Abstract: A modular window well arrangement includes one or more window well members. The window well members can be interconnected in a vertically stacked arrangement to provide the required overall height. Snap-connectors interconnect the vertically adjacent window well members, and a plurality of steps provide for escape. The window well members may have different sizes, and extension walls may be utilized to increase the size of the window well members to provide for a wide variety of configurations. The window well members may be made of a relatively lightweight structural foam material.

Abstract: A modular step system for in-ground swimming comprising a bottom central hub, a brace assembly, a top central hub, a tread support assembly, a step form and a liner. The components of the modular step system interlock and snap together without fasteners. Also, the components of the modular step system are obtained by molding plastic material or curing of a curable material. The modular step system is installed on a level concrete floor of a swimming pool and designed to be rigidly fixed from behind to adjacent pool walls. The modular step system is adaptable to a pool having a vinyl liner, structurally sound regardless of size, easy to assemble, consistent in size, and cost-effective.

Abstract: In recent decades within the building industry, there has been a trend toward mass production of building components. The trend has included every part of structures except for the concrete slab the building is built on. The “Threshold Tray and Clip System” uses mass-produced products to be applied to construction of slabs and foundations, allowing sill steps to be built in rough openings with pre-fabricated form parts. The forms remain in the concrete and are permanent. This means that consistent results can be expected. Other mass-produced products, such as door systems, will fit into rough openings more accurately. Over-all quality of the structure will be increased.

Abstract: A fiberglass molded stairway component and method of using the component enables an old stairway to be removed and replaced by a new stairway while making reuse of the existing stringers and using new stair supports or stair supports previously used with the stairway being replaced.

Abstract: A two-tired seating riser for a sports stadium comprises upper and lower metal plates bonded together by a solid elastomer core. The elastomer core has different thicknesses in the treads and rises. The lower tread has a lip portion in which the metal plates are flared to facilitate alignment with the riser below.

Abstract: A step system made up of masonry panels of various sizes pre-formed to resemble natural stone or brick on the outside. These panels have bolts or other securing devices embedded in them at precise locations at the time of their manufacture. These securing devises allow them to be attached together to form the sides and front of a set of steps. They are attached via a metal frame that is also of differing sizes and made with holes at precise locations to accept the bolts of the masonry pieces. When assembled, as directed, the structure has areas where large slabs of natural stone treads can be rested and attached at differing distances and heights from the ground forming a set of steps.

Abstract: Improved mounting elements, mounting arrangements, and methods of mounting liners to structures, such as stair assemblies, in pools and spas are disclosed. One aspect is a mounting element for retaining at least a portion of a liner to a structure of a spa or pool, the mounting element including a face plate and a gasket mounted to the face plate. Another aspect is a mounting arrangement including a gasketed mounting element comprising a face plate and a gasket mounted to the face plate and means for mounting the gasketed mounting element to a structure wherein the liner is secured. Another aspect is a method of mounting a liner to a structure of a pool or spa. The invention facilitates the assembly of pools and spas by reducing the number of individual parts required and minimizing the potential for damaging the liner compared to prior art arrangements and methods.

Abstract: A process for the renovation of the steps of a staircase including step treads and risers, whereby, starting from the top step to be renovated, starting on the step tread thereof, a step tread plate provided with an impact section that protrudes beyond the step tread is arranged and fastened, and whereby, starting from the impact section, a riser plate extends along the riser and is fastened in the area of the corresponding next lower step to be removed.

Abstract: False return tread modules are provided that include a treadplate, a bullnose joined to the treadplate, a riserplate, and a stairbracket joined to the riserplate, such that the stairbracket/riserplate subassembly and treadplate/bullnose subassembly form the false tread module. The false tread modules of the invention permit fast and easy onsite installation, with or without preattached balusters.

