 87 extending therefrom and the tongue portion 87 has an aperture 88 therein with the aperture 88 being coaxially alignable with the aperture 65in the flat top of the base 61 and the aperture 81 in the" recess8 in the upper surface of the platform 73.
  • Opposite side edges of the tongue portion 87 are adapted to be received between the enlarged portion 75 and 76 on the respective facing surfaces of the side walls 67 and 68.
  • An elongated shaft 89 extends through the column or support member 66 and has a head portion 90 thereof adapted 'to be received inthe recess 80 in the upper surface of the platform 73 and a threaded end portion 91 extending through the aperture 65 in the flat top 62 of the base 61.
  • the elongated shaft 89 also extends through the aperture 88 in the tongue portion 87 of the step member 77.
  • a suitable nut such as a wing nut 92, is mounted on thethreaded end portion 91 of the elongated shaft 89 and positioned within the hollow base 61 whereby tightening of the wing nut 92 against a lower surface of the flat top 62 of the base 61 effects seating of the platform 73 on the upper end 71 of the column or support member 66 and seating of the lower end 70 of the column or support member 66 inthe recess 64 in the flat top 62 of the base 61.
  • the modified step stool 60 preferably includes at least onesteadying member having a lower end portion thereof suitablyt suppo rted on the platform 73 and extending upwardly therefrom to be grasped by a person using the modified step stool 60.
  • a post member 83 has'a lower end portion 94 adapted to be received within the socket 82 in the platform 73 and preferably has a key way 95 adapted to receive the key 85 to prevent relative turning between the post'member 93 and the platform 73.
  • the illustrated post member 93 has a top member 96 mounted thereon, as by welding, and having portions extending outwardly therefrom to form handle portions on opposite sides of the post member 93 whereby either the post member 93 or the top member 96 may be grasped by a person using the modified step stool 60.
  • the step member 77 is mounted on the column or support member 66 with the lower surface thereof supported on the second arm 74 and opposite edges of the tongue portion 87 received within the space between the enlarged portions and 76 on the facing surfaces of the side walls 67 and 68.
  • the aperture 88 is aligned with the aperture 81 in the platform 73 and the aperture 65 in the flat top 62-of the base 61 to thereby permit the elongated shaft 89 to extend through the platform 73, step member 77, and flat top 62 of the base 61.
  • Thewing nut 92 is mounted on the threaded end portion 91 of the elongated shaft 89 and tightened to effect seating of the column or support member 66 on the flat top 62 of the base 61 and seating of the platform 73 on the upper end 71 of the column or support member 66.
  • Ths i post member 93 is mounted in the socket 82 in the platform 73 and the key is positioned in the key slot 84 in the side wall defining the socket 82 in the key way in the lower end portion 94 of the post member 93.
  • the modified step stool 60 is thereby assembled for use.
  • a step stool comprising: v
  • a. a hollow base having a. generally flat top and means on said base for engaging a support'surface, said flat top having anupwardly opening recess therein;
  • a platform having a generally flatportion with a downwardly opening recess therein;
  • step member having a generally flat portion, said step member being positioned between said flat top of said base and said flat portion of said platform;
  • a step stool as set forth in claim 1 wherein:
  • said base is generally rectangular in shape with rounded corners
  • a plurality of rollers resiliently mounted on said base inwardly of the means thereon for engaging a support surface, said rollers rollably supporting said step stool to normally space said support surface engaging means from the support surface under no-load conditions, said resilient mounting permitting said support engaging means to engage the support surface in response to slight pressure applied to one of the base, top, step and platform.
  • a step stool as set forth in claim 1 including:
  • a post member having one end portion thereof received with said socket insaid platform, said post member extending generally upwardly from said platform.
  • a step stool comprising:
  • a hollow base having a generally flat top and a lower peripheral rim, said flat top having an upwardly opening recess therein;
  • a first step member having a generally flat portion
  • a second step member having a generally flat portion and a downwardly opening recess
  • elongate connector means extending between said second step member and said base flat top and having abuttment means adjustable means thereon and engaging said base flat top and said second step member to draw some toward each other for retaining seating engagement of said cooperating means on the lower end of said support member in said upwardly opening recess of said base and seating engagement of said cooperating means on the upper end of said support member in said downwardly opening recess of said second step member;
  • a plurality of collapsible casters mounted on said base for rollably supporting said base and said first and second step member under no-load condition and collapsible under application of load to one of said base and said first step member and said second step member to allow said bumper to engage a floor surface.
  • said base upwardly opening recess in the base is a first socket and a pair of second sockets defined by walls depending from the flat top of said base;
  • the cooperating means on the lower end of said support member is a wedge shape to fit within the first socket depending from the flat top of said base and a shoulder in engagement with said flat top of said base;
  • the downwardly opening recess of said second step member is a socket defined by a wall depending from the flat portion of said second step portion and having a lower edge;
  • the cooperating means on the upper end of said support member is a wedge shape to fit within the socket depending from the flat portion of said second step member and a shoulder in engagement with the lower edge of the wall defining said socket depending from the flat portion of said second step member;
  • said support member has a hook portion extending therefrom and positioned intermediate the ends thereof;
  • the flat portion of said first step member has an apertu're therein adapted to receive thehook portion extending from said support member;
  • said first step member has a pair of spaced depending portions each shaped to wedge fit within a respective one of said second sockets depending from the flat top of said base.
  • said second step member has surfaces defining a recess in the flat portion thereof; f. c. one of the surfaces defining the recess in said second step member has an aperture therein aligned with the depending socket and alignable with the aperture 'in the one wall of the walls defining said 1 first socket in said base; V
  • said support member is tubular
  • said elongate connector means is aneelongated shaft extending through said support member and the abuttment means includes a head portion thereof received in said recess in said second step member, said shaft having a threaded end portion extending through the aperture in the one wall of the walls definingthe first socket depending from said fiat top of said base;
  • a step stool as set forth in claim 4 including: a. walls defining a plurality of upwardly open sockets f in the flat portion of said platform; and b. a plurality of post members each having one end portion thereof received within a respective one of said sockets in said platform, said post members each extending generally upwardly from said platform.
