Stool for toilet

Abstract

A footrest for a toilet includes a base having a rear wall, a front wall, and an upper surface, and a platform having a rear edge, a front edge, and a top surface. The rear edge of the platform is hingedly coupled to the base. In a deployed position, the platform is rotated downward onto the upper surface of the base, and the front edge of the platform overhangs the front wall of the base. In a stowed position, the platform is rotated upward from the upper surface of the base.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 557,892, filed February 26, 2024, entitled “Step Stool,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Technology

[0003] People often use footstools and treadmills when using the toilet. For example, toddlers and young children may need a footstool to reach the toilet seat and stabilize their bodies while using the toilet. Adults can use footstools or treadmills to change the angle of their legs to facilitate the defecation process. These footstools and treadmills provide safety, convenience, and comfort during toilet use and can improve the user's health. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A footstool for a toilet may include: a base having a rear wall, a front wall, and a top surface; and a platform having a rear edge, a front edge, and a top surface. The rear edge of the platform is hingedly connected to the base. In an unfolded position, the platform can be rotated downwards onto the top surface of the base, and the front edge of the platform can hang over the front wall of the base. In a stored position, the platform can be rotated upwards from the top surface of the base.

[0005] A footstool for a toilet may include a base having a rear wall, a front wall, and a top surface. A platform is hingedly connected to the rear wall of the base and has a center point offset from the central axis of the base. The platform may have a top surface with an area larger than the area of ​​the top surface of the base. A floor mount may be located inside the base, to which the base is connected. In the unfolded position, the platform may be supported by the top surface of the base. In the stored position, the platform may rotate upward from the rear wall of the base. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 A perspective view of a step stool in use is shown, based on some aspects.

[0007] Figure 2 A perspective view of the footstool is shown, based on some aspects.

[0008] Figures 3A to 3C It is a side view of the various stages of unfolding the footstool, and Figure 3D It is a perspective view of the footstool in its stored state, based on some aspects.

[0009] Figures 4A to 4BIt is a side view of the footstool in its stored and unfolded states, based on some aspects.

[0010] Figures 5A to 5D Various views of the platform of the step stool are shown, based on some aspects.

[0011] Figures 6A to 6D Various views of the assembled footstool are shown, based on several aspects.

[0012] Figures 7A to 7D Various views of the floor mounting components for a step stool are shown, according to some aspects.

[0013] Figures 8A to 8D Various views of the base of the footstool are shown, based on several aspects. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Toddlers and preschoolers often have legs that are too short to reach the floor when sitting on a standard-sized toilet. This can lead to incomplete toilet activities and stress when using the toilet, especially in public restrooms without amenities such as a footstool. Public restrooms can be anywhere outside of a private home, such as schools, restaurants, airports, medical clinics, playgrounds, and parks. Most children (e.g., under eight years old) are also not tall enough to stand in front of a standard public toilet to urinate. Furthermore, an unsuitable toilet height forces children to reach for or grasp the toilet seat to support themselves or stabilize themselves, which is a hygiene issue. This disclosure describes a footstool that addresses all these problems, making toilet use easier and safer for toddlers. The footstool can also assist older children and adults by acting as a footrest to change the user's leg position and angle during toilet use.

[0015] The footstool (also referred to as a step stool or step) disclosed herein has a retractable platform and a base securely mounted to the floor. The footstool can be installed in front of the toilet in a public restroom and converted into a retractable position when not in use, allowing others who do not require the footstool to use the toilet normally. In the retracted position, the platform is removed so as not to obstruct the normal use of the toilet (i.e., sitting on the toilet without using a step stool or step stool). When a child (or adult) needs to use the footstool, they can lower the platform with their feet and step onto it to use the toilet. Children can walk to the toilet and use it in a suitable posture (sitting or standing). The platform is large enough to accommodate a child's feet and can support the weight of an adult. In some aspects, when the user finishes using the toilet, the user can push the platform back to an unobstructed position with their feet, thus avoiding contact with the footstool. In some aspects, the footstool may have a spring between the platform and the base, which causes the platform to automatically lift after the user steps off the platform. This automatic retraction further improves the usability and safety of the footstool.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a side perspective view of an example step stool 100 in use according to an aspect of this disclosure. The step stool 100 is fixed to the floor 10 in front of the toilet 20. A child is shown standing on the step stool 100, raising the child to a height where they can easily sit on the toilet or stand to urinate.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a front perspective view of a footstool 100, which includes a base 110 and a platform 120 attached to the top of the base 110. The platform 120 is shown in an unfolded position, in which the platform 120 is generally horizontal to the ground, allowing a user to stand on it. The platform 120 is offset from the base such that, in the unfolded state of the footstool, the leading edge 124 of the platform (i.e., the area or zone near the leading edge of the platform) hangs over the front side of the base 110 (positioned outside the front side, extending beyond the front side, extending beyond the front side).

