Retractable step assembly and method of operation

Abstract

A system and method for providing a stepping platform in front of a cabinet structure, so that a person can better reach above the cabinet structure. The system includes a motorized platform that is retracted into the base support below the cabinet structure. When a person needs the platform, that person engages an activation switch. Once the activation switch is depressed, an electric motor drives the platform forward in front of the cabinet structure. Once fully extended, the platform can be stood upon, thereby adding between three inches and six inches of height to the person. When the platform is no longer needed, the activation switch is again engaged. The electric motor retracts the platform back into the base support below the cabinet structure.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . In a cabinet structure having a storage area and a recessed base positioned below the storage area, a system comprising: 
 a stepping platform;    a motor for selectively moving said stepping platform between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein when in said retracted position, said stepping platform is contained within the recessed base of the cabinet structure, and when in said extended position, said stepping platform extends from the recessed base; and    an activation switch for selectively operating said motor.    
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1 , further including a drive mechanism coupled to said motor and said stepping platform, wherein said drive mechanism converts rotational movement produced by said motor into lateral movement, wherein said lateral movement is experienced by said stepping platform.  
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 2 , wherein said drive mechanism includes a gear transmission, coupled to said motor, that turns a pinion gear, and a gear rack coupled to said stepping platform, wherein said gear rack is engaged by and moved by said pinion gear.  
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said drive mechanism includes a wheel, coupled to said motor, wherein said wheel rotates against and moves said stepping platform.  
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 1 , further including a detection mechanism for detecting if said stepping platform is obstructed from moving, wherein said detection mechanism stops said motor when activated.  
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 5 , wherein said detection mechanism includes a load sensor for sensing the current load required by said motor, wherein said load sensor stops said motor if said current load surpasses a threshold level.  
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said activation switch is a foot activated switch.  
     
     
         8 . The system according to  claim 1 , further including at least one set of wheels coupled to said stepping platform to support said stepping platform when in said extended position.  
     
     
         9 . A cabinet structure, comprising: 
 a storage area;    a support base disposed below said storage area, wherein said support base supports said storage area;    a platform disposed within said base support, wherein said platform is selectively positionable between a retracted position and an extended position;    a motor for moving said platform between said retracted position and said extended position; and    an activation switch for selectively activating said motor.    
     
     
         10 . The cabinet structure according to  claim 9 , further including a drive mechanism coupled to said motor and said stepping platform, wherein said drive mechanism converts rotational movement produced by said motor into lateral movement, wherein said lateral movement is experienced by said stepping platform.  
     
     
         11 . The system according to  claim 9 , wherein said drive mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a wheel assembly and a rack and pinion assembly.  
     
     
         12 . The cabinet structure according to  claim 9 , further including a detection mechanism for detecting if said stepping platform is obstructed from moving, wherein said detection mechanism stops said motor when activated.  
     
     
         13 . The cabinet structure according to  claim 12 , wherein said detection mechanism includes a load sensor for sensing a current load required by said motor, wherein said load sensor stops said motor if said current load surpasses a threshold level.  
     
     
         14 . The cabinet structure according to  claim 9 , wherein said activation switch is a foot activated switch.  
     
     
         15 . The cabinet structure according to  claim 9 , further including at least one set of wheels coupled to said platform to support said platform when in said extended position.  
     
     
         16 . The cabinet structure according to  claim 9 , wherein said base support is recessed below said storage area and said platform is flush with said base support when in said retracted position.  
     
     
         17 . A method of providing a stepping platform in front of a cabinet structure of the type having a recessed base support, said method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a platform within said base support, wherein said platform can be selectively positioned between a retracted position and an extended position by an electric motor;    providing an activation switch proximate said platform for selectively operating said electric motor.    
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , further including the steps of detecting obstacles to the movement of said platform between said retracted position and said extended position.  
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 17  further including the step of stopping said electric motor when an obstacle is detected.  
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein said platform is at least partially supported by wheels when in said extended position.