Step Stools And Storage, Step Supports Having Open, Forwardly-Facing Storage Cubbies

Abstract

Step stools and storage, step supports having open, forwardly-facing storage cubbies for use in confined spaces, such as closets. Some of the storage, step supports have steps which are fixed relative to other steps while other storage, step supports are provided with one or more relatively movable steps and are movable from a storage position to a step position.

1 . A storage, step support comprising storage spaces for storing articles other than portions of the step support, comprising:
 a base comprising a forward, exposed first tread portion and a rearward covered portion;   a second step comprising an exposed second tread disposed rearwardly of said exposed first tread portion and over said rearward covered portion of said base, said second tread not greater than 8 inches higher than said first tread;   a plurality of generally vertical supports connecting said base with said second step; said base, said supports and said second tread defining at least one, first level storage area, each of said at least one, first level storage area comprising an open, forwardly facing access.   
     
     
         2 . A storage, step support according to  claim 1  comprising a plurality of supports connected to a bottom surface of said base. 
     
     
         3 . A storage, step support according to  claim 1  comprising at least three generally vertical supports which define a plurality of first level storage areas. 
     
     
         4 . A storage, step support according to  claim 3  wherein at least one of said supports is generally centrally positioned along the width of said rearward covered portion. 
     
     
         5 . A storage, step support according to  claim 1  comprising a raised rim along at least one edge of said second step. 
     
     
         6 . A storage, step support according to  claim 5  comprising a raised rim along the rearward edge and side edges of said second step. 
     
     
         7 . A storage, step support according to  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of supports below said first step for supporting said first step in an elevated position. 
     
     
         8 . A storage, step support according to  claim 1  wherein said forward exposed portion is in the same plane as said rearward covered portion. 
     
     
         9 . A storage, step support according to  claim 1  wherein said supports collectively provide said second step with at least 150 pounds of load carrying capacity. 
     
     
         10 . A storage, step support according to  claim 1  wherein said supports collectively provide said second step with at least 250 pounds of load carrying capacity. 
     
     
         11 . A storage, step support according to  claim 1  wherein said supports collectively provide said second step with at least 350 pounds of load carrying capacity. 
     
     
         12 . A storage, step support according to  claim 1  wherein said supports rest on said first step and said second step rests on said supports. 
     
     
         13 . A storage, step support according to  claim 1  wherein each tread has a width of at least 8 inches. 
     
     
         14 . A storage, step support according to  claim 1  wherein each storage area has a depth of at least 11 inches. 
     
     
         15 . A storage, step support according to  claim 1  wherein each storage area has a height of at least 5 inches. 
     
     
         16 . A storage, step support according to  claim 1  further comprising a third step comprising a third tread;
 said second step comprising a forward exposed portion and a rearward covered portion; 
 said third step disposed over said rear enclosed portion of said second step, said third tread not more than 8 inches higher than said second tread; 
 a plurality of upper supports supporting said third tread; 
 said upper supports, said second tread and said third tread defining at least one second level storage area which is positioned higher than said first level storage area, said second level storage area having open, forwardly facing access. 
 
     
     
         17 . A storage, step support according to  claim 16  comprising a raised rim along at least one edge of said third step. 
     
     
         18 . A storage, step support according to  claim 17  comprising a raised rim along the rearward edge and side edges of said third step. 
     
     
         19 . A storage, step support according to  claim 16  wherein each tread has a width of at least 8 inches. 
     
     
         20 . A storage, step support according to  claim 16  wherein each storage area has a depth of at least 11 inches.