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

• US 6,886,660 B2
• Filed: 05/23/2003
• Issued: 05/03/2005
• 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
• Primary Examiner(s): Thompson, II, Hugh B.
• Application Number:
  US10/446,278
• Publication Number:
  US 20030217889A1
• Time in Patent Office: 711 Days
• Field of Search: 182/33, 182/21, 182/129, 182/28, 182/46, 182/228.2, 182/228.1, 297/462, 297/461, 297/452.26, 521/77, 264/259, 264/328.1, 264/328.14, 264/319
• 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 plastic step surface;

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

a thermoplastic elastomer slip-resistant surface heat bonded to at least a portion of the step surface,

wherein the slip resistant surface is a high viscosity thermoplastic elastomer insert molded or in-molded into the step surface.

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

3. The stool of claim 1, wherein the step surface further comprises 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 between the slip resistant surface and the step surface.

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 high viscosity thermoplastic elastomer comprises a thermoplastic elastomer, an ethylene octene copolymer, a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, and a phenolic resin.

8. A slip-resistant step stool, comprising:

a step surface;

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

a high viscosity thermoplastic elastomer slip-resistant surface bonded to at least a portion of the step surface;

wherein the high viscosity thermoplastic elastomer comprises a thermoplastic elastomer, an ethylene octene copolymer, a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, and a phenolic resin.

9. The stool of claim 8, wherein the slip resistant surface is a high viscosity thermoplastic elastomer insert molded or in-molded into the step surface.

10. The stool of claim 8, wherein the step surface further comprises a ridge surrounding the slip resistant surface.

11. The stool of claim 8, wherein the step surface further comprises a pocket in which the slip resistant surface is seated.

12. The stool of claim 8, wherein the slip resistant surface covers a majority of the step surface.

13. The stool of claim 8, further comprising a bonding layer between the slip resistant surface and the step surface.

14. The stool of claim 13, wherein, the slip resistant surface is bonded to the step surface with an adhesive.

15. The stool of claim 8, wherein the slip resistant surface is heat bonded to the step surface.