Portable stair assembly for pets

Abstract

A portable set of stairs for use by a domesticated animal, a small child, or a disabled or aged individual. The stairs have an L-shaped inner core with a lower platform portion and an upper platform portion. A form-fitting, removable cover surrounds the L-shaped inner core for protecting it from soiling and condensation and for providing means for transporting and storing the portable set of stairs. The lower platform portion and the upper platform portion are horizontal with respect to the ground or floor. Both of the platform portions having respective upper surface areas, the upper platform portion upper surface area being greater than the lower platform portion upper surface area. Also provided is a rope or string for dragging or carrying the set of stairs. The rope or string is connected to the form-fitting cover. The inner core consists of deformable material, such as foam. The portable set of stairs in another embodiment has an intermediate platform portion disposed between the upper platform portion and the lower platform portion, forming a third step.

Description

RELATED PATENT APPLICATION [0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 358,584, filed Feb. 22, 2002 and is related to copending design patent application Serial No. 29 / 157,895, filed Mar. 28, 2002.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to stairs or steps and, more particularly, to a portable stair assembly for use by pets, small children, disabled individuals or elderly persons. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Domestic pets often have difficulty moving safely and comfortably between various elevations. In particular, entering or leaving vehicles or moving up, down, and off of furniture can by problematical for small animals. Pets, however, are not the only ones who may have difficulty changing elevations. The elderly, smaller children or disabled persons can also find themselves in situations that require assistance. [0004] There are special advantages to older people having pets as companions. These ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a portable set of stairs for use by a domesticated animal, a small child, or a disabled or aged individual. The stairs have an L-shaped inner core with a lower platform portion and an upper platform portion. A form-fitting, removable cover surrounds the L-shaped inner core for protecting it from soiling and condensation and for providing means for transporting and storing the portable set of stairs. The lower platform portion and the upper platform portion are horizontal with respect to the ground or floor. Both of the platform portions having respective upper surface areas, the upper platform portion upper surface area being greater than the lower platform portion upper surface area. Also provided is a rope or string for dragging or carrying the set of stairs. The rope or string is connected to the form-fitting cover. The inner core consists of deformable material, such as foam. The portable set of stairs in another embodiment has an intermediate platform portion disposed between the upper platform portion and the lower platform portion, forming a third step.

[0015] This stair assembly allows for a person to rapidly put a pet in a vehicle or assure he is placed on the ground. This stair assembly is of such a material as to offer a soft but firm surface with some give so that the pet's feet are secure from slipping. Wood or metal objects do not offer an animal any security from slipping off the sides or back. It is wide enough and lengthy enough to account for length of a pet's body as opposed to the width and length of step needed for an upright human.

Problems solved by technology

Wood or metal objects do not offer an animal any security from slipping off the sides or back.

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