  • a step stool comprising:
  • a base having a generally flat top and means in said base for engaging a support surface;
  • an upstanding support member having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of said support member being generally U-shaped and including spaced side walls and a web member extending between said side walls;
  • cooperating means on said base and on the lower end of said support member for mounting said support member on said base and in an upstanding position, said cooperating means including the flat top of said base having a recess therein adapted to receive said lower end of said support member;
  • a platform having a generally flat portion; e. cooperating means on the upper end of said supf. the upper end of said support member having spaced side walls and a web member extending between said side walls and an arm spaced from said web member and extending between said side walls;
  • g. means engaging and extending between said platform and said base for effecting seating engagement of said support memberon said base member and seating engagement of said platform on said support member and retaining seating engagement.
  • a step stool as set forth in claim 8 including: a. a step member having a generally flat portion, said step member being positioned between said flat top of said base and said flat portion of said platform; and
  • said platform has an aperture therein aligned with the aperture in said flat top of said base;
  • an elongated shaft extends through said support member and has a head portion engaging said platform and a threaded end portion extending through the aperture in the flat top of said base;
  • said step member has a tongue'portion extending therefrom;
  • said tongue portion of said step member has an aperture therein for said elongated shaft to extend therethrough;
  • said support member has a second arm extending between said side walls and positioned below said first named arm. at the upper end of said support member;
  • step member is in supported engagement with said second arm; and I I e. facing surfaces of said side walls of said support member each have spaced enlarged portions thereon adapted to receive the tongue portion of said step member therebetween.
  • a step stool as set forth in claim 11 including:
  • said post member extending generally upwardly.

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Abstract

A step stool includes a base engageable with a support surface, such as a floor or the like, and an upstanding support member or standard having a lower end thereof received in a first socket depending from a flat top of the base. A first step member is supported on the base and the standard. A second step member or platform is mounted on an upper end of the standard whereby the first step member, standard, and second step member or platform are removably mounted relative to the base. The step stool may include one or more steadying members having a lower end portion thereof supported relative the second step member and extending upwardly therefrom and adapted to be grasped by a person standing on the step stool.

Description

United States Patent 91 Cramer July 30, 1974 STEP STOOL [76] Inventor: Harold Cramer, 8419 Linden Ln.,
Prairie Village, Kans. 66207 [22] Filed: Mar. 13, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 340,695
[52] US. Cl ..'l82/l5, 182/106, 182/151, 7
182/178 [51] Int. Cl. A47c 9/12 [58] Field of Search l82/15,l7, 178,151,106 1 [56-] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS v 2,665,174 1/1954 Clarke .fl82/l78 3,599,750 8/1971 Serwcr 182/15 3,743,051 7/1973 Cramer 182/15.
FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLlCATlONS 1,429,414 3/1962 Germany 182/15 Primary Examiner-Reinaldo P. Machado Attorney, Agent, or FirmFishburn, Gold & Litman [57] ABSTRACT A step stool includes a base engageable with a support surface, such as a floor or the like, and an upstanding support member or standard having a lower end thereof received in a first socket depending from a flat top of the base. A first step member is supported on the base and the standard. A second step member or platform is mounted on an upper end of the standard whereby the first step member, standard, and second step member or platform are removably mounted relativeto the base. The step stool may include one or more steadying members having a lower end portion thereof supported relative the second step member and extending upwardly therefrom and adapted to be grasped by a person standing on the step stool.
' .12 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures STEP STOOL The present invention relates to movable step stools and more particularly to a multiple step stool having a base, a standard upstanding therefrom, a first step member supported on the base and standard, and a second step member or platform mounted on an upper end of the standard.
The principle objects of the present invention are: to provide a step stool wherein the components thereof are adapted to be of synthetic resin by molding or extruding; to provide such a structure wherein the components are separable for ease in shipment and storage; to provide such a step stool having a base and a standard extending upwardly therefrom and one or more step members supported on the base and standard; to provide such a step stool having a hollow base adapted to receive therein for storage and shipment other components of the step stool whereby a container for the step stool need only be large enough to enclose the hollow base; to provide such a step stool having supports extending upwardly above an upper step or platform for steadying a person on the step stool; to provide such a step stool wherein various portions or components thereof engage in portions on respective other components thereof and hold against relative rotation; to provide such a step stool having a removable member extending between and engaging a second step member and the base for effecting engagement of the support member on the base and engagement of the second step member on the support member and for retaining the engagement; to provide such a step stool which is movable under no load condition and engageable with a floor in response to load thereon; to provide such a step stool with steadying or support members extending upwardly therefrom and adapted to be grasped by a person using the step stool; and to provide such a step stool which is sturdy in construction, stable under load, economical to manufacture, attractive in appearance, durable in use, and particularly well adapted for the proposed use. v
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with 'the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example certain embodiments of this invention.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features of the knock down step stool.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a step stool embodying features of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the step stool.
FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 33, FIG. 2 and showing the wedge fit of the various components,
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the component parts of the step stool.
FIG. .5 is a per'spectiveview of a modified form step stool.
FIG. '6 is an exploded perspective view showing the components of the modified form of step stool.
FIG. 7 is a transverse sectional view showing the wedge fit of the various components of the modified form of step stool.
Referring more in detail to the drawings:
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
The invention comprises a step stool having a base engageable with a support surface and an upstanding standard or column having one end mounted'on the base and at least one step or platform mounted on the standard above a flat top of the base. The mounting of the standard or column on the base and the step or platform on the standard is such that relative movement between engaging components is substantially restricted. The step stool may be a two-step structure or have additional step members intermediate the base and the platform.