[0018] Figures 3A to 3C A side view of the position sequence of platform 120 during each stage of use is shown. Figure 3A In the figure, the footstool 100 is in the unfolded position, with the platform 120 rotated until it contacts (i.e., tilts downward) the upper surface of the base, ready for the user to step on. As shown, the platform 120 is horizontal and rests on the base 110. The front of the platform 120 extends beyond the base 110, as indicated by distance D. Figure 3B In the middle, the footstool 100 is located Figure 3A The unfolding position and Figure 3C The transition state between the collapsed positions. For example... Figure 3B As shown, the rear edge 122 of platform 120 (the area or region near the rear edge of the platform) is connected to the rear wall 112 of base 110. Arrow 30 indicates that platform 120 can rotate up or down by means of a hinged connection to base 110. Figure 3C The platform 120 is shown in its stored position, rotated upwards toward the toilet 20, with its leading edge 124 away from the base 110 (tilted upwards from said base). The platform 120 is capable of being deployed in its approximately 90° (relative to the vertical) position with its... Figure 3C Rotate between non-expanded positions.

[0019] like Figure 3C As shown, platform 120 is roughly vertical in its storage configuration. In other examples, such as... Figure 4AAs shown in the side view, the platform 120 can be non-vertical in its stored position (i.e., stowed, not unfolded, stationary, retracted, unused, or open), such as at an angle of 0° to 40°, 3° to 30°, or 5° to 20° with respect to the vertical direction. For example, the angle of the platform 120 in its stored position may depend on its installation position relative to the toilet (i.e., how far in front of or below the toilet bowl), or it may depend on the shape of the toilet, either of which may prevent the platform 120 from being stored in a completely vertical position. In some cases, the stored state (i.e., the stored position) may need to be at an angle to accommodate the range of motion of the hinge mechanism used.

[0020] Figure 3D The footstool 100 in its storage location is shown, along with the user's legs 30 during normal use (even if the footstool 100 may be present but not in use). The legs 30 could represent the user sitting on the toilet 20 or standing facing the toilet 20 while urinating. It can be seen that during normal use, neither the base 110 nor the platform 120 encroaches on the space occupied by the user's legs 30.

[0021] exist Figure 4A In the illustration, platform 120, where it is located, forms an angle θ of approximately 15° with the vertical direction. As described above, other angles for the storage location are possible. Figure 4B The step stool 100 is shown in its unfolded (i.e., non-storage, or non-stepping) position, with the platform 120 folded down to be supported by the base 110.

[0022] The footstool 100 is uniquely designed to offset the platform 120 relative to the base 110. That is, the center point 125 of the platform 120 (… Figure 4B and Figure 5C The platform 120 is offset from the center relative to the central axis 115 (vertical axis) of the base 110 (i.e., misaligned in the front-rear direction). In other words, the distance D1 by which the platform 120 extends beyond the front wall 114 of the base 110 is greater than the distance D2 by which the platform extends beyond the rear wall 112 of the base 110, where D2 can be zero or non-zero. The base 110 and the platform 120 are offset from each other to allow the platform 120 to be used as... Figure 4AThe platform 120 is positioned against or leans towards the toilet, without encroaching on the floor space in front of the toilet (where the user's feet will be positioned). Compared to a centered design (i.e., if the center point 125 of the platform 120 is aligned with the central axis 115 of the base 110), the offset design allows the base to be mounted on the floor closer to the toilet (e.g., more under the toilet bowl). In other words, for the desired position of the platform 120 in front of the toilet during use, the offset base 110 of this disclosure can be closer to the toilet than a centered base, thus avoiding obstruction when the footstool is not in use. In some cases, the offset design, with the hinge located near the rear edge of the platform, also provides a larger lever arm for the user (especially children) to push the platform 120 upwards compared to a platform centered on the base 110. Similarly, compared to a platform centered on the base, the offset design creates more space for the user to push the platform upwards on the underside of the platform and allows for a more natural opening / closing motion due to the hinge being located in the rear area of ​​the platform 120.

