Stair tread cover

Abstract

The inventive device is a stair tread cover that helps reduce falls on outdoor stairs. The device changes the slope of the stair surface to improve footing; uses a high friction surface to improve traction; and utilizes a unique shape to improve drainage of snow, ice and water. The unit may optionally be electrically powered with internal heating elements to melt snow and ice.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a cover for individual outdoor stairs and relates specifically to a unique way to shape and cover the stairs in order to reduce falls.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

It can be appreciated that stair treads—including heated stair treads have been available for years in different varieties. However, all these devices are based on either a horizontal slope or one that leans such that fluid flows down the stairs. None of these devices slope the tread upwards to aid in footing. Many of them are invented with the aesthetic goal of covering up older, marked stairs in order to make them appear more attractive.

U.S. Pat. No. 893,198 to Schachner discloses a non-slip stair tread consisting of a metal surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,205,044 to Moore discloses a stair cover for stairs on transit vehicles. This invention utilizes a nosing to cover the screws which hold the tread in place.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,724 to Sonoda discloses one innovative stair tread that does utilize a rubber material. However the rubber encases a metal frame and it does not slope the tread upwards. The innovation is mainly concerned with rainwater drainage.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,061 to Ryan discloses a stair tread that utilizes plastic around a steel frame in order to provide a specific shape in steel with the protection of a plastic outer coating.

However, all of these above-mentioned prior art references, fail to provide a device that utilizes a combination of rubber-based, non-slip surface with innovative slope in order to help reduce incidence of falls.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a stair tread cover which overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

This new rubberized object covers stairs in order to reduce falls. Specifically, the device alters the slope of the stair; the friction on top of the stair and the shape of the stair. Visibility, and hence safety, is also improved by bright coloring on the stair edge. Together these elements help reduce stair falls while still allowing for drainage. The unit may optionally be electrically heated via internal heating elements embedded in the material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side view of the device.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference numbers denote similar elements throughout the several views, the attached figures illustrate an innovative stair tread cover.

FIG. 1 shows the side view of the unit placed overtop of a stair. The unit 1 is constructed of a rubber-like material and slopes the stair so that the front of the stair is higher than the back. In so doing, footing is improved. Water drainage is accomplished via the use of pathways 2 and 3 that drain water to the sides of the device. Optional heating elements embedded inside the unit serve to melt snow and ice.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the apparatus. Pathways 2 and 3 are shown clearly here and are sloped in such a way such that water flows towards the back of the stair and then to the sides and away. The edge of the device closest to the front of the stair 4 is brightly colored to improve visibility and safety. The direction of drainage flow is indicated on FIG. 2.

Claims

1. A stair cover for outdoor stairs comprising:

A rubber-like material with a shape such that the front of the stair cover is higher than the back;

Containing water drainage pathways throughout that channel liquid off to the side;

2. The device of claim 1 with the addition of embedded heat tracing cable to assist in melting show and ice

3. The device of claim 1 with the addition of a brightly colored edge to improve visibility of the edge of the stair