Abstract: A modular staircase frame is lightweight, adjustable, and may be brought to a worksite in pieces to be assembled. The modular staircase frame includes two opposing sets of laterally spaced blades, which may be adjustably connected to form laterally spaced ascending frame members. The opposing sets of blades may include a first pair of blades and a final pair of blades to anchor the frame to a first and second surface, respectively. The blades have openings for adjustable attachment of adjacent blades. The frame may also include stiffeners for added structural support. The opposing sets of laterally spaced blades may further include one or more corner blades for changing the direction of the staircase. Once the frame is installed, treads (temporary or final) can be removably installed on the frame to create a staircase.

Abstract: A returned stair tread assembly comprises a tread plate, a front nosing and a return nosing fitted flush against each other to form an exposed joint between the front and return nosings, and a device for securing the return nosing to the front nosing and the stair tread plate. The tread plate has a side tongue. The front nosing has a front nosing tongue spaced from a forward end of a side edge surface of the front nosing. The return nosing receiving the front nosing tongue of the front nosing and the side tongue of the stair tread plate therein. A front end of the side groove is spaced from a forward end of the return nosing. The front nosing tongue and the side tongue are disposed in the side groove and configured to slidably connect the stair tread plate and the return nosing.

Abstract: Apparatus for modular steps to retrofit existing staircases are provided. The sections of steps may be connected to each other to fit existing staircases of varying lengths. The sections of steps have shorter treads and risers than the staircases on which they are retrofit, allowing smaller pets and pets for whom mobility is a challenge, to more easily traverse a staircase, and without mechanical or human assistance. The sections of steps may be attached to the framing or finish of the existing staircase.

Abstract: The Independence Risers Stair Cube provides a safe, lightweight level surface that can be placed and moved by a caregiver or physical therapist for training that will allow a person using a walker to negotiate stairs both inside and outside of the home. The invention provides for the cube and methods of use.

Abstract: A manufacturing system provides for building staircase assemblies of different design criteria and different building codes. The assemblies are manufactured in an assembly-line manner from one or more centralized manufacturing facilities. Individual projects are shipped to different job sites. The assembly is formed in an off-site, manufacturing facility. The completed assembly obtains a certification to indicate successful building code compliance for the final jurisdiction. The completed stair assembly is disassembled, packaged and shipped to the final building construction site where the assembly can be reassembled and installed. Final installation adjustments, as needed, can accommodate height, width or length adjustments needed to overcome manufacturing tolerances between the assembly and its stairwell. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: An improved handrail for a staircase or ramp. In one embodiment, the handrail includes an elongated member such as a cylinder or bar that spans the length of the staircase or ramp and a riser barrier. The riser barrier has an extender portion and a riser portion. The extender portion of the riser barrier keeps the elongated member a sufficient distance horizontally from the riser portion that a person can slide his or her hand on the rail without interference. The riser portion projects vertically a sufficient distance above the elongated member to deter sliding down the elongated member. Thus, sliding on the member is deterred, while the function of the cylinder as a handrail is preserved.

Abstract: A stair assembly comprising at least two stair modules with each connected to an adjacent module; the stair assembly comprising a first module having first and second side abutments and spanning therebetween a stair tread. There is at least one other abutment surface associated with said first and second side abutments and which provides a bearing surface to receive and retain an adjacent stair module. The second module includes a stair tread which when disposed adjacent the first module is disposed in an us elevated position relative to the stair tread of the first module, wherein the first and second stair module are interconnected via an auxiliary module.

Abstract: A step for installation into an attic that is easily installed on the existing beams within a typical attic to provide a safer and easier means to maneuver within a home's attic space. The step is produced using a single piece of sheet metal. In addition, the step is installed into the attic by securing teeth on the bendable tabs of the step to the existing beams using a hammer with the optional use of additional fasteners.

