MOVABLE SINK STEPS PROVIDING CLEARANCE ACCESS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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.

BACKGROUND

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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a right-side perspective view of a side retracting sink step assembly and user in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a left side alternate folding cross-sectional view of a side retracting sink step assembly and attachment bracket in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a side retracting sink step assembly with alternate attachment brackets in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is partial left side cross-sectional view of a side retracting sink step assembly and attachment bracket in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is perspective left side view of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a right-side plan view of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a left side plan view of side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a rear plan view of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front plan view of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a left side perspective exploded view of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective exploded view of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a right-side perspective exploded view of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a left side perspective exploded view of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an isolated top perspective view of a step of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an isolated bottom perspective view of a step of a side retracting sink step assembly and user in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an isolated front perspective view of a support base of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an isolated top perspective view of a support base of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an isolated bottom perspective view of a step link of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an isolated left side perspective view of a step link of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is an isolated bottom perspective view of a step link shield of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an isolated top side perspective view of a step link shield of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is an isolated left side perspective view of a foot of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is an isolated bottom perspective view of a foot of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an upper cylinder arm of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a lower cylinder arm of a side retracting sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional left side view of a side retracting sink step assembly shown extended for use in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional left side view of a side retracting sink step assembly shown retracted for storage and access clearance in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30A is a bottom perspective view of a side retracting sink step assembly having a floor mount in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30B is a right-side cross-sectional alternate view of a side retracting sink step assembly having a floor mount in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30C is left side perspective view of a side retracting sink step assembly having a floor mount while supporting a user in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31A is an alternate perspective view of a sink step assembly having a gear assembly for horizontal and vertical retracting in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31B is a partial operational view of a gear assembly for horizontal and vertical retracting ss of a sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31C is an isolated view of a gear assembly for horizontal and vertical retracting ss of a sink step assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31D is a top view of a sink step assembly having a gear assembly for horizontal and vertical retracting in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31E is a left-side perspective view of a sink step assembly having a gear assembly for horizontal and vertical retracting and supporting a user in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32A is a front perspective view of a retracting sink step assembly with retracting cross arms in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32B is a cross-sectional side view of a retracting sink step assembly with retracting cross arms in a retracted position in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32C is a cross-sectional side view of a retracting sink step assembly with retracting cross arms in an unretracted position in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32D is a front perspective view of a retracting sink step assembly with retracting cross arms in an unretracted position and supporting a user in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33A is an alternate right-side view of a retracting sink step assembly with a floor-contacting extension link that is rotated vertically to provide clearance access in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33B is a left side view of a retracting sink step assembly with a floor-contacting extension link that is rotated vertically to provide clearance access and supporting a user in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34A is an alternate right-side view of a retracting sink step assembly with an above-floor extension link that is rotated vertically to provide clearance access in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34B is a left side view of a retracting sink step assembly with an above-floor extension link that is rotated vertically to provide clearance access and supporting a user in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35A is a left side perspective view of a retracting sink step assembly with dual extension links that is rotated vertically to provide clearance access in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35B is a right-side alternate view of a retracting sink step assembly with dual extension links that is rotated vertically to provide clearance access in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35C is a left side perspective view of a retracting sink step assembly with dual extension links that is rotated vertically to provide clearance access and supporting a user in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a left side alternate folding cross-sectional view of a side retracting sink step and attachment device in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an attachment device in one example as a hinge showing motion (arrow) in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38A is a perspective view of a step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a pivot in a sink environment in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 38B is a perspective view of a step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a pivot in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 38C is an alternate plan view of a step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a pivot that enables the step to move into and out of an accessibility clearance zone along a floor surface in a sink environment in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 38D is a cross-sectional view of an attachment device shown in FIGS. 38A-38C in one example as a pivot in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 39A is a perspective view of a step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a rotating pivot in a sink environment in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 39B is plain view from above of a step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a rotating pivot in wherein the step is rotate down for use of the step in an accessibility clearance zone of a sink environment in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 39C is an alternate plan view of a step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a rotating pivot that enables the step to move down into and up out of an accessibility clearance zone of a floor surface in a sink environment in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 40A is a perspective view of a step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a rotating floor bracket in a sink environment in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 40B is another perspective view of a step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a rotating floor bracket in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 40C is an alternate plan view of a step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a rotating floor bracket that enables the step to move down into and up out of an accessibility clearance zone of a floor surface in a sink environment in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 41A is a perspective view of a folding step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a rotating floor bracket in a sink environment in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 41B is another perspective view of a folding step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a rotating floor bracket with the step in a folded position above the attachment device and out of the accessibility clearance zone in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 41C is an alternate plan view of a folding step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a rotating floor bracket that enables the folding step to move down into and up out of an accessibility clearance zone of a floor surface in a sink environment in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 41D is another perspective view of a folding step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a rotating floor bracket with the step in am unfolded down position in the accessibility clearance zone for step use in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 42A is a perspective view of an extending slide step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a rotating floor bracket in a sink environment in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 42B is another perspective view of an extending slide step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a rotating floor bracket with the step in an unextended position above the attachment device and out of the accessibility clearance zone in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 42C is another perspective view of an extending slide step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a rotating floor bracket with the step in an unextended position and rotated down prior to sliding the step out into the accessibility clearance zone in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 42D is a perspective view of the extending slide step of FIG. 42C shown while be extended outward from the attachment device in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 42E is an alternate plan view of an extending slide step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a rotating floor bracket that enables the extending slide step to move down and extend outward into and also slide inward and up out of an accessibility clearance zone of a floor surface in a sink environment in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 43A is a perspective view of a step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a lift bracket secured into a floor with the step moved upward to a height above the floor surface for use of the step in an accessibility clearance zone in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 43B is another perspective view of a step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a lift bracket secured into a floor with the step moved upward to a height above the floor surface for use of the step in an accessibility clearance zone in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 43C is cross-sectional plan view of a step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a lift bracket secured into a floor with the step moved upward to a height above the floor surface for use of the step in an accessibility clearance zone in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 43D is cross-sectional plan view of a step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a lift bracket secured into a floor with the step moved downward into the floor surface for moving the step below and out of the accessibility clearance zone in one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 43E a step coupled to an attachment device in one example as a lift bracket secured into a floor with the step moved downward into the floor surface for moving the step below and out of the accessibility clearance zone in one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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:

