Rotating Step Stool

Abstract

An embodiment of a rotating step stool comprises a substantially fixed base coupled to one portion of a swivel and a second portion of a swivel coupled to a rotatable top portion. The top surface of the rotatable top portion is adapted to support during rotation of the top surface. The embodiment also includes a mechanism adapted to lock and unlock the rotatable top portion in at least two positions. The mechanism may be a foot pedal or any other mechanism substantially adapted for use by a person other than the person standing on the top surface. One embodiment is specifically adapted for use in a doctor's office setting, providing the use the use of a stability device such as a stem and handle to hold onto during rotation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to step stools.

BACKGROUND

Step stools in general, step stools with a handrail or handrails, and slidable or easily movable step stools are generally known amongst persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,452,076 describes an invention that includes a step-stool with a handrail and wheels are adapted to move along the track and provide a user the ability to easily move the stool and reach items placed on upper shelves while also providing the user support with the handrail. Examples of other slidable or movable step stools include the inventions described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,579,864 and 5,461,736, with the '736 patent describing a step stool that includes a hydraulic lift.

Although the step stools as described in the '076, '864, and '736 patents all describe easily movable or slidable step stools with a hand rail to provide support to the step stool user, the step stools do not allow a user to automatically turn the position of his or her body without moving the person's position on the step stool, or moving the actual radial alignment of the step stool itself, which is sometimes required in order to sit on a raised platform. Take, for example, the device described in the '736 patent. That particular step stool allows a user to step onto the stool and provides support to the user by giving the user the ability to hold onto one or two handrails. The stool can even be raised to a height above the actual step height by use of a hydraulic lift attached to a lever. Although this provides a user the ability to reach higher items on shelves or even allows a user to be raised to a height appropriate to sit on a raised platform, the stool does not actually turn the user to enable him or her to sit on a raised platform such as a bench or chair in a doctor's office.

In many doctor office visits, the patient is required to sit or lay on an examination table in order for the doctor to adequately provide care to the patient. When the patient is short or infirm due to age, a sore back, or otherwise, the patient may be unable to reach to upper surface of the examination table in order to sit or lay down on the surface without the use of a step stool. When stools similar to those described in the '076, '864, or '736 patents are used to enable a patient to reach the upper surface of an examination table, or even when the examination table has an attached step stool, the patient is required to step up onto the stool, then turn their body until their back faces the examination table, and then sit or lie down at that point. Even when patients employ the use of support mechanisms such as a handrail, cane, or even through human support of a nurse or otherwise, accidents frequently occur and the patient oftentimes falls during the turning while on the step stool, causing injury to the patient, with the injury sometimes being quite severe. This may also occur when the stool is wheeled or repositioned on the floor after the person steps onto the stool.

SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is top view of a substantially fixed base and a swivel coupled to the substantially fixed base of one embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a swivel locking mechanism in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a side view an embodiment showing the rotatable top portion, swivel and substantially fixed base.

FIG. 4A is a side view of a swivel and u-joint locking mechanism in the unlocked position in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a side view of a swivel and u-joint locking mechanism in the locked position in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a side view of a rotatable step stool illustrating a first position according to one method of the current invention

FIG. 5B is a side view of a rotatable step stool illustrating a second position according to one method of the current invention.

FIG. 5C is a side view of a rotatable step stool illustrating a third position according to one method of the current invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of the invention is comprised of a step stool that is adapted to rotate at least a portion of a surface upon which a user of the device will stand. In one embodiment, the device typically rotates by the use of a locking swivel whose locking mechanism is controlled by a person other than the person on the stool. The locking mechanism may be a foot-pedal system that may allow a person to depress the pedal to unlock the swivel in order to rotate at least a portion of the step stool while also helping the person on the stool keep their balance as their hands would be free to provide support to the person on the stool. This type of step stool would be very useful in a doctor's office setting to minimize the number of infirm patients who fall off step stools while attempting to sit onto an examination table.

