Portable, modular stairway system and device

Abstract

A portable, modular stairway system and device, wherein lightweight yet sturdy components provide a structurally sound modular stairway and landing structure, wherein interlocking components facilitate ease of assembly, and wherein disassembled components define a limited dimension and weight, thereby facilitating easy packaging, transport, and/or shipping.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of United States Provisional patent application entitled “Portable Stairway,” filed on Apr. 20, 2005, having assigned Ser. No. 60/594,587, and is a Continuation-in-Part of co-pending U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 11/325,743, filed Jan. 5, 2006, entitled “Portable, Modular Stairway System and Device.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to stairway devices, and more particularly, to a portable, modular stairway system and device, wherein lightweight yet sturdy components provide a structurally sound modular stairway and landing structure, wherein interlocking components facilitate ease of assembly, and wherein disassembled components preferably define a limited dimension and weight, thereby facilitating easy packaging and transport, and/or standardized shipping within one or two containers. Although conveniently described in its preferred use with a trampoline, the portable, modular stairway system and device of the present invention is suitable for assisting with access to hot tubs, mobile homes, and other raised height structures, whether temporarily positioned or permanently installed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Entry onto or into a raised structure often necessitates the use of a ladder or a flight of steps. Some exemplary raised structures include aboveground pools, hot tubs, trampolines, recreational vehicles, and modular homes. Most, if not all of the aforementioned raised structures are typically utilized in a non-permanent location. For example, modular homes are often used as temporary construction-site offices, moved from location to location as jobs are completed. Recreational vehicles, even more so, are subject to frequent relocation. Above-ground pools, hot tubs, and trampolines are all further examples of raised structures that are not usually permanently installed, but which often require some type of stair/step structure to enable access.

Prefabricated staircases have been designed, wherein one-piece step/landing formations can be moved from one location to another and utilized as a freestanding structure. Such steps can be helpful and effective, however, are often formed from heavy iron or wood, and are cumbersome and oversized, limiting transportability. Multi-component step assemblies have also been described, wherein modular components facilitate assembly and disassembly, and avoid weather-related disadvantages. However, each such assembly, requiring screws, threaded rods, or other fasteners in order to function, is disadvantageous in view of the present invention.

Further, access from a freestanding landing into or onto a raised structure is not without risk; hence the need for hand and/or guard rails. For temporary structures like trampolines, for example, safe passage onto the play surface could be ensured by the incorporation of protective barriers. Presently described portable step configurations are disadvantageous for such use in view of the present invention, wherein no such protective barrier is incorporated, nor is any adaptation for receiving such a guard anticipated.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for portable, modular stairway system and device, wherein lightweight yet sturdy components provide a structurally sound, weather-resistant modular stairway and landing structure, wherein interlocking components facilitate ease of assembly without necessitating the use of screws, and wherein disassembled components define a minimized dimension and weight, thereby facilitating easy transport for relocation, and generally standardized packaging for inexpensive shipping, thereby avoiding the above-discussed disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a set of portable steps with a landing, wherein the unit is formed from interlocking composite components, enabling ease of assembly and portability, and wherein the preferred use includes adaptation with a trampoline, wherein incorporated netting components or soft guardrails link to a trampoline edge and access-control gates may be included.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, in its preferred form, the present invention is a modular system and device for providing safe access to and from trampolines and other raised structures, wherein the stair system is provided in a plurality of pieces that can be assembled by “clicking” into place, component stair treads are designed for dual use in defining a platform or landing, and wherein adaptations for linking a soft net to an existing trampoline net facilitate the installation of a protective barrier, providing safe access for children and adults to the raised trampoline play surface, while avoiding injury of any individual who accidentally falls into the net from the trampoline.

More specifically, the device of the present invention in its preferred form is a modular trampoline stairway device constructed of a pair of railed risers, a pair of landing risers, a plurality of treads, and a pair of net rails. In the preferred conformation, each railed riser defines a four-sided, molded structure, wherein the straight front edge of the two railed risers, installed in a generally vertical position, defines the entry area to the stairway, and wherein the angled top edges of the two railed risers define handrails for the stairway. The bottom edge of the two railed risers defines the base support, wherein the preferred configuration includes a receiving port defined along the bottom edge, proximate the front edge, for receiving a tread member therein, wherein the cross-positioned tread member imparts cross-support to the railed riser structure, and wherein the rear edge of the two railed risers defines oversized tab structures, complementary to tab recesses defined in each landing riser, for interlocking therewith.

Each landing riser is generally square, with a front edge defining oversized tab recesses for mating with the respective oversized tab structures of the railed risers, and with an essentially straight rear edge for generally flush positioning proximate the raised structure. The bottom edge of each landing riser, like each railed riser, also includes a receiving port defined along the bottom edge, but proximate the rear edge, for receiving a tread member therein, wherein, again, the cross-positioned tread member imparts cross-support to the structure.

Each of the plurality of treads, preferably totaling eight, includes protrusions extending therefrom, proximate the peripheral edges, for interlocking with mating apertures defined in other structural components. For instance, each bottom edge of each landing riser and each railed riser has appropriately positioned mating apertures defined therein for receiving and securing tread protrusions therein for cross-support treads. Further, each upper edge of each landing riser has appropriately positioned mating apertures defined therein, for receiving and securing treads thereon as the landing surface, wherein the preferred configuration includes a three tread landing. Alternately, the protrusions and apertures can be opposingly defined, wherein the treads could have the apertures defined therein, and the risers could include the protrusions. Finally, a plurality of step windows are defined through each railed riser, wherein preferably three treads are securely received therethrough and secured therein to form three steps cross-supported between the pair of railed risers.

In the preferred embodiment for use with a trampoline and safety net, each landing riser has a plurality of strap receiving ports proximate the top edge thereof, and each railed riser has a plurality of strap receiving ports defined proximate the upper rear edge, wherein a pair of webbed safety nets extends from the upper rear edges of the pair of railed risers to a pair of trampoline net support poles, each safety net secured via straps about the trampoline net support pole and the plurality of strap receiving ports in the risers.

Thus, during assembly the risers “click” together and the treads “click” into the risers for easy assembly by the consumer who would like to avoid nuts and bolts. The safety nets buckle or otherwise secure through the ports, thereby facilitating complete and secure assembly of the modular, portable stairway system without requiring screws or fastening tools. Additionally, for easy shipping and/or transport, the disassembled unit is preferably storable within a container or box with a total weight not exceeding seventy (70) pounds, and a maximum dimensional size of 130 inches, as calculated by length plus two width plus two depth (L+W+W+D+D). Such a preferred size and weight enables standard shipping via standard rates, without overweight and oversize penalties. Other dimensions, however, are contemplated, necessitating the use of more than one shipping container.

Thus, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be quickly, easily and securely erected.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be inexpensively shipped.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to safely and easily connect to a trampoline net.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be disassembled and transported for reassembly at a subsequent location.

Still yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to define a lightweight yet structurally sound stairway and landing from a minimum number of components, wherein all components are sized to fit together within a standard shipping container.

Still yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to define a lightweight yet structurally sound stairway and landing from a minimum number of components, wherein the total weight of all components is preferably less than the maximum allowed total weight for standard shipping rates.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide safe access to and from a raised structure.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a structure that is capable of assembly and use without necessitating tools.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a structure that is capable of secure assembly and safe use without necessitating the incorporation of screws or fastening pins.

Yet still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability for inexpensive manufacture and sale, yet maintaining an attractive and aesthetically desirable appearance.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable, modular stairway system and device, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2C are plan views of the preferred components for the portable, modular stairway system and device of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 2A shows a railed riser, FIG. 2B shows a landing riser, and FIG. 2C shows a tread;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred components for the portable, modular stairway system and device of FIG. 1, showing the components in a preferred packaging arrangement;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a safety net, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a portable, modular stairway system and device, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a portable, modular stairway system and device, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the portable, modular stairway system and device of FIG. 6, showing the device in position adjacent to a trampoline;

FIGS. 8A-8G are the components for the portable, modular stairway system and device of FIG. 6, wherein FIG. 8A is an alternate step riser, FIG. 8B is an overhead view of the alternate step riser of FIG. 8A, FIG. 8C is a side view of a alternate riser railing, FIG. 8D is an overhead view of an alternate step, FIG. 8E is a side view of the step of FIG. 8D, FIG. 8F is a front view of the step of FIG. 8D, FIG. 8G is a magnified view of the step of FIG. 8F, showing the fastener;

FIGS. 9A-9B are side views of a portable, modular stairway system and device, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 9A shows an alternate safety net configuration, and FIG. 9B shows an alternate rope threading implement;

FIGS. 10A-10B is a plan view of the riser components for the portable, modular stairway system and device of FIG. 9, wherein FIG. 10A shows a railed riser, and FIG. 10B shows a landing riser;

FIGS. 11A-11D are the riser components for a portable, modular stairway system and device, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 11A is a first linking member, FIG. 11B is a second linking member, FIG. 11C is a railed riser member, and FIG. 11D is a landing riser member;

FIGS. 12A-12B are the riser support components for a portable, modular stairway system and device, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 12A shows a side view of a railed riser and FIG. 12B shows a perspective view of a landing riser;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a gate for use with the railed riser of the portable, modular stairway system and device of FIG. 12A, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a tread for use with the riser support components of FIGS. 12A and 12B, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 14A-14R are plan views of the components for an alternate portable, modular stairway system and device, wherein FIGS. 14A-14B show a riser, FIG. 14C shows a landing support, FIG. 14D shows a gate, FIGS. 14E-14F show a step railing, FIGS. 14G-14H show a hinge pin, FIG. 14I shows a landing platform, FIGS. 14J-14L show a step tread, FIGS. 14M-14N show a tube, and FIGS. 140-14Q show a tube weldment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the alternate portable, modular stairway system and device, as formed by the components shown in FIGS. 14A-14R;

FIG. 16A is a plan view of the step tread of FIGS. 14J-14L;

FIG. 16B is a side view of the step tread of FIG. 16A;

FIG. 16C is a perspective view of the step tread of FIG. 16A;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the riser of FIGS. 14A-14B;

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the riser of FIG. 17;

FIG. 18B is an end view of the riser of FIG. 17, showing tubes therewithin;

FIG. 19A is a side view of the step railing of FIGS. 14E-14F;

FIG. 19B is a bottom view of the step railing of FIG. 19A;

FIG. 19C is a perspective view of the step railing of FIG. 19A;

FIG. 20A is a side view of the gate of FIG. 14D;

FIG. 20B is a bottom view of the gate of FIG. 20A;

FIG. 20C is a perspective view of the gate of FIG. 20A;

FIG. 21A is a plan view of the landing platform of FIG. 14I;

FIG. 21B is a side view of the landing platform of FIG. 21A;

FIG. 21C is a perspective view of the landing platform of FIG. 21A;

FIG. 22A is a side view of the landing support of FIG. 14C;

FIG. 22B is an end view of the landing support of FIG. 22A;

FIG. 22C is a perspective view of the landing support of FIG. 22A; and

FIG. 23 is an exploded, perspective view of the alternate portable, modular stairway system and device of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in the figures and/or described herein, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the present invention in the preferred embodiment is portable, modular stairway system and device 10, comprising a pair of railed risers 20, a pair of landing risers 60, and a plurality of treads 80, wherein each component 20, 60 and 80 are preferably formed from injection molded, high density polyethylene (HDPE) with ultraviolet (UV) stabilizer additive in order to facilitate inexpensive manufacturing yet define a supportive structure capable of withstanding heat and UV light for extended periods of use outdoors. Although HDPE plastic is preferred, other materials could be utilized, including, but not limited to, PVC, nylon and/or fiberglass, and other types of manufacturing processes could be utilized, such as blow molding.

Preferably, each railed riser 20 defines four-sided structure 22, preferably integrally formed from generally triangular-shaped base 24 and rhombus-shaped rail structure 26. Preferably, each railed riser 20 is adapted for use on either side of portable, modular stairway system and device 10, wherein front edges 28 of each railed riser 20, as installed in a generally vertical position, define the entry area to stairway device 10, and wherein, preferably, angled top edges 30 of each railed riser 20 define handrails 32 for stairway device 10. Preferably, handrails 32 are dimensioned to extend from the front, or entrance edge 92 of bottom step 86a to the front, or entrance edge 94 of landing surface 90, and are rounded on the top for user comfort.

Preferably, bottom edges 34 of each railed riser 20 provide base support for stairway device 10 when installed, wherein the preferred configuration includes receiving port 36 defined along bottom edge 34, proximate front edge 28, for receiving a tread member 80 therein, wherein the preferably cross-positioned tread member 80, inverted relative to as positioned as step 86, imparts structural stability via base cross-support between the two railed risers 20 as positioned in the preferred structural conformation for stairway device 10. Also preferably, rear edges 38 of each railed riser 20 defines oversized tab structure 40, wherein complementary tab recess 62 defined in each landing riser 60 interlock therewith during the preferred structural conformation of stairway device 10.

Preferably, each landing riser 60 is generally square-shaped, with essentially straight rear edge 66 for generally flush positioning proximate to the raised structure selected, and with tab recess 62 preferably defined in front edge 64 for interlock mating with respective oversized tab structure 40 of railed riser 20 during assembly and use of stairway device 10. Preferably, bottom edges 68 of each landing riser 60, like each railed riser 20, also include receiving ports 70 proximate rear edge 66, for receiving an inverted tread member 80 therein, wherein, again, the cross-positioned tread member 80 imparts cross-support to the preferred stairway device 10 structure.

Each tread 80 preferably includes protrusions 82 extending from first surface 84 for interlocking with mating apertures 72 preferably defined in other structural components, including railed riser 20 and landing riser 60. For instance, receiving port 36 of bottom edge 34 of railed riser 20 and receiving port 70 of bottom edge 68 of landing riser 60 each preferably define appropriately positioned mating apertures 72 therein for receiving and securing tread protrusions 82 therein for cross-support treads 80. Further, each upper edge 74 of each landing riser 60 preferably has appropriately positioned mating apertures 72 defined therein, for receiving and securing treads 80 thereon, to define landing surface 90. Thus, the treads 80 are used as the horizontally exposed surface of each step 86f, 86g, and 86h, as well as horizontally exposed landing surface 90, via treads 86b, 86c, and 86d, and additionally as structural cross-supports via inverted treads 86a and 86e, preferably resting against the ground.

Landing surface 90 is preferably defined by three treads 80; