Child safety stool

Abstract

A child safety stool that includes movable engaging elements for selectively engaging the stool with the raised base portion of a cabinet so as to prevent tipping. The stool includes a main body, one or more engaging elements, and a locking mechanism. The main body has a top surface and a front surface, the top surface being a step surface. The one or more engaging elements extend rearwardly from the main body. The locking mechanism is in mechanical connection with the one or more engaging elements and is for selectively locking the one or more engaging elements in an engagement position with the raised base portion of the structure, whereby the stool is prevented from tipping when the one or more engaging elements are in the engagement position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a stool for aiding access to raised structure such as a cabinet or vanity. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Interacting with elements of the adult world is often difficult for children given their small size. For instance, access to structures such as cabinets, tabletops, vanities, etc. is difficult given the relative height of their top surface as compared to a child. As such, children may become reluctant to engage in educational or personal hygiene activities (e.g., teeth brushing) when the use of such structures is required. [0003] Conventionally, various step stools have been used to allow children and shorter people access to the top surface of such structures. However, many conventional stools are prone to tipping, which may cause injury to the user. Some step stools include designs for attaching the stool to certain cabinets so as to help prevent tipping. However, these stools are generally unacceptable as they...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides a child safety stool designed to selectively engage with a vanity, cabinet, or other structure of varying heights so as to provide a low-profile, tip-resistant stool. The stool will allow users, typically children, to reach a sink, e.g., and encourage them to perform personal hygiene. By engaging with the lower lip of a raised base portion that exists on a majority of cabinets and vanities, the stool is prevented from tipping outward. Because the stool is making contact with the vanity on the back portion, it is unable to tip in that direction, thus producing a stable, low-profile standing platform for use by children to access a sink of counter for hygiene or education purposes.

[0005] The stool utilizes selectively movable engaging elements to “lock” the stool in place to a structure. The stool utilizes a mechanically activated locking mechanism to raise the engaging elements into a locked position. For example, one embodiment of the invention utilizes a rotary plate on the front of stool, along with a pulley and bearing assembly, to convert the rotary motion of the plate to linear motion of rigid arms that engage with the structure. A lock release mechanism lowers the engaging elements from the cabinet and allows the stool to be moved. The quick engagement and detachment allows the stool to be quickly and easily moved for allowing access to cabinets that may be located in the engagement area.

[0006] As such, the invention provides a tip-resistant stool for aiding access to an elevated surface of a structure having a raised base portion. The stool includes a main body, one or more engaging elements, and a locking mechanism. The main body has at least top surface and a front surface, the top surface being a step surface. The one or more engaging elements extend rearwardly from the main body. The locking mechanism is in mechanical connection with the one or more engaging elements and is for selectively locking the one or more engaging elements in an engagement position with the raised base portion of the structure, whereby the stool is prevented from tipping when the one or more engaging elements are in the engagement position.

[0008] The locking mechanism may include an artistic design, wherein the artistic design becomes properly aligned when the one or more engaging elements is in the engagement position. In this way, children are encouraged to use the locking mechanism to lock the stool into place.

Problems solved by technology

Interacting with elements of the adult world is often difficult for children given their small size.

For instance, access to structures such as cabinets, tabletops, vanities, etc. is difficult given the relative height of their top surface as compared to a child.

As such, children may become reluctant to engage in educational or personal hygiene activities (e.g., teeth brushing) when the use of such structures is required.

However, many conventional stools are prone to tipping, which may cause injury to the user.

However, these stools are generally unacceptable as they are designed for only one specific type of cabinet, and the attachment to such cabinets is semi-permanent and cumbersome to remove.

Often, the attachment of such stools to a cabinet or vanity renders the lower cabinet shelving space unusable.

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