FIG. 1 shows a step assembly 100 secured to a wall 25 adjacent a sink location. When a user is using the step assembly 100 to reach a sink, a step 110 is moved, such as rotated or folded down towards the surface of floor 20 into a horizontal position, so that the user can step up on the top stepping surface 112 of the step 100. A support base 130 is coupled to step 100. A foot 120, preferably movable or foldable, is also coupled to step 110. It will be appreciated that when the step 100 is in the horizontal positional to support the user the top stepping surface of step 100 is generally parallel to the surface of floor 20. In the depicted embodiment, an attachment bracket 115 connects the support base 130, and the step assembly 100, to wall 25. In various embodiments, the support base 130 can be a separate component from the step or could be integral with the step and/or the attachment bracket 115.

In alternative embodiments, a support base 130 is 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 FIG. 2, a wall-mounted step assembly 100 as in FIG. 1 is shown in which step 110 rotates form the horizontal position that is generally parallel to floor 20 to a vertical position toward wall 25 in which the top stepping surface of step 110 is above the support base 130 and generally perpendicular to floor 20 and generally parallel to wall 25. A step hinge 105 connects step 110 to base 130 and provides rotation of the step from vertical to horizontal positions. Foot 120 is coupled with a foot hinge 125 to step 110 so that foot 120 can be folded up and down for improved storage and clearance of a predetermined accessibility zone adjacent the sink location. Attachment bracket 115 is connected to wall 25 by bracket wall connectors 119 through wall bracket connector slots 117 (FIG. 1) and to the floor 20 by bracket floor connectors 118 through floor bracket connectors slots (not shown). Support base 130 interfaces and connects with support hangers 135 of the attachment bracket 115 to secure to the step assembly to the attachment bracket 115 and the corresponding wall 25.

Referring to FIG. 3, both a wall attachment bracket 115A and floor attachment bracket 115B may be provided to attach support base 130 and the step assembly 100 to either a wall 25 or to solely a floor surface 25. In various embodiments, a support base 130 is configured to be installed and interface with either of a wall attachment bracket 115A or floor attachment bracket 115B so that such bracket attachments 115 are interchangeable in mating with a support base 130 depending on the installation location. It will be appreciated that the coupling interchangeability of the different wall attachment bracket 115A and floor-only attachment bracket 115B provides a modular solution of a “standard” step assembly and support base 130 to be installed in alternative ways for different locations and floor/wall environments. In some embodiments, the support base 130 is about 3 inches wide from the front side to the rear side of the base. Further, when attachment brackets 115 are used with hangers 135 have a predetermined height as shown in FIG. 3, the proper installation height is maintained for the step relative to the floor surface.