One embodiment of the stool is typically comprised of a substantially fixed base. The base may be comprised of a frame structure or the base may be a generally block-like rectangular structure. In either base style, the base is comprised of at least one bottom side that is adapted to rest upon the surface that the bottom side is placed upon, in a doctor's office, the surface is typically the office floor. For example, the bottom side in one embodiment may be comprised of a plurality of rubber stoppers that are adapted to keep the base from moving during rotation of a rotatable top portion. An embodiment may also be comprised of a bottom side other than one with rubber stoppers in order to keep the base substantially fixed.

A portion of one embodiment's substantially fixed based is typically coupled to one portion of the swivel—typically a portion of a swivel bottom surface. In one embodiment, the top surface of the base is coupled to the bottom surface of the swivel. The swivel-base coupling is typically adapted to allow a second portion of the swivel to rotate about the base. The rotatable top portion is typically coupled to the second portion of the swivel, the second portion often being a swivel top surface. In one embodiment, the swivel top surface is coupled to a bottom surface of the rotatable top portion, thereby allowing the rotatable top portion or an embodiment to spin around the base. The swivel itself may be a swivel similar to a boat seat swivel and the swivel may be coupled to the base and rotatable top portion via a bolted assembly. For example, a type of swivel used in one embodiment that generally has the qualities as described herein is the Universal Boat Seat Swivel, Mfg#GAR75016, manufactured by Garelick Manufacturing Company of St. Paul, Minn. Other coupling mechanisms besides bolted assemblied may be used to couple the swivel to the stool.

One embodiment also includes a locking mechanism adapted to lock and unlock the swivel and coupled rotatable top portion in at least two positions. The mechanism is typically adapted so that it may be used easily by a person other than the person standing on a top surface of the rotatable top portion. However, the mechanism may not be used easily by the person who is actually standing on the top surface of the rotatable top portion without bending over or otherwise repositioning his or her body in attempting to reach the mechanism. For example, the locking mechanism may be a foot pedal placed on the ground and coupled to a cable which enables a swivel braking system. The foot pedal in one embodiment is also coupled to the base and may be coupled using at least one u-joint mechanism instead of a cable.

One embodiment may have a locking mechanism that is similar to a disc brake adapted to lock the swivel or rotatable top portion in any position that the top is in upon release of the foot pedal or other locking mechanism. An embodiment may also be comprised of a braking system that is a cable/pin system wherein, when the foot pedal is depressed, a pin is released from a bore in the rotatable top portion or the swivel top surface, thereby enabling the swivel top surface to rotate. In such an embodiment, when the locking mechanism such as the foot pedal is released, the pin returns to its original position and lodges once again within a bore in the swivel top surface or rotatable top portion. Typically a spring provides the force necessary to return the pin to its original position. One embodiment has two bores equal distance from the axis of rotation and 180 degrees apart, but an embodiment may also have 4 bores 90 degrees apart or a number of bores which is more than 4 and equal distant apart form each other. The bores may also be notches. Locking mechanisms other than a foot-pedal system may also be applied in an embodiment. The foot pedal may be coupled to the substantially fixed base or it may be coupled to a cable.

The top surface of the rotatable top portion 16 in one embodiment is typically generally rectangular, but may be circular or any other shape adapted to allow a person to stand on the surface. Additionally, the top surface may be comprised of a size that allows a person to stand on the surface with the person's legs generally shoulder width apart, thereby allowing the person to stabilize themselves on the top surface. Therefore, a preferred size of the top surface of the rotatable top portion is a rectangular-shaped surface generally having 14 inch long sides. A first preferred larger size would be a top surface having edges 24 inches long and a first preferred smaller size would be a top surface having edges 12 inches long. The top surface of the rotatable top portion of an embodiment is typically 9 inches above the surface that the bottom side of the substantially fixed base is placed upon. The top surface of an embodiment may also include a non-slip surface. In a generally circular top surface embodiment, the typical length of a diameter of the top surface is generally equal to the length of an edge of a rectangular top surface.

One embodiment may also be comprised of a stability device. An embodiment's stability device may be a stem and handle that is coupled to the rotatable top portion and adapted to allow a user to grip the handle during rotation of the top.

Terminology:

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, tense or any singular or plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning “either or both”.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “a variation”, “one variation”, and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of phrases like “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a variation” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment or variation.

The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to either an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of a applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

As applicable, the terms “about” or “generally” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +−20%. Also, as applicable, the term “substantially” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +−10%. It is to be appreciated that not all uses of the above terms are quantifiable such that the referenced ranges can be applied.

The term “integrate” or “integrated” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to a blending, uniting, or incorporation of the identified elements, components or objects into a unified whole.

The term “composite”, “composites” or any version thereof refers to a solid material which is composed of two or more substances having different physical characteristics and in which each substance retains its identity while contributing desirable properties to the whole; such as, but not limited to, a structural polymeric matrix within which a fibrous material such as silicon carbide is embedded.

First Embodiment of a Rotating Step Stool:

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, an embodiment of a rotating step stool 10 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the rotating step stool is typically comprised of a handle 12, a stem 14, a rotatable top portion 16, a substantially fixed base 18, and a locking mechanism 20. An embodiment is contemplated that may not be comprised of a stability device such as the stem and handle.

In an embodiment having a handle 12, the handle is typically adapted to allow a user to grip the handle in order to stabilize the user during rotation of the rotatable top portion 16. Therefore, the handle may have a substantially circular cross-section, as best shown in FIG. 1. Also as shown in FIG. 1, the handle may include grooves to allow a user to obtain a better grip on the handle. When the handle has a substantially circular cross-section, the preferred diameter of the handle may be about 1 inch in one embodiment, with a first larger size preferred diameter being 1.5 inches and a first preferred smaller size diameter being 0.75 inches.

Other than a circular cross-section, the cross-section of the handle 12 may be rectangular in an embodiment with the side length of the rectangular cross-section being a length similar to the diameter of a circular cross-section. Or, the handle may be any other particular cross-sectional geometry adapted to allow a user to grip the surface. The handle may be comprised of a plastic, a metal or metal alloy, a composite material, or an other type of material, such as a ceramic. Often the handle will have a foam covering or other type of covering in order to provide a non-slip surface to the handle.

Typically integrated to the handle 12 in an embodiment is a stem 14. The stem length 22 in one embodiment is generally 36 inches long. In one embodiment with a smaller stem, the stem may be only 32 inches long, and in one embodiment with a longer stem, the stem may be 40 inches long. Additionally, the stem length may be a length that is adjustable through the use of a first and second stem section coupled together with a pin-bore attachment system or with a clamp attachment system or with any other type of dual-stem coupling system. The adjustable height stem in one embodiment may allow the user to adjust the stem length from 32 inches up to 40 inches, although the stem may adjust outside of this range as well.

Whatever the type of stem 14 that is employed by an embodiment, the stem length 22 is adapted to position the handle 12 at a height for a user to grab the handle in a manner that allows the user to stabilize himself or herself, such as by placing the user's weight on the handle-stem combination. Additionally, the handle and stem may not be integrated, but may coupled together through a pin-bore coupling, a bolted assembly, or otherwise. The stem may also be curved in one embodiment, and the curve may allow the rotatable top portion 16 to be placed closer to a surface that the user wishes to sit upon. Additionally, an embodiment may include two stability devices such as two stem-handle combinations, the two stems facing each other or being next to each other.

A cross-section of the stem 14 may be a circular cross-section, or the stem cross-section may be a rectangular cross-section, as best shown in FIG. 1. The stem may also be coupled to the rotatable top portion 16 in one embodiment through one or more bolted assemblies. Additionally, the rotatable top portion may be integrated to the stem or coupled to the stem in a manner other than through a bolted assembly. For example, the stem and rotatable top portion may be welded together. As best shown in FIG. 1, the stem is typically coupled to a side surface 24 of the rotatable top portion. A circular cross-sectional diameter of the stem in one embodiment may be 3 inches, with a rectangular side length being a substantially similar length. A first preferred larger size diameter may be 4 inches and a first preferred smaller size may be 2 inches.