[0023] The area of ​​the top surface of platform 120 is larger than the area of ​​the upper surface 116 of base 110, which provides sufficient standing area during use, while minimizing the space occupied by the base when platform 120 is retracted. Platform 120 is large enough to accommodate a child's feet, but does not obstruct movement when stored. The dimensions of base 110 and platform 120 are designed to be small enough that they are not noticeable when a person is using toilet 20 without using footstool 100. For example, when an adult is sitting on the toilet, the platform in its stationary (retracted) position will not bump against the person's legs from the front or side. This arrangement of the offset positioning of platform 120 and the dimensions of base 110 and platform 120 allows footstool 100 to be advantageously and permanently installed in a restroom (e.g., a public restroom) to allow the toilet to be compatible with both standard use (platform 120 not in use) and child use (platform 120 in its unfolded position).

[0024] In one example, platform 120 may have a width of 121a ( Figure 5CThe platform has dimensions of 350 mm × 170 mm (13.8 inches × 6.6 inches) from side edge to side edge and a depth of 121b (from front edge to back edge). In one example, the total height of the footstool 100 when the platform is in its unfolded (folded down) state may be 130 mm (5.1 inches), and the total height of the footstool 100 when the platform is upright may be 250 mm (9.8 inches). In some examples, the platform may have a width 121a of approximately 25 to 38 cm (10 to 15 inches) and a depth 121b of approximately 12 to 20 cm (5 to 8 inches). In some examples, the base may have dimensions of approximately 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) wide (side to side) and approximately 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 inches) deep (front to back). In one specific example, the base could be 13.2 cm wide x 6.6 cm deep (5.2 inches wide x 2.6 inches deep) to be used with a platform that is 35.1 cm wide and 16.8 cm deep (13.8 inches wide and 6.6 inches deep).

[0025] Existing folding footstools are designed for portability and typically have support legs that fold down under the platform. For use in public places, publicly provided portable footstools are prone to theft or loss, and carrying them is inconvenient. Users also need to touch the footstool to move it, which is unhygienic. Other existing footstools or footrests are integrated as part of the toilet itself, with their mechanics built into the dedicated toilet. For example, some traditional designs involve a footstool that retracts along the side of the toilet (e.g., by sliding on a track or along a telescopic arm), or a footstool that pivots from the toilet seat or under the toilet. For public facilities, these dedicated toilets require replacing or modifying existing standard toilets, which is both expensive and time-consuming. Furthermore, traditional footstools are not foldable, making them impractical for use in public restrooms.

[0026] Unlike conventional footstools for toilets, this design is a standalone product that can be used with any standard toilet. The footstool can be permanently installed to allow easy access to the toilet with or without the footstool extended, without sacrificing usability for adults or children. As will be described below, the design is inconspicuous, sturdy, and easy to clean when not in use. The design can also be foot-operated, avoiding contact with the user's hands.

[0027] Figures 5A to 5DFront, side, bottom, and top views of platform 120 according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown. Platform 120 may be made of a material capable of holding a specified weight, such as up to 200 pounds (90.7 kg) or more. Exemplary materials for platform 120 may be, for example, aluminum, steel, high-strength plastics, or composite materials (e.g., fiber-reinforced polymers). The platform material may also be finished or treated for ease of cleaning, such as having a corrosion-resistant coating or a coating resistant to cleaning solutions. Platform 120 has a top surface 128 for placing a user's feet when stepping on, standing, or resting their feet on footrest 100. Top surface 128 may include a non-slip surface 129. Figure 5D In some aspects, the anti-slip surface 129 is attached (e.g., adhered) to the top surface 128. The attached anti-slip surface 129 may be anti-slip due to the materials used (such as rubber or polymer coatings), said materials may optionally include surface treatments or textures, such as matte finishes, grooves, ridges, bumps, grid lines, particulate additives, or other features. Alternatively, the top surface 128 of the platform 120 may itself be formed with the anti-slip surface 129. For example, the top surface 128 may be machined or molded to include textures or other surface treatments (e.g., matte finishes, grooves, ridges, bumps, grid lines) to prevent the user's feet from slipping.