In the disclosed embodiment of the present invention, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a step stool which includes a base 2 engageable with a support surface 3, such as a floor or the like, and an upstanding support member or standard 4 having a lower end 5 thereof suitably mountedon the base 2, as by being received in a first socket 6 preferably depending from a flat top 7 of the base 2. At least one step is suitably mounted on the standard 4 and in the illustrated structure, a first step member 8 has a lower end 9 of each of a pair of spaced depending portions 10 thereof received in a respective one of a pair of second sockets 11 also preferably depending from the flat top 7 of the base 2. The first step member 8 is also suitably mounted on the standard 4 and in the illustrated structure, the first step member 8 is also suitably mounted on the standard 4 and in the illustrated structure, the first step member 8 has an aperture 12 adapted to receive therein a hook portion 14 extending from the standard 4. A second step member or platform 15 may also be mounted on the column or standard 4 and the illustrated second step member. 15 has a depending socket 16 adapted to receive therein an upper end 17 of the standard 4 whereby the first step member 8, standard 4, and second step member: 15 are removably mounted on the base 2. I
The step stool 1 may include one or more steadying members having a lower end portion thereof suitably supported and adapted to be grasped by a person using the step stool 1. The stepstool 1 preferably includes a plurality of post members 18 each having a lower end portion 19 thereof received within a respective one of a plurality of sockets 20 in the platform or second step member 15. A top member 18 extends between the post members 18 and is adapted to be mounted thereon, as by receiving each of the upper ends of the post members 18 in suitable respective sockets 19' depending from the top member 18. Either the top member 18. or one or more of'the post members 18 may be grasped by a person using the step stool 1.
In the illustrated structure, the base 2 is a hollow member with front and rear walls 21 and 22 respectively and side walls 23 and 24 extending between the front and rear walls 21 and 22 and each depending from the flat top 7 and each having a'lower peripheral rim portion 25 adapted to receive thereon a floor engaging bumper 26. The flat top 7 of the base 2 provides a deck area which is suitably strengthened, as by plurality of ribs 27, to thereby support loads thereon, such as individuals standing or sitting on the flat top 7 of the base 2. it is desirable that the flat top 7 provide suitable traction for individuals standing thereon, therefore, a tread surface portion 28 is mounted -on the portion of the flat top 7 adjacent the front wall 21.
The hollow base 2 is preferably sized to receive therein the platform 15 and one or more step members, as desired, and the standard 4 whereby the step stool 1 may be shipped or stored in a minimum space. It is also desireable to coordinate the spacing of the front and rear walls 21 and 22 and the side walls 23 and 24 with the size of the platform 15 and any step members mounted on the standard 4 and base 2 whereby. the load of a person standing or sitting on the step stool 1 is within the'walls of the base 2.
Itis desirable that the step, stool 1 be easily movable to adesired location, therefore, arms 29 and 30 extend inwardly from the front wall 21 and the rear wall 22 respectively .and are suitably formed to support suitable casters or rollers 31whereby the step stool 1 is rollably supported and has the floor engaging bumper 26 positioned above the support surface 3 when under no load condition thereby being movable to a desired location. It is desirable that the casters or rollers 31 be collapsible vertically under load to permit the bumper 26 to engage the support surface 3 in response to loading, as by an individual standing or sitting on the knock down step stool 1. I i a The first socket 6 in the flat top 7 of the base 2 is illustrated as being formed of side walls 32 and a bottom wall 33 thereby defining an upwardly open socket depending from the flat top 7- of the base 2. The firstsocket 6 is non-round whereby relative rotation between the base 2 and the standard 4 is substantially restricted. A guide sleeve 34is positioned in the bottom wall 33 to define an aperture therein, for a purpose later described. 1 Y
- Eachof the second sockets 11 depending from'the ative rotation between the base 2 and the respective depending portion of the first step member 8 is substantially restricted. I
When the step stool 1 has one or more step members between the platform and the flat top 7 of the base 2, said step member or step memberseach has a flat portion and a post portion depending therefrom to be supported on the next lower member.
The-first step member 8 is illustrated as a generally inverted U-shaped structure having a generally flat portion 37 with the depending portions or posts 10 each being non-roundfand illustrated as a generally planar portion having the width thereof positioned transverse to the long dimension of the flat portion 37. The flat portion 37 has a tread surface portion 38 to provide traction for individuals standing on the first step member 8. The aperture 12 is positioned in the flat portion .37 adjacent a-rear'edge 39 thereof.
The lower end 9 of the'depending portions or posts 10 of the firststep member 8 are preferably shaped to conform to the respective second socket 11 whereby relative rotation between the respective second socket 11 and the depending portion or post 10 received therein is substantially restricted. The lower end 9 of each of the depending portions 10 of the first step member 8 are, therefore, shaped to conform to and to wedge fit within the respective second socket 11 depending from the flat top 7 of the base 2.
The column or standard 4 may be any suitable .nonround shape, however, the standard 4 is illustrated as a generally square, tubular member having opposite ends thereof open, for a purpose later described As best seen in FIG. 3 the lower end 5 of the standard 4 is shaped to conform to and to wedge fit within the first socket 6 depending from the base 2. The lower end 5 of the standard 4 has a smaller dimension than theremainder of the standard 4 thereby defining a shoulder 40 adapted to engage the flat top 7 of the base 2. The upper end 17 of the upstanding standard 4 is shaped to conform to and to wedge fit within the depending socket 16 of the second step member 15. The upper end 17 of the. standard 4 has a projection or rib 41 extending outwardly therefrom to define a shoulder 42, for a purpose later described.
The second step member or platform 15 is illustrated as a generally planar member having a tread'surface portion 43' covering substantially the entire surface area of the second step member or platform 15. in the illustrated embodiment, the depending socket 16 is formed of side walls 44 depending from the platform or second step member 15 with each of the side walls 44 having a lower edge 45 adapted to be moved into engagement with the shoulder 42 adjacent the upper end 17 of the standard 4. p Y
The second step member 15 has suitable surfaces defining a recess 46 in an upper surface of the second step member or platform 15. The recess 46 has an aperture 47, for a purpose later described, in one of the surfaces defining same and the aperture 47 is preferably coaxially aligned with the depending socket 16.
