step stool
The folding step stool with rotatable and slidable hooks and locking mechanisms addresses ease of use and storage by allowing secure attachment to fixtures and carts, ensuring compact storage and convenient transport.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025004332U
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-13
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-12-16
AI Technical Summary
There is a demand for a foldable step stool that is easier to use, particularly for easier storage and transportation.
A folding step stool design featuring a pair of first and second support columns connected by connectors, allowing the step and support to rotate between closed and open positions, with a hook having locking claws that can be rotated or slid into storage or hooking positions, and a locking mechanism to secure the hook in place.
The design provides a user-friendly, easily storable, and compact foldable step stool that can be securely attached to various fixtures and carts, enhancing convenience and safety during storage and transport.
Smart Images
Figure 0003254722000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] This invention relates to a folding step stool for use in stores and other places. [Background technology]
[0002] Folding step stools are used in stores such as supermarkets and drugstores. Folding step stools are easy to carry and can be folded up for compact storage, making them highly convenient. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0003] There is a demand for a foldable step stool that is easier to use, such as for easier storage.
[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a folding step stool that is easier to use. [Means for solving the problem]
[0005] The above problems are solved by the following invention. That is, invention (1) is: The tread and A pair of first posts attached to both sides of the footboard, A pair of second support columns attached to both sides of the footboard and connected to the pair of first support columns, respectively; a first connector connecting the pair of first columns; a second connector connecting the pair of second columns, A folding step stool in which the second support and the step can rotate relative to the first support between a closed position in which the step, the first support, and the second support are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and an open position in which the step, the first support, and the second support intersect and the surface of the step is arranged substantially horizontally; The present invention provides a step stool in which a hook having at least one locking claw is provided on at least one of the footboard, the first support pillar, the second support pillar, the first connecting body, and the second connecting body.
[0006] The present invention (2) provides a step stool as described in (1), in which the hook is attached to the step, the first support, the second support, the first connector or the second connector so as to be rotatable or slidable.
[0007] The present invention (3) is a step stool (1) in which the hook is provided on the underside of the step and is rotatable between a storage position in which the locking claw does not protrude from the underside of the step and a hooking position in which the locking claw protrudes from the underside of the step.
[0008] The present invention (4) is a step stool according to (1) or (2), in which the locking claws are a pair of left and right locking claws that rotate in conjunction with each other.
[0009] The present invention (5) is a step stool according to any one of (1) to (4), in which the locking claws extend from a base portion extending in the width direction, and a recess is provided in the base portion.
[0010] The present invention (6) is a step stool (3) equipped with a locking mechanism that can fix the hook at the storage position and the hooking position. [Effects of the Invention]
[0011] This invention provides a foldable step stool that is easier to use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a step stool according to an embodiment in an open state when in use. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in an open state when in use. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in an open state when in use. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in an open state when in use. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in an open state for use. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a rear view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in an open state for use. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in an open state when in use. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in an open state when in use. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a bottom view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in an open state when in use. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in a folded state. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in a folded state. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in a folded state (hook storage). [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in a folded state (hook storage). [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in a folded state. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a rear view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in a folded state (hook storage). [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in a folded state (hook storage). [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a plan view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in a folded state (hook storage). [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a bottom view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in a folded state (hook storage). [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an example of a step stool according to an embodiment in a folded state (with the hook standing up). [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in a folded state (with the hook standing up). [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a rear view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in a folded state (with the hook standing up). [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a side view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in a folded state (with the hook standing up). [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a plan view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in a folded state (with the hook standing up). [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a bottom view showing an example of the step stool according to the embodiment in a folded state (with the hook standing up). [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a hook. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the storage position of the hook. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the hooking position of the hook. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing an example of the step stool according to the first modification in a folded state (with the hook standing up). [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing an example of a step stool according to the second modification in a folded state (hook storage). [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the hook of the step stool according to the embodiment is attached to a fixture. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the hook of the step stool according to the embodiment is attached to a fixture. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is an enlarged view showing an example of a hook of a step stool according to an embodiment attached to a fixture. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the hook of the step stool according to the embodiment is attached to a fixture. [Figure 34]FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the hook of the step stool according to the embodiment is attached to a fixture. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is an enlarged view showing an example of a hook of a step stool according to an embodiment attached to a fixture. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the hook of the step stool according to the embodiment is attached to a cart. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the hook of the step stool according to the embodiment is attached to a cart. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is an enlarged view showing an example of a hook of a step stool according to an embodiment attached to a cart. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the hook of the step stool according to the embodiment is attached to a cart. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the hook of the step stool according to the embodiment is attached to a cart. [Figure 41] FIG. 41 is an enlarged view showing an example of a hook of a step stool according to an embodiment attached to a cart. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a diagram showing another example of a hook. [Figure 43] FIG. 43 shows another example of a hook. [Figure 44] FIG. 44 shows another example of a hook. [Figure 45] FIG. 45 shows another example of a hook. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The following describes a step stool according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The step stool according to this embodiment is a foldable step stool, and the step stool has a hook that can be attached to a display fixture or cart.
