Movable Sink Steps Providing Clearance Access

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/658,762 filed Jun. 11, 2024, entitled “Movable Sink Steps Providing Clearance Access” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Building codes, such as 2017 International Code Counsel (ICC) A117.1, provide for accessible usable buildings and facilities, including providing accessibility for wheelchairs, scooters and other users of lavatories and sinks (see e.g., Section 606). Such code requirements include providing minimum clear floor spaces and particularly clearances, including knees, legs and toes clearances, beneath sink areas.

At the same time, it is often beneficial for lavatories and sink areas to include steps, stools or platforms to accommodate shorter individuals, such as children, to be able to reach the sink or sink area counter spaces and accessories, like soap dispensers, towel dispensers and hand dryers.

Accordingly, there is need for an apparatus that can move, such as by folding, rotation and the like, a step into a position for user while using the step to reach the sink or similar lavatory accessories, while also moving out of the way to provide clearance access for individuals pursuant to accessibility building code requirements when the apparatus is not in use for helping a user, such as a child, to reach a higher location in the lavatory such as a sink.

While some movable steps have included steps that mount beneath sinks, such underneath the plumbing hardware, and fold outward into the sink use area for a user to step up on the unfolded step, see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,037,557, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, these below-sink step devices are not typically suitable for accommodating wheelchairs or meeting other code regulations providing for body accessibility relative to the underlying sink area. Further, such conventional “fold out forward” devices are not typically adaptable to small lavatory spaces, sink locations with cabinetry, furniture, wall design or plumbing that blocks the area beneath the sink and where larger step surfaces are needed for reaching the sink, sink controls, dispensers, and drying devices.

Accordingly, the present invention in one embodiment provides a step assembly with a movable step that can move between a horizontal position for a user to stand on and reach the sink location and vertical position that supports the step out of the clearance accessibility area of the step location as the step moves upward/downward from right-to-left or left-to-right relative to the sink location, and not by mounting the step underneath a sink.

In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes a support base secured outside of a sink location beneath a sink; and a step having a top stepping surface movably coupled to the support base so that the step moves between a horizontal position, wherein the top stepping surface is supported above the floor surface, and a vertical position, wherein the top stepping surface of the step is raised above the support base.

In a further aspect, the step rotates upward and downward between the horizontal and vertical positions.

In a one embodiment, the top stepping surface of the step is generally parallel to the floor surface in the horizontal position. In a further embodiment, the top stepping surface of the step is generally perpendicular to the floor surface in the vertical position.

In some embodiments, the support base is coupled to a wall adjacent the sink location and the step moves completely out of a predetermined sink location access area when in the vertical position.

In various embodiments of the invention, the top stepping surface of the step is supported at a height above the floor surface in the horizontal position sufficient to enable a user stepping on to the step to reach one or more of a faucet spout, faucet lever, faucet handle, touchless faucet sensor, soap dispenser, and towel dispenser.

In one aspect of the invention, the support base is coupled to a wall adjacent a sink location and the step moves completely out of a predetermined sink location access area when in the vertical position.

In another aspect, the support base is coupled to a floor adjacent the sink location and the step moves completely out of a predetermined sink location access area (accessibility clearance zone).

In embodiments of the invention, the apparatus includes a foot coupled to the step. In various embodiments, the foot is movably, including foldably, coupled to the step.

In some embodiments, the foot is foldable toward a bottom surface of the step opposite the top stepping surface.

In other embodiments, apparatus of the invention includes an extension link movably coupled to the support base, step and foot.

In an embodiment of the invention, an attachment bracket is coupled to the support base and to a wall that meets the floor surface.

In an alternative embodiment, an attachment bracket is coupled to the support base and to the floor surface.

In other embodiments of the invention, an attachment device, such as a bracket, hinge, swivel, pivot connection, and the like, is secured outside a sink location beneath a sink and may be integrally coupled or separately coupled to a step and to a floor surface, wall surface, or both a wall and floor surface, to enable movement of the step to a horizontal position adjacent a sink and in an accessibility clearance zone and to a position outside of the accessibility clearance zone. Positions outside of the accessibility clearance zone include moving the step above the attachment device, moving the step along the floor surface (such as by pivoting or sliding) until the step is out of the clearance zone, and moving the step into the attachment device (such as in the floor).

Step assemblies of described embodiments include movable steps that may be provided adjacent sink location and sinks, toilets and urinals, counter spaces, workspaces, and like places that are difficult to reach for shorter individuals, such as children, who can use a step to use the sink or adjacent space. Such step can be moved out for the way to provide access to physically challenged individuals, such as those using wheelchairs and the like. It will be appreciated that a wheelchair user will need appropriate clearance to use a sink or similar use space so that a step is out of their way when not needed, including avoiding mounting beneath sinks and similar access-necessary locations. Embodiments of the invention where a sink-adjacent step can move, extend, rotate or otherwise transition to provide a step up for a child or other user provides convenient assistance to such shorter users while also accommodating the clearance needs for individuals in wheelchairs and with similar accessibility needs.

The descriptions herein provide background as to governmental regulations and laws that set forth accessibility requirements for lavatories and sinks. It will be appreciated that inventions disclosed herein provide embodiments that meet such requirements.

Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numbers represent like elements throughout. Further, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including”, “comprising”, or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. The terms “connected”, and “coupled” are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting, and coupling. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

The inventions summarized in this patent are defined by the enumerated claims and are better understood by referring to the following detailed description, which is preferably read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing/figure. The detailed description of a particular embodiment is set out to enable one to practice the invention, it is not intended to limit the enumerated claims, but to serve as a particular example thereof.

Also, the list of embodiments presented in this invention is not an exhaustive one and for those skilled in the art, new applications and optimization methods can be found within the scope of the invention.

Exemplary elements of the described inventions include the following elements represented by the corresponding element number:

shows a step assemblysecured to a walladjacent a sink location. When a user is using the step assemblyto reach a sink, a stepis moved, such as rotated or folded down towards the surface of floorinto a horizontal position, so that the user can step up on the top stepping surfaceof the step. A support baseis coupled to step. A foot, preferably movable or foldable, is also coupled to step. It will be appreciated that when the stepis in the horizontal positional to support the user the top stepping surface of stepis generally parallel to the surface of floor. In the depicted embodiment, an attachment bracketconnects the support base, and the step assembly, to wall. In various embodiments, the support basecan be a separate component from the step or could be integral with the step and/or the attachment bracket.

In alternative embodiments, a support baseis not required, and an attachment, preferably including a hinge, is provided to a wall or floor adjacent the accessibility area adjacent a sink location that enables the step to between a horizontal and a vertical position.

With further reference to, a wall-mounted step assemblyas inis shown in which steprotates form the horizontal position that is generally parallel to floorto a vertical position toward wallin which the top stepping surface of stepis above the support baseand generally perpendicular to floorand generally parallel to wall. A step hingeconnects stepto baseand provides rotation of the step from vertical to horizontal positions. Footis coupled with a foot hingeto stepso that footcan be folded up and down for improved storage and clearance of a predetermined accessibility zone adjacent the sink location. Attachment bracketis connected to wallby bracket wall connectorsthrough wall bracket connector slots() and to the floorby bracket floor connectorsthrough floor bracket connectors slots (not shown). Support baseinterfaces and connects with support hangersof the attachment bracketto secure to the step assembly to the attachment bracketand the corresponding wall.

Referring to, both a wall attachment bracketA and floor attachment bracketB may be provided to attach support baseand the step assemblyto either a wallor to solely a floor surface. In various embodiments, a support baseis configured to be installed and interface with either of a wall attachment bracketA or floor attachment bracketB so that such bracket attachmentsare interchangeable in mating with a support basedepending on the installation location. It will be appreciated that the coupling interchangeability of the different wall attachment bracketA and floor-only attachment bracketB provides a modular solution of a “standard” step assembly and support baseto be installed in alternative ways for different locations and floor/wall environments. In some embodiments, the support baseis about 3 inches wide from the front side to the rear side of the base. Further, when attachment bracketsare used with hangershave a predetermined height as shown in, the proper installation height is maintained for the step relative to the floor surface.

It will also be appreciated that the step assemblyis not required to physically be mounted or attached to the wall, as the assembly could be floor-mounted and flush with the wall, or it could be floor-mounted and not flush with the wall.

Referring to, the step hingepreferably supports at least 5,000 lbs. and into the range of 10,000 lbs. and the step, about 20 inches from the support hinge, supports at least 500 lbs. and into the range of 1000 lbs. of a user standing on the step.

Although the step illustrates a foot(or leg) as providing additional support for these step assembly, the stepbut may be designed to cantilever from the support baseand/or attachment bracket.

With continuing reference to, in various non-limiting embodiments, the step assembly has dimensions (in inches) of 6 to 12″ height (from floor surface to top stepping surface of step), 15 to 30″ length (from right side end to left side end of step), and 5 to 17″ width (from front side end to rear side end of step).

show different views of a step assemblyand components thereof in embodiments where stepretracts from a horizontal position to a vertical position utilizing a step link. A support baseconnects to stepvia step hinge. Footconnects to stepvia foot hinge.

Step linkconnects to support basevia folding link step hinge. Step linkconnects to footvia folding link foot hinge. An upper cylinder armcouples to a lower cylinder armand both cylinder arm also connect the step link(with connection to the upper cylinder arm) to support base(with connection to the lower cylinder arm). The upper and lower cylinders extend and retract with respect to one another as stepand step linkare moved between horizontal and vertical positions.

In embodiments, a step link shieldconnects to the step assembly and covers and protects step linkand adjacent movable components underlying the bottom surface of step. In embodiments, step shieldcouples via folding link foot hingeto footand step link. Step shield may also include shield connectors, such as protrusions, mini-rods, and the like, that mate, interface, or otherwise connect to the bottom surface of stepto hold step shieldis a covering position over step link. Step shieldis also movable between horizontal and vertical positions of step.

Referring to, a dual level step assemblyis shown that spans a large gap, while appearing aesthetically smaller. The split-level design gives children or shorter individuals a reduced step up to the sink location while sitting flush to the floor to provide a stable base. In embodiments, a hidden gas shock helps stow the step out an accessibility zone when not in use, as the step assembly can be moved between vertical and horizontal positions. In embodiments, the step assemblywith dual levels has dimensions (in inches) of 6 to 12″ height (from floor surface to top stepping surface of step), 15 to 30″ length (from right side end to left side end of step), and 5 to 17″ width (from front side end to rear side end of step).

show another step assemblywith pivot mechanics to move a stepbetween a vertical and horizontal position by also rotating the stepin a circular manner around a circumference of support base with bevel gears. The bevel gears, preferably aided by gas shock, provide for the step to be moved out of the way when not in use to help a user reach a sink location.

The pivot step assemblymounts outside of the accessibility clearance zone, which avoids the step assembly inhibiting wheelchair access.

Preferably the base of the pivot step assembly is floor-mounted using screws, anchors, or bolts. The embedded bevel gearsallow the step to pivot when it folds down. This functionality allows the step to sit flush with the edge of a sink or counter when in the upright position, and when the step is pulled down, it pivots to the displayed position allowing a user to step up and reach the sink.

Referringa roll step assemblyalso mounts outside of an accessibility clearance zone to avoid inhibiting wheelchair access. Unlike other embodiments, the roll step assemblyhas a front bracketmounted beneath a sink, and via rollers or wheelsand retractable cross armsextends a retractable stepforward out toward the front of the sink location for use and backward towards a wall underneath the sink when not in use. The roll step assemblyprovides required toe clearance to wheelchair users while also providing a step for shorter individuals.

In embodiments, a roll step assemblymounts directly to the floor and/or wall behind the sink or counter.

The roll step assemblypreferably supports 500+ lbs. of weights, and more preferably the retractable stepcan support at least 1000 lbs. of weight.

In embodiments, the roll step assemblywith rollershas dimensions (in inches) of 6 to 12″ height (from floor surface to top stepping surface of step), 30 to 40″ length (from right side end to left side end of step), and 5 to 12″ width (from front side end to rear side end of step).

A roll step assemblyof the invention provides additional support to a child. The step is about 6″ in depth, limited by the toe kick. However, the step can be adjusted in and out up to 30″. In some embodiments, snap-in spacers in the retracting cross armsallow adjustability for various sink depths. A wall mount bracket can be anchored to the floor, ensuring proper installation height. A top flange of the roll step assembly protects moving parts from debris.

In certain embodiments, the rollersare spring-loaded and allows the step to come out and become planted when load is applied to the retracting step.

Referring to, alternative step assemblydesigns are shown.show a step that moves between horizontal and vertical positions, such as by rotating, where the base and step are connected by an extension linkthat contacts the floor surface when the step is in a horizontal position to support the user at a desirable reaching height.

illustrate a similar step assemblywherein the extension linksconnects the base and step by running above the floor surface while providing at least two points of contact between the floor surface and the step assembly when the step is in a horizontal position. The step assembly ofwill be appreciated as also moving, such as rotating, upward and downward between vertical and horizontal positions.

In embodiments, the step assemblyhaving side step embodiments as shown inandhas dimensions (in inches) of 6 to 12″ height (from floor surface to top stepping surface of step), 15 to 30″ length (from right side end to left side end of step), and 5 to 17′″ width (from front side end to rear side end of step).