The sockets 20 for receiving the guide members'18 are illustrated as being positioned adjacent a rear edge 48 of the second step member or platform 15 and are preferably defined by a side wall and closed .by a bottom wall. r
The post members 18 each having the lower end portion 19 thereof received within a respective one of the sockets 20 may be any suitable members, such as rods or tubular members for lightness in weight, and are adapted to be gripped or grasped by an individual standing on the step stool 1. The lower end portion 19 preferably has a smaller dimension than the remainder of the respective post member 18 thereby defining'a surface or shoulder adapted to engage the upper surface of the second step member or platform 15.
The step stool 1 may be used with. one or both of the post members 18 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 or the top member 18 may be mounted on the upper ends of the post members 18 to be grasped by a person using the step stool l. The top member 18' mayalso be used as a platform for supporting selected items thereon by a person standing on the base 2, first step member 8, or the second step memberor platform 15.
While the wedge fit of the lower end 5 of the standard 4 in the first socket 6, thewedge fit of the lower end 9 of each of the depending portions 10 of the first step member 8 inthe respective second socket 11, and the wedge fit of the upper end 17 of the standard 4 in the depending socket 16 is sufficient to provide a substantially rigid structure when in use, it may be preferable to provide means for effecting seating engagement of the standard or support member 4 on the base 2 and seating engagement of the second step member or platform 15' on the support member or standard 4 and to retain said seating engagement.
Therefore, an elongated shaft 49 extends through the support member or standard 4 and has a head portion 50 thereof adapted to be received in the recess 46 in the second step member 15 and a threaded end portion 51 extending through the guide sleeve 34 in the bottom wall 33 defining the first socket 6 in the base 2. A suitable nut, such as a wing nut 52, is mounted on the threaded end portion 51 of the elongated shaft 49 and positioned within the hollow base 2 whereby tightening of the wing nut 52 against the guide sleeve 34 effects seating of the second step member 15 on the upper end 17 of the upstanding standard or support member 4 and seating of the lower end 5 of the standard 4 in the first socket 6, as by engagement of the shoulder 40 on the lower end of the standard 4 with the flat top 7 of the base 2.
The elongated shaft 49' effects a substantially rigid structure particularly when the first step member 8 has the lower end 9 of each of the depending portions 10 wedge fit within the respective second socket 11 and the hook portion 14 received within the aperture 12 in the flat portion 37 of the first step member 8.
The base 2 may be used separately as a step stool with a person standing or sitting on the flat top 7 of the base 2. It is a simple operation to assemble the illustrated step stool 1 including mounting the first step member 8 and the second step member on the base 2 which includespositioning the lower end 5 of the standard 4 in the first socket 6 with the hook portion 14 extending toward the front wall 21 of the base 2. The lower end 9 of each of the depending portions 10 of the first step member 8 is positioned in the respec tive second socket 11 and moved downwardly to wedge fit within said respective second socket 11. The aperture 12 is positioned above and aligned with the hook portion 14 during movement of the first step member 8 for seating the lower end 9 of each of the depending portions 10 in the second socket 11. The platform or second step member 15 is positioned on the upper end 17 of the standard 4 with the depending socket 16 engaging the upper end 17 and the lower edge 45 of the side walls 44 defining the depending socket 16 in engagement with the shoulder 42 adjacent the upper end l7'of the standard 4. The elongated shaft 49 is moved through the aperture 47 in the recess 46 and through the tubular standard 4 and through the guide sleeve 34 in the bottom wall33 of the first socket 6. The wing nut 52 is mounted on the threaded end portion 51 of the elongated shaft 49 and tightened against the guide sleeve 34 until seating of the second step member 15 on the upper end 17 and seating of the lower end 5 of the standard 4 in the first socket 6 is accomplished. The step stool l is thereby assembled for use. The guide members 18 may then be mounted in the sockets 20 if desired.
it is noted that the step stool may be a two step structure including the base 2, standard 4, and platform 15 or a three step structure as illustrated. Additional step members may be positioned between the platform 15 and the illustrated first step member 8 with each of the additional step members having a flat portion and a pair of post portions depending therefrom to be supported on the next lower member, as by having a lower end of each of the depending portions received in a respective socket in the next lower member and having an aperture in the flat portion adapted to receive a respective hook portion extending from the standard 4.
The base 2, step member 8, platform 15, and top member 18 each may be molded of a suitable synthetic resinous material. A number of synthetic resinous ma-' terials are available for forming the step stool of the present invention and these materials include the thermoplastics of which polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchloride, and acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene (commonly referred to as A B S) are examples. High density structural foam plastic or synthetic resin, for example, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene, polystyrene, or the like may be used to thereby form a light weight rigid structure.
FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 illustrate a modified form of step stool 60 having a base 61 which is substantially similar to the base 2 of the step stool 1. The base 61 has a flat top 62 having a tread surface portion 63 on a forward or front portion thereof. The stool has a plurality of stops or a platform supported on the base 61. In the structure illustrated, the base 61 has a recess 64 in the flat top 62 defining a generally U-shaped path, for a purpose later described. An aperture 65 is positioned in the fiat top 62 of .the base 61 and is positioned adjacent the recess 64.
A column or support member 66 is adapted to have one end thereof received within the recess 64 and the column or support member extends upwardly from the flat top 62 of the base 61 for supporting at least one step member thereon, as later described. The illustrated column or support member 66 includes spaced side walls 67 and 68 and a web member 69 extending therebetween whereby a lower end 70 of the column or support member 66 is generally U-shaped and is thereby adapted to be received within the recess 64 in the flat top 62 of the base 61.
An upper end 71 of the column or supportmember I 66 includes the spaced side walls 67 and 68 and the web member 69 extending therebetween and an arm 72 spaced from the web member 69 and extending between the side walls 67 and 68 to thereby provide support for a platform 73, as later described, on the upper end 71.
