Rotating Step Stool

Abstract

An embodiment of a rotating step stool comprises a substantially fixed base coupled to one portion of a swivel and a second portion of a swivel coupled to a rotatable top portion. The top surface of the rotatable top portion is adapted to support during rotation of the top surface. The embodiment also includes a mechanism adapted to lock and unlock the rotatable top portion in at least two positions. The mechanism may be a foot pedal or any other mechanism substantially adapted for use by a person other than the person standing on the top surface. One embodiment is specifically adapted for use in a doctor's office setting, providing the use the use of a stability device such as a stem and handle to hold onto during rotation.

1 ) A step stool comprising:
 a substantially fixed base;   a rotatable top portion having a top surface adapted to support a person standing on the top surface; and   a mechanism to lock and unlock the rotatable top portion in at least two locking positions, the locking mechanism being substantially adapted for use only by a person other than the person standing on the top surface.   
   
   
       2 ) The step stool of  claim 1  further including a swivel and wherein,
 the rotatable top portion is coupled to a first portion of the swivel; and   the substantially fixed base is coupled to a second portion of the swivel.   
   
   
       3 ) The step stool of  claim 2  wherein, the rotatable top portion is adapted to rotate about an axis substantially centered on (i) the top surface and (ii) the substantially fixed base. 
   
   
       4 ) The step stool of  claim 1  wherein, the locking mechanism comprising a foot actuated locking system. 
   
   
       5 ) The step stool of  claim 4  wherein,
 the foot actuated locking system includes at least (i) one foot pedal, (ii) two bores and (iii) one pin adapted to fit therein; and
 the at least two bores being the at least two locking positions. 
   
   
   
       6 ) The step stool of  claim 5  wherein, the at least two bores are bores located in the swivel. 
   
   
       7 ) The step stool of  claim 6  wherein, the rotatable top portion is adapted to rotate in at least a substantially horizontal clockwise direction and the at least two locking positions are four locking positions, each locking position being substantially equi-distant from the rotational axis and separated by each adjacent locking position by 90 degrees. 
   
   
       8 ) The step stool of  claim 1  further including a stability device. 
   
   
       9 ) The step stool of  claim 8  wherein, the stability device is a stem and handle. 
   
   
       10 ) A step stool comprising:
 a substantially fixed base;   a rotatable top portion having a top surface adapted to support a person standing on the top surface; and   a foot actuated mechanism to lock and unlock the rotatable top portion in at least two positions, the mechanism being substantially adapted for use by a person other than the person standing on the top surface.   a stability device.   
   
   
       11 ) The step stool of  claim 10  wherein, the stability device is a stem and handle. 
   
   
       12 ) The step stool of  claim 11  wherein, at least a portion of the rotatable top portion includes a non-slip surface. 
   
   
       13 ) The step stool of  claim 12  wherein, the foot actuated mechanism comprising of two u-joints, a substantially rigid shaft, a pin, and a swivel. 
   
   
       14 ) The step stool of  claim 13  wherein, the foot actuated mechanism adapted to remove and replace the pin from a swivel bore. 
   
   
       15 ) The step stool of  claim 12  wherein the foot actuated mechanism comprises at least one disc brake. 
   
   
       16 ) A method of positioning a first person to sit on a raised platform, the method comprising:
 placing a rotating step stool proximal to a raised platform, the first person stepping onto a top surface of the rotating step stool;   the first person placing both feet on the top surface;   a second person rotating the step stool;   the second person locking the step stool; and   the first person sitting on the raised platform.   
   
   
       17 ) The method of  claim 16  further including the first person using a stability device. 
   
   
       18 ) The method of  claim 17  wherein,
 the first person being a patient;   the stability device being a stem and handle; and   the raised platform being an examination table.   
   
   
       19 ) The method of  claim 16  wherein,
 the second person rotates and locks the step stool by depressing and releasing a foot-pedal.   
   
   
       20 ) The method of  claim 19  wherein,
 the foot-pedal is coupled to a first u-joint;   the pin is coupled to a second u-joint; and   both the first and second u-joints are coupled to a substantially rigid shaft.