US20110198154A1 - Vertically Adjustable Automatic Step Stool - Google Patents
Vertically Adjustable Automatic Step Stool Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110198154A1 US20110198154A1 US13/021,998 US201113021998A US2011198154A1 US 20110198154 A1 US20110198154 A1 US 20110198154A1 US 201113021998 A US201113021998 A US 201113021998A US 2011198154 A1 US2011198154 A1 US 2011198154A1
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- Prior art keywords
- step stool
- platform
- pillars
- actuator
- bracket
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
- E04G1/00—Scaffolds primarily resting on the ground
- E04G1/18—Scaffolds primarily resting on the ground adjustable in height
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C12/00—Step-stools
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Accommodation For Nursing Or Treatment Tables (AREA)
Abstract
A step stool includes an inner frame, an outer frame, an actuator, and a coupler. The inner frame includes two inner pillars, and the outer frame includes two outer pillars attached to a platform near opposite ends of the platform and configured to receive the two inner pillars. The actuator is coupled to one of the two inner pillars and one of the two outer pillars, and is operable to raise the outer frame relative to the inner frame. The coupler couples the two outer pillars to each other to evenly lift the opposite ends of the platform when the actuator raises the outer frame.
Description
- This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/301,654, filed on Feb. 5, 2010. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure relates to step stools, and more particularly, to automatic step stools that are vertically adjustable.
- This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
- Traditional step stools include collapsible steps that allow a user to elevate the user's body from the floor by climbing the steps. However, the user may be unable to climb steps due to a physical disability. Step stools or platforms have been developed that adjust automatically using a scissors-type linkage. However, these step stools are not suitable for home or hospital use and/or cause significant wear on the actuators used to adjust these step stools.
- This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
- A step stool includes an inner frame, an outer frame, an actuator, and a coupler. The inner frame includes two inner pillars, and the outer frame includes two outer pillars attached to a platform near opposite ends of the platform and configured to receive the two inner pillars. The actuator is coupled to one of the two inner pillars and one of the two outer pillars, and is operable to raise the outer frame relative to the inner frame. The coupler couples the two outer pillars to each other to evenly lift the opposite ends of the platform when the actuator raises the outer frame.
- Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
- The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
-
FIG. 1 is a isometric view of a step stool according to the principles of the present disclosure, with the step stool in a lowered position; -
FIG. 2A is a first isometric view of the step stool ofFIG. 1 , with the step stool in a raised position; -
FIG. 2B is a close-up view of a portion ofFIG. 2A within theline 2B; -
FIG. 3 is a second isometric view of the step stool ofFIG. 1 , with the step stool in the raised position; -
FIG. 4 is a top view of the step stool ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a front view of the step stool ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a side view of the step stool ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a section view of the step stool ofFIG. 1 taken along the line 7-7 shown inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 8A is a section view of the step stool ofFIG. 1 taken along the line 8-8 shown inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 8B is a close-up view of a portion ofFIG. 8A within the line 8B; -
FIG. 9 is a partial section view of the step stool ofFIG. 1 taken along the line 9-9 shown inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 10A is a section view of the step stool ofFIG. 1 taken along the line ofFIG. 10-10 shown inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 10B is a close up view of a portion ofFIG. 10A within theline 10B; -
FIG. 11 is a section view of the step stool ofFIG. 1 taken along the line 11-11 shown inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a first alternate embodiment of a step stool according to the principles of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a second alternate embodiment of a step stool according to the principles of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 14 is a section view of the step stool ofFIG. 13 taken along the line 14-14 shown inFIG. 13 . - Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
- Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements.
- Spatially relative terms, such as “left,” right,” “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
- As used herein, the term module may refer to, be part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); an electronic circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; other suitable components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip. The term module may include memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor.
- The term code, as used above, may include software, firmware, and/or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and/or objects. The term shared, as used above, means that some or all code from multiple modules may be executed using a single (shared) processor. In addition, some or all code from multiple modules may be stored by a single (shared) memory. The term group, as used above, means that some or all code from a single module may be executed using a group of processors. In addition, some or all code from a single module may be stored using a group of memories.
