Folding stool

Abstract

A folding stool has trapezoidal sides including front and rear nonfolding side walls and left and right folding end walls. Each end wall includes first and second nonfolding half-walls and a hinge connecting these half-walls to each other. The folding stool includes a nonfolding top wall connected to the top of the front side wall by a hinge and a strut connected proximate the middle of the top wall at one end and proximate the top of the rear side wall at the other end. The top wall extends horizontally outwardly from the left and right end walls and rear side wall when the folding stool is in its unfolded position to rest upon the left and right end walls and rear side wall to support weight placed upon the folding stool. The folding stool folds so that the top face of the top wall is coplanar with the outer face of the front side wall when in the folded position.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29 / 437,360 entitled Step Stool, filed Nov. 15, 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus upon which to sit or stand or support an object, and more specifically to foldable stools and step ladders.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]There are commercial and residential uses for stools and step ladders of varying sizes. Problems inherent to all of these types of devices are storage, stability, and manufacturing costs, as well as “pinch points” associated with folding the devices.[0004]A compact area for storing a stool or step ladder is important to its utility. The need to minimize the device's size for storage purposes often results in the stool becoming unstable and unsafe for use. While there is an ever present demand to lower manufacturing costs, the structural integrity ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a cost-effective, lightweight, and portable stool that can be easily folded and eliminates potential pinching of a user's fingers on the top surface of the stool. The stool features a folding design with two foldable side wall members, two non-foldable side wall members, and a non-foldable top wall member. The front face of the front wall is coplanar with the top face of the top wall when in the folded configuration, which minimizes the width of the stool. This allows for easy storage and transportation of the stool.

Problems solved by technology

Problems inherent to all of these types of devices are storage, stability, and manufacturing costs, as well as “pinch points” associated with folding the devices.

The need to minimize the device's size for storage purposes often results in the stool becoming unstable and unsafe for use.

Four-legged stools of the prior art are generally expensive to manufacture and are quite bulky, even in a folded or collapsed state.

In addition, foldable stools with steps are typically bulkier and less stable or require a hinged top surface.

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