Abstract: A modular seating riser for stadia, a set of structural modules for building the same, a kit and an assembly therefor, as well as to a method for building the same, are provided. More particularly, a set of structural modules for building a structurally sound modular seating riser on which seats of a bleacher-type stadium can be mounted are provided. The structural modules are an elongated metal extrusion. The set of structural module includes a first module having a female tensioned catch-connector provided along a lateral edge thereof, and a second module having a male tensioned catch-connector provided along a lateral edge thereof. The male and female tensioned catch-connectors have complementary configurations for mating and interlocking together, and forming, when interlocked together, a structural permanent joint.

Abstract: A system for establishing modular concrete truss stairway during construction of a multi-floor building having concrete decks provides two pre-cast concrete stringers of plural stairsteps and a cast-in-place intermediate landing therebetween forming a stair truss structurally attached to and communicating between two vertically spaced adjacent concrete decks. The intermediate concrete landing is carried between the adjacent vertically spaced decks by adjacent end portions of the stringers. Internal reinforcement in the concrete decks, in each stringer and in the intermediate landing is operatively interconnected to provide structural rigidity to the stair truss. Concurrent pouring of concrete for the upper deck, the intermediate landing and a blocked out area defined in a lower deck structurally attaches the stair truss therebetween providing an operative stairway upon hardening of the concrete.

Abstract: A stair component has foundation member including a nose end. Upon attachment of the component to a stair, the nose end projects outwardly from an upper forward edge of the stair. The nose end has a substantially uniform cross-sectional configuration along substantially its entire width. A nose cover having an ornamental exterior surface overlies and covers substantially the entire nose end. The nose cover comprises a thin continuous sheet of preformed plastic having first and second substantially parallel planar portions joined by a curved portion. The foundation member, which may be constructed on site or formed off-site, is adapted to be positioned (a) directly next to a riser portion of the stair so that a vertical support element of the foundation member abuts the riser portion or (b) indirectly so that the vertical support element abuts a secondary vertical member disposed between the foundation member and the riser portion.

Abstract: A laminate stair tread cover includes a core fiberboard member, a paper element fixedly disposed on the top of the core fiberboard layer, a metallic oxide coating fixedly disposed on the paper layer and an adhesive layer fixedly disposed on the rear bottom of the core fiberboard layer. Elements of the core fiberboard layer can define a substantially squared-off void capable of receiving a base stair tread. The present invention can be applied to existing staircases in one aspect of the present invention as a retrofitting method.

Abstract: A stairway having an alternating series of risers and treads wherein two risers and a tread form a step structure for use in constructing the stairway. The step structure including a first riser having a front portion and a rear portion, a tread having a support surface and an opposite surface, a second riser having a front portion and a rear portion, and wherein the tread is positioned between the rear portion of the first riser and the front portion of the second riser and wherein the second riser of one step structure becomes the first riser of the next-up step structure.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an amusement park ride track utilizing stock, planar materials, namely comprising of creating elongated, curved structures from planar materials. A roller coaster track capable of being fabricated from multiple planar pieces without heating or bending. Other embodiments are described which utilize elongated, curved structures such as ski lifts, people movers, staircases and architectural structures. A jig is disclosed for providing for ease of manufacture of the elongated, curved structures.

Abstract: A stairway with a finished skirt/fascia board is formed using parallel stringers and tread/riser support brackets spaced and aligned along the stringers. The brackets are temporarily and pivotally attached to stringers and the stringers are moved parallel to and relative to each other to orient the stringers for the slope of the stairway. The pivotal attachment of the brackets to one of the stringers and the unattached stringer is moved into contact with the other stringer at mating faces. The brackets are them permanently attached to the parallel stringers. The mating faces of the stringers form a finished skirt/fascia board for the stairway. Several variations in contoured faces, including tongue and groove contours, for the mating surfaces provide for a smooth and clean looking skirt/fascia board on a finished stairway.

Abstract: A tiered seating system includes a series of tiers each including a block pair, a riser, brackets securing the riser to the block pair, and concrete. The block pair includes a lower block and an upper block. The riser is spaced from the front surface of the block pair. The system includes two rows of brackets. The first row is secured between the upper block and the lower block, and is secured to the riser between the bottom and the top of the riser. The second row is secured only to the upper block, and is secured to the top of the riser. The concrete fills the gap between the riser and the blocks and form a layer over the upper block.

Abstract: A staircase of skeletal form is prefabricated and is provided with prefabricated decorative cladding finishing plates for the treads, the risers and the stringer boards, the plates being pre-drilled for ease of assembly, a plurality of finishing plates can be preassembled, or factory assembled, together before installation over a portion of the prefabricated staircase, and the installation method thereof.