The column or support member 66 includes a'second arm 74'extending between the side walls 67 and 68 and positioned below the arm 72 at the upper end 71 of the column or support member 66. Facing surfaces of the side walls 67 and 68 each have spaced upper and lower enlarged portions 75 and 76 respectively which cooperate with the second arm 74 to receive and support a step member 77, as later described. One of theenlarged portions, or examplethe lower enlarged portion 76, on each of the sidewalls 67 and 68 is aligned with and extends from thesecond arm 74 thereby defining a substantially coplanar surface for supporting the step member 77.
The platform 73 mounted on the upper end 71 of the column or support member 66 is illustrated as a generally planar member having a tread surface portion 78 mounted on an upper surface thereof. The platform 73 has a recess 79 in the lower surface thereof and the rec ess 79 is adapted to receive therein the upper end 71 of the column or support member 66.
A recess 80-is formed in the upper surface of the platform 73 by suitable surfaces and the recess 80 has an aperture 81, for apurpose later described, in one of the surfaces defining the recess 80 and the aperture 81 is preferably coaxially aligned with the aperture 65 in the flat top 62 of the base 61.
The platform 73 includes at least one socket 82 adjacent a rear edge .83 of the platform 73 and-the socket 82 is preferably defined by aside wall and is closed by a bottom wall. The side wall defining the socket 82' has a key slot 84 adapted to receive a key 85, for a purpose later described. I I
The step member 77 is illustrated as a generally planar member having a flat portion with a tread surface portion 86mounted thereon. The step member 77 includes a tongue portion 87 extending therefrom and the tongue portion 87 has an aperture 88 therein with the aperture 88 being coaxially alignable with the aperture 65in the flat top of the base 61 and the aperture 81 in the" recess8 in the upper surface of the platform 73. Opposite side edges of the tongue portion 87 are adapted to be received between the enlarged portion 75 and 76 on the respective facing surfaces of the side walls 67 and 68. I
An elongated shaft 89 extends through the column or support member 66 and has a head portion 90 thereof adapted 'to be received inthe recess 80 in the upper surface of the platform 73 and a threaded end portion 91 extending through the aperture 65 in the flat top 62 of the base 61. The elongated shaft 89 also extends through the aperture 88 in the tongue portion 87 of the step member 77. A suitable nut, such as a wing nut 92, is mounted on thethreaded end portion 91 of the elongated shaft 89 and positioned within the hollow base 61 whereby tightening of the wing nut 92 against a lower surface of the flat top 62 of the base 61 effects seating of the platform 73 on the upper end 71 of the column or support member 66 and seating of the lower end 70 of the column or support member 66 inthe recess 64 in the flat top 62 of the base 61. t
- The modified step stool 60 preferably includes at least onesteadying member having a lower end portion thereof suitablyt suppo rted on the platform 73 and extending upwardly therefrom to be grasped by a person using the modified step stool 60. In the illustrated structure, a post member 83 has'a lower end portion 94 adapted to be received within the socket 82 in the platform 73 and preferably has a key way 95 adapted to receive the key 85 to prevent relative turning between the post'member 93 and the platform 73.
The illustrated post member 93 has a top member 96 mounted thereon, as by welding, and having portions extending outwardly therefrom to form handle portions on opposite sides of the post member 93 whereby either the post member 93 or the top member 96 may be grasped by a person using the modified step stool 60.
or support member 66 being received within the recess 79in the lower surface of the platform 73. The step member 77 is mounted on the column or support member 66 with the lower surface thereof supported on the second arm 74 and opposite edges of the tongue portion 87 received within the space between the enlarged portions and 76 on the facing surfaces of the side walls 67 and 68. The aperture 88 is aligned with the aperture 81 in the platform 73 and the aperture 65 in the flat top 62-of the base 61 to thereby permit the elongated shaft 89 to extend through the platform 73, step member 77, and flat top 62 of the base 61. Thewing nut 92 is mounted on the threaded end portion 91 of the elongated shaft 89 and tightened to effect seating of the column or support member 66 on the flat top 62 of the base 61 and seating of the platform 73 on the upper end 71 of the column or support member 66. Ths i post member 93 is mounted in the socket 82 in the platform 73 and the key is positioned in the key slot 84 in the side wall defining the socket 82 in the key way in the lower end portion 94 of the post member 93. The modified step stool 60 is thereby assembled for use.
It is to be understood that while I have illustratedand described certain forms of my invention, it is not to be limited to these specific forms or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. I
What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent l. A step stool comprising: v
a. a hollow base having a. generally flat top and means on said base for engaging a support'surface, said flat top having anupwardly opening recess therein;
b. an upstanding support member havingan upper end and a lower end; 1
c. cooperating means on said lower end of said support member extending into said upwardly opening recess for mounting said support member on said base and in an upstanding position;
d. a platform having a generally flatportion with a downwardly opening recess therein;
e. cooperating means on the upper end of said support member and extending into said downwardly opening recess of the flat portion of said platform A for mounting said platform on said support rnember;
a step member having a generally flat portion, said step member being positioned between said flat top of said base and said flat portion of said platform;
cooperating means on said step member and on said support member for mounting said step member on said support member; and v elongate connector means extending between said flat portion of said platform and said flat top of said base and having abuttment means adjustable thereon and engaging said flat-portion of said platform and said flat top of said base to draw same toward each other for effecting seating of said platform on said upper end of said support member and seating of said lower end of said support member on said flat top of said base. A 2. A step stool as set forth in claim 1 wherein:
a. said base is generally rectangular in shape with rounded corners;
b. a plurality of rollers resiliently mounted on said base inwardly of the means thereon for engaging a support surface, said rollers rollably supporting said step stool to normally space said support surface engaging means from the support surface under no-load conditions, said resilient mounting permitting said support engaging means to engage the support surface in response to slight pressure applied to one of the base, top, step and platform.
3. A step stool as set forth in claim 1 including:
a. a socket in said platform; and
b. a post member having one end portion thereof received with said socket insaid platform, said post member extending generally upwardly from said platform.
