Bench Step Device

Abstract

A bench step device is disclosed that provides a bench step for locker rooms, retail stores, and other areas where people take off and put on footwear. The bench step device comprises a body component that is configured in a rectangular, table-like shape with a pair of legs positioned at the corners of the opposing sides. The body component also comprises a pair of platform steps that slide out from the opposing sides. The platform steps can be expanded and retracted via manual or automated means and provide a place for users to tie their shoes, roller skates, ice skates, boots, or other footwear. Each platform step can be secured in place via a sliding hinge. Further, each platform step has a sandpaper or other grit-style surface for traction to ensure that the user does not slip while reaching down.

Claims

1. A bench step device that provides a user with a bench step for locker rooms and retail stores for putting on shoes, the bench step device comprising: a body component; a plurality of legs; and at least one platform step; wherein one of the plurality of legs is secured to each corner of the body component; and further wherein the at least one platform step is secured to a side of the body component and extends out from the body component, allowing a user to place their foot on the at least one platform step to lace their shoe while standing.

2. The bench step device of claim 1, wherein the body component is configured in a rectangular, table-like shape.

3. The bench step device of claim 2, wherein the body component comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing side edges and opposing front and back edges.

4. The bench step device of claim 3, wherein a tabletop component is secured to the top surface of the body component for supporting shoes and shoeboxes.

5. The bench step device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of legs are attached to and depend downwardly from the bottom surface of the body component to touch a floor or other ground surface.

6. The bench step device of claim 5, wherein the at least one platform step is secured to one of the opposing side edges of the body component via a sliding hinge.

7. The bench step device of claim 6, wherein a platform step is secured to both opposing side edges.

8. The bench step device of claim 7, wherein the platform step is dimensioned to fit between the plurality of legs of the body component.

9. The bench step device of claim 8, wherein the platform step can expand or retract from the body component.

10. The bench step device of claim 9, wherein in a retracted position, the platform step rests under the body component and is flush with the plurality of legs of the body component.

11. The bench step device of claim 10, wherein in an expanded position, the platform step extends laterally outwardly of the body component at a selected location above the plurality of legs, such that a shoe placed upon the platform step will be within reach of a user standing nearby.

12. The bench step device of claim 11, wherein the platform step can be expanded and retracted via manual or automated means.

13. The bench step device of claim 12, wherein a forward-facing side of each platform step has a sandpaper surface for traction.

14. A bench step device that provides a user with a bench step for locker rooms and retail stores for putting on shoes, the bench step device comprising: a body component configured in a rectangular, table-like shape, with a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing side edges and opposing front and back edges; a plurality of legs attached to and depending downwardly from the bottom surface of the body component to touch a floor or other ground surface; and a pair of platform steps; wherein one of the plurality of legs is secured to each corner of the body component; wherein a tabletop component is secured to the top surface of the body component for supporting shoes and shoeboxes; wherein a single platform step from the pair of platform steps is secured to each of the opposing side edges of the body component via a sliding hinge; wherein the platform step can expand or retract from the body component, allowing a user to place their foot on the single platform step to lace their shoe while standing; and further wherein a forward-facing side of each platform step has a sandpaper surface for traction.

15. The bench step device of claim 14, wherein in a retracted position, the platform step rests under the body component and is flush with the plurality of legs of the body component.

16. The bench step device of claim 14, wherein in an expanded position, the platform step extends laterally outwardly of the body component at a selected location above the plurality of legs, such that a shoe placed upon the platform step will be within reach of a user standing nearby.

17. The bench step device of claim 14, wherein a forward-facing side of the platform step comprises a rectangular rubber pad which adds traction and an elongated narrow plastic strip is affixed horizontally to a lower end portion of the platform step.

18. The bench step device of claim 14 further comprising a handle attached to a forward-facing side of the platform step and is used for expanding and retracting the platform step.