[0014] 1 to 9 are diagrams showing an example of an open and used state of the step stool 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 10 to 18 are diagrams showing an example of a folded state of the step stool 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention (hook stored). FIGS. 19 to 24 are diagrams showing an example of a folded state of the step stool 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention (hook raised). Hereinafter, the X direction shown in the drawings is the width direction (left-right direction) of the step stool 1, the Y direction is the front-to-back direction (depth direction) of the step stool 1, and the Z direction is the height direction (up-down direction) of the step stool 1.
[0015] The step stool 1 comprises at least one step board 11. The step stool 1 according to this embodiment comprises a first step board 12 on the upper level and a second step board 13 on the lower level. The first step board 12 has an opening 14 formed therein that can be used as a handle, for example. The step board 11 is made of resin such as polypropylene, and its surface may be provided with an elastomer anti-slip coating.
[0016] A pair of first support posts 15 are attached to both sides of the step board 11 in the width direction of the step stool 1 (step board 11). A pair of second support posts 16 are attached to both sides of the step board 11 in the width direction of the step stool 1 (step board 11). The pair of first support posts 15 are connected to each other at their upper parts by a first connector 17. The pair of first support posts 15 are also connected to each other via connectors on the back side of the first step board 12 and the back side of the second step board 13. In this specification, the term "first connector" may also include these connectors. The pair of second support posts 16 are connected to each other at their middle and lower parts by a second connector 18. Furthermore, the pair of second support posts 16 are each connected to the pair of first support posts 15 by connectors 19. The first support column 15, the second support column 16, the first connector 17, and the second connector 18 are made of, for example, metal, and are preferably made of an aluminum alloy so as to be lightweight and easy to carry.
[0017] The first step 12, the second step 13, and the second support column 16 are connected by an auxiliary rotation mechanism 21. The auxiliary rotation mechanism 21 includes a first stay 22 and a second stay 23. One end of the first stay 22 is connected to the first step 12 by a connecting portion 24, and the other end is connected to the second step 13 by a connecting portion 25. The second stay 23 has one end connected to the middle portion of the first stay 22 by a connecting portion 26, and the other end connected to the second support column 16 by a connecting portion 27.
[0018] 1 to 9, the step stool 1 can be placed in an open position in which the step board 11, the first support post 15, and the second support post 16 intersect and the surface of the step board 11 is positioned substantially horizontally. The step stool 1 is placed on the floor or the like in the open position and used as a step stool.
[0019] The step stool 1 can be folded compactly when not in use, for example, as a step stool. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 24 , the step stool 1 is folded by rotating the step 11 and the second support pillar 16 relative to the first support pillar 15 so that the step stool 1 is in a closed position where the step stool 11, the first support pillar 15, and the second support pillar 16 are arranged substantially parallel to one another. Because the step stool 11 and the second support pillar 16 are connected by the auxiliary rotation mechanism 21, the step stool 1 can be smoothly folded from the open position to the closed position. When the step stool 1 is to be used as a step stool, the step stool 11 and the second support pillar 16 are rotated relative to the first support pillar 15 so that the step stool 1 is again in the closed position to the open position.