[0028] Figures 6A to 6D Plan view, side view, front view, and bottom view of the footstool 100 in its retracted position (platform 120 folded upwards away from base 110) are shown respectively. Figure 6B In the side view, the base 110 is shown as having a rear wall 112 (the wall that will face the toilet when the footstool is installed), a front wall 114 opposite to the rear wall 112, and an upper surface 116. The upper surface 116 of the base 110 is the surface that will support the platform in the unfolded state. The hinge 126 located at or near the rear edge 122 of the platform 120 can be a housing of a closed hinge, or it can be the hinge itself for attaching the platform 120 to the base 110. It can be seen that the hinge 126 of the platform 120 is connected to the rear wall 112 of the base.

[0029] exist Figures 6A to 6CIn these aspects, the upper surface 116 includes a protrusion 118, a raised feature extending from the upper surface, on which the platform 120 rests in its unfolded position. In this example, the protrusion 118 is illustrated as a raised straight line near the front wall 114. In other aspects, the protrusion 118 may take the form of other geometries, such as one or more lines (curved or straight), dots (e.g., dot-like features, bumps), circles, polygons, or other shapes or designs. The protrusion 118 (or multiple protrusions) may be positioned in various locations, such as at the center of the upper surface 116, near the side edge of the upper surface, near the front wall 114 of the base, and / or near the rear wall 112 of the base. In other aspects, the protrusion 118 may be omitted, such that when the footstool 100 is in use, the platform 120 rests directly on the upper surface 116 (i.e., in contact with the upper surface).

[0030] Figure 6D The bottom view shows holes 132 for securing the base 110 to the ground. Four holes 132 are shown in this example, but fewer (e.g., one, two, or three) or more (e.g., five or more) holes may also be included. Holes 132 are configured to accommodate fasteners such as screws, bolts, brackets, etc.

[0031] In some aspects, the base 110 is directly fixed to the ground. For this type of configuration, Figure 6D The base 130 is the bottom surface of the base 110 itself, and the hole 132 is located in the base 110. In other respects, the base 110 is hollow and slides onto a separate piece for anchoring the footstool to the ground (via screws or other fasteners as described above). In this design, Figure 6D The base 130 is the bottom surface of the floor mount 200 located inside the base 110 (see...). Figures 7A to 7D ), and hole 132 is located in floor mount 200.

[0032] Figures 7A to 7D Top, side, front, and bottom views of the floor mount 200 are shown respectively, according to various aspects. Figure 7D In the bottom view, the base 130 of the floor mount 200 includes holes 132 for securing the step stool 100 to the floor (i.e., the ground). The floor mount 200 is made of a robust material such as stainless steel to provide structural support for the user's weight when the user stands on the offset platform 120. The floor mount 200 is sized to fit inside the base 110, serving as the core to which the base 110 is attached.

[0033] In this diagram, Figure 7BThe coupling feature 234 shown in the side view is a hole for attaching the base 110 to the floor mount 200, for example, using screws, bolts, pins, or other fasteners. Multiple coupling features 234 may be present in the floor mount 200 for attaching the base 110 to the floor mount, such as on one or both lateral sides, and / or at the front or rear of the floor mount 200. One or more coupling features 234 may be included on each wall of the floor mount 200. In other respects, the coupling feature 234 may be configured in other ways, such as recesses or slots for accommodating mating features on the clamp, bracket, or base 110. Figure 7A The top view shows a hole 236 in the top of the floor mount 200, which allows access to a hole 132 in the base 130 of the floor mount 200 (see [reference]). Figure 7C The floor mount 200 may have a height H1 that allows a tool (e.g., a screwdriver) to extend through the height of the floor mount 200 to secure the screws at the base 130 to the ground. Once the step stool 100 is installed in a facility (e.g., a public restroom), it is available for use by anyone using the toilet. If the facility decides that the step stool 100 is no longer needed, it can also be removed by loosening the screws (or other fasteners).

