Collapsible stepstool

Abstract

A collapsible stepstool for storing underneath a cabinet and extending from there under when in use includes a platform member for supporting a user. A top frame member supports such platform member. A bottom frame member supports at least one of such platform member, such top frame member, and a combination thereof. A mechanism for facilitating vertical movement of such platform member is attached to at least one of such top frame member, such bottom frame member, such platform member, and a combination thereof for selectively raising and lowering at least one of such platform member, such top frame member, and a combination thereof. At least one mechanism is disposed on such bottom frame member for facilitating horizontal movement of such collapsible stepstool such that such collapsible stepstool may be extended from underneath such cabinet for use and may be returned to a position underneath such cabinet for storage.

1 . A collapsible stepstool for storing underneath a cabinet and extending from there under when in use, said stepstool comprising;
 a. a platform member for supporting a user, said platform member being manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape;   b. a top frame member for supporting said platform member, said top frame member being manufactured from a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape;   c. a bottom frame member manufactured from a third predetermined material and having a third predetermined size and a third predetermined shape for supporting at least one of said platform member, said top frame member, and a combination thereof;   d. a means for facilitating vertical movement of said platform member attached to at least one of said top frame member, said bottom frame member, said platform member, and a combination thereof for selectively raising and lowering at least one of said platform member, said top frame member, and a combination thereof; and   e. at least one means disposed on said bottom frame member for facilitating horizontal movement of said collapsible stepstool such that said collapsible stepstool may be extended from underneath such cabinet for use and may be returned to a position underneath such cabinet for storage.   
     
     
         2 . A collapsible stepstool according to  claim 1  wherein said means for facilitating vertical movement is operably connected to said top frame member and said bottom frame member. 
     
     
         3 . A collapsible stepstool according to  claim 2  wherein said means for facilitating vertical movement is a scissorjack. 
     
     
         4 . A collapsible stepstool according to  claim 3  wherein said collapsible stepstool further includes a locking means engageable with said means for facilitating vertical movement, and at least one of said top frame member, said bottom frame member, and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         5 . A collapsible stepstool according to  claim 4  wherein said locking means includes at least one first portion engageable with said means for facilitating vertical movement and at least one of said top frame member and said bottom frame member, and said locking means includes at least one second portion disposed on one of said top frame member and said bottom frame member, and a combination thereof, said first portion and said second portion being releasably engageable with each other. 
     
     
         6 . A collapsible stepstool according to  claim 5  wherein said first portion is at least one spring loaded pin member and said second portion is a plurality of apertures for receiving said at least one spring loaded pin member. 
     
     
         7 . A collapsible stepstool according to  claim 1  wherein a bottom portion of said bottom frame member is at least partially covered with rubber. 
     
     
         8 . A collapsible stepstool according to  claim 1  wherein said platform member further includes a non-slip surface disposed on a top surface thereof. 
     
     
         9 . A collapsible stepstool according to  claim 1  wherein said at least one means for facilitating horizontal movement of said collapsible stepstool includes at least one wheel member operably disposed on said bottom frame member at a predetermined location thereon. 
     
     
         10 . A collapsible stepstool according to  claim 9  wherein said at least one means for facilitating horizontal movement of said collapsible stepstool includes a plurality of wheel members operably disposed on said bottom frame member at a plurality of predetermined locations thereon. 
     
     
         11 . A collapsible stepstool according to  claim 10  wherein said plurality of wheel members further includes a means engageable with each of said plurality of wheel members for disabling each of said plurality of wheel members from rolling when a predetermined amount of weight is born by said collapsible stepstool. 
     
     
         12 . A collapsible stepstool according to  claim 11  wherein said plurality of wheel members includes at least four wheel members. 
     
     
         13 . A collapsible stepstool according to  claim 12  wherein at least two of said at least four wheel members are rear wheel members disposed on opposite rear portions of said bottom frame member. 
     
     
         14 . A collapsible stepstool according to  claim 13  wherein said collapsible stepstool further includes a pair of track members each of said track members being attachable to a floor a predetermined distance apart from and parallel to each other such that said front ends are closely adjacent a front portion of such cabinet, said track members receiving said rear wheel members such that when such user selectively slides said collapsible stepstool out from under such cabinet and returns said collapsible stepstool underneath of such cabinet said rear wheel members are guided by such track members. 
     
     
         15 . A collapsible stepstool according to  claim 1  wherein said collapsible stepstool further includes a securing means operably connectable to at least one of an interior rear wall beneath such cabinet for releasably securing said collapsible stepstool underneath such cabinet. 
     
     
         16 . A collapsible stepstool according to  claim 15  wherein said securing means is a spring loaded cam member. 
     
     
         17 . A collapsible stepstool according to  claim 1  wherein at least one covering member is disposed on a front portion of at least one of such top frame member, such bottom frame member, and a combination thereof.