- Referring now to
FIGS. 1 through 6 , astep stool 10 according to the principles of the present disclosure will now be described. Thestep stool 10 can be adjusted automatically in the vertical direction. Thus, thestep stool 10 is suitable for home use, hospital use, industrial use, and other types of uses. - The
step stool 10 includes a lower orinner frame 12 and an upper orouter frame 14. Theouter frame 14 is configured to receive theinner frame 12 so that theouter frame 14 can be placed over theinner frame 12. A slidingmechanism 16 guides theouter frame 14 relative to theinner frame 12. The slidingmechanism 16 allows theouter frame 14 to slide relative to theinner frame 12 with relatively low friction resistance. Theslide mechanism 16 can be positioned on the forward and rearward faces of thepillars - An
actuator 18 is coupled to theinner frame 12 and theouter frame 14. Theactuator 18 is operable to raise and lower theouter frame 14 relative to theinner frame 12. Theactuator 18 depicted includes a solenoid motor that receives power via apower cord 19. Alternatively, theactuator 18 can receive power from batteries, which can be rechargeable, and thepower cord 19 can be omitted. Although theactuator 18 is depicted as including a solenoid motor, theactuator 18 can be electric, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic. - A
coupler 20, such as a chain and sprocket mechanism, couples opposite lateral ends of theouter frame 14 to ensure that opposite lateral ends of theouter frame 14 are raised and lowered evenly. Theactuator 18 is fixed to the left side of theinner frame 12 and the left side of theouter frame 14. Thus, as theactuator 18 extends, theactuator 18 exerts an upward force on the left side of theouter frame 14 to move the left side of theouter frame 14 is moved upward. As the left side of theouter frame 14 is moved upward, an upward force is exerted on the left side of thecoupler 20. Thecoupler 20 transmits this upward force to the right side of theouter frame 14 such that equal upward forces are exerted on opposite lateral ends of theouter frame 14. - A
control module 22 housed in acontrol box 23 communicates with auser interface 24 via awire 25. Thecontrol box 23 includes anupper box 23 a and alower box 23 b. Thecontrol module 22 controls theactuator 18 based on input received from a user via theuser interface 24. Although thecontrol box 23 is shown mounted to the left side of the inner frame, thecontrol box 23 can be mounted to another suitable location such as to the center of theinner frame 12 underneath theouter frame 14. Similarly, although theuser interface 24 is shown as a remote control connected via thewire 25, theuser interface 24 can be integrated into theouter frame 14, or into a handle fixed to theouter frame 14, and thewire 25 can be omitted. - The
user interface 24 includes one or more buttons and/or a touch screen that allow a user to command the step stool to raise and lower. Thecontrol module 22 can include relays, switches, and/or a power supply. The relays can open and close based on whether the user commands the step stool to raise or lower. The switches can be limit switches that stop the actuator 18 from extending or retracting when a travel limit has been met. The travel limit can be preset by the manufacturer of the step stool and/or adjusted by the user. For example only, the travel limit can be preset to approximately 25 inches. The power supply can convert power provided by thepower cord 19 into power required by theactuator 18. - The
inner frame 12 includes a right column orpillar 26, a left column orpillar 28, across-beam 30,wheel brackets 32, andbrake brackets 34. Thecross-beam 30 connects theright pillar 26 to theleft pillar 28. Theinner frame 12 can be made of metal, such as steel or aluminum, or plastic, such as polyurethane.Wheels 36, such as castor wheels, are attached to thewheel brackets 32. Thewheels 36 enable a user to roll thestep stool 10 to a desired position. - The
step stool 10 can include one or more motors that drive thewheels 36, and the user may control motion of thewheels 36 via theuser interface 24. In one example, a motor can be coupled to each of thewheels 36 to independently drive thewheels 36. In another example, a single motor, such as the motor included in theactuator 18, can be used in conjunction with a spider gear system to independently drive thewheels 36. Independently driving thewheels 36 allows the user to automatically move thestep stool 10 forward, rearward, and in a turning direction. -