[0020] As such, the step stool 1 of this embodiment is a foldable step stool in which the step 11 and the second support 16 can rotate relative to the first support 15 between a closed position in which the step 11, the first support 15 and the second support 16 are arranged approximately parallel to each other, and an open position in which the step 11, the first support 15 and the second support 16 intersect and the surface of the step 11 is arranged approximately horizontally.
[0021] The above-described structure of the step stool 1 according to this embodiment is merely an example. In particular, the shape, size, length, etc. of the step board 11, first support pillar 15, and second support pillar 16 of the step board 1 are merely exemplary and are not limited to those shown in the drawings. The shape and size of the step board 11 and the shapes and lengths of the first support pillar 15 and second support pillar 16 can be set as appropriate. Furthermore, the step board 1 is not limited to two step boards (two steps), but may be one step board (one step) or more than two step boards (three or more steps). The shapes and vertical positions of the first connecting body 17 and the second connecting body 18 are also not limited to those shown in the drawings. For example, the step board may be one in which the first connecting body and the second connecting body are located behind the first step board in the open position.
[0022] 3, 4, 9, 12, 13, 15, 19, and 20 to 24, a hook 31 is provided on the back surface 28 of a step 11, for example, the first step 12 on the upper level. The hook 31 is detachably attached to the back surface 28 of the first step 12. FIG. 25 is an enlarged view showing an example of the hook 31 on the back surface 28 of the first step 12.
[0023] The hook 31 is a locking member having at least one locking claw 33. The hook 31 is made of, for example, polyacetal (POM). The hook 31 has a base portion 32 and at least one locking claw 33 extending from the base portion 32.
[0024] As shown in Figure 25, a shaft 34 extending in the width direction is attached to the back surface 28 of the first step plate 12, and the base part 32 is attached to the shaft 34 so as to be rotatable around the shaft 34. This makes the hook 31 rotatable relative to the first step plate 12. The hook 31 can be rotated by hand.
[0025] As shown in Fig. 15, the base portion 32 extends in the width direction, and has a recess 35 recessed forward in the center of the width direction, as shown in Figs. 23 and 25. In this embodiment, the locking claws 33 are provided near both ends of the base portion 32 in the width direction, forming a pair on the left and right. The pair of left and right locking claws 33 extending from the base portion 32 can rotate in conjunction with each other when the base portion 32 rotates.
[0026] The hook 31 is rotatable relative to the first step plate 12 between a storage position where the locking claw 33 does not protrude from the back surface 28 of the first step plate 12 and a hooking position where the locking claw 33 protrudes from the back surface 28 of the first step plate 12. In Figures 12 to 18, the hook 31 is in a storage position where the locking claw 33 does not protrude from the back surface 28 of the first step plate 12 (hook storage), and the locking claw 33 is stored in a lattice-shaped groove 36 in the back surface 28 of the first step plate 12 (see particularly Figures 13 and 15, and also Figure 26 described below). In Figures 19 to 24, the hook 31 is in a hooking position where the locking claw 33 protrudes from the back surface 28 of the first step plate 12 (hook upright), and the locking claw 33 protrudes outward from the back surface 28 of the first step plate 12 so as to be hooked. 22, when in the hooking position, the locking claw 33 extends in a gentle curve diagonally downward, and its inner surface 37 comes into contact with the wire of the product display fixture or the pipe of the cart to be hooked. For example, when the step stool 1 is being used as a step stool or when the step stool 1 is folded up but the hook 31 is not being used, the hook 31 can be placed in the stored position, and when the hook 31 is to be used, it can be rotated to the hooking position.