Abstract: A precision built staircase kit is disclosed. The kit includes a plurality of stringers that include a structural stringer, a decorative stringer and a winder stringer that are cut by a high precision machine, a skirt board, a plurality of risers with a pair of ends and a plurality of squares. The staircase also includes a plurality of winder treads wherein the stringers, the skirt board, the risers and the treads form a plurality of stairs, a recessed tread end cap, one or more cover joints and corner joints to cover a plurality of cuts, a decorative panel disposed on the back of staircase after the stairs are formed and a packaging box that stores a plurality of unassembled staircase components and that forms a cabinet or a closet when empty. The staircase may be assembled from a kit with a method of assembling.

Abstract: The present invention includes a baluster assembly system comprising: (a) a first baluster portion comprising a first tubular section and having a first attachment adapted to be attached to a surface, and a first engagement end; (b) a second baluster portion comprising a second tubular section and having a second attachment adapted to be attached to a surface, and a second engagement end; the first tubular section adapted to slidingly engage the second tubular section, and (c) a locking fixture adapted to fix the position of the first baluster portion with respect to the second baluster portion after the first tubular section and the second tubular section have been engaged.

Abstract: A metal deck kit for erecting a metal deck appurtenant a residential structure. The kit includes a plurality of metal components including support posts, girders, joists, bridging elements, rim tracks, ledgers, along with various connectors, stiffeners, adapters, and brackets for connecting the components together to form a metal deck. Vibration or shock absorbing pads are included for use between various components to reduce shock and vibration transmission through portions of the metal deck. A method of forming a metal deck using these components is also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for pool step forms and related methods for forming steps in a pool formed by wall panels. The step forms may include a wall panel insert configured for insertion between adjacent pool wall panels. The step forms may include one or more step form brace configured to couple with the wall panel insert and, thereby, the wall panels. The step forms may include riser forms that from riser portions of the stairs when the step forms and riser forms are coupled. The pool stair forms may be filled with filling material to form tread portions of the stairs. The pool stair forms may include liner support members coupled to the step form braces and/or the wall panels that facilitate the coupling of a liner to the stairs formed by the pool stair forms and filling material.

Abstract: A three-step pool ladder having the capability to have a fourth step and/or a curve-about ladder apparatus.

Abstract: A pool stair assembly includes step members having riser panels and tread panels, the step members joined together to form a multi-step structure. In illustrative embodiments, a spacer is located between a connection flange of a first step member and a riser panel of a second step member to form a channel therebetween, with one or more detents extending into the channel. A swimming pool liner includes locking tabs at predetermined locations that correspond to the channel, the locking tabs insertable into the channel to secure the liner to the step members. When the locking tab is inserted, a lip of the locking tab is compressed against the detent to move the locking tab past the detent when sufficient downward force is applied. The lip naturally biases back to its original position after passing the detent, preventing removal of the locking tab from the channel.

Abstract: Pre-cast concrete stairs, molds for making pre-cast concrete stairs, and methods of casting pre-cast concrete stairs are provided. The stair is constructed with two beams that are cast with the stair steps as an integral monolithic structure. One of the beams (integral down edge beam) projects below the steps on one side, and the other (integral up edge beam) projects above the steps on the other side. The weight of the stairs and the weight of traffic on the steps creates compression on the tops of the integral down edge beam and integral up edge beam, and tension on the bottoms of the integral down edge beam and integral up edge beam, which enhances the combined strength of the beams. The asymmetric orientation of the members creates a stronger cross-section than if the beams were in the same plane horizontally, allowing greater load handing capability. Lightweight steps are suspended between the two beams.

Abstract: A method for providing an anti-slip surface for a step comprising providing a thin thermoplastic material sheet matrix and a design appliqué of a contrasting material or materials, applying the matrix and the appliqué to a step and heat fusing the matrix to the step and the appliqué to the matrix, and an appliqué used in such a method.

Abstract: A step for ingress and egress from a swimming pool and/or a spa includes a tread including opposing side edges, a riser coupled with and extending substantially perpendicular from one of the side edges of the tread and an upper flange substantially perpendicular to said tread and coupled with and extending upwardly or downwardly from one of the opposing side edges of the tread opposite the riser. The upper flange is configured to be coupled with the riser of another step or a wall of the swimming pool or spa to form a stairway.