4. A step stool comprising:
a. a hollow base having a generally flat top and a lower peripheral rim, said flat top having an upwardly opening recess therein;
b. a. floor engaging bumper secured to said lower peripheral rim;
c. an upstanding support member having an upper end and a lower end;
d. cooperating means on said lower end of said support member extending into and seating in said upwardly opening recess for mounting said support member on said base and in an upstanding position;
e. a first step member having a generally flat portion;
f. means on said support member and on said flat portion of said flat step member for mounting said first step member on said support member;
g. a second step member having a generally flat portion and a downwardly opening recess;
h. cooperating means in the upper end of said support member and extending into and seating in said downwardly opening recess of said second step member for mounting said second step member on said support member;
i. elongate connector means extending between said second step member and said base flat top and having abuttment means adjustable means thereon and engaging said base flat top and said second step member to draw some toward each other for retaining seating engagement of said cooperating means on the lower end of said support member in said upwardly opening recess of said base and seating engagement of said cooperating means on the upper end of said support member in said downwardly opening recess of said second step member; and
j. a plurality of collapsible casters mounted on said base for rollably supporting said base and said first and second step member under no-load condition and collapsible under application of load to one of said base and said first step member and said second step member to allow said bumper to engage a floor surface.
5. A step stool as set forth in claim 4 wherein:
a. said base upwardly opening recess in the base is a first socket and a pair of second sockets defined by walls depending from the flat top of said base;
b. the cooperating means on the lower end of said support member is a wedge shape to fit within the first socket depending from the flat top of said base and a shoulder in engagement with said flat top of said base;
c. the downwardly opening recess of said second step member is a socket defined by a wall depending from the flat portion of said second step portion and having a lower edge;
d. the cooperating means on the upper end of said support member is a wedge shape to fit within the socket depending from the flat portion of said second step member and a shoulder in engagement with the lower edge of the wall defining said socket depending from the flat portion of said second step member;
e. said support member has a hook portion extending therefrom and positioned intermediate the ends thereof;
the flat portion of said first step member has an apertu're therein adapted to receive thehook portion extending from said support member; and
g. said first step member has a pair of spaced depending portions each shaped to wedge fit withina respective one of said second sockets depending from the flat top of said base.
6. A step stool as set forth in claim 5 whereinz a. one of the walls defining the first socket depending from'said base is positioned to close a lower end of said first socket and has an aperture therein;
b. said second step member has surfaces defining a recess in the flat portion thereof; f. c. one of the surfaces defining the recess in said second step member has an aperture therein aligned with the depending socket and alignable with the aperture 'in the one wall of the walls defining said 1 first socket in said base; V
d. said support member is tubular;
e. said elongate connector means is aneelongated shaft extending through said support member and the abuttment means includes a head portion thereof received in said recess in said second step member, said shaft having a threaded end portion extending through the aperture in the one wall of the walls definingthe first socket depending from said fiat top of said base; and
f. said abuttment means also including means mounted on the threaded end portion of the elongated shaft and engageable with the one wall of the walls defining the first socket depending from said flat top of said base for effecting seating of the second step member on said 'sup-' port member and seating of said support member in said first socket depending from said flat top of said base and for retaining said seatingengage I ment. 7. A step stool as set forth in claim 4 including: a. walls defining a plurality of upwardly open sockets f in the flat portion of said platform; and b. a plurality of post members each having one end portion thereof received within a respective one of said sockets in said platform, said post members each extending generally upwardly from said platform. 8. A step stool comprising:
a. a base having a generally flat top and means in said base for engaging a support surface; b. an upstanding support member having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of said support member being generally U-shaped and including spaced side walls and a web member extending between said side walls;
c. cooperating means on said base and on the lower end of said support member for mounting said support member on said base and in an upstanding position, said cooperating means including the flat top of said base having a recess therein adapted to receive said lower end of said support member;
d. a platform having a generally flat portion; e. cooperating means on the upper end of said supf. the upper end of said support member having spaced side walls and a web member extending between said side walls and an arm spaced from said web member and extending between said side walls;
g. means engaging and extending between said platform and said base for effecting seating engagement of said support memberon said base member and seating engagement of said platform on said support member and retaining seating engagement.
9. A step stool as set forth in claim 8 including: a. a step member having a generally flat portion, said step member being positioned between said flat top of said base and said flat portion of said platform; and
b. cooperating means on said step member and on said support member for. mounting said step member on said support member.
10. A step stool as set forth in claim-9 whereinr' a. the flat top of said base has an aperture therein;
b. said platform has an aperture therein aligned with the aperture in said flat top of said base; v
c. an elongated shaft extends through said support member and has a head portion engaging said platform and a threaded end portion extending through the aperture in the flat top of said base; and
d. means aremountedon the threaded end portion of the elongated shaft for effecting seating'of the platform on said support member and seating of said support member in said recess in said base.
11. A step stool as set forth in claim 10 wherein:
a. said step member has a tongue'portion extending therefrom;
b. said tongue portion of said step member has an aperture therein for said elongated shaft to extend therethrough;
c; said support member has a second arm extending between said side walls and positioned below said first named arm. at the upper end of said support member; j
(1. said step member is in supported engagement with said second arm; and I I e. facing surfaces of said side walls of said support member each have spaced enlarged portions thereon adapted to receive the tongue portion of said step member therebetween.
12. A step stool as set forth in claim 11 including:
a. at least one socket in said platform; and
b. at least one post member having one end portion thereof received in said socket in said platform,
said post member extending generally upwardly.
from said platform.