[0034] Figures 8A to 8D Top, side, front, and bottom views of the base 110 in an example utilizing floor mount 200 are shown respectively. In this example, the base 110 includes, as... Figure 6A and Figure 6C The protrusion 118 described in the text. Figure 8B The side view shows a hole 111 corresponding to the coupling feature 234 for attaching the base 110 to the floor mount 200. Figure 8A Top view and Figure 8D In the bottom view, hinge area 117 may represent the hinge itself or the area where the hinge will be mounted. Hinge area 117 is close to or adjacent to rear wall 112 so that platform 120 can be offsetly coupled to base 110.

[0035] Figure 8DThe base 110 is also shown to be hollow, with the front wall 114, rear wall 112, and the remaining walls (i.e., periphery) of the base 110 forming a shell that adapts to the floor mount 200. The interior 113 of the base is open to receive the floor mount 200. To install the step stool 100 in this core-shell configuration at the facility, the floor mount 200 is first attached to the ground via fasteners in insertion holes 132. The base 110 then slides onto the floor mount 200 and is secured to the floor mount 200 by screws (or other fasteners) in the holes 111 of the base 110 and the engagement features 234 of the floor mount 200. The fasteners (e.g., screws, locking pins) may be removable to allow the base 110 to be removed from the floor mount 200 for cleaning (e.g., wiping, rinsing, and / or disinfecting). In other words, the base 110 can be detachably attached to the floor mount 200, wherein the fasteners can be loosened and the base 110 can be lifted (slid off) from the floor mount 200. By making the base 110 removable from the floor mount 200, the base 110 and platform 120 can be cleaned in the sink or other locations without requiring maintenance workers to perform the work on the floor at the toilet.

[0036] The height H2 of the base 110 can be equal to or greater than the height H1 of the floor mount 200. Therefore, the floor mount 200 can provide support along the entire height of the base 110 (if H1 equals H2) or along a portion of the height of the base 110 (when H1 is less than H2). Thus, the base 110 can be made of a robust material to support the weight of a user when standing on the offset platform 120. Exemplary materials for the base 110 include, for example, aluminum, stainless steel, high-strength plastics, or composite materials (e.g., fiber-reinforced polymers).

[0037] The type of hinge 126 (or a similar connecting element in hinge area 117 configured to provide pivoting or rotational movement) used to connect platform 120 to base 110 can be selected for safety and ease of use. In some aspects, the hinge may be a push-release hinge, allowing the user to initiate movement of the platform from its stored position to its deployed position with a gentle push of their foot on platform 120. In some aspects, the hinge may include a soft-close function, allowing it to move smoothly to its rest position on base 110. In some aspects, the hinge that hinges the platform to the base is a push-open and soft-close hinge. In some aspects, the hinge may be a friction hinge, resisting movement so that platform 120 remains upright in its stored position and moves downward in a controlled manner to its deployed position.

[0038] In some aspects, the hinge may include a spring biased to automatically lift or rotate the platform when no force is applied downwards. In other words, the spring can be configured to hold the platform in its stored position (upwards, retracted). The spring can be, for example, a torsion spring or a compression spring, which can be custom-designed to allow for a range of motion when the platform is extended and to accommodate the range of forces the footstool will encounter (the weight of the person using the footstool). Hinges and / or springs that open automatically increase functionality by eliminating the need for the user to lift (i.e., retract or fold) the platform after use, providing a hygienic experience for the user.

[0039] Overall, platform 120 can be moved by the user hands-free, easily pulled down or tilted up with their feet. In some cases, the user only needs to provide a trigger movement or force (e.g., press-to-release) to move the platform up or down, which provides ease of use for young children. In other cases, no action is required from the user to move the platform up, and the user only needs to step on the platform to unfold it.

[0040] In some aspects, a footstool for a toilet includes: a base having a rear wall, a front wall, and a top surface; and a platform having a rear edge, a front edge, and a top surface. The rear edge of the platform is hingedly connected to the base. In an unfolded position, the platform rotates downward onto the top surface of the base, and the front edge of the platform hangs over the front wall of the base. In a stored position, the platform rotates upward from the top surface of the base.

[0041] In some aspects, a footstool for a toilet includes a base having a rear wall, a front wall, and a top surface. A platform is hinged to the rear wall of the base and has a center point offset from the central axis of the base. The platform has a top surface with an area larger than the area of ​​the top surface of the base. A floor mount is located inside the base, and the base is connected to the floor mount. In the unfolded position, the platform is supported by the top surface of the base. In the stored position, the platform rotates upward from the rear wall of the base.

