Folding step stool

Abstract

A step stool having a step and a handle pivotably connected to the step. The step has a top surface and a wall extending therefrom, the top surface and the wall defining a cavity. A pair of slots is formed through the step, each slot extending from a first end formed through the top surface to a second end formed through the wall. The handle is generally U-shaped and has a pair of arms, a middle section connected between the pair of arms, a first leg extending from an end of one of the pair of arms, and a second leg extending from an end of the other of the pair of arms. Each arm extends through one of the pair of slots formed in the step.

1 . A step stool, comprising:
 a step comprising a top surface and a wall extending therefrom, the top surface and the wall defining a cavity and having a pair of slots formed therethrough, each slot extending from a first end formed through the top surface to a second end formed through the wall; and   a handle pivotably connected to the step, the handle being generally U-shaped and comprising a pair of arms, a middle section connected between the pair of arms, a first leg extending from an end of one of the pair of arms, and a second leg extending from an end of the other of the pair of arms; wherein   each arm extends through one of the pair of slots formed in the step.   
     
     
         2 . The step stool of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is pivotable between an open position, with the pair of arms extending through the first ends of the pair of slots in the top surface, and a closed position, with the pair of arms extending through the second ends of the pair of slots in the wall. 
     
     
         3 . The step stool of  claim 2 , wherein the first leg and the second leg are positioned within the cavity with the handle in the closed position. 
     
     
         4 . The step stool of  claim 2 , wherein the handle is coplanar with the step with the handle in the closed position. 
     
     
         5 . The step stool of  claim 2 , further comprising a support brace rotatably connected to the first leg and to the step. 
     
     
         6 . The step stool of  claim 5 , wherein the support brace is rotatably connected to the second leg. 
     
     
         7 . The step stool of  claim 1 , further comprising a leg assembly rotatably mounted to the step, the leg assembly being generally U-shaped and having a pair of legs. 
     
     
         8 . The step stool of  claim 7 , wherein the leg assembly is rotatable between an open position, with the pair of legs extending generally away from the top surface, and a closed position, with the pair of legs extending generally parallel to the top surface. 
     
     
         9 . The step stool of  claim 8 , wherein the pair of legs are coplanar with the step with the leg assembly in the closed position. 
     
     
         10 . The step stool of  claim 9 , wherein the pair of legs are positioned within the cavity with the leg assembly in the closed position. 
     
     
         11 . The step stool of  claim 8 , further comprising a support brace rotatably connected to one of the pair of legs and the step. 
     
     
         12 . A step stool, comprising:
 a step comprising a pair of slots formed therethrough; and   a handle pivotably connected to the step such that the handle extends through the pair of slots, the handle being pivotable between an open position and a closed position; wherein   the handle comprises a pair of legs and the pair of legs are positioned within a cavity formed in the step and the handle is coplanar with the step with the handle in the closed position.   
     
     
         13 . The step stool of  claim 12 , wherein the pair of legs extend generally away from the step with the handle in the open position. 
     
     
         14 . The step stool of  claim 12 , further comprising a support brace rotatably connected to the handle and to the step. 
     
     
         15 . The step stool of  claim 12 , further comprising a generally U-shaped leg assembly rotatably mounted to the step. 
     
     
         16 . The step stool of  claim 15 , wherein the leg assembly is rotatable between an open position and a closed position and the leg assembly is positioned within the cavity formed in the step with the leg assembly in the closed position. 
     
     
         17 . The step stool of  claim 12 , further comprising a support brace rotatably connected to the leg assembly and to the step.