It will also be appreciated that the step assembly 100 is not required to physically be mounted or attached to the wall 25, 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 FIG. 4, the step hinge 105 preferably 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 110.

Although the step illustrates a foot 120 (or leg) as providing additional support for these step assembly 100, the step 110 but may be designed to cantilever from the support base 130 and/or attachment bracket 115.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-4, 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 110), 15 to 30″ length (from right side end to left side end of step 110), and 5 to 17″ width (from front side end to rear side end of step).

FIGS. 5-29 show different views of a step assembly 100 and components thereof in embodiments where step 110 retracts from a horizontal position to a vertical position utilizing a step link 630. A support base 130 connects to step 110 via step hinge 105. Foot 120 connects to step 110 via foot hinge 125.

Step link 630 connects to support base 130 via folding link step hinge 504. Step link 630 connects to foot 120 via folding link foot hinge 602. An upper cylinder arm 720 couples to a lower cylinder arm 710 and both cylinder arm also connect the step link 630 (with connection to the upper cylinder arm 720) to support base 130 (with connection to the lower cylinder arm 710). The upper and lower cylinders extend and retract with respect to one another as step 110 and step link 630 are moved between horizontal and vertical positions.

In embodiments, a step link shield 620 connects to the step assembly and covers and protects step link 630 and adjacent movable components underlying the bottom surface of step 110. In embodiments, step shield 620 couples via folding link foot hinge 602 to foot 125 and step link 630. Step shield may also include shield connectors 613, such as protrusions, mini-rods, and the like, that mate, interface, or otherwise connect to the bottom surface of step 110 to hold step shield 620 is a covering position over step link 630. Step shield 620 is also movable between horizontal and vertical positions of step 110.

Referring to FIGS. 30A-30C, a dual level step assembly 100 is 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 assembly 100 with dual levels has dimensions (in inches) of 6 to 12″ height (from floor surface to top stepping surface of step 110), 15 to 30″ length (from right side end to left side end of step 110), and 5 to 17″ width (from front side end to rear side end of step).

FIGS. 31A-31E show another step assembly 100 with pivot mechanics to move a step 110 between a vertical and horizontal position by also rotating the step 110 in a circular manner around a circumference of support base with bevel gears 310. The bevel gears 310, 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 assembly 100 mounts 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 gears 310 allow 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.

Referring FIGS. 32A-32D a roll step assembly 100 also mounts outside of an accessibility clearance zone to avoid inhibiting wheelchair access. Unlike other embodiments, the roll step assembly 100 has a front bracket 330 mounted beneath a sink, and via rollers or wheels 350 and retractable cross arms 320 extends a retractable step 300 forward 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 assembly 100 provides required toe clearance to wheelchair users while also providing a step for shorter individuals.

In embodiments, a roll step assembly 100 mounts directly to the floor and/or wall behind the sink or counter.

The roll step assembly 100 preferably supports 500+ lbs. of weights, and more preferably the retractable step 300 can support at least 1000 lbs. of weight.

In embodiments, the roll step assembly 100 with rollers 350 has dimensions (in inches) of 6 to 12″ height (from floor surface to top stepping surface of step 110), 30 to 40″ length (from right side end to left side end of step 110), and 5 to 12″ width (from front side end to rear side end of step).

A roll step assembly 100 of 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 arms 320 allow 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 rollers 350 are spring-loaded and allows the step to come out and become planted when load is applied to the retracting step 300.

Referring to FIGS. 33A and 33B and 34A and 34B, alternative step assembly 100 designs are shown. FIGS. 33A and 33B show a step that moves between horizontal and vertical positions, such as by rotating, where the base and step are connected by an extension link 730 that contacts the floor surface when the step is in a horizontal position to support the user at a desirable reaching height.

FIGS. 34A and 34B illustrate a similar step assembly 100 wherein the extension links 730 connects 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 of FIGS. 34A and 34B will be appreciated as also moving, such as rotating, upward and downward between vertical and horizontal positions.

In embodiments, the step assembly 100 having side step embodiments as shown in FIGS. 33A and 33B and FIGS. 34A and 34B has dimensions (in inches) of 6 to 12″ height (from floor surface to top stepping surface of step 110), 15 to 30″ length (from right side end to left side end of step 110), and 5 to 17′″ width (from front side end to rear side end of step).