Claims (12)

1. A step stool comprising: a. a hollow base having a generally flat top and means on said base for engaging a support surface, said flat top having an upwardly opening recess therein; b. an upstanding support member having an upper end and a lower end; c. cooperating means on said lower end of said support member extending into said upwardly opening recess for mounting said support member on said base and in an upstanding position; d. a platform having a generally flat portion with a downwardly opening recess therein; e. cooperating means on the upper end of said support member and extending into said downwardly opening recess of the flat portion of said platform for mounting said platform on said support member; f. a step member having a generally flat portion, said step member being positioned between said flat top of said base and said flat portion of said platform; g. cooperating means on said step member and on said support member for mounting said step member on said support member; and h. elongate connector means extending between said flat portion of said platform and said flat top of said base and having abuttment means adjustable thereon and engaging said flat portion of said platform and said flat top of said base to draw same toward each other for effecting seating of said platform on said upper end of said support member and seating of said lower end of said support member on said flat top of said base.
2. A step stool as set forth in Claim 1 wherein: a. said base is generally rectangular in shape with rounded corners; b. a plurality of rollers resiliently mounted on said base inwardly of the means thereon for engaging a support surface, said rollers rollably supporting said step stool to normally space said support surface engaging means from the support surface under no-load conditions, said resilient mounting permitting said support engaging means to engage the support surface in response to slight pressure applied to one of the base, top, step and platform.
3. A step stool as set forth in claim 1 including: a. a socket in said platform; and b. a post member having one end portion thereof received with said socket in said platform, said post member extending generally upwardly from said platform.
4. A step stool comprising: a. a hollow base having a generally flat top and a lower peripheral rim, said flat top having an upwardly opening recess therein; b. a floor engaging bumper secured to said lower peripheral rim; c. an upstanding support member having an upper end and a lower end; d. cooperating means on said lower end of said support member extending into and seating in said upwardly opening recess for mounting said support member on said base and in an upstanding position; e. a first step member having a generally flat portion; f. means on said support member and on said flat portion of said flat step member for mounting said first step member on said support member; g. a second step member having a generally flat portion and a downwardly opening recess; h. cooperating means in the upper end of said support member and extending into and seating in said downwardly opening recess of said second step member for mounting said second step member on said support member; i. elongate connector means extending between said second step member and said base flat top and having abuttment means adjustable means thereon and engaging said base flat top and said second step member to draw some toward each other for retaining seating engagement of said cooperating means on the lower end of said support member in said upwardly opening recess of said base and seating engagement of said cooperating means on the upper end of said support member in said downwardly opening recess of said second step member; and j. a plurality of collapsible casters mounted on said base for rollably supporting said base and said first and second step member under no-load condition and collapsible under application of load to one of said base and said first step member and said second step member to allow said bumper to engage a floor surface.
5. A step stool as set forth in claim 4 wherein: a. said base upwardly opening recess in the base is a first socket and a pair of second sockets defined by walls depending from the flat top of said base; b. the cooperating means on the lower end of said support member is a wedge shape to fit within the first socket depending from the flat top of said base and a shoulder in engagement with said flat top of said base; c. the downwardly opening recess of said second step member is a socket defined by a wall depending from the flat portion of said second step portion and having a lower edge; d. the cooperating means on the upper end of said support member is a wedge shape to fit within the socket depending from the flat portion of said second step member and a shoulder in engagement with the lower edge of the wall defining said socket depending from the flat portion of said second step member; e. said support member has a hook portion extending therefrom and positioned intermediate the ends thereof; the flat portion of said first step member has an aperture therein adapted to receive the hook portion extending from said support member; and g. said first step member has a pair of spaced depending portions each shaped to wedge fit within a respective one of said second sockets depending from the flat Top of said base.
6. A step stool as set forth in claim 5 wherein: a. one of the walls defining the first socket depending from said base is positioned to close a lower end of said first socket and has an aperture therein; b. said second step member has surfaces defining a recess in the flat portion thereof; c. one of the surfaces defining the recess in said second step member has an aperture therein aligned with the depending socket and alignable with the aperture in the one wall of the walls defining said first socket in said base; d. said support member is tubular; e. said elongate connector means is an elongated shaft extending through said support member and the abuttment means includes a head portion thereof received in said recess in said second step member, said shaft having a threaded end portion extending through the aperture in the one wall of the walls defining the first socket depending from said flat top of said base; and said abuttment means also including means mounted on the threaded end portion of the elongated shaft and engageable with the one wall of the walls defining the first socket depending from said flat top of said base for effecting seating of the second step member on said support member and seating of said support member in said first socket depending from said flat top of said base and for retaining said seating engagement.
7. A step stool as set forth in claim 4 including: a. walls defining a plurality of upwardly open sockets in the flat portion of said platform; and b. a plurality of post members each having one end portion thereof received within a respective one of said sockets in said platform, said post members each extending generally upwardly from said platform.
8. A step stool comprising: a. a base having a generally flat top and means in said base for engaging a support surface; b. an upstanding support member having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of said support member being generally U-shaped and including spaced side walls and a web member extending between said side walls; c. cooperating means on said base and on the lower end of said support member for mounting said support member on said base and in an upstanding position, said cooperating means including the flat top of said base having a recess therein adapted to receive said lower end of said support member; d. a platform having a generally flat portion; e. cooperating means on the upper end of said support member and the flat portion of said platform for mounting said platform on said support member, said cooperating means including the flat portion of said platform having a recess therein adapted to receive upper end of said support member; f. the upper end of said support member having spaced side walls and a web member extending between said side walls and an arm spaced from said web member and extending between said side walls; g. means engaging and extending between said platform and said base for effecting seating engagement of said support member on said base member and seating engagement of said platform on said support member and retaining seating engagement.
9. A step stool as set forth in claim 8 including: a. a step member having a generally flat portion, said step member being positioned between said flat top of said base and said flat portion of said platform; and b. cooperating means on said step member and on said support member for mounting said step member on said support member.
10. A step stool as set forth in claim 9 wherein: a. the flat top of said base has an aperture therein; b. said platform has an aperture therein aligned with the aperture in said flat top of said base; c. an elongated shaft extends through said support member and has a head portion engaging said platform and a threaded end portion extending through the aperture in the flat top of said base; and d. means are mounted on the threaded end portion of the elOngated shaft for effecting seating of the platform on said support member and seating of said support member in said recess in said base.