Object sensors 38, such as infrared sensors, can be mounted to thewheel brackets 32 or to another suitable location. Theobject sensors 38 detects objects underneath theouter frame 14 and inform thecontrol module 22 when objects are detected. Thecontrol module 22 prevents the actuator 18 from lowering theouter frame 14 when objects are detected. - Stabilizer feet or
brakes 40 are mounted to the under side of thebrake brackets 34. Thebrakes 40 can be manually adjusted by the user to engage the floor and thereby prevent thestep stool 10 from rolling on thewheels 36. Although thebrakes 40 are depicted as manually adjustable, thebrakes 40 can be automatically adjusted via thecontrol module 22, theuser interface 24, and an actuator that actuates thebrakes 40. In addition, although thebrakes 40 are depicted as engaging the floor, thebrakes 40 can engage thewheels 36 to preventwheels 36 from rolling and thereby prevent thestep stool 10 from rolling. - The
outer frame 14 includes aplatform 42 having a forward rampedend 43. Theouter frame 14 also includes a left column orpillar 44 and a right column orpillar 46 positioned near opposite lateral ends of theplatform 42. Theouter frame 14 further includes aright handle 48 and aleft handle 50 mounted on top of theright pillar 44 and theleft pillar 46, respectively. Theplatform 42 can be corrugated to prevent a user from slipping. The rampedend 43 provides a gradual transition from the floor to the top surface of theplatform 42 to assist the user in stepping or rolling a wheelchair onto theplatform 42. Theplatform 42, thepillars handles - The
pillars handles platform 42. As shown, thehandles handles handles - With specific reference to
FIG. 2B , the slidingmechanism 16 includes anouter bracket 52 fixed to theinner frame 12, aninner bracket 54 fixed to theouter frame 14. The sliding mechanism 15 also includesfasteners 56 fixing theouter bracket 52 and theinner bracket 54 to theinner frame 12 and theouter frame 14, andbearings 58, such as bearing balls, positioned between theouter bracket 52 and theinner bracket 54. Theouter bracket 52 can nestingly receive theinner bracket 54 and thebearings 58 can be captured between theouter bracket 52 and theinner bracket 54. Thebearings 58 reduce friction between theinner frame 12 and theouter frame 14 as theactuator 18 moves theouter frame 14 relative to theinner frame 12. In turn, wear on theactuator 18 is minimized, thereby extending the life of theactuator 18. - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , thecoupler 20 includes one ormore chains 60,lower sprockets 62, andupper sprockets 64. Thechains 60 are routed around the perimeter of thesprockets sprockets sprockets chains 60 so that other end thechains 60 exert an upward force on theouter frame 14. - The
outer frame 14 includeslower brackets 66 to which theplatform 42 is mounted. Theplatform 42 can be attached to thebrackets 66 viafasteners 68, or by an alternative attachment method such as welding. Theouter frame 14 also includesbrackets 70 to which acover plate 72 is attached. Thecover plate 72 can be attached to thebrackets 70 viafasteners 74, or by an alternative attachment method such as welding. Although only the right side of thestep stool 10 is shown, theplatform 42 and thehandle 50 can be attached to theouter frame 14 in a similar manner on the left side of thestep stool 10. - Referring now to
FIG. 8A , theactuator 18 includes asolenoid motor 76, agear box 78, acylinder 80, and apiston 82. Themotor 76 rotates gears in thegear box 78 to extend and retract thepiston 82 within thecylinder 80. Theinner frame 12 includes abracket 84 to which the bottom of theactuator 18 is mounted. Afastener 86, such as a pin, is used to fasten the bottom of theactuator 18 to thebracket 84 of theinner frame 12. Theouter frame 14 includes abracket 86 to which the top of theactuator 18 is mounted. Afastener 88, such as a pin, is used to fasten the top of theactuator 18 to thebracket 86 of theouter frame 14. - Referring now to
FIG. 8B , thewheels 36 can be mounted to thewheel brackets 32 usingswivel brackets 88.Fasteners 90 can be used to attach theswivel brackets 88 to thewheel brackets 32. Alternatively, theswivel brackets 88 can be welded to thewheel brackets 32. Theswivel brackets 88 allow thewheels 36 to rotate about a vertical axis, which enables a user to rotate thestep stool 10 about a vertical axis. In turn, the maneuverability of thestep stool 10 is improved. Theswivel brackets 88 offset the axes of thewheels 36 from the vertical axis about which the wheels rotate. Thus, thewheels 36 are mounted at a caster angle, which stabilizes movement of thewheels 36 and reduces loading on theswivel brackets 88. The swivel brackets are mounted to thewheel brackets 32 usingfasteners 90. - Referring now to