19. The bench step device of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

20. A method of easily applying and securing footwear while standing up, the method comprising the following steps: providing a bench step device comprising a body component with legs and a pair of platform steps that slide out from the opposing sides; positioning the body component on its legs, such as a table; expanding the pair of platform steps out from the body component; securing the pair of platform steps in an expanded position via the sliding hinges; and placing a user's foot on the expanded platform steps to put on and secure a shoe without sitting down.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the bench step device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIGS. 2A-B illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the bench step device of the present invention showing how the platform steps are expanded from the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the bench step device of the present invention showing how the platform steps are locked into place via a sliding hinge in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the bench step device of the present invention showing the device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the bench step device of the present invention showing the device used to support shoes and shoeboxes in a retail store in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of easily applying and securing footwear while standing up in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0031] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0032] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a bench step device that provides users with a bench step for locker rooms, retail stores, and other applications where people are applying and securing footwear. There is also a long felt need in the art for a bench step device that features a pair of platforms that can slide out from the sides of the bench and lock into place via sliding hinge. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a bench step device that allows users to stand in a comfortable position and utilize the platform to put on and secure footwear rather than bending over toward the ground. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that includes a sandpaper or other grit-type surface on the platform to prevent feet from slipping while putting on and taking off footwear. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a bench step device that prevents damage to wooden benches and other surfaces in changing rooms, retail stores, lock room, and the like, offering a specific area for people to put on and take off footwear. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a bench step device that can be constructed using metal or strong plastic, such as Plexiglas or PVC.

[0033] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel bench step device. The device is a bench step for locker rooms, retail stores, and other areas where people take off and put on footwear. The bench step device comprises a body component that is configured in a rectangular, table-like shape with a pair of legs positioned at the corners of the opposing sides. The body component also comprises a pair of platform steps that slide out from the opposing sides. The platform steps can be expanded and retracted via manual or automated means and provide a place for users to tie their shoes, roller skates, ice skates, boots, or other footwear. Each platform step can be secured in place via a sliding hinge. Further, each platform step has a sandpaper or other grit-style surface for traction to ensure that the user does not slip while reaching down. The present invention also includes a novel method of easily applying and securing footwear while standing up. The method includes the steps of providing a bench step device comprising a body component with legs and a pair of platform steps that slide out from the opposing sides. The method also comprises positioning the body component on its legs, such as a table. Further, the method comprises expanding the pair of platform steps out from the body component. The method also comprises securing the pair of platform steps in an expanded position via the sliding hinges. Finally, the method comprises placing a user's foot on the expanded platform steps to put on and secure a shoe without sitting down.

[0034] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the bench step device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the bench step device 100 is an improved bench step device 100 that provides a user 112 with a bench step for locker rooms, retail stores, and other applications where users 112 are applying and securing footwear 114. Specifically, the bench step device 100 comprises a body component 102 with a pair of legs 104 positioned at the corners 106. The body component 102 also comprises a pair of platform steps 108 that slide out from opposing sides 110. The platform steps 108 provide a place for users 112 to tie their shoes 114, roller skates, ice skates, boots, or other footwear. Accordingly, the device 100 prevents discomfort in bending over and damage to a seating area and helps keep the bench step device 100 clean during use.

[0035] Generally, the bench step device 100 comprises a body component 102 that is configured in a rectangular, table-like shape, but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art. The body component 102 comprises a top surface 116, a bottom surface 118, opposing side edges 110 and opposing front and back edges 120. A tabletop component 122 is secured to the top surface 116 of the body component 102 and is typically a smooth surface for supporting shoes 114, shoeboxes 124 and other accessories in a retail store 126 or other location. Specifically, the tabletop component 122 typically has a smooth, planar, and generally square or rectangular top surface 128 and side edges 130 which are chamfered to heighten the visual appeal of the device 100 as well as to minimize sharp edges which may lead to personal injury.

[0036] Further, the body component 102 comprises a pair of legs 104 positioned at the opposing sides 110. Specifically, a single leg 104 is positioned at each of the corners 106 of the body component 102 to support the device 100 on the floor 132. The legs 104 can be any suitable length as is known in the art, as long as the legs 104 act to raise the body component 102 off the floor 132 at such a height, that a user 112 can easily stand and place his foot on a platform step 108 to lace his/her shoe 114. Further, each leg 104 is attached to and depends downwardly from the bottom surface 118 of the body component 102 to touch the floor 132 or other ground surface.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, the body component 102 comprises a pair of platform steps 108 that slide out from the opposing sides 110 and can expand or retract, as needed. Each platform step 108 is rectangular or square in shape and is dimensioned to fit between the legs 104 of the body component 102, such that once in a retracted position, the platform step 108 is flush with the legs 104 of the body component 102. In use, the platform step 108 is expanded out via a sliding hinge 200 or other suitable means and locked into place at an angle to the tabletop component 122. Specifically, in the expanded position, the platform step 108 extends laterally outwardly of the body component 102 at a selected location above the legs 104, such that a shoe 114 placed upon the platform step 108 will be within reach of a user 112 standing nearby, wherein the user 112 may place a shoe 114 on the platform step 108 while standing up. In a retracted position, the platform step 108 is in a non-supporting position and rests under the body component 102 and is flush with the legs 104. Thus, when the platform step 108 is not in use, the platform step 108 can be concealed by the legs 104 of the body component 102 and thus the body component 102 acts like a table when the platform steps 108 are concealed and not in use.

[0038] Further, the platform steps 108 can be expanded and retracted via manual or automated means and provide a place for users 112 to tie their shoes 114, roller skates, ice skates, boots, or other footwear without having to bend over or sit down. Manually, users 112 can reach down and pull up the platform step 108, utilizing the sliding hinge 200, until the platform step 108 is locked in place. In another embodiment, the platform steps 108 can comprise a small motor 202 and other mechanical components to expand and retract the steps 108 automatically, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user 112.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, a forward-facing side 300 of each platform step 108 has a sandpaper 302 or other grit-style surface for traction to ensure that the user 112 does not slip while reaching down to lace a shoe 114.

[0040] Furthermore, the forward-facing side 300 of the platform step 108 comprises a rectangular rubber pad 304 which also adds grip to the inclined surface. Further, an elongated narrow plastic strip 306 is affixed horizontally to a lower end portion 308 of the rubber pad 304 to provide a straight bottom ledge to prevent a user's foot from sliding downwardly off the platform step 108 when the device 100 is being used.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, the bench step device 100 provides a device for use in putting on and removing a shoe 114 without having to sit down and/or bend down to put on the shoe 114. The bench step device 100 has a plurality of legs 104 for resting on the ground 132 and a tabletop component 122 above the legs 104. The bench step device 100 also has a platform step 108 that is positionable in an expanded position and a retracted position. In the expanded position, the platform step 108 is angled upwardly towards the tabletop component 122 to present an inclined surface to a user 112, whereby the user 112 can put his or her foot on the platform step 108 while putting a shoe 114 on or removing a shoe 114 from the foot. In the retracted position, the platform step 108 hangs down, in-line with the legs 104 of the device 100.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, a handle 502 is attached by screws to a forward side 300 of the platform step 108 and is used for expanding and retracting the platform step 108.

[0043] Further, the bench step device 100 can be constructed using metal or strong plastic, such as Plexiglas or PVC, or any other suitable materials as is known in the art.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, the bench step device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be shoe, bench, or brand related.

[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of easily applying and securing footwear while standing up. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a bench step device comprising a body component with legs and a pair of platform steps that slide out from the opposing sides. The method also comprises at 602, positioning the body component on its legs, such as a table. Further, the method comprises at 604, expanding the pair of platform steps out from the body component. The method also comprises at 606, securing the pair of platform steps in an expanded position via the sliding hinges. Finally, the method comprises at 608, placing a user's foot on the expanded platform steps to put on and secure a shoe without sitting down.

[0046] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein bench step device, bench device, step device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the bench step device 100 of the present invention.

[0047] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the bench step device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the bench step device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the bench step device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the bench step device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the bench step device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0048] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0049] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.