Abstract: A modular railing system supports a plurality of rails in vertically-spaced configuration. The railing system includes a plurality of baluster units arranged between rail sets to support the rails. The baluster units include a plurality of rail supports grouped into double barrel support pairs or single barrel support pairs. The baluster units may include a short section of kick rail, and longer sections of kick rail may extend between adjacent baluster units. Also, additional rails may be joined to the modular railing system using baluster extensions or extender bars. A stair rail adjuster may be used, particularly when railing staircases, to permit adjustment of the relative vertical height of one end of a rail. To attach rails and balusters to stair treads, a finished-stair-tread adapter may be used.

Abstract: A fiberglass molded stairway component and method of using the component enables an old stairway to be removed and replaced by a new stairway while making reuse of the stringers and using new stair supports or stair supports previously used with the stairway being replaced.

Abstract: For designing a balanced stair comprising steps with treads (1-15) showing front edges (26), a line of travel (22) is determined on the stair and a reference line is determined onto each step in a predetermined position with respect to the front edge (26) thereof. In contrast to the prior art methods wherein the reference lines, more particularly the front edges (26) or the risers (25) of the steps, are divided along the line of travel (22) on constant mutual distances measured on the line of travel itself, the substantially constant mutual distances (d) between the reference lines is determined according to the invention near the line of travel (22) along a measuring line (27) which is determined for each pair of adjoining reference lines so as to form a substantially constant angle (?) with at least one of the adjoining reference lines thereof. In this way, a stair which is easier to walk on and which automatically shows a more regular nosing line at the outer string (21) is obtained FIG. 8.

Abstract: A temporary stairway rail support for erecting a temporary stairway rail for use and safety during the construction phase of the building, the temporary stairway rail support having planar base member in contact with a portion of the stair tread, an L-shaped open stringer/riser engaging portion formed of two planar adjacent, depending side walls having formed therein a nosing/tread edge engaging portion which is C-shaped in cross section and engages the lower face of the nosing, the outer edge of the nosing and a portion of the tread at the corner of a step above an open stringer, and a tubular upright member secured to the upper surface of the planar base member portion, said tubular upright member dimensioned to support a temporary newel post or temporary baluster upon which a temporary hand rail can be secured.

Abstract: A ramp member is provided for attachment with an edge of a floor mat to facilitate transportation of an object from a floor to an upper surface of the mat. A tab is provided which extends from the ramp member and defines a plane. Two projections extend from the plane of the tab out of alignment with the plane. Additionally, two cavities are formed in the ramp member adapted for receiving at least one of the two projections therein. A method of connecting ramp members is also included.

Abstract: A conveyor specialized to convey people, and more particularly a conveyor which may serve as a conventional staircase, comprises treads that can individually raise and lower by the amount of the tread rise. To ascend, a user stands on the lowest level, and the tread lifts to match the height of the next tread. The user steps forward to the next tread. That tread likewise lifts to match the height of the next tread, and so on. In this way the user is able to ascend the height of the staircase without having to step up. A corresponding process permits descending the height of the staircase without having to step down. The conveyor can work even if the staircase winds or curves or goes around corners. Optionally a platform is caused to move laterally from each step to the next, so that the user need not even step forward during the process.

Abstract: An adjustable stair and platform system. The apparatus includes a set of stairs which is affixable to a platform at a first height or alternately at a second height. Both the platform unit and the stair unit include vertically adjustable legs above ground engaging feet. The stairs includes a stair rail frame which is releasably affixable to a side hand rail frame provided for the platform unit. The hand rail frame provided for the platform unit includes an end rail which is pivotally mounted to the side hand rail frame. The end rail frame is changeable to support a right hand or a left hand configuration of the side hand rail frame provided on the platform unit. The combination of vertical adjustability, and left and right hand adjustability, make the unit adaptable for various installation configurations, and avoids the need for multiple stair system units for portable buildings.