Referring to FIGS. 35A-35C, step assembly 100 is a dual-level step embodiment. A top dual extension link 740 and bottom dual extension link 750 movably, such rotatably, connect a mounted base or hinge-type anchor to dual level steps. The dual level steps are configured to be rotated upward away from the floor when not in use for assisting a user to reach a sink location and downward to a horizontal position on the floor when needed to help assist a user's reach to a sink location.

In embodiments, the step assembly 100 having dual-level steps has dimensions (in inches) of 6 to 12″ height (from floor surface to top stepping surface of step 110), 15 to 30″ length (from right side end to left side end of step 110), and 5 to 17″ width (from front side end to rear side end of step).

Referring to FIGS. 36-43, embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described wherein a step is coupled, integrally or as a separate component, to an attachment device, such as a bracket, hinge, swivel, pivot connection, and the like, that is secured outside a sink location beneath a sink 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 that is in an accessibility clearance zone and to a position outside of the accessibility clearance zone to permit access of individual using wheelchairs, scooters, and the like, while accessing a sink.

FIG. 36 shows one example of a side-retracting sink step 110 and an attachment device 810 as a hinge that secures the step 110 to a wall. The hinge enables the step 110 to swing downward into an accessibility clearance zone for use of the step and upward to move the step above the attachment device 810. FIG. 37 illustrates an exemplary hinge as an attachment device 810.

FIGS. 38A-38D show a step 110 coupled to an attachment device 810 in one example as a pivot in a sink environment. The step 110 in the pivoting embodiment rotates into and out of the accessibility clearance zone along the floor surface while the attachment device 810 is secured to a floor surface outside a location beneath the sink.

FIGS. 39A-39C illustrate a step 110 coupled to an attachment device 810 in one example as a vertical pivot in a sink environment. The step 110 in the vertical pivoting embodiment rotates into and out of the accessibility clearance zone while the attachment device 810 is secured to a floor surface outside a location beneath the sink. In the illustrated embodiment, step 110 moves above attachment device 810 when the step is intended to be out of the accessibility clearance zone.

FIGS. 40A-40C illustrate an alternative step 110 coupled to an attachment device 810 in one example as rotating floor bracket in a sink environment. The step 110 is coupled to the rotating floor bracket and rotates into and out of the accessibility clearance zone while the attachment device 810 is secured to a floor surface outside a location beneath the sink. In the illustrated embodiment, step 110 moves above attachment device 810 when the step is intended to be out of the accessibility clearance zone.

FIGS. 41A-41D illustrate a folding step 110 coupled to an attachment device in one example as a rotating floor bracket in a sink environment in one embodiment of the invention. Foldable step 110 when in a folded position is secured above the attachment device 810 (and the underlying floor surface secured to the attachment device 810) so as to be out of the accessibility clearance zone when not in use by individuals needing the step to access the sink. When the step 110 is in am unfolded and down position it moves into accessibility clearance zone for step use.

FIGS. 42A-42E show an extending slide step 110 coupled to an attachment device 810 in one example as a rotating floor bracket in a sink environment. When the step 110 is in an unextended position and is rotated d above the attachment device 810, the step 110 is out of the accessibility clearance zone. When step 110 is rotated down and then them extended outward and away from the attachment device 810, such as by sliding or pulling, the step outward, the step 110 is useable in the accessibility clearance zone.

FIGS. 43A-43E show another embodiment wherein a step is coupled to an attachment device 810 in one example as a lift bracket is secured into a floor with the step moved upward to a height above the floor surface for use of the step in an accessibility clearance zone. When step 110 is moved downward into the attachment device 810 (and into the floor surface) the step 110 moves below and out of the accessibility clearance zone to avoid being an obstacle to those using wheelchairs, scooters and the like.

As shown in various embodiments, steps of the invention may be anchored to walls, floors and potentially other objects and furniture adjacent to a sink area so that the step can move in and out of the clearance zone that requires accessibility to wheelchairs and other needs of disabled individuals. Steps in different embodiments of the invention can be anchored by (i) coupling a step to a support base that is further coupled to a wall and/or floor or (ii) coupling a step directly to an attachment device that is coupled to a wall and/or floor. The coupling of the step to a support base or an attachment device can be integral coupling or coupling as separate components. It will further be appreciated that dimensions of steps and their corresponding anchoring can depend on the construction of a lavatory and the dimensions and layout of the adjacent sink and/or use spaces.

Various embodiments of the invention have been described. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary structures and methods in embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited thereto, but to extend to modifications and improvements within the scope of equivalence of such claims to the invention. It will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth by the claims. This specification is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.