Bench Step Device

Abstract

A bench step device is disclosed that provides a bench step for locker rooms, retail stores, and other areas where people take off and put on footwear. The bench step device comprises a body component that is configured in a rectangular, table-like shape with a pair of legs positioned at the corners of the opposing sides. The body component also comprises a pair of platform steps that slide out from the opposing sides. The platform steps can be expanded and retracted via manual or automated means and provide a place for users to tie their shoes, roller skates, ice skates, boots, or other footwear. Each platform step can be secured in place via a sliding hinge. Further, each platform step has a sandpaper or other grit-style surface for traction to ensure that the user does not slip while reaching down.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A bench step device that provides a user with a bench step for locker rooms and retail stores for putting on shoes, the bench step device comprising:
 a body component;   a plurality of legs; and   at least one platform step;   wherein one of the plurality of legs is secured to each corner of the body component; and   further wherein the at least one platform step is secured to a side of the body component and extends out from the body component, allowing a user to place their foot on the at least one platform step to lace their shoe while standing.   
     
     
         2 . The bench step device of  claim 1 , wherein the body component is configured in a rectangular, table-like shape. 
     
     
         3 . The bench step device of  claim 2 , wherein the body component comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing side edges and opposing front and back edges. 
     
     
         4 . The bench step device of  claim 3 , wherein a tabletop component is secured to the top surface of the body component for supporting shoes and shoeboxes. 
     
     
         5 . The bench step device of  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of legs are attached to and depend downwardly from the bottom surface of the body component to touch a floor or other ground surface. 
     
     
         6 . The bench step device of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one platform step is secured to one of the opposing side edges of the body component via a sliding hinge. 
     
     
         7 . The bench step device of  claim 6 , wherein a platform step is secured to both opposing side edges. 
     
     
         8 . The bench step device of  claim 7 , wherein the platform step is dimensioned to fit between the plurality of legs of the body component. 
     
     
         9 . The bench step device of  claim 8 , wherein the platform step can expand or retract from the body component. 
     
     
         10 . The bench step device of  claim 9 , wherein in a retracted position, the platform step rests under the body component and is flush with the plurality of legs of the body component. 
     
     
         11 . The bench step device of  claim 10 , wherein in an expanded position, the platform step extends laterally outwardly of the body component at a selected location above the plurality of legs, such that a shoe placed upon the platform step will be within reach of a user standing nearby. 
     
     
         12 . The bench step device of  claim 11 , wherein the platform step can be expanded and retracted via manual or automated means. 
     
     
         13 . The bench step device of  claim 12 , wherein a forward-facing side of each platform step has a sandpaper surface for traction. 
     
     
         14 . A bench step device that provides a user with a bench step for locker rooms and retail stores for putting on shoes, the bench step device comprising:
 a body component configured in a rectangular, table-like shape, with a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing side edges and opposing front and back edges;   a plurality of legs attached to and depending downwardly from the bottom surface of the body component to touch a floor or other ground surface; and   a pair of platform steps;   wherein one of the plurality of legs is secured to each corner of the body component;   wherein a tabletop component is secured to the top surface of the body component for supporting shoes and shoeboxes;   wherein a single platform step from the pair of platform steps is secured to each of the opposing side edges of the body component via a sliding hinge;   wherein the platform step can expand or retract from the body component, allowing a user to place their foot on the single platform step to lace their shoe while standing; and   further wherein a forward-facing side of each platform step has a sandpaper surface for traction.   
     
     
         15 . The bench step device of  claim 14 , wherein in a retracted position, the platform step rests under the body component and is flush with the plurality of legs of the body component. 
     
     
         16 . The bench step device of  claim 14 , wherein in an expanded position, the platform step extends laterally outwardly of the body component at a selected location above the plurality of legs, such that a shoe placed upon the platform step will be within reach of a user standing nearby. 
     
     
         17 . The bench step device of  claim 14 , wherein a forward-facing side of the platform step comprises a rectangular rubber pad which adds traction and an elongated narrow plastic strip is affixed horizontally to a lower end portion of the platform step. 
     
     
         18 . The bench step device of  claim 14  further comprising a handle attached to a forward-facing side of the platform step and is used for expanding and retracting the platform step. 
     
     
         19 . The bench step device of  claim 14  further comprising a plurality of indicia. 
     
     
         20 . A method of easily applying and securing footwear while standing up, the method comprising the following steps:
 providing a bench step device comprising a body component with legs and a pair of platform steps that slide out from the opposing sides;   positioning the body component on its legs, such as a table;   expanding the pair of platform steps out from the body component;   securing the pair of platform steps in an expanded position via the sliding hinges; and placing a user's foot on the expanded platform steps to put on and secure a shoe without sitting down.