[0042] In some aspects, the rear edge of the platform is hingedly connected to the rear wall of the base. In some aspects, the area of ​​the top surface of the platform is larger than the area of ​​the upper surface of the base. In some aspects, in the unfolded position, the front portion of the platform extends beyond the front wall of the base. In some aspects, the footstool includes a hinge that hinges the platform to the base, wherein the hinge is a press-open, cushioned-close hinge.

[0043] In some aspects, the footstool also includes a floor mount designed to fit within the base, the floor mount being configured to be secured to the floor and attach the base to the floor mount. In some aspects, the base is detachably coupled to the floor mount.

[0044] In some aspects, the footstool also includes an anti-slip material attached to the top surface of the platform. In some aspects, the upper surface of the base includes a protrusion projecting from the upper surface, wherein the platform contacts the protrusion in the unfolded position.

[0045] Reference has been made in detail to various aspects of the disclosed invention, and one or more examples of these aspects have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided in an illustrative manner rather than limiting of the invention. Indeed, while this specification has been described in detail with respect to specific aspects of the invention, it should be understood that modifications, variations, and equivalents of these aspects will readily conceive of by those skilled in the art upon acquiring an understanding of the foregoing. For example, a feature illustrated or described as part of one aspect may be used in conjunction with another aspect to obtain yet another aspect. Therefore, it is intended that this subject matter cover all such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. These and other modifications and variations can be made to the invention by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, the scope of which is more specifically set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should understand that the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the invention.

Claims

1. A footstool for a toilet, comprising: A base having a rear wall, a front wall, and an upper surface; as well as A platform having a trailing edge, a leading edge, and a top surface, wherein the trailing edge of the platform is hingedly connected to the base; In the unfolded position, the platform rotates downward onto the upper surface of the base, and the leading edge of the platform hangs over the front wall of the base. and In the storage position, the platform rotates upward from the upper surface of the base.

2. The footstool according to claim 1, wherein the rear edge of the platform is hingedly connected to the rear wall of the base.

3. The footstool of claim 1, further comprising a floor mount designed to fit within the base, the floor mount being configured to be fixed to the floor and attach the base to the floor mount.

4. The footstool according to claim 1, wherein the area of ​​the top surface of the platform is greater than the area of ​​the upper surface of the base.

5. The footstool according to claim 1, further comprising a hinge that hingedly connects the platform to the base, wherein the hinge is a press-to-open, buffer-to-close hinge.

6. The footstool of claim 1, further comprising a hinge that hingedly connects the platform to the base, wherein the hinge includes a spring element configured to hold the platform in the storage position.

7. The footstool according to claim 1, further comprising an anti-slip material attached to the top surface of the platform.

8. The footstool of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the base includes a protrusion projecting from the upper surface, wherein the platform contacts the protrusion in the unfolded position.

9. A footstool for a toilet, comprising: A base having a rear wall, a front wall, and an upper surface; A platform hinged to the rear wall of the base and having a center point offset from the central axis of the base, the platform having a top surface with an area greater than that of the upper surface of the base; as well as A floor mounting component is located inside the base, and the base is connected to the floor mounting component; In the unfolded position, the platform is supported by the upper surface of the base; and In the storage position, the platform rotates upward from the rear wall of the base.

10. The footstool of claim 9, wherein the base is detachably connected to the floor mount.

11. The footstool according to claim 9, wherein the rear edge of the platform is hingedly connected to the rear wall of the base.

12. The footstool of claim 9, wherein in the unfolded position, the front portion of the platform extends beyond the front wall of the base.

13. The footstool according to claim 9, further comprising a hinge that hingedly connects the platform to the base, wherein the hinge is a press-to-open, buffer-to-close hinge.

14. The footstool of claim 9, further comprising a hinge that hingedly connects the platform to the base, wherein the hinge includes a spring element configured to hold the platform in the storage position.

15. The footstool of claim 9, wherein the top surface of the platform comprises an anti-slip material.

16. The footstool of claim 9, wherein the upper surface of the base includes a protrusion projecting from the upper surface, wherein the platform contacts the protrusion in the unfolded position.

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