Abstract: A pool stair assembly includes step members having riser panels and tread panels, the step members joined together to form a multi-step structure. In illustrative embodiments, a spacer is located between a connection flange of a first step member and a riser panel of a second step member to form a channel therebetween, with one or more detents extending into the channel. A swimming pool liner includes locking tabs at predetermined locations that correspond to the channel, the locking tabs insertable into the channel to secure the liner to the step members. When the locking tab is inserted, a lip of the locking tab is compressed against the detent to move the locking tab past the detent when sufficient downward force is applied. The lip naturally biases back to its original position after passing the detent, preventing removal of the locking tab from the channel.

Abstract: A refaced staircase having original treads and original risers with replacement treads and replacement risers is disclosed. A replacement riser extends down from each original tread, and a replacement tread is placed over the original tread and overhangs the replacement riser. The replacement tread preferably includes a scotia facing the original tread that hides the seam between the original tread and the replacement riser.

Abstract: The invention provides a staircase arrangement for use within a swimming pool. The staircase arrangement comprises a staircase and at least one suction device. The staircase includes a set of stairs, a bottom-facing surface and a wall-facing surface. Each of the at least one suction devices comprises an attachment portion for attachment to at least one of the bottom-facing surface and the wall-facing surface of the staircase and a suction portion suitable for establishing a suction connection with an interior surface of the swimming pool so as to secure the staircase to the interior surface of the swimming pool.

Abstract: Processes, machines, articles of manufacture and compositions of matter required to construct a habitable structure comprised of a cementitious product, preferably autoclaved aerated concrete (“AAC”), formed in unique blocks, panels and beams. This results in an extremely environmentally friendly habitable dwelling, residential or commercial, which, due to the resultant synergy of embodiments, when compared to a similar structure employing prior art and/or current industry's standard materials and methods of construction, is structurally superior and simultaneously yields substantial savings in labor, time and costs.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for removable stair treads and risers having a bracket with a horizontal mounting surface and a vertical mounting surface. The bracket has openings on the horizontal mounting surface to allow a fastener to secure the bottom of a stair tread to the bracket. The bracket has openings on the vertical mounting surface to allow a fastener to secure the bracket to a supporting structure. The vertical mounting surface has at least one recess connected to a primary portion of an attaching element. A riser has a secondary portion of an attaching element attached to an unexposed surface of the riser located opposite at least one recess of the bracket. This allows the riser to be removably attached to the bracket without causing damage to the surrounding stair treads or risers.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a vinyl pool stair liner to a set of pool stairs. The system includes a locking component that is secured to the stairs and a locking rod that is selectively engageable in a channel in the upper end of the locking component. The locking rod secures a flap of vinyl extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the stair liner into the channel and thereby secures the stair liner to the pool stairs. An installation tool is used to push the locking rod into the channel of the locking component. The locking rod is removable from the locking component to release the stair liner if it is determined that the liner should be replaced at a later date.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved stairs and mezzanine that are constructed of standard steel structural components with poured concrete stair treads and the associated method for making them. The invention employs standard steel structural components to make a staircase frame that is stronger, is faster to construct, and is less expensive than those made by current methods. The framework for the staircase is constructed of steel studs, u-channel members, and metal deck material that are cut to size and screwed together. Once the metal framework is constructed and any openings caulked, concrete is poured within the framework to form the concrete steps for the stairs and any associated intermediate platform or mezzanine. Once the concrete is dry, the stairs may be painted, carpeted, or finished as desired.

Abstract: A hand rail assembly for the roof of a grain bin includes plural units each having a plate having openings spaced from each other and adjacent each longitudinal edge of the plate. Some of the openings align with openings in the roof whereby the plate may be attached to the roof. A pair of ring segments extend substantially perpendicular to the plate and rest upon the plate. Openings in the ring segments align with openings in the plate whereby the ring segments may be attached to an upper face of the plate. A gusset extends upwardly from the ring segments, and the gusset and ring segments are attached together. A hand rail comprising a vertical post is attached at one end to the gusset, and a horizontal rail is attached to the post.