[0027] As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the step stool 1 is equipped with a locking mechanism 38 that can fix the position of the hook 31. The hook 31 can be fixed by the locking mechanism 38 in either the storage position shown in Figure 26 or the hooking position shown in Figure 27. The locking mechanism 38 is composed of, for example, a first engagement portion 39a (e.g., a locking protrusion on the rear surface 28 of the first step 12) provided on the back surface 28 of the first step 12, and a second engagement portion 39b (e.g., a locking protrusion on the base end of the hook 31) provided at the base end of the hook 31. In the storage position, as shown in Figure 26, the second engagement portion 39b is engaged in front of the first engagement portion 39a, and the hook 31 is fixed in the storage position. When the hook 31 is rotated from the storage position to the hooking position, the second engagement portion 39b passes over the first engagement portion 39a and engages behind the first engagement portion 39a, and the hook 31 is fixed in the hooking position as shown in Figure 27.
[0028] In the step stool of the present invention, the location where the hook is provided is not limited to the back surface 28 of the first step 12. A rotating hook shaped like the hook 31 described above would be preferably provided on the back surface 28 of the first step 12, but in the step stool of the present invention, a hook with at least one locking claw can be provided on at least one of the step 11 (not limited to the back surface 28), the first support post 15, the second support post 16, the first connector 17, and the second connector 18 of the step stool 1, as appropriate.
[0029] FIG. 28 shows an example of a step stool 1a according to a first modified example of the present invention in a folded state (with the hook standing up). In this first modified example, a pivotable hook 31a is provided on the first connector 17. The hook 31a includes a base 32a and at least one locking claw 33a extending from the base 32a. The base 32a is annular and is attached to the first connector 17 through a through-hole therein. The base 32a is pivotable around the first connector 17, thereby allowing the hook 31a to rotate relative to the first connector 17. As shown in FIG. 28, two hooks 31a each with one locking claw 33a can be provided, one on each side, but the positions at which the hooks 31a are attached and the number of hooks 31a are not limited to these.
[0030] Furthermore, the hook is not limited to one that rotates relative to the back surface of the step, but can be a hook (sliding hook) that can slide in the width direction and / or depth direction relative to the location where the hook is provided (step 11, first support 15, second support 16, first connecting body 17 or second connecting body 18).
[0031] FIG. 29 shows an example of a step stool 1b according to a second variation of the present invention in a folded state (hook storage). In the second variation, a sliding hook 31b is attached to the back surface 28 of the first step 12. The hook 31b includes a base 32b and at least one locking claw 33b extending from the base 32b. The base 32b is attached to the back surface 28 of the first step 12 so as to be slidable in the front-to-rear direction of the back surface 28 in FIG. 29, i.e., the depth direction. The hook 31b can slide relative to the first step 12 between a storage position in which the locking claw 33b does not protrude from the back surface 28 of the first step 12 and a hooking position in which the locking claw 33b protrudes from the back surface 28 of the first step 12. As shown in FIG. 29, two hooks 31b each having one locking claw 33b can be provided, one on each side, but the positions where the hooks 31b are attached and the number of hooks 31b are not limited to this.
[0032] The step stool 1 according to this embodiment can be hooked onto a product display fixture or a cart by setting the hook 31 to the hooking position. Below, an example will be described in which the hook 31 is set to the hooking position and the step stool is hooked onto a product display fixture or a cart.
[0033] 30 to 32 are diagrams showing an example of a state in which the hook 31 of the step stool 1 is hooked to a product display fixture 101, such as a KJ Gondola (registered trademark). The wires 103 and 104 attached to the frame 102 of the product display fixture 101 are relatively thin, and the pitch between the wires is relatively narrow. The step stool 1 is attached to the product display fixture 101 by hooking the locking claws 33 of the hook 31 onto the wire 103 (horizontal bar) of the product display fixture 101. When hooking, it is preferable to position the hook 31 so that the front surface of the base 32 abuts against the wire 104 (vertical bar) so that the hook 31 does not enter the display space within the product display fixture 101 as much as possible. Furthermore, the wire 104 (vertical bar) supports the side of the hook 31, preventing it from rattling. By using the hook 31, the step stool 1 can be hung and stored compactly.
[0034] 33 to 35 are diagrams showing an example of a state in which the hook 31 of the step stool 1 is hooked onto a product display fixture 111 with casters, such as a display tray. The wires 113 and 114 attached to the frame 112 of the product display fixture 111 are relatively thick, and the pitch between the wires is relatively wide. The step stool 1 is attached to the product display fixture 111 by hooking the locking claws 33 of the hook 31 onto the wires 113 (horizontal bars) of the product display fixture 111. When hooking, by aligning the recess 35 formed in the center of the base 32 of the hook 31 with the wires 114 (vertical bars) of the product display fixture 111, it is possible to hook the hook 31 onto the product display fixture 111 while avoiding the relatively thick wires 114 (vertical bars). By using the hook 31, the step stool 1 can be hung and stored compactly, and it can be easily transported together with the product display fixture 111.
[0035] 36 to 38 are diagrams showing an example of the state in which the hook 31 of the step stool 1 is attached to the stock cart 121. The step stool 1 is attached to the stock cart 121 by hooking the locking claws 33 of the hook 31 onto the square pipes 122 (pipes with a rectangular cross section) of the shelf frame of the stock cart 121. By using the hook 31, the step stool 1 can be hung and stored compactly, and it can also be easily transported together with the stock cart 121.
[0036] 39 to 41 are diagrams showing an example of the state in which the hook 31 of the step stool 1 is attached to the two-stage cart 131. The step stool 1 is attached to the two-stage cart 131 by hooking the locking claw 33 of the hook 31 onto the round pipe 132 (a pipe with a substantially circular cross section) of the handle of the two-stage cart 131. By using the hook 31, the step stool 1 can be hung and stored compactly, and it can also be easily transported together with the two-stage cart 131.
[0037] The hook 31 of the step stool 1 according to this embodiment can be hooked onto a variety of product display fixtures and carts, including but not limited to the product display fixture 101 shown in Figures 30 to 32, the product display fixture 111 shown in Figures 33 to 35, the stock cart 121 shown in Figures 36 to 38, and the two-tiered cart 131 shown in Figures 39 to 41, and the hooked step stool 1 can be attached to the product display fixture or cart for storage. It can also be attached to a product display fixture or cart with casters for easy transport.
[0038] The hook 31 of the step stool 1 according to this embodiment is not limited to the one having a pair of left and right locking claws 33 that rotate in conjunction with each other as described with reference to Figures 1 to 27 and 30 to 39, but can be modified and changed in various ways. The shape of the hook 31 of the step stool 1 is an example, and various hook shapes such as an S-shape, a J-shape, a V-shape, or a U-shape can be appropriately adopted.
[0039] 42 to 45 are diagrams showing other examples of the hook of the step stool 1 according to this embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 42, a hook 41 may have a base 42 with no recess in the center in the width direction, and engaging claws 43 extending from both ends of the base 42. For example, as shown in FIG. 43, if a hook 51 has one engaging claw 53, this hook 51 can be used to hang a step stool on a product display fixture or cart. For example, as shown in FIG. 44, a hook 61 can have a wide engaging claw 63 that extends in the width direction and has the same width as the base 62. Such engaging claw 63 allows the step stool to be stably attached to the square or round pipes of a cart. For example, as shown in FIG. 45, a hook 71 may have multiple engaging claws 73 that rotate independently of each other.
[0040] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a step stool includes a step plate, a pair of first support posts attached to either side of the step plate, a pair of second support posts attached to either side of the step plate and connected to the pair of first support posts, a first connector connecting the pair of first support posts, and a second connector connecting the pair of second support posts.The step stool is a foldable step stool in which the second support post and the step plate can rotate relative to the first support posts between a closed position in which the step plate, first support post, and second support post are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and an open position in which the step plate, first support post, and second support post intersect and the plate surface of the step plate is arranged substantially horizontally.The step stool is provided with a hook with at least one locking claw on at least one of the underside of the step plate, the first support post, the second support post, the first connector, and the second connector. By providing a hook with at least one locking claw on at least one of the back surface of the step plate, the first support post, the second support post, the first connecting body, and the second support post, the step stool can be hooked onto fixtures, carts, etc., providing a user-friendly foldable step stool. For example, the multiple locking claws on the hook can stably support the step stool when hooked onto the hook. The step stool according to the embodiment of the present invention is highly convenient as it can be easily stored by hanging it on the hook in a compact folded state.