Abstract: An escalator has a step-band with steps for the transport of persons. The step-band is bounded on its sides by a balustrade held by a balustrade base. A handrail-drive drives the handrails, and has friction-wheels driving the handrails on the outside of the handrails. Rollers press upon the insides of the handrails, pressing the handrail against the friction-wheel. At least one further friction-wheel arranged on a step chain-wheel drives the friction-wheel through frictional or mechanical engagement.

Abstract: A step support method for use in the manufacturing of straight or curved stairs comprising a plurality of cutouts and a plurality of formed flanges in a contiguous sheet of metal creating a surface for stair treads and risers to be attached. The design of which allows the embodiment to serve structurally as being load bearing. With the addition of slits in the tread support flange, the embodiment can be applied to the manufacturing of curved stairs as well.

Abstract: Stair elements installed on sloped ground starting bottom up and using a riser reversibly secured with a clamping mechanism. Each riser is attached to a corresponding tread at the time of installation. The manner of fixing the riser to the tread permits the relationship between the two to be adjusted for angle and position.

Abstract: A stairway system is disclosed that includes a plurality of spaced apart treads; a handrail; and at least two balusters per tread. Each baluster includes a top length segment, a bottom length segment and a turning length segment, the turning length segment including a portion of defined features. According to the present invention, a length of the turning length segment of a subsequent baluster is greater than a length of the turning length segment of a previous baluster on the same tread according to the equation of the riser height divided by the total number of balusters. Thus, each of a portion of the defined feature in the bottom length segment of each of the balusters align with the tread for each baluster. In the preferred embodiment, only four different baluster lengths are necessary for both two and three balusters per tread stairway systems.

Abstract: Improved mounting elements, mounting arrangements, and methods of mounting liners to structures, such as stair assemblies, in pools and spas are disclosed. One aspect is a mounting element for retaining at least a portion of a liner to a structure of a spa or pool, the mounting element including a face plate and a gasket mounted to the face plate. Another aspect is a mounting arrangement including a gasketed mounting element comprising a face plate and a gasket mounted to the face plate and means for mounting the gasketed mounting element to a structure wherein the liner is secured. Another aspect is a method of mounting a liner to a structure of a pool or spa. The invention facilitates the assembly of pools and spas by reducing the number of individual parts required and minimizing the potential for damaging the liner compared to prior art arrangements and methods.

Abstract: An improvement for a wood stair tread of the type having a generally transparent protective coating thereon, the improvement being a three dimensional pattern formed in a top surface of the stair tread to both improve footing and preserve the natural appearance of the wood forming the top surface of the tread.

Abstract: Stair elements installed on sloped ground starting bottom up and using a riser reversibly secured with a clamping mechanism. Each riser is attached to a corresponding tread at the time of installation. The manner of fixing the riser to the tread permits the relationship between the two to be adjusted for angle and position.

Abstract: A modular stair assembly includes a stair module and at least one of a transportation module, deck module, handrail module, extension deck module, and extension handrail module that can be interconnected in various configurations to suite a wide variety of different applications.

Abstract: An audience seating system of the present invention takes a modular approach to creating a wide variety of seating options. The system utilizes a variety of standardized parts that can be assembled in a flexible variety of configurations. The system generally utilizes a plurality of columns, trusses, end frames, and platforms. The major parts of the system are assembled and secured together by readily removable pins to create a flexible and secure seating system. A large part of the system is held together by gravity further simplifying installation and disassembly. By varying the size of the components, the rise and run of the system may be adjusted as desired.

Abstract: A baluster retaining member for connecting an end of a baluster to an opening in a rail of a railing system includes a rail section dimensioned to fit within the opening and a baluster section dimensioned to be secured to an end of the baluster. The rail and baluster sections are oriented with respect to one another at a predetermined angle so that when the baluster is connected to the rail by the member and the rail is positioned for use adjacent a stairway at an angle from the horizontal, the baluster is oriented vertically.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic stairway has a pair of laterally spaced apart elongated stringers adapted to be disposed between levels of the building and a plurality of integral riser surfaces and integral tread surfaces extending between said stringers so as to form steps. A plurality of individual preformed tread members are fastened on the tread surfaces.

Abstract: False return tread modules are provided that include a treadplate, a bullnose joined to the treadplate, a riserplate, and a stairbracket joined to the riserplate, such that the stairbracket/riserplate subassembly and treadplate/bullnose subassembly form the false tread module. The false tread modules of the invention permit fast and easy onsite installation, with or without preattached balusters.

Abstract: An internal support system for a hollow plastic post comprising a rigid column on to which the post can be sleeved, a member secured to the lower end of the column for securing same upright, and at least one support bracket attachable to the column at a selected point and configured to be received into the lower end of the post to provide internal support for a post sleeved on the column and over the bracket.

Abstract: In the first embodiment, a staircase repair device or kit is provided which includes two components, namely, a stair tread repair member and a riser repair member. These members are placed on an existing staircase to provide a protective covering. In the second embodiment, a new staircase construction is provided which includes a plurality of stair tread members spanning between standard stringers. The components of the first embodiment and the stair tread member of the second embodiment are made of metal bent to desired shapes. Each is coated with a synthetic material to coat exposed surfaces or to completely encapsulate them therein. A slip-free wearing surface is formed by a layer of particles placed over the first coating, and a second coating of synthetic material which is applied over the dispersed layer of particles.

Abstract: An improvement to a stair module support system includes a flexible engagement between a post and a channel attached to the underside of a stair module. The flexible engagement enables the stair module support system to be assembled and placed into a stored configuration with each post received by a corresponding channel. The system may then be shipped to an installation site where the posts may be rotated to a deployed position without requiring further assembly or tools.

Abstract: The present staircase includes a permanent framing made of metallic stringers, one of which being typically secured to a half-timbering. Vertically extending step supports are secured along the stringers and each include upper and front flanges adapted to be secured respectively to a tread and to a riser of each step of the staircase. A temporary staircase may be easily obtained with the present kit for use during construction, wherein a number of L-shaped steel step units are laid onto the step supports to form a successive series of alternating risers and treads. Then, these L-shaped steel units can be removed and replaced by finished steps of various configurations. If the staircase has an exposed side, a finishing stringer is provided thereat to conceal the structural metallic stringer.

Abstract: A stair covering material substantially impervious to liquid running the length of a flight of stairs, with a plurality of individually spaced, step-upon treads at the top side and a plurality of individually spaced non-skid, non-slip surfaces at the under side, and with the covering material having a resistive strength to withstand the weight of a person walking thereon, and a flexibility to fold flat between adjacent ones of the individually spaced step-upon treads.

Abstract: A modular stone stair system using a plurality of modules in the form of stringers, risers, treads and landings in standardized thicknesses and widths. The risers, landings (if any) and treads have different widths dependent upon the width of the stairs desired, with the treads and landing (if any) being of the full width of the stair, and the risers being a modular width such that each tread or landing is underlain by a plurality of risers. Each level of the stair has a plurality of stringers, abutting the back of the tread and riser and running to the back of the stair. The stringers vary in depth depending upon how many steps are to be present, such that each level, except the bottom, overlaps the tread and riser of the next lower level by a fixed amount. The system can easily be assembled by two people, using a shovel, a level, and a ruler, giving the homeowner or contractor the option of choosing threshold heights, widths, and landings with varying depths.

Abstract: For designing a balanced stair comprising steps with treads (1-15) showing front edges (26), a line of travel (22) is determined on the stair and a reference line is determined onto each step in a predetermined position with respect to the front edge (26) thereof. In contrast to the prior art methods wherein the reference lines, more particularly the front edges (26) or the risers (25) of the steps, are divided along the line of travel (22) on constant mutual distances measured on the line of travel itself, the substantially constant mutual distances (d) between the reference lines is determined according to the invention near the line of travel (22) along a measuring line (27) which is determined for each pair of adjoining reference lines so as to form a substantially constant angle (&agr;) with at least one of the adjoining reference lines thereof.