Abstract: A grain bin and deck assembly includes a generally cylindrical grain bin having an inclined roof and a substantially vertical cylindrical side wall the top of which is located adjacent to the bottom of the inclined roof, and a deck encircles at least a portion of the cylindrical side wall beneath the bottom of the inclined roof and the deck is positioned to permit access to vents on the roof. The deck is mounted to and supported on the exterior of the side wall and its side wall stiffeners which stiffeners are spaced from each other and extend substantially vertically over at least a portion of the height of the cylindrical side wall and adjacent the top of the cylindrical side wall. The deck is fastened to the stiffeners of the side wall by a support assembly which includes mounting plates having a width that extends across the width of the stiffeners, and the mounting plates have plural rows of holes which are arranged to overlie stiffeners of differing widths.

Abstract: A deck for the roof of a grain bin includes a plurality of deck units each having a plate having an upper face and a lower face and openings spaced from each other and adjacent each longitudinal edge of the plate. The spacing of some of the openings is substantially the same as the spacing of openings in the roof whereby the plate may be attached to the roof. A pair of ring segments extend substantially perpendicular to the elongate plate and rest upon the plate. Openings are in the ring segments and at least one of which is aligned with openings in the plate whereby the ring segments may be attached to the upper face of the plate. A riser extends upwardly from the ring segments opposite the plate, and the riser and ring segments are attached. A deck plate is attached to the riser opposite the ring segments.

Abstract: A stairway barricade assembly includes a pair of barricade panels and a pair of barricade hinges carried by the pair of barricade panels, respectively, and adapted to pivotally attach the pair of barricade panels, respectively, to the stairway. Each of the barricade panels includes an outside panel portion adapted for positioning outside the stairway handrail, an inside panel portion extending from the outside panel portion and adapted for positioning inside the stairway handrail and a handrail slot between the outside panel portion and the inside panel portion. The handrail slot is adapted to accommodate a corresponding handrail of the stairway. The barricade panels are selectively pivotal between a closed position in which the inside panel portions block the stairway and an open position in which the inside panel portions unblock the stairway.

Abstract: A precision built staircase that includes a plurality of stringers that include a structural stringer, a decorative stringer and a winder stringer that are cut by a high precision machine, a universal skirt board, a plurality of risers with a pair of ends and a plurality of universal squares. The staircase also includes a plurality of winder treads wherein the stringers, the skirt board, the risers and the treads form a plurality of stairs, a recessed tread end cap, one or more cover joints and corner joints to cover a plurality of cuts, a decorative panel disposed on the back of staircase after the stairs are formed and a packaging box that stores a plurality of unassembled staircase components and that forms a cabinet or a closet when empty.

Abstract: A stair system (20; 300) comprises: a first length-adjustable stringer (40A; 308A); a second length-adjustable stringer (40B; 308B); and a plurality of tread assemblies (148; 350) installable to the first and second stringers. The system further includes at least one handrail (268; 302A, 302B). A plurality of balusters (280A, 280B; 360, 362) are attached or attachable to the tread assemblies and handrail. The tread assemblies each have an adjustable tread pitch.

Abstract: A method of refacing a staircase having original treads and original risers with replacement treads and replacement risers is disclosed. Each replacement tread overhangs a respective original riser by a distance greater than the thickness of the replacement riser. The replacement riser is shimmed and spaced from the original riser a distance equal to the difference between the replacement riser thickness and the overhang distance. Preferably the replacement treads overhang the replacement risers the same distance that the original treads overhang the original risers.

Abstract: A swimming pool step assembly includes a plurality of steps which can be stacked in a vertical array including a top step, bottom step and, optionally one or more intermediate steps between the top step and the bottom step, each step having a top surface, a periphery, and a bottom, wherein the bottoms of at least the bottom step and the intermediate step(s) each include a recess configured to receive an adjacent higher step in the vertical array.

Abstract: A modular element (10) for making fixed ladders, made of steel or other suitable material, having a surface (12) and two opposite shaped supports (14, 16), provided with at least one rib developed along the inner face and forming a shelf (36) for bearing a further surface (12).

Abstract: A portable modular seating assembly (PMSA 10) that is designed to be temporarily or permanently located on a sport field such as a soccer field. The PMSA (10) is comprised of a left structure (12), a right structure (34), a front structure (60), an inner reinforced panel 80 and a central support structure (96). The front structure (60) is attached to the front edges of the left structure (12) and the right structure (34). Between the two structures (12,34) is attached a set of stairs (82). The stairs are bordered by a passage (87) that is attached between the two sets of stairs (82). The PMSA (10) can also be designed to incorporate an indicia viewing structure (110) that can include a removably attached tarp (134) that is attached during periods of inclement weather or bright sunlight.

Abstract: A stairway system, kit and method for assembling the kit are provided, the system including pre-fabricated components such as steps, stringers, decorative moldings and panels or boards, etc., on site. The kit comprises a step module and an adjacent step module, the step module comprising a riser and a tread, the riser being adapted to abut the tread on a first side thereof and being adapted to define a fastener-mating portion on a second side thereof. The tread is adapted to be secured atop the riser on one side thereof. The adjacent step module comprises a riser and a tread, the adjacent step module being adapted to be assembled with the step module by engaging a fastener with the fastener-mating portion of the step module and securing the fastener to the tread of the adjacent step module to secure the two step modules together.

Abstract: A deck for the roof of a grain bin includes a plurality of deck units each having a plate having an upper face and a lower face and openings spaced from each other and adjacent each longitudinal edge of the plate. The spacing of some of the openings is substantially the same as the spacing of openings in the roof whereby the plate may be attached to the roof. A pair of ring segments extend substantially perpendicular to the elongate plate and rest upon the plate. Openings are in the ring segments and at least one of which is aligned with openings in the plate whereby the ring segments may be attached to the upper face of the plate. A riser extends upwardly from the ring segments opposite the plate, and the riser and ring segments are attached. A deck plate is attached to the riser opposite the ring segments.

Abstract: An L-profile shaped element is formed as a monolithic piece, and the L-profile shaped element includes a first and a second leg, wherein the legs are arranged to have substantially the same thicknesses, at least one edge of each leg is provided with joint parts functioning in the substantially same manner, and the element is turnable to a desired position. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the L-profile shaped element and to a method for installing L-profile shaped elements.

Abstract: A drain screen assembly for protecting a drainage hole or line in an entranceway of a building featuring a generally flat base panel; a plurality of pores disposed in the base panel, the pores allow liquid to pass through the base panel while retaining debris; at least one handle disposed on the base panel; one or more adjustable legs extending downwardly form the bottom surface of the base panel, wherein the adjustable legs can be adjusted in height, wherein at least one side edge of the base panel is free of adjustable legs; and a set of reinforcing ribs disposed under the base panel, the reinforcing ribs help provide structural strength to the base for when an individual walks on the drain screen assembly.

Abstract: A replacement or repair stair tread assembly for covering over an existing worn stair tread includes a core that is surrounded by hardwood edge members, of which at least on edge has a bullnose. The edge members and core are mated at tongue and groove joints. The bullnose has a greater depth of section than the core. The core is a multi-ply matrix with veneer surface skins of the same grain orientation and type of wood. The multiple plies are arranged such that successive layers have cross-wise grain orientation. The plies of the core have symmetrically balanced properties relative to the neutral axis or neutral plane of the core in bending, both cross-wise and length-wise. The balanced properties may pertain to water absorption and to resistance to bending.

Abstract: An adjustable stair riser includes a body portion made of a flexible material. An upper connecting portion is disposed adjacent to an upper end of the body portion. A lower connecting portion is disposed adjacent to a lower end of the body portion. A front surface of the body portion is concavely shaped between the upper and lower ends so as to create slack for moving the upper and lower ends toward or away from each other to accommodate spacing between adjacent treads of a stairway during installation. The concavely shaped front surface of the body portion additionally provides an obstruction free path of foot travel.

Abstract: A deck assembly uses plurality of joists preferably formed from metal located side by side and each having a web portion and a deck portion integrally formed with the web portion. The deck portion extends laterally from the web portion and the joists are spaced from one another such that the deck portions from a continuous deck surface with the joists being connected to one another.

Abstract: The invention provides a staircase arrangement for use within a swimming pool. The staircase arrangement comprises a staircase and at least one suction device. The staircase includes a set of stairs, a bottom-facing surface and a wall-facing surface. Each of the at least one suction devices comprises an attachment portion for attachment to at least one of the bottom-facing surface and the wall-facing surface of the staircase and a suction portion suitable for establishing a suction connection with an interior surface of the swimming pool so as to secure the staircase to the interior surface of the swimming pool.

Abstract: Modular staircases and staircase assemblies comprising components with notches that fit into and interweave with each other. Certain embodiments of modular staircases have at least two webs, wherein the perimeter of each web resembles a staircase with steps. The webs may be coupled together by a plurality of cross-beams. Each of the webs and the cross-beams may have notches that fit into and interweave with each other to form the basic structure of a staircase. The staircase may also be provided with cover pieces to cover the exposed webs and cross beams, and thus, to provide a surface for a user to sit or step on. Embodiments described herein are modular, in that they may be coupled together in various configurations and thus coupled to straight walls, curved walls, or any combination thereof. Additionally, embodiments described herein may be installed in either vinyl liner-type pools or concrete pools.

Abstract: A step for ingress and egress from a swimming pool and/or a spa includes a tread including opposing side edges, a riser coupled with and extending substantially perpendicular from one of the side edges of the tread and an upper flange substantially perpendicular to said tread and coupled with and extending upwardly or downwardly from one of the opposing side edges of the tread opposite the riser. The upper flange is configured to be coupled with the riser of another step or a wall of the swimming pool or spa to form a stairway.

Abstract: A permanent form assembly and method for creating and forming swimming pool user support structures within a swimming pool includes one or more of a vertical elongated support, one or more of a lateral brace, and a plurality of support structure risers that when assembled create a permanent support structure form having a volume for receiving a filler within the volume.

Abstract: A staircase including a bent pole stringer with first and second straight stair sections separated by a spiral stair section. There is preferably a first bend defined on the stringer between the first straight stair section and the spiral stair section, and a second bend defined on the stringer between the spiral stair section and the second straight stair section. There are also a plurality of first straight stair treads cantilevered from the first straight stair section of the stringer, a plurality of spiral stair treads cantilevered from the spiral stair section of the stringer, and a plurality of second straight stair treads cantilevered from the second straight stair section of the stringer.

Abstract: A stringer assembly for mounting to steps of a stairway, comprises first and second stringer members. The first stringer member are adapted to be secured to the steps with first fasteners that are driven through the first stringer member and then into the steps. The second stringer member is adapted to be positioned with respect to the first stringer member such as to conceal the first fastener and to be mounted thereto via second fasteners and glue, wherein the second fasteners are adapted to be driven through the first stringer member and then into the second stringer member. Decorative covers are provided for mounting onto exposed edges of the first and second stringer members. A method for assembling a stringer to steps of a stairway and a kit for producing a stringer assembly for use in stairways are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided, for allowing pets to ascend and descend on a foldable staircase having a plurality of stair treads operatively connected by articulating links in such a manner that the treads can be pivoted in unison from a stowed position of the staircase, in which the treads are substantially stacked upon one another, to a plurality of extended positions, in which the links position the treads in a spaced and parallel relationship to one another. A latch selectively secures the staircase in a selected one of the extended positions. The latch is configured for preventing further pivoting of the treads in either direction between the stowed and extended positions of the staircase, when the latch is engaged.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a staircase that can roll to an upright position when not in use and considers safety standards. More particularly, the invention is directed to a staircase that can be used where space is limited as the staircase's footprint can be minimized when not in use.

Abstract: To further prevent stairway falls, an otherwise conventional handrail, of the type that is mounted on the sidewall of a stairway and has an upper portion which is configured to be easily grasped by one utilizing, is modified by providing it with a two-part cavity in the interior of the handrail, with its first part being a slot that extends from the handrails' exterior surface and its second part being a bore that is situated in the handrail's interior and joined with the slot so as to make the bore accessible from the handrail's exterior surface. This modified handrail is also to provided with a wrist securing device that works in cooperation with the handrail's cavity for keeping the wrist of a user in close proximity to the handrail when the user is traversing the stairway.