[0041] The hook is attached so as to be rotatable or slidable relative to the step board, the first support post, the second support post, the first connector, or the second connector on which the hook is attached. By attaching the hook so as to be rotatable or slidable, the hook can be moved, providing a user-friendly step stool.
[0042] In addition, the hook provided on the back surface of the step plate is rotatable relative to the step plate between a storage position where the locking claw does not protrude from the back surface of the step plate and a hooking position where the locking claw protrudes from the back surface of the step plate. By placing the hook in the storage position when not in use, the hook's locking claw does not get in the way, ensuring high safety. By placing the hook in the storage position, the appearance is neat and tidy. Furthermore, when using the hook, the hook can be rotated from the storage position to the hooking position, making it easy to use and highly convenient.
[0043] The hook's locking claws can be a pair of left and right locking claws that rotate in unison with each other. This allows the step stool to be stably supported when the hook is hooked. In addition, the two locking claws can be rotated at the same time, which is convenient.
[0044] The latch extends from a base that extends widthwise and has a recess in the center of the base. For example, by aligning the wire (vertical rod) of the fixture onto which the step stool is to be hung with the recess in the hook, the step stool hook can be easily hooked onto a product display fixture that has a wire (vertical rod).
[0045] The step stool is equipped with a locking mechanism that can fix the hook in both the storage position and the hooking position. The locking mechanism can fix the hook in either the storage position, where the locking claw does not protrude from the back surface of the step board, or in the hooking position, where the locking claw protrudes from the back surface of the step board, preventing the hook from moving from the desired position. This prevents the hook's locking claw from protruding unexpectedly, providing high safety.
[0046] The step stool hook according to this embodiment can be hooked onto various fixtures, including product display fixtures, stock carts, two-tier carts, etc. In other words, the object to which the hook is hooked and its shape are not limited as long as the hook can be hooked, and it can be hooked onto various fixtures, etc. By providing a hook, it is possible to hook the step stool onto various product display fixtures and carts, providing a more user-friendly foldable step stool. It is easy to carry and highly convenient. It can be stored in a small space.
[0047] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is also possible to combine the various embodiments and variations. For example, while the hook is provided on the first upper step of the two step boards, the hook may also be provided on the second lower step board. [Explanation of symbols]
[0048] 1. Step stool 11 Tread 12 First Tread 13 Second Tread 15 Pair of first pillars 16 Pair of Second Supports 31, 31a, 31b, 41, 51, 61, 71 Hook 32, 32a, 32b Base part 33, 33a, 33b, 43, 53, 63, 73 Locking claw 38 Locking mechanism 101, 111 Product display fixtures 121 Stock Cart 131 Two-tier cart
Claims
1. The tread and a pair of first support posts attached to both sides of the footboard; a pair of second support columns attached to both sides of the footboard and connected to the pair of first support columns; a first connector connecting the pair of first support columns; a second connector connecting the pair of second columns, A folding step stool in which the second support and the step can rotate relative to the first support between a closed position in which the step, the first support, and the second support are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and an open position in which the step, the first support, and the second support intersect and the plate surface of the step is arranged substantially horizontally; A step stool, wherein at least one of the step plate, the first support pillar, the second support pillar, the first connecting body, and the second connecting body is provided with a hook having at least one locking claw.
2. The step stool according to claim 1 , wherein the hook is attached to the step board, the first support pillar, the second support pillar, the first connector, or the second connector so as to be rotatable or slidable.
3. The step stool described in claim 1, wherein the hook is provided on the back surface of the step plate and is rotatable relative to the step plate between a storage position in which the locking claw does not protrude from the back surface of the step plate and a hooking position in which the locking claw protrudes from the back surface of the step plate.
4. 3. The step stool according to claim 1, wherein the locking claws are a pair of left and right locking claws that rotate in conjunction with each other.
5. 3. The step stool according to claim 1, wherein the locking claws extend from a base portion extending in the width direction, and the base portion is provided with a recess.
6. The step stool according to claim 3 , further comprising a locking mechanism that can fix the hook at each of the storage position and the hooking position.