FIG. 9 ,fasteners 92, such as pins or screws, can be used to attach thewheels 36 to theswivel brackets 88. Thewheels 36 rotate about thefasteners 92. In this regard, thefasteners 92 act as axels about which thewheels 36 rotate. - Near the center of the
step stool 10, a retainingclip 94 can be used to retain thepin 86 within thebracket 84 of theinner frame 12. As discussed above, the bottom of theactuator 18 can be attached to theinner frame 12 using thebracket 84 and thepin 86. The retainingclip 94 can be easily removed from thepin 86 when repairing or replacing theactuator 18. - Referring now to
FIG. 10A with continued reference toFIG. 9 , thechains 60 of thecoupler 20 include afirst end 96 attached to theouter frame 14 via achain bar 98. Thechain bar 98 can be attached to theouter frame 14 usingfasteners 100. Alternatively, thechain bar 98 can be welded to theouter frame 14. Thechain bar 98 traps or clamps thefirst end 96 of thechains 60 to fix thefirst end 96 of thechains 60 to theouter frame 14. - The
chains 60 also include asecond end 102 fixed to theouter frame 14 using achain bar 104. Thechain bar 104 clamps thesecond end 102 of thechains 60 to fix thesecond end 102 of thechains 60 to theouter frame 14. Thechain bar 104 can be fastened or welded to theouter frame 14. - The
chains 60 includechain sections lower sprockets 62 include aleft sprocket 62 a and aright sprocket 62 b. Thechain section 60 a extends between thesecond end 102 of thechains 60 and theupper sprocket 64. Thechain section 60 b extends between theupper sprockets 64 and thelower sprocket 62 b. Thechain section 60 c extends between thelower sprocket 62 b and thelower sprocket 62 a. Thechain section 60 d extends between thelower sprocket 62 a and thefirst end 96 of thechains 60. - The
coupler 20 can further include one or more roller guides 106 that guide thechain 60 as thechain 60 is pulled around thesprockets tensioners 108 that can be adjusted by a user to adjust the tension of thechain 60. Thetensioners 108 can be adjusted using afastener 110, such as a screw, that alters the height of the roller guides 106 relative to a pivot. - Referring now to
FIG. 10B thebrakes 40 can include a pedal orlever 112, alink 114, and afastener 116, such as a pin or a rivet, fastening thelever 112 to thelink 114. Theinner frame 12 can include abracket 118 to which thelink 114 is fastened. Thelink 114 can be fastened to thebracket 118 of theinner frame 12 using afastener 120, such as a pin or a rivet. - The
brakes 40 can further include alockout rod 122 that is fastened to thelever 112 via afastener 124, such as a pin or a rivet. Abracket 126 includes a slot that guides thefastener 124 in the vertical direction, a leg beneath the slot attached to apad 128, and a cup extending from the leg that capture aspring 130. Thelockout rod 122 can be vertically adjusted via thelever 112 to a released position, as shown, in which thepad 128 does not engage the floor, and to a locked position, in which thepad 128 engages the ground. Friction maintains thelockout rod 122 in the locked position. Thespring 130 acts against thebracket 126 and thepad 128 to bias thepad 128 toward the floor. - To set the
brakes 40, the user can step on or depress the outside end of thelever 112, causing thelever 112 to rotate about thefastener 124 in a counterclockwise direction. In this regard, thefastener 124 acts as a pivot. As thelever 112 rotates counterclockwise, thefastener 124 is also moved downward in the slot of thebracket 126 due to the downward force of thelever 112. The counter clockwise motion of thelever 112 causes thelink 114 to rotate in a clockwise direction. When thelever 112 and thelink 114 are aligned or rotated just beyond alignment, thelockout rod 122 is friction fit in the locked position. This friction fit prevents thelever 112 and thelink 114 from returning to the released position shown inFIG. 10B . In the locked position, thepad 128 engages the floor and thespring 130 biases thepad 128 against the floor. - Referring now to
FIG. 11 , thebrakes 40 can further include arelease lever 132. A user can step on or depress therelease lever 132 to disengage thelockout rod 122. When thelockout rod 122 is disengaged, thelever 112 and thelink 114 are allowed to return to the released position shown inFIG. 10B . In the released position, thepad 128 does not contact the floor, and therefore thestep stool 10 can be rolled freely across the floor. - The
tensioners 108 include the roller guides 106, theadjustment bolts 110,levers 134, and pivots 136. Thechain section 60 c can be routed above or below the roller guides 106, and thefasteners 110 can be loosened or tightened to adjust the height of the roller guides 106 relative to thepivots 136. Thus, by loosening or tightening thefastener 110, the user can adjust the tension in thechain 60. - Referring again to
FIGS. 1 through 11 , operation of thestep stool 10 will now be described in detail. A user can enter thestep stool 10 when thestep stool 10 is in a lower position, as shown inFIG. 1 . The user can enter thestep stool 10 by stepping, or if the user is in a wheel chair or a wheel stand, by rolling over the rampedend 43 of theplatform 42. When the user is positioned on top of theplatform 42, the user can manipulate theuser interface 24 to command thestep stool 10 to rise. Theuser interface 24 communicates the user's command to thecontrol module 22, which in turn controls theactuator 18 to raise thestep stool 10 to a raised position, as shown inFIGS. 2A and 3 . - With specific reference to
FIG. 8A , when thecontrol module 22 controls theactuator 18 to raise thestep stool 10, themotor 76 drives gears in thegear box 78 to move thepiston 82 upward within thecylinder 80. As thepiston 82 moves upward, thepiston 82 moves theouter frame 14 upward relative to theinner frame 12. Upward movement of thepiston 82 within thecylinder 80 can be referred to as extension of theactuator 18. Downward movement of thepiston 82 within thecylinder 80 can be referred to as retraction of theactuator 18. - With specific reference to
FIG. 10A , as theactuator 18 moves theouter frame 14 upward, theouter frame 14 pulls thefirst end 96 of thechain 60 in the upward direction. The upward force on thefirst end 96 of thechain 60 creates tension in thechain 60 that pulls thesecond end 102 up thechain 60 in the upward direction. In this manner, thecoupler 20 transmits the upward force exerted on the left side of theouter frame 14 to the right side of theouter frame 14, which causes the lateral opposite sides of theouter frame 14 to rise evenly. - Referring now to
FIG. 12 , astep stool 137 is similar to thestep stool 10 such that only differences in the step stools 10, 137 will now be described. Thestep stool 10 can have larger dimensions suitable for industrial use, and thestep stool 137 can have smaller dimensions suitable for home use. Thestep stool 137 includes aright handle 138, aleft handle 140, and auser interface 142. Thehandles user interface 142 is integrated into the top of theleft pillar 46 and includes a button or a touch screen. Theplatform 42 has a generally square shape and thecontrol module 22 is mounted underneath theplatform 42. Thecontrol module 22 can be mounted within a control box that is fixed to theinner frame 12. Operation of thestep stool 137 is similar to that of thestep stool 10 with the exception that the user controls the integrateduser interface 142 rather than theremote user interface 24. - Referring now to
FIGS. 13 and 14 , astep stool 144 is similar to thestep stool 10 such that the only differences in the step stools 10, 144 will now be described. While thestep stool 10 includes two columns or pillars, thestep stool 144 includes only one pillar, thepillar 46. In addition, thepillar 46 is not positioned near a lateral end of theplatform 42, but rather is positioned near the rearward end of theplatform 42 approximately midway between the opposite lateral ends of theplatform 42. Thestep stool 144 includes thepole handle 140 and the integrateduser interface 142, discussed above with reference to thestep stool 137 ofFIG. 12 . - The
step stool 144 includes acoupler 146 that couples the inner surface of thepillar 46 to the underside surface of theplatform 42. Thecoupler 146 includes achain 148 having afirst end 150 and asecond end 152. Thefirst end 150 of thechain 148 is attached to the inner surface of thepillar 46 by, for example, a chain bar welded or fastened to the inner surface of thepillar 46 and clamping thefirst end 150 of thechain 148. Thesecond end 152 of thechain 148 is attached to the underside surface of theplatform 42 by, for example, a chain bar fastened or welded to the underside surface of theplatform 42 and clamping thesecond end 152 of thechain 148. - The
coupler 148 also includes a forwardupper sprocket 154, a rearwardupper sprocket 156, a rearwardlower sprocket 158, a forwardlower sprocket 160, and amiddle sprocket 162. Thechain 148 includeschain sections chain section 148 a extends between thefirst end 150 of thechain 148 and thesprocket 154. The chain section 148 b extends between thesprocket 154 and thesprocket 156. Thechain section 148 c extends between thesprocket 156 and thesprocket 158. Thechain section 148 d extends between thesprocket 158 and thesprocket 160. Thechain section 148 e extends between thesprocket 160 and thesecond end 152. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 13 and 14 , operation of thestep stool 144 will now be described in detail. When the user commands thestep stool 144 to rise via theuser interface 142, theactuator 18 extends to exert an upward force at the top of thepillar 46. Thepillar 46 transmits this upward force to thefirst end 150 of thechain 148, which creates tension in thechain 148. This tension extends through thechain 148 from thesection 148 a, to the section 148 b, to thesection 148 c, to thesection 148 d, and finally to thesection 148 e. As the tension is transmitted through thesections chain 148, an upward force is exerted on thesprocket 160. In this manner, thecoupler 148 transfers the upward force exerted by theactuator 18 onto thepillar 46 to an upward force exerted on the forward end of theplatform 42. Thus, thecoupler 148 ensures that the longitudinal ends of theplatform 42 are evenly raised. - The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
Claims (20)
1. A step stool, comprising:
an inner frame including two inner pillars;
an outer frame including two outer pillars attached to a platform near opposite ends of the platform and configured to receive the two inner pillars;
an actuator coupled to one of the two inner pillars and one of the two outer pillars, and operable to raise the outer frame relative to the inner frame; and
a coupler that couples the two outer pillars to each other to evenly lift the opposite ends of the platform when the actuator raises the outer frame.
2. The step stool of claim 1 , wherein the coupler includes a chain meshed with a sprocket, the chain having a first end fixed to a first of the two outer pillars and a second end fixed to a second of the two outer pillars.
3. The step stool of claim 2 , wherein the chain and the sprocket are arranged to transmit an upward force on the second of the two outer pillars when the actuator exerts an upward force on the first of the two outer pillars.
4. The step stool of claim 2 , further comprising a tensioner adjustable to adjust the tension of the chain.
5. The step stool of claim 1 , further comprising a sliding mechanism including a first bracket, a second bracket, and a bearing, the first bracket mounted to the inner frame, the second bracket mounted to the outer frame, and the bearing positioned between the first bracket and the second bracket.
6. The step stool of claim 1 , wherein the actuator includes a motor, a cylinder, and a piston, the motor operable to slide the piston within the cylinder.
7. The step stool of claim 6 , further comprising a control module and a user interface, the control module controlling the motor to raise and lower the platform based on commands received from a user via the user interface.
8. The step stool of claim 7 , further comprising an object sensor mounted to the inner frame, wherein the control module stops the motor when the object sensor senses objects beneath the platform.
9. The step stool of claim 1 , further comprising a handle on each of the two outer pillars.
10. The step stool of claim 1 , further comprising wheels coupled to the inner frame that enable a user to roll the step stool to a desired position.
11. The step stool of claim 10 , further comprising brakes that prevent the wheels from rolling.
12. The step stool of claim 1 , further comprising a brace mounted to the inner frame and engaging the actuator to prevent the actuator from tilting.
13. A step stool, comprising:
an inner frame including a single inner pillar;
an outer frame including a single outer pillar attached to a platform near a first end of the platform and configured to receive the inner pillar;
an actuator coupled to the inner pillar and the outer pillar, and operable to raise the outer frame relative to the inner frame; and
a coupler that couples the outer pillar and a second end of the platform to evenly lift the first end of the platform and the second end of the platform opposite the first end of the platform when the actuator raises the outer frame.
14. The step stool of claim 13 , wherein the coupler includes a chain meshed with a sprocket, the chain having a first end fixed to the outer pillar and the second end fixed to the platform.
15. The step stool of claim 14 , wherein the chain and the sprocket are arranged to transmit an upward force on the second end of the platform when the actuator exerts an upward force on the outer pillar.
16. The step stool of claim 15 , wherein the sprocket includes multiple sprockets and one of the sprockets is position at the second end of the platform.
17. The step stool of claim 16 , wherein the upward force on the second end of the platform is transmitted through a pivot of the one of the sprockets.
18. The step stool of claim 13 , further comprising a control module and a user interface, the control module controlling a motor to raise and lower the platform based on commands received from a user via the user interface.
19. The step stool of claim 18 , wherein the control module is mounted to the inner frame underneath the platform and the user interface is integrated in the outer pillar.
20. A step stool, comprising:
an inner frame including two inner pillars;
an outer frame including two outer pillars attached to a platform near opposite ends of the platform and configured to receive the two inner pillars;
an actuator coupled to one of the two inner pillars and one of the two outer pillars, and operable to raise the outer frame relative to the inner frame;
a slide mechanism including a first bracket, a second bracket, and a bearing ball, the first bracket mounted to the inner frame, the second bracket mounted to the outer frame, and the bearing ball positioned between the first bracket and the second bracket; and
a chain and sprocket mechanism that couples the two outer pillars to each other to evenly lift the opposite ends of the platform when the actuator raises the outer frame.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/021,998 US20110198154A1 (en) | 2010-02-05 | 2011-02-07 | Vertically Adjustable Automatic Step Stool |
US13/887,890 US20130240294A1 (en) | 2010-02-05 | 2013-05-06 | Vertically Adjustable Automatic Step Stool |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US30165410P | 2010-02-05 | 2010-02-05 | |
US13/021,998 US20110198154A1 (en) | 2010-02-05 | 2011-02-07 | Vertically Adjustable Automatic Step Stool |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/887,890 Continuation US20130240294A1 (en) | 2010-02-05 | 2013-05-06 | Vertically Adjustable Automatic Step Stool |
Publications (1)
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US20110198154A1 true US20110198154A1 (en) | 2011-08-18 |
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ID=44368865
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/021,998 Abandoned US20110198154A1 (en) | 2010-02-05 | 2011-02-07 | Vertically Adjustable Automatic Step Stool |
US13/887,890 Abandoned US20130240294A1 (en) | 2010-02-05 | 2013-05-06 | Vertically Adjustable Automatic Step Stool |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/887,890 Abandoned US20130240294A1 (en) | 2010-02-05 | 2013-05-06 | Vertically Adjustable Automatic Step Stool |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20110198154A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130000039A1 (en) * | 2011-06-29 | 2013-01-03 | Constance Hardenburg | Exam Table Step Platform With Attached Handles |
US10400510B2 (en) * | 2017-12-01 | 2019-09-03 | Kenneth Robert Niemiec | Automated step device and methods of making and using |
US10463784B2 (en) * | 2015-04-23 | 2019-11-05 | Bstr, Llc | Mobile mounting structure for medical equipment |
USD919346S1 (en) * | 2019-05-31 | 2021-05-18 | Chongqing Oukesi Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. | Separate safety armrest |
WO2022150562A1 (en) * | 2021-01-07 | 2022-07-14 | PowerLine Lift, LLC | Lift and storage system |
Citations (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4046348A (en) * | 1976-11-02 | 1977-09-06 | Goodwin John E | Adjustable height stool |
US4315466A (en) * | 1980-01-11 | 1982-02-16 | Fleetwood Furniture Company | Adjustable table |
US5285992A (en) * | 1992-07-14 | 1994-02-15 | Brown Ronald G | Adjustable step stool |
US5461736A (en) * | 1994-05-13 | 1995-10-31 | Carpenter; Joyce A. | Portable hydraulic lift step stool for raising handicapped patients to an elevated location |
US5553550A (en) * | 1994-03-30 | 1996-09-10 | Suspa Incorporated | Telescoping upright |
US6158552A (en) * | 1998-08-04 | 2000-12-12 | Gould; Margaret J. | Adjustable and locking step stool |
US20030102187A1 (en) * | 2001-11-30 | 2003-06-05 | Stringer Matthew D. | Locking and securing device |
US6695097B1 (en) * | 1998-03-27 | 2004-02-24 | Alimak Ab | Construction hoist system |
US20040069568A1 (en) * | 2002-10-15 | 2004-04-15 | Wyse Steven J. | Mobile scaffolding brake |
US20040168854A1 (en) * | 2001-05-31 | 2004-09-02 | Shlomo Azran | Scaffold |
US20050225151A1 (en) * | 2004-04-02 | 2005-10-13 | Zenisek Robert F | Stepped stool for seniors and others |
US20090049602A1 (en) * | 2007-08-24 | 2009-02-26 | Gudenkauf John G | System and Method For Raising and Lowering a Bed |
US20090078502A1 (en) * | 2007-09-22 | 2009-03-26 | Frank Knurr | Movable work platform |
US20090188754A1 (en) * | 2008-01-29 | 2009-07-30 | Warren Dorman H | Collapsible stepstool |
US20100303603A1 (en) * | 2009-06-02 | 2010-12-02 | James Galante | Portable Adjustable Height Platform |
-
2011
- 2011-02-07 US US13/021,998 patent/US20110198154A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2013
- 2013-05-06 US US13/887,890 patent/US20130240294A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4046348A (en) * | 1976-11-02 | 1977-09-06 | Goodwin John E | Adjustable height stool |
US4315466A (en) * | 1980-01-11 | 1982-02-16 | Fleetwood Furniture Company | Adjustable table |
US5285992A (en) * | 1992-07-14 | 1994-02-15 | Brown Ronald G | Adjustable step stool |
US5553550A (en) * | 1994-03-30 | 1996-09-10 | Suspa Incorporated | Telescoping upright |
US5461736A (en) * | 1994-05-13 | 1995-10-31 | Carpenter; Joyce A. | Portable hydraulic lift step stool for raising handicapped patients to an elevated location |
US6695097B1 (en) * | 1998-03-27 | 2004-02-24 | Alimak Ab | Construction hoist system |
US6158552A (en) * | 1998-08-04 | 2000-12-12 | Gould; Margaret J. | Adjustable and locking step stool |
US20040168854A1 (en) * | 2001-05-31 | 2004-09-02 | Shlomo Azran | Scaffold |
US20030102187A1 (en) * | 2001-11-30 | 2003-06-05 | Stringer Matthew D. | Locking and securing device |
US20040069568A1 (en) * | 2002-10-15 | 2004-04-15 | Wyse Steven J. | Mobile scaffolding brake |
US20050225151A1 (en) * | 2004-04-02 | 2005-10-13 | Zenisek Robert F | Stepped stool for seniors and others |
US20090049602A1 (en) * | 2007-08-24 | 2009-02-26 | Gudenkauf John G | System and Method For Raising and Lowering a Bed |
US20090078502A1 (en) * | 2007-09-22 | 2009-03-26 | Frank Knurr | Movable work platform |
US20090188754A1 (en) * | 2008-01-29 | 2009-07-30 | Warren Dorman H | Collapsible stepstool |
US20100303603A1 (en) * | 2009-06-02 | 2010-12-02 | James Galante | Portable Adjustable Height Platform |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130000039A1 (en) * | 2011-06-29 | 2013-01-03 | Constance Hardenburg | Exam Table Step Platform With Attached Handles |
US10463784B2 (en) * | 2015-04-23 | 2019-11-05 | Bstr, Llc | Mobile mounting structure for medical equipment |
US10400510B2 (en) * | 2017-12-01 | 2019-09-03 | Kenneth Robert Niemiec | Automated step device and methods of making and using |
USD919346S1 (en) * | 2019-05-31 | 2021-05-18 | Chongqing Oukesi Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. | Separate safety armrest |
WO2022150562A1 (en) * | 2021-01-07 | 2022-07-14 | PowerLine Lift, LLC | Lift and storage system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20130240294A1 (en) | 2013-09-19 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |