Slip-resistant step stool and a method of manufacturing the same

• US 20030217889A1
• Filed: 05/23/2003
• Published: 11/27/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated (Newell Brands Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated (Newell Brands Inc.)
• Inventors: Sapatova, Elena
• Granted Patent: US 6,886,660 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 182/33
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 12/02 requiring conversion between the step and seat functions

Abstract

A slip resistant step stool includes a step surface with four legs extending downward. A slip resistant surface is bonded to the step surface. The slip resistant surface may be disposed in a pocket and have a ridge surrounding it. The slip resistant surface can be a thermoplastic elastomer. The stool can be manufactured by inserting the slip resistant surface in a mold adapted to form a step stool, then injecting molten resin into the mold, thereby bonding the resin to the slip resistant step stool.

Claims

1. A slip-resistant step stool, comprising:

a step surface;

a plurality of support legs extending downward from the support surface; and

a thermoplastic elastomer slip-resistant surface thermoplastically welded to at least a portion of the step surface.

2. The stool of claim 1, further comprising a ridge surrounding the slip resistant surface.

3. The stool of claim 1, further comprising a pocket in which the slip resistant surface is seated.

4. The stool of claim 1, wherein the slip resistant surface covers a majority of the step surface.

5. The stool of claim 1, further comprising a bonding layer.

6. The stool of claim 5, wherein the slip resistant surface is bonded to the step surface with an adhesive.

7. The stool of claim 1, wherein the slip resistant surface is a high viscosity thermoplastic elastomer insert molded or in-molded into the step surface.

8. The stool of claim 7, wherein the high viscosity thermoplastic elastomer comprises a thermoplastic elastomer, an ethylene acting co-polymer, a styrene-izoprene-styrene block co-polymer, and a phenolic resin.

9. A method of manufacturing a slip-resistant step stool, the method comprising:

inserting a slip resistant surface in a mold, the mold adapted to form a step stool with a step surface and a plurality of support legs;

injecting a molten resin under pressure into the mold, such that the resin bonds with the slip resistant surface and takes the shape of the mold; and

cooling the resin.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the slip resistant surface is located by a ridge in the mold.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the slip resistant surface is a thermoplastic elastomer.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the slip resistant surface is a high viscosity thermoplastic elastomer.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the high viscosity thermoplastic elastomer comprises a thermoplastic elastomer, an ethylene acting co-polymer, a styrene-izoprene-styrene block co-polymer, and phenolic resin.

14. A method of forming a slip resistant surface on a step stool, the method comprising:

forming a slip resistant surface from either a thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic vulcanizate;

molding a step stool having a step surface and a plurality of legs depending from the step surface; and

applying heat to bond the slip resistant surface to the step surface.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising inserting the slip resistant surface into a mold cavity prior to the step of molding, wherein the applying step occurs as a result of the molding step.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of applying occurs after the step of molding.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of forming includes forming a label with a slip resistant surface texture.