11. A step stool as set forth in claim 10 wherein: a. said step member has a tongue portion extending therefrom; b. said tongue portion of said step member has an aperture therein for said elongated shaft to extend therethrough; c. said support member has a second arm extending between said side walls and positioned below said first named arm at the upper end of said support member; d. said step member is in supported engagement with said second arm; and e. facing surfaces of said side walls of said support member each have spaced enlarged portions thereon adapted to receive the tongue portion of said step member therebetween.
12. A step stool as set forth in claim 11 including: a. at least one socket in said platform; and b. at least one post member having one end portion thereof received in said socket in said platform, said post member extending generally upwardly from said platform.
US00340695A 1973-03-13 1973-03-13 Step stool Expired - Lifetime US3826336A (en)

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Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3884327A (en) * 1974-05-09 1975-05-20 Cary Wayne Zigman Invalid's portable step unit and attached carrying handle member therefor
US3907068A (en) * 1974-06-21 1975-09-23 Walter T Ulerich Ladder block
US3963096A (en) * 1975-06-09 1976-06-15 Jones Maude M Stepping stool with elevating platform and controls
US4798264A (en) * 1987-12-28 1989-01-17 Miller Jack V Kneeling aid
US4800910A (en) * 1987-02-24 1989-01-31 The Kendall Company Walker
FR2621070A1 (en) * 1987-09-25 1989-03-31 Muller Pierre Power-driven ladder
US4844199A (en) * 1988-09-26 1989-07-04 Nimz Floyd E Stair climbing aid
US5318057A (en) * 1992-06-12 1994-06-07 Wallum Ronald I Half-step stability cane
US5355904A (en) * 1993-10-04 1994-10-18 Wallum Ronald I Stair climbing aid
US5518084A (en) * 1994-11-23 1996-05-21 Short; John W. Portable step
US5547412A (en) * 1995-01-25 1996-08-20 Stap And A Half Toys Children's stepstool with automatic electronic message mechanism
US5992563A (en) * 1998-11-13 1999-11-30 Skyller Associates L.L.C. Multipiece interfitting steps for a swimming pool
US6076635A (en) * 1998-12-21 2000-06-20 Dame; Don Step stool with a flexible high handle
US6202787B1 (en) 1998-11-13 2001-03-20 Skyller Associates L.L.C. Multipiece interfitting steps for a swimming pool
US6209158B1 (en) 1999-09-07 2001-04-03 Robert Cox Invalid bed
US20060179559A1 (en) * 2005-02-11 2006-08-17 Connie Palazzolo Child's training step and footrest
US20080067003A1 (en) * 2006-09-15 2008-03-20 Emge Mark B Step-stool assemblies with continuous outer shells and related methods
US20100101012A1 (en) * 2008-10-24 2010-04-29 Sampson Alvin H Bathing unit apparatus
USD961948S1 (en) * 2020-05-12 2022-08-30 Min Seo Kim Stool

Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2665174A (en) * 1947-08-13 1954-01-05 Edward L Clarke Multiunit scaffold
DE1429414A1 (en) * 1962-03-06 1968-12-05 Praktikus Ges F Neuzeitliche B Footstool
US3599750A (en) * 1968-12-24 1971-08-17 Litton Business Systems Inc Sit and step stool
US3743051A (en) * 1972-02-14 1973-07-03 H Cramer Step stool structure

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2665174A (en) * 1947-08-13 1954-01-05 Edward L Clarke Multiunit scaffold
DE1429414A1 (en) * 1962-03-06 1968-12-05 Praktikus Ges F Neuzeitliche B Footstool
US3599750A (en) * 1968-12-24 1971-08-17 Litton Business Systems Inc Sit and step stool
US3743051A (en) * 1972-02-14 1973-07-03 H Cramer Step stool structure

Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3884327A (en) * 1974-05-09 1975-05-20 Cary Wayne Zigman Invalid's portable step unit and attached carrying handle member therefor
US3907068A (en) * 1974-06-21 1975-09-23 Walter T Ulerich Ladder block
US3963096A (en) * 1975-06-09 1976-06-15 Jones Maude M Stepping stool with elevating platform and controls
US4800910A (en) * 1987-02-24 1989-01-31 The Kendall Company Walker
FR2621070A1 (en) * 1987-09-25 1989-03-31 Muller Pierre Power-driven ladder
US4798264A (en) * 1987-12-28 1989-01-17 Miller Jack V Kneeling aid
US4844199A (en) * 1988-09-26 1989-07-04 Nimz Floyd E Stair climbing aid
US5318057A (en) * 1992-06-12 1994-06-07 Wallum Ronald I Half-step stability cane
US5355904A (en) * 1993-10-04 1994-10-18 Wallum Ronald I Stair climbing aid
US5518084A (en) * 1994-11-23 1996-05-21 Short; John W. Portable step
US5547412A (en) * 1995-01-25 1996-08-20 Stap And A Half Toys Children's stepstool with automatic electronic message mechanism
US5992563A (en) * 1998-11-13 1999-11-30 Skyller Associates L.L.C. Multipiece interfitting steps for a swimming pool
US6202787B1 (en) 1998-11-13 2001-03-20 Skyller Associates L.L.C. Multipiece interfitting steps for a swimming pool
US6076635A (en) * 1998-12-21 2000-06-20 Dame; Don Step stool with a flexible high handle
US6209158B1 (en) 1999-09-07 2001-04-03 Robert Cox Invalid bed
US20060179559A1 (en) * 2005-02-11 2006-08-17 Connie Palazzolo Child's training step and footrest
US20080067003A1 (en) * 2006-09-15 2008-03-20 Emge Mark B Step-stool assemblies with continuous outer shells and related methods
US20100101012A1 (en) * 2008-10-24 2010-04-29 Sampson Alvin H Bathing unit apparatus
US8186550B2 (en) * 2008-10-24 2012-05-29 Sampson Alvin H Bathing unit apparatus
USD961948S1 (en) * 2020-05-12 2022-08-30 Min Seo Kim Stool

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