The rotatable top portion 16 in one embodiment typically has one or more side surfaces 24, a top surface 26, and a bottom surface 28. The top surface typically has a surface area and underlying support that is adapted to allow a person to stand on the top surface. For example, in one embodiment having a substantially rectangular top surface, the length 30 of a side of the top surface is generally 14 inches. However, an embodiment may have a side length that is about 24 inches or may have a side length that is about 12 inches. A preferred thickness 32 of the rotatable top portion 16 is generally 2 inches, with a first preferred lesser thickness being about 1 inch thick and a first preferred larger thickness being about 2 and a half inches thick, although one embodiment may incorporate a rotatable top portion with a thickness or side length that is outside of these ranges. Additionally, the rotatable top portion may have only one side surface, as in the case of a circular rotatable top portion. The rotatable top portion may also have no appreciable side surface, as in the case of a very thin and flat rotatable top portion.

The rotatable top portion 16 in one embodiment is typically comprised of a material that is substantially similar to the stem 12 or the handle 14 material. However, an embodiment's rotatable top may be comprised of a different material. For example, the stem and handle may be comprised of a composite material and the rotatable top portion may be comprised of a metal alloy. At least a portion of the top surface 26 of a rotatable top may be comprised of a non-slip surface, such as, but not limited to, a sandpaper-like non-slip surface or a rubber tread material.

In one embodiment, the bottom surface 28 of the rotatable top portion 16 is typically a surface which opposes the top surface, separated from the top surface 26 by the one or more side surfaces 24, as best shown in FIG. 4A. The bottom surface may be of the same size and shape as the top surface, and in one embodiment the bottom surface is a flat surface substantially similar to the top surface. However, one embodiment's bottom surface is not a flat surface or a surface substantially similar to the top surface, but may be a surface having a frame structure or may be a surface having an indented portion.

The bottom surface 28 of the rotatable top portion 16 in one embodiment is coupled to a swivel 34. If the bottom surface has an indented portion, the indented portion may be adapted to couple to a swivel surface. One embodiment may incorporate a swivel that is adapted to allow the rotatable top portion to rotate in a generally horizontal plane. The swivel may have a cylindrical rod that (i) can turn freely within a support structure and (ii) is prevented from slipping out of the support structure by a nut, washer, or a thickening of the rod. Although other swivel types may be incorporated, in one embodiment, the bottom surface of the rotatable top is coupled to a top surface 36 of the swivel support structure. In an embodiment, a surface of the rotatable top other than the bottom surface may be coupled to a swivel surface other than the top surface.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3B, the swivel 34 is also typically coupled to the substantially fixed base 18. Typically, a bottom surface 38 of the swivel is coupled to the base. The substantially fixed base in one embodiment may be a frame structure. The frame may be comprised of a material such as, but not limited to, aluminum or another type of metal or a metal alloy. The frame may also be comprised of another material such as, but not limited to, a composite or plastic material. The swivel is often coupled through a bolted assembly, although the swivel may be coupled or integrated to the base and rotatable top through a different manner such as, but not limited to, a weld.

The base frame is adapted to support the components of the stool 10 as well as a person standing on the rotatable top portion 16. The frame will typically have a maximum supportable weight, the preferred maximum weight being 250 lbs, a second preferred maximum weight being 275 lbs or more, and a third preferred maximum weight being 225 lbs or less. The substantially fixed base in one embodiment also may not be a frame structure, but may be a solid form that may be rectangular or any other shape. An embodiment may also include a base and swivel which is adapted to hold substantially overweight people, such as, but not limited to, an embodiment having a base or swivel and which are reinforced. The substantially fixed base typically has a preferred height of 9 inches, although taller or shorter heights are possible as well.

Besides supporting the swivel 34 and the coupled rotatable top portion 16 and stability device, the base 18 is adapted to rest securely and safely on an underlying surface without substantial movement between the base and the underlying surface, such as a doctor's office examination room floor. Therefore, as best shown by FIG. 3B, the bottom surface of the base the surface in contact with the floor, may have a plurality of rubber contact points 37 which create friction with the floor's surface in order to create a substantially fixed base. The bottom surface of the base may also be at least partially comprised of another type non-slip material in order to keep the base substantially fixed relative to the floor or other underlying surface.

As stated, the step stool also includes a locking mechanism 20. The locking mechanism is adapted to lock the rotatable top 16 in at least two positions. Additionally, the locking mechanism is adapted for use typically only by a person who is not standing on the top surface 26. For example, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3B, the locking mechanism may be a foot pedal 40 coupled to the base, with the foot pedal also being coupled to a cable 41 which is adapted to activate and deactivate a locking pin 43.

In one embodiment, the foot pedal 40 may not be coupled to the base 18, but may be a pedal which may be placed anywhere on the floor that is convenient in order for the person actuating the pedal to also provide stability assistance to the person standing on the rotatable top 16 during rotation. In an embodiment that is not coupled to the base, the foot pedal is typically still coupled to a cable 41 adapted to activate and deactivate a locking pin 43, similar to a bicycle braking or gear cable system. Also, an embodiment may include a locking mechanism having a swivel lock other than a locking pin as described herein or may include a foot-actuated device other than a pedal, such as a button or a lever or even a non-foot actuated lever or other similar device. For example, the locking mechanism may be a hook-latch.

In one embodiment where the locking mechanism 20 is activated by a foot actuation system having a foot pedal 40 and a foot pedal cable 41, the system is adapted to release a pin 43 from a bore located in the swivel 34 in order to rotate the rotatable top 16. However, an embodiment may include a bore located in the bottom surface 28 of the rotatable top instead of the swivel. One end of the cable is typically coupled to the foot pedal and the other end of the cable is coupled to the pin. An embodiment is contemplated that may be comprised of more than one cable and pin located in more than one swivel bore. Additionally, the locking mechanism may include a disc brake or any other locking device other than a pin.

Typically, in the foot-pedal pin system, when the pedal 40 is in an upward position, as shown best by FIG. 3B, the pin is located within a swivel bore, keeping rotatable top portion 16 in a locked position relative to the substantially fixed base 18. In one embodiment, a typical swivel may have 4 swivel bores, each bore being generally located at an equal distance from the swivel axis and 90 degrees apart from each adjacent bore. The cable system is adapted so that when the pedal 40 is depressed, the cable end that is coupled to the pedal travels in a downward motion. Likewise, the cable end that is attached to the pin is pulled in a downward motion, as best shown in FIG. 3A. Pulling the pin in a downward motion may require the use of an L-shaped bracket 44, as best shown in FIG. 3A. The cable may contact the bracket in order to provide for a substantially downward motion during pedal depression. By pulling the pin in a downward motion, the pin is removed from a bore in the swivel 34. When the pin is removed form the bore, the rotatable top portion may be rotated relative to the base. Often the rotation occurs by the person who depresses the foot pedal grabbing the stem 14 or handle 12 and turning the coupled rotatable top portion in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Other stool 10 components or even the person on the stool may be used to turn the rotatable top portion.

Upon rotating the rotatable top portion 16, the pedal 40 may be released, returning the pedal in an up position as best shown in FIG. 1. A spring 45 that is typically coupled to the bracket and the pin 43 may provide an upwardly vertical force to the pin. The pin is forced upward and rests against an underside 46 of the swivel 34. The rotatable top portion 16 may continue to rotate and the pin slides along the underside of the swivel until the pin 43 reaches a swivel bore. Upon reaching a swivel bore location, the spring forces the pin into the bore and the swivel is locked into the new position.

In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 20 may be comprised of an automatically rotatable top 16. In such an embodiment, when the foot pedal 40 is depressed, the pin or other locking mechanism releases to the unlocked position and the rotatable top automatically begins to rotate to a new position. Typically, the rotatable top's new position would be rotated either 90 or 180 degrees from the original position. The automatic rotation may occur through either a motor or through a spring and lever or latch system, or any other type of automatic rotation system. Additionally, the rotatable top portion 16 is typically rotated about an axis that is generally located in the center of the rotatable top. The axis is also generally located in the center of the substantially fixed base and swivel.

Instead of a locking system comprising a cable 41, the locking mechanism may be comprised of at least one u-joint 47, also known as a universal-joint, and a substantially rigid shaft. As best shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the u-joint locking system will be comprised of a mechanism substantially similar to the cable locking system. For example, in one embodiment, a first u-joint is typically coupled to one end of the rigid shaft and also the pedal 40, with a second u-joint coupled to the other end of the shaft and the pin 43. The pin in an embodiment may also include a spring 45 which behaves similarly to the cable spring.

One Method of a Person Sitting on a Raised Platform:

Referring to FIGS. 1, 4A, 4B, and 5A through 5C, one method of a person sitting on a raised platform 48 such as a doctor's examination table includes placing a rotating step stool 10 proximate to the raised platform. The stool typically comprises a handle 12, a stem 14, a rotatable top portion 16, a substantially fixed base 18, and a locking mechanism 20, with the locking mechanism including a swivel in one method. A method includes the stool being placed in a position proximate the platform such that when a person is standing on the stool, upon rotation, the person may simply perform a sitting motion in order for the person's backside to reach the sitting surface 50, as best shown in FIG. 5C. In other words, the person standing on the stool should not be required to substantially reach beyond the edge of the stool in order to reach the sitting surface. The stool is typically placed into position by a person other than the person who will sit on the raised platform.

In one method, upon placing the stool 10 in position, a person steps onto the step stool's rotatable top portion 16. Often, as best shown in FIGS. 5A through 5C, the person stepping onto the rotatable top portion is helped onto the top surface by a second person, as in the case of when the person using the stool is a patient in a doctor's examination room and the raised surface is an examination table. In such a method, the second person may be a nurse and the top surface 26 of the rotatable top portion is typically 9 inches above the surface that the substantially fixed base 18 rests upon, typically the floor of the examination room.

A method also typically includes the person placing both feet on the top surface 26 in a substantially stable manner. The person on the top surface also may use a stability device to ensure that they are safely on the step stool. For example, a rotatable step stool 10 may include a stability device which includes a stem 14 and a handle 12, and the user may place his or her hands on and grab the handle in order to stabilize himself or herself prior to rotation.

Upon the person becoming stable while standing on the rotatable top 16 top surface 26, the second person (who is not standing on the stop surface) actuates the rotating motion. In one method, initiating the rotating motion is done by done by depressing a foot pedal 40 and manually turning the rotatable top. For example, the foot pedal may be coupled to pin adapted to lock the swivel, with the swivel having an upper portion coupled to the rotatable top portion 16 and a bottom portion coupled to the substantially fixed base 18.

In one method, when the foot pedal 40 is in the up position, as shown in FIG. 1, at least one pin may be placed in a bore in the swivel upper portion and the swivel bottom portion, ensuring that the rotatable top portion 16 is substantially stable relative to the substantially fixed base 18. Also, in one method, the pin may be placed in a bore in the rotatable top portion 16 instead of the swivel. Upon stepping on the pedal, the at least one pin that locks the upper portion and the bottom portion of the swivel may be removed from at least one of the portions. Upon removal of the pin in one method, the rotatable top may be rotated relative to the substantially fixed base. In order for the rotatable top to rotate, the rotatable top portion, coupled or integrated stem 14 and handle 12, or the person standing on the rotatable top portion themselves, may be touched by the second person (who is not standing on the rotatable top portion) and turned in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise manner. A different locking mechanism may be used such as, but not limited to, a disc brake and a lever or a button locking mechanism. A locking mechanism may include a first u-joint, a second u-joint, and a substantially rigid shaft, as best shown by FIGS. 4A and 4B.

In one method, when the rotatable top portion 16 begins to turn, the foot pedal 40 is released and the pedal is then returned to an up position, as best shown in FIG. 1. Upon release of the foot pedal, the pin returns to an up position by use of a spring and fits into the swivel bore when the rotatable top portion is turned to a position which locates the bore to a vertical position substantially proximal and above the pin. In one embodiment, the swivel bores are located at 90 degree positions around the swivel.

Other Embodiments and Variations:

The embodiments of the rotating step stool as illustrated in the accompanying figures and described above are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous variations to the invention have been contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

Claims

1) A step stool comprising:

a substantially fixed base;

a rotatable top portion having a top surface adapted to support a person standing on the top surface; and

a mechanism to lock and unlock the rotatable top portion in at least two locking positions, the locking mechanism being substantially adapted for use only by a person other than the person standing on the top surface.

2) The step stool of claim 1 further including a swivel and wherein,

the rotatable top portion is coupled to a first portion of the swivel; and

the substantially fixed base is coupled to a second portion of the swivel.

3) The step stool of claim 2 wherein, the rotatable top portion is adapted to rotate about an axis substantially centered on (i) the top surface and (ii) the substantially fixed base.

4) The step stool of claim 1 wherein, the locking mechanism comprising a foot actuated locking system.

5) The step stool of claim 4 wherein,

the foot actuated locking system includes at least (i) one foot pedal, (ii) two bores and (iii) one pin adapted to fit therein; and the at least two bores being the at least two locking positions.

6) The step stool of claim 5 wherein, the at least two bores are bores located in the swivel.

7) The step stool of claim 6 wherein, the rotatable top portion is adapted to rotate in at least a substantially horizontal clockwise direction and the at least two locking positions are four locking positions, each locking position being substantially equi-distant from the rotational axis and separated by each adjacent locking position by 90 degrees.

8) The step stool of claim 1 further including a stability device.

9) The step stool of claim 8 wherein, the stability device is a stem and handle.

10) A step stool comprising:

a substantially fixed base;

a rotatable top portion having a top surface adapted to support a person standing on the top surface; and

a foot actuated mechanism to lock and unlock the rotatable top portion in at least two positions, the mechanism being substantially adapted for use by a person other than the person standing on the top surface.

a stability device.

11) The step stool of claim 10 wherein, the stability device is a stem and handle.

12) The step stool of claim 11 wherein, at least a portion of the rotatable top portion includes a non-slip surface.

13) The step stool of claim 12 wherein, the foot actuated mechanism comprising of two u-joints, a substantially rigid shaft, a pin, and a swivel.

14) The step stool of claim 13 wherein, the foot actuated mechanism adapted to remove and replace the pin from a swivel bore.

15) The step stool of claim 12 wherein the foot actuated mechanism comprises at least one disc brake.

16) A method of positioning a first person to sit on a raised platform, the method comprising:

placing a rotating step stool proximal to a raised platform, the first person stepping onto a top surface of the rotating step stool;

the first person placing both feet on the top surface;

a second person rotating the step stool;

the second person locking the step stool; and

the first person sitting on the raised platform.

17) The method of claim 16 further including the first person using a stability device.

18) The method of claim 17 wherein,

the first person being a patient;

the stability device being a stem and handle; and

the raised platform being an examination table.

19) The method of claim 16 wherein,

the second person rotates and locks the step stool by depressing and releasing a foot-pedal.

20) The method of claim 19 wherein,

the foot-pedal is coupled to a first u-joint;

the pin is coupled to a second u-joint; and

both the first and second u-joints are coupled to a substantially rigid shaft.