Platform with handle

Abstract

An apparatus includes a platform having a first end and a second end and a handle. The apparatus includes a first leg assembly rotatably attached to the platform in proximity to the first end. The apparatus includes a second leg assembly attentively attached to the platform in proximity to the second end. When the first and second leg assemblies are essentially perpendicular to the platform, the apparatus is in a use state and the user is able to stand on the platform and be supported by the first and second leg assemblies. When the apparatus is in the use state, the user is able to pick up the apparatus by the handle with only one of the hands without tipping the apparatus. A method for a user with hands to stand on an apparatus.

1 . An apparatus on which a user with hands stands comprising:
 a platform having a first end and a second end and a handle and a middle, the handle is disposed in the platform, the handle has a first slot, the first slot disposed essentially in the platform's middle, the platform has a centerline and the apparatus has a center of gravity, the first slot is disposed above the apparatus' center of gravity, a first handle insert is located in the first slot, the first handle insert insures that any potentially rough edges remaining after the first slot is formed in the work platform decking is covered up, the first handle insert also provides a deeper gripping surface for comfort of the user, the first handle insert made of molded plastic, the insert has a hole through which fasteners extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first handle insert to hold the first handle insert to a support bar;   a first leg assembly rotatably attached to the platform in proximity to the first end; and   a second leg assembly rotatably attached to the platform in proximity to the second end, when the first and second leg assemblies are essentially in parallel with the platform, the apparatus is in a folded state, when the first and second leg assemblies are essentially perpendicular to the platform, the apparatus is in a use state and the user is able to stand on the platform and be supported by the first and second leg assemblies, when the apparatus is in the use state, the user is able to pick up the apparatus by the handle with only one of the user's hands without tipping the apparatus, the apparatus able to support at least 250 lbs. of load.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first slot has a first elongate side and a second elongate side essentially in parallel in spaced relation with the first elongate side, with each elongate side essentially in parallel with the centerline. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the first slot has an oval shape. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the first handle insert fits in the first slot and conforms to the oval shape of the first slot. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the first and second leg assembly each comprise a first leg and a second leg in spaced relation and in parallel with the first leg. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein each leg assembly has a step attached between the first and second legs on which the user steps to reach and stand on the platform when the apparatus is in the use state. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus on which a user with hands stands comprising:
 a platform having a first end and a second end, a bottom, a middle, a longitudinal centerline and a handle disposed in the platform, the handle has a first slot, the first slot disposed essentially in the platform's middle and having an oval shape;   a support bar attached to the platform's bottom extending along the platform's centerline;   a first insert made of plastic disposed in the first slot and attached to the support bar with screws or rivets, the first insert having a first shape which conforms with a second shape of the first slot;   the apparatus has a center of gravity, the first slot is disposed above the apparatus' center of gravity, the first insert insures that any potentially rough edges remaining after the first slot is formed in the work platform decking are covered up, the insert also provides a deeper gripping surface for comfort of the user, the first insert has holes through which fasteners extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first handle insert to hold the first insert to a support bar;   a first leg assembly rotatably attached to the platform in proximity to the first end; and   a second leg assembly rotatably attached to the platform in proximity to the second end, when the first and second leg assemblies are essentially in parallel with the platform, the apparatus is in a folded state, when the first and second leg assemblies are essentially perpendicular to the platform, the apparatus is in a use state and the user is able to stand on the platform and be supported by the first and second leg assemblies, when the apparatus is in the use state, the user is able to pick up the apparatus by the handle with only one of the user's hands without tipping the apparatus, the apparatus able to support at least 250 lbs. of load.   
     
     
         8 . A method for a user with hands to stand on an apparatus comprising the steps of:
 placing the apparatus that is in a use state in a desired location, the apparatus comprising a platform having a first end and a second end and a handle; a first leg assembly rotatably attached to the platform in proximity to the first end, a second leg assembly attentively attached to the platform in proximity to the second end, when the first and second leg assemblies are essentially in parallel with the platform, the apparatus is in a folded state, when the first and on leg assemblies are essentially perpendicular to the platform, the apparatus is in a use state and the user is able to stand on the platform and be supported by the first and second leg assemblies, when the apparatus is in the use state, the user is able to pick up the apparatus by the handle with only one of the hands without tipping the apparatus;   placing an object on the platform;   grabbing the handle in the platform while the apparatus is in the use state;   lifting the apparatus by the handle with one hand by the user while the user's other hand is free so the apparatus does not tip and the object is not come off the platform; and   placing the apparatus back down on to ground with the object still on the platform.