Abstract: A stairway system, kit and method for assembling the kit are provided, the system including pre-fabricated components such as steps, stringers, decorative mouldings 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: 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: An automated pivoting stairway system that raises and lowers through use of a drive actuator to thereby provide access to above or below floor level areas or between an elevated area and the ground floor. The system may utilize modular sections to allow on-site assembly. The stairway may be pivoted at the top of the stairway by way of a pivot drive lever attached on either side of the top step pivot frame assembly so that access on or off the stairway may be directly off the front end of the stairway, or to either side. A separate frame member may extend from the pivot point along the side of the stairway opening to a predetermined distance. This frame member may serve as the anchor point for the base end mount of the actuator. The actuator controls the length of stroke and the amount of torque that is required to operate the stairway up and down.

Abstract: An adjustable stairway system provides access between a first elevation level and a second elevation level. The system includes a pair of expandable and retractable scissor stringers and multiple spaced apart treads joining the pair of stringers. The system further includes a first mounting assembly structured to allow a top portion of the stairway to be relatively permanently secured to a landing or other man-made structure, and second, different mounting assembly that allows a bottom portion of the stairway to be removably secured to natural terrain such as a beach. The system sometimes includes a control assembly to assist in expanding or retracting of the stairway.

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: The present invention provides a laminate stair tread a core having a top surface and a bottom surface, and opposing read side and front side, the front side being substantially curved, and a laminate layer affixed to the top surface of the core including the curved front side, thereby providing a flat, unobstructed, and seamless surface.

Abstract: A removable stairway device configured for attachment to a platform includes a removable step attachable to the platform and extendable from the platform in cantilever fashion. A gap is formed between the step and the elevated deck of the platform when the removable step is attached to the platform. A lock plate is pivotally coupled to the step. The lock plate pivots to cover the gap between the step and the elevated deck. A flange extends from the lock plate and engages a side of the platform to lock the step to the platform when the step is attached to the platform and the lock plate is pivoted to cover the gap.

Abstract: A stairway with a finished skirt/fascia board is formed using parallel stringers and tread/riser support brackets spaced and aligned along the stringers. The brackets are temporarily and pivotally attached to stringers and the stringers are moved parallel to and relative to each other to orient the stringers for the slope of the stairway. The pivotal attachment of the brackets to one of the stringers and the unattached stringer is moved into contact with the other stringer at mating faces. The brackets are them permanently attached to the parallel stringers. The mating faces of the stringers form a finished skirt/fascia board for the stairway. Several variations in contoured faces, including tongue and groove contours, for the mating surfaces provide for a smooth and clean looking skirt/fascia board on a finished stairway.

Abstract: A stair tread overlay and a riser overlay made from solid wood for fitting over a conventional, exposed wooden stair having a generally rounded nose like those found in most residential general construction staircases and prefabricated staircases. The tread overlay and riser overlay cover the exterior surface of a conventional wooden stair from stringer to stringer to hide a construction grade stair tread and riser below that are made from a composite material or unsalvageable hardwood to present an attractive, solid wood surface that is finishable.

Abstract: A connector secures together a first member and a second member, wherein each of the first and second members of has an aperture and a wall thickness at the point ofjoining. The connector includes a body portion having a generally circular cross-section taken along a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body portion. The connector is secured to the first member in the aperture by an attachment being rigidly joined to the body portion.

Abstract: A tiered seating system includes a series of tiers each including a block pair, a riser, brackets securing the riser to the block pair, and concrete. The block pair includes a lower block and an upper block. The riser is spaced from the front surface of the block pair. The system includes two rows of brackets. The first row is secured between the upper block and the lower block, and is secured to the riser between the bottom and the top of the riser. The second row is secured only to the upper block, and is secured to the top of the riser. The concrete fills the gap between the riser and the blocks and form a layer over the upper block.

Abstract: A stairway forming system (10) includes a plurality of stacked, elongate stair riser form carriers (12-20), the carriers (12-20) being longitudinally displaceable relative to one another. An anchoring unit (24) anchors at least a lowermost riser form carrier (12) in position relative to a substrate (26). A positioning assembly (28) is attached to at least one of the riser form carriers (12-20) and cooperates with the remaining riser form carriers for displacing the carriers (14-20) in unison relative to one other to adopt a staggered operative configuration approximating an angle of the stairway to be formed.

Abstract: A multi-story building is constructed by first erecting at least one modular stairwell tower on a concrete base pad. The tower includes a number of horizontally alternating precast concrete modular stairwell units arranged in a stack and corresponding to twice the number of floors in the building. Each stairwell unit includes a precast reinforced concrete tower section having opposite side walls and opposite end walls defining an open top and an open bottom and a height generally equal to one half the vertical distance between two adjacent floors. An inclined stairway and a horizontal landing platform are formed within each tower section and are rigidly connected to the walls. Anchor members are embedded in the base pad and in upper and lower portions of the walls of each tower section, and adjacent anchor members are connected by weld plates. Each stairwell unit has a handrail supported by the corresponding stairway.

Abstract: A toggle pin comprising an elongate main body portion having two ends, one end being provided with a passageway that extends at least partially through the main body portion and which is open at the one end such that a line member can pass into the passageway and be connected to the toggle pin, the other end being provided with a toggle plate, the toggle plate being pivoted to the main body portion in such a manner that the toggle plate can move between an unlocking position where the toggle plate is substantially in line with the main body portion, and a locking position where the toggle plate is substantially at right angles to the main body portion.

Abstract: A template system and method for use in the installation of and framing for staircases is disclosed. The template system includes a plurality of staircase template pieces that can be assembled to produce a full-scale template of a staircase in plan view. If desired, a plurality of wall plates can be assembled in connection with the staircase templates to provide a full-scale template for framing the staircase. Balcony templates could also be used to provide a full-scale template for a balcony of the staircase.

Abstract: A design concept has now been developed that provides for a multi-unit housing having a number of design and construction advantages. In a type 5 (IBC) structure, a multi-story building is constructed over a single foundation. The building is constructed so that pairs of residential units are positioned in a generally back-to-back configuration separated by a non-load bearing unit separation wall. This unit separation wall may be easily moved or positioned after the shell of the building has been constructed so as to customize the size of an individual unit. A central drive lane is positioned on the ground level of the building under the upper floors of the structure. The central drive lane provides access to individual private garages which open onto the central drive lane, and the garages can provide access to a ground floor vestibule. Other living areas are positioned on the floors above the ground floor.

Abstract: A log staircase is disclosed along with a method of producing components for the log staircase. The log staircase includes an elongated stringer capable of angularly extending from a lower level to an upper level. The stringer has an outer circumference with a notch formed therein. A protuberance extends upward from the notch. The log staircase also includes a tread having a semicircular periphery with a flat surface. An opening is formed in the semicircular periphery of the tread. The opening is designed to mate with the protuberance to retain the flat surface crossways to the stringer. The method includes cutting a number notches and protuberances in each of a pair of stringers, and cutting a pair of openings in a predetermined number of treads which are capable of mating with the protuberances to retain each of the treads crossways to the pair of stringers.

Abstract: A stairway with a finished skirt/fascia board is formed using parallel stringers and tread/riser support brackets spaced and aligned along the stringers. The brackets are temporarily and pivotally attached to stringers and the stringers are moved parallel to and relative to each other to orient the stringers for the slope of the stairway. The pivotal attachment of the brackets to one of the stringers and the unattached stringer is moved into contact with the other stringer at mating faces. The brackets are them permanently attached to the parallel stringers. The mating faces of the stringers form a finished skirt/fascia board for the stairway. Several variations in contoured faces, including tongue and groove contours, for the mating surfaces provide for a smooth and clean looking skirt/fascia board on a finished stairway.

Abstract: A heavy net is used with an optimally sized mesh that provides an easy gripping surface for the toddler's hands with no choking or entrapment hazards. A net is fastened to an existing banister by the use of hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A staircase structure, representatively at least partially curved, is constructed from longitudinal modules each having tread, riser and stringer portions. In one embodiment of the construction technique, stringer portions of the modules are longitudinally telescoped with one another and then intersecured so that the interfitted modules form successive longitudinal portions of the assembled staircase structure. In another embodiment of the construction technique, stringer portions of the modules are vertically stacked and then intersecured. Illustratively, the riser and stringer portions of each module are of a laminated wooden construction shaped in situ on the underside of module tread portion by a CNC milling machine.

Abstract: The assembly and method of the present invention is used for forming a monolithic tiered concrete slab or stairway. The assembly includes a plurality of foam blocks positioned adjacent one another and in a plurality of rows on a support base. The upper surfaces of the blocks are sloped and form a continuous included plane from the front row to the back row. Interface elements are attached to the upper surfaces so as to cover the joints between adjacent blocks. Riser ties are mounted on the interface elements, with riser face forms attached to the ties. After the blocks are positioned and the interface elements with riser ties and face forms assembled, concrete is poured under the blocks so as to cover the upper surface, the interface elements, and the ties, thereby forming a monolithic tiered series of risers and treads.

Abstract: A protective step cover that is both functional, decorative, and the versatility of protecting and or replacing the steps, rectangular in configuration, the top having a horizontal surface with grooves formed into the plastic for traction, the front and rear having a flat vertical surface, the bottom having a flat horizontal surface on each side of the parallel radius drip edges for eliminating moisture, with an open center section for detachably attached to said steps; and brackets, rectangular in configuration, the top having a flat horizontal supporting surface, the front and rear having a flat vertical surface, the bottom having a flat horizontal surface on each side of an open center section for allowing access, the sides having holes for attaching bolts through bracket to the supporting structure, for providing brackets for the protective step cover detachably attached to said brackets to replace the steps in their entirety.

Abstract: A stair system including an upper tread having a substantially planar body portion, a stair nose portion located at one side of the planar body portion, and a dado located behind the stair nose portion, at least one lower tread, the lower tread having a substantially planar body portion, a stair nose portion located at one side of the planar body portion, a dado located behind the stair nose portion, and a groove located at a side opposite the stair nose portion, and at least two risers, each riser having a substantially planar body portion. In the stair system, one of the at least two risers is receivable between the dado of the upper tread and the groove of the lower tread and the other of the at least two risers is receivable in the dado of the lower tread. Methods for assembling a stair system are also provided.

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 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: A method of manufacturing a prefabricated precast riser module, where the required forms that are used in casting the modules are reusable and need not to be transported to the construction site. Each precast riser assembly is finished having brick facings. Brick facings are applied to the vertical surfaces of the precast riser. They are: the commonly used stretcher course and row lock course. A Rebar reinforcing rod is imbedded in the concrete mixture, which will strengthen the assembly to prevent damage when being transported on site. This added strengthening would also allow for minor misalignments during the assembly phase. These novel concrete brick faced modules can be assembled by inexperienced craftsmen, and when completed, will give the appearance of a handcrafted riser that was constructed by professional masonry craftsmen using brick and sandstone.

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: The invention concerns a process for the renovation of the steps of a staircase, comprising 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 said impact section, a riser plate extends along the riser and is fastened in the area of the corresponding next [lower] step to be renovated.

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: 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: 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: 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 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: A locking system for a telescopic seating system is disclosed. The system provides a means to releasably lock adjacent telescopic seating platforms together and a means to release the locking mechanism without the need for a trip bar or other like device. The locking system employs a low profile tier catch and tier catch ramp that promotes ease of use and a reduction in the possibility of damage due to individuals walking over the locking device.

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: A prefabricated stairway module (10, 11) comprises a first step and a second step, each step (14) having a tread member (13) and a riser member (15). The stairway module further has fixing means (31) for fixing the module to a sloping surface on which it is laid. The steps in a module may be connected to each other by a rigid or flexible bridging member (19), and the tread member (13) may be curved. Different designs and configurations of the prefabricated modules may be combined into a stairway assembly, the modules which can be chosen according to the gradient of the underlying surface on which the stairway is to be constructed.

Abstract: A constructing method for multiple floors RC building and moldboard structure employed in the method. The upper floor construction can be proceeded before the concrete of the lower floor is dried so that this method shortens construction period. The connection between floors is good and the strength of the building is improved and the ability of anti-earthquake is increased.

Abstract: An adjustably sizeable raised panel system is disclosed which is attachable to a lower outer surface portion of a wall along flights of stairs having different rises and runs or slopes. The system includes adjustably sizeable raised panels which include a parallelogram-shaped member having a pair of vertically-extending sides and parallel angled top and bottom sides. The top and bottom sides of the panels have a longer peripherally-extending portion compared to the peripherally-extending portions of the vertically-extending sides. This allows a carpenter to cut or trim the top and bottom sides on the job site to correspond to the slope of the flight of stairs. Desirably, the relieved portion is disposed on an angle of either about 37 degrees or about 41 degrees which allows adjustment, e.g.

Abstract: A prefabricated staircase module (10, 11) comprises a first step and a second step, each step (14) having a tread member (13) and a riser member (15). The staircase module further has fixing means (31) for fixing the module to a sloping surface on which it is laid. The steps in a module may be connected to each other by a rigid or flexible bridging member (19), and the tread member (13) may be curved. Different designs and configurations of the prefabricated modules may be combined into a staircase assembly, the modules which can be chosen according to the gradient of the underlying surface on which the staircase is to be constructed.

Abstract: A multi-level vehicle servicing system includes site-erectable units each with four levels, to facilitate vehicle repairs by several technicians at the same time. Each unit includes vertical structural members, horizontal supports, flooring, tool storage, parts storage, panels, stairs, ladders, ramps, lifting mechanisms to raise the vehicle off its wheels, and mechanisms to facilitate removal of heavy repair components to other levels below. Lighting, power, compressed air, fluid delivery and extraction, and fire suppression systems are integrated in the system of components. The system is erected on a conventional building floor and is free-standing, independent of the building structure itself. The modular apparatus is installed without major modifications to an existing building of appropriate size and structural compatibility. Several of the four-level units can be stacked and any number may be combined in any horizontal configuration.