Abstract: A system of building construction comprises prefabricated modules with wall sections having finished paneling on both faces, inner foam panels and spacers made from insulating foam, and a steel-reinforced concrete core. The modules come complete with outer and inner finished panels, as well as inner insulating foam so that no on-site mounting of the panels to the wall module is required. The foam panels and facing panels are attached together with a plurality of coilies or rigid spacers, held together with simple screws to create a complete wall system. Concrete is subsequently poured into the module cores to create a monolithic structure. The Inner-wall and outer wall is already in place and needs only to be decorated as desired. All elements stay in place and no forms or heavy external bracing are needed.

Abstract: Step4Paws actualizes the concept of using a modulated staircase to assist dogs and cats in getting up to and down from household furniture. Manufactured into various heights and dimensions, the modules can be used singularly or in conjunction with another or other module(s). This flexibility allows for tailoring to various specifics such as size or jumping ability of the dog or cat and to floor space limitations. Increased user-friendliness is an inherent characteristic of the design created by two main attributes: a wide, horizontal surface, and a soft, carpeted surface. Combined, these two attributes make for an inviting means for dogs and cats to ease the difficulty in reaching their desired destination. In fact, Step4Paws offers itself as a viable, attractive alternative to their favorite spot.

Abstract: A stairway comprises a one-piece fiber reinforced plastic base having a plurality of riser surfaces and tread surfaces forming steps and a landing surface. The tread surfaces and the landing surface are configured to include an integral reinforcement surface region extending along a length of each tread surface and the landing. A preformed plastic tread member is fastened on a respective one of the tread surfaces of the base, and a preformed plastic landing member fastened on the landing surface. The base comprises a front wall region, first and second side wall regions and a rear wall region integrally formed as one-piece and is comprised of an outer filled resin layer and a plurality of fiber reinforced filled resin layers.

Abstract: An emergency stairwell for a building having multiple floors comprising: at least one landing associated with each the floor, each landing increasing in width in at least one horizontal direction from an uppermost landing of an upper floor to a lowermost landing of a lower floor; and at least one set of stairs extending between adjacent pairs of landings.

Abstract: An arrangement for a grandstand having a series of sections, each section having a pair of sloping joists each provided with a number of vertical seating beam pillars and a number of walkways between the joists. Fastening and securing devices are provided at an upper part of each seating beam pillar. The fastening devices are provided with first locking devices capable of receiving second locking devices provided at the ends of seating beams intended to be mounted between two opposite seating beam pillars on the joists. One of the locking means has a resilient element. The first locking device is provided with a female member and the second locking device is provided with a male member. The resilient element allows connection of the male and female members with one another to lock the members in their connected positions. The resilient element has at least one tongue provided in connection with one of the members.

Abstract: Purpose of cover is to seal basement stairwell opening when basement is not in use. Benefit of cover over basement stairwell is to seal out of living space any and all dampness or cold air drafts, especially in winter climates that come up from basement. Also to save on energy usage, during cold winter months of the year, due to cold air drafts coming up from basement.

Abstract: A balustrade which features premade gallery, rake and starting newels and rail sections, and the process for installing the balustrade using the newel of this invention. The newel is a tubular member having an insert disposed at the lower end thereof, and optionally including a hex bolt which has intermediate machine screw threads, and distal lag screw threads, the machine screw threads thereof being in engagement with a coupler, disposed above a rigid plate, and the lag screw threads to be disposed within a support for the newel. The process includes the steps of mounting the new gallery, intermediate rake newel(s),—location dependent—mounting the starting newel, and attaching the rail section therebetween, and finishing off the upper portion of newels by attaching newel caps. The balustrade can utilize the newel of this invention at one or both of the gallery and starting newel locations, and at an intermediate rake location if employed.

Abstract: The present staircase (S′, S″) includes a permanent framing (200, 300) made of metallic stringers (208), one of which being typically secured to a half-timbering (F). Vertically extending step supports (210) are secured along the stringers (208) and each include upper and front flanges (254) adapted to be secured respectively to a tread (204, 304) and to a riser (206, 306) of each step (202, 302) of the staircase (S′, S″). Various support systems, including a corner post (312) and brackets (328, 332, 338) mounted thereto, are provided for supporting various horizontal (226c) and angled (208b, 208d) structural components of the framework (300) of the staircase (S″) when the staircase (S″) is L-shaped or U-shaped thereby including a turn in the staircase with flaring steps (103, 104, 105), and also possibly a landing (110).

Abstract: A step lighting apparatus comprising a coextrusion of a light reflective gray strip with a dark plastic body. The apparatus is mountable to the nose of a stair step where the reflective strip is located at the edge of the step. The strip is made from a material that will reflect low level ambient light to indicate the step's edge.

Abstract: An improvement to a stair module support system includes a flexible engagement between a post and a channel attached to the underside of a stair module. The flexible engagement enables the stair module support system to be assembled and placed into a stored configuration with each post received by a corresponding channel. The system may then be shipped to an installation site where the posts may be rotated to a deployed position without requiring further assembly or tools.

Abstract: The present invention comprises various combinations of 2″×4″, 2″×6″, 2″×8″, 2″×10″ and 2″×12″ members stacked on top of one another with one longitudinal edge of each member co-aligned. In this configuration, the non-aligned longitudinal edges form shallow steps which act as a ramp, allowing wheeled implements to easily transition form ground level to the floor level of the portable building.

Abstract: A stairway includes a one-piece fiber reinforced plastic base having a plurality of riser surfaces and tread surfaces forming steps and a landing surface. The tread surfaces and the landing surface are configured to include an integral reinforcement surface region extending along a length of each tread surface and the landing. A preformed plastic tread member is fastened on a respective one of the tread surfaces of the base, and a preformed plastic landing member fastened on the landing surface. The base includes a front wall region, first and second side wall regions and a rear wall region integrally formed as one-piece and includes an outer filled resin layer and a plurality of fiber reinforced filled resin layers.

Abstract: A highly stable beach access stairway is described that includes steps constructed of first and second parallel stringers with a plurality of treads extending between the stringers; upper, intermediate and lower support posts upon which the stringers are mounted; upper, intermediate and lower cable attachment rods extending through the support posts and stringers; a plurality of sand anchors positionable at spaced distances from the top and sides of the steps, and cables that connect the anchors to the attachment rods adjacent the inner sides of the stringers. The top anchor is connected to the upper and intermediate rods, while the side anchors are attached to the inner face of the stringer on the opposite side of the steps from the anchor. A bottom anchor may also be positioned beneath the steps and attached to the intermediate and lower rods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tread and handrail combination structure of a staircase, including a support post, multiple helically laminated treads mounted on the support post, and multiple juxtaposed handrails. Each tread has an outer side provided with multiple combination holes, so that two ends of each handrail may pass through the combination holes to be fixed on the tread. Each tread has a bottom face provided with a support tube aligned with one combination hole. One end of each handrail is screwed on the tread, and the other end of each handrail is extended through the combination hole and the support tube of the mating tread, and through the combination hole of a next tread, so that any two adjacent treads may be combined rigidly and stably, without deformation.

Abstract: The present staircase includes a permanent framing made of metallic stringers, one of which being typically secured to a half-timbering. vertically extending step supports are secured along the stringers and each include upper and front flanges adapted to be secured respectively to a tread and to a riser of each step of the staircase. A temporary staircase may be easily obtained with the present kit for use during construction, wherein a number of L-shaped steel step units are laid onto the step supports to form a successive series of alternating risers and treads. Then, these L-shaped steel units can be removed and replaced by finished steps of various configurations. If the staircase has an exposed side, a finishing stringer is provided thereat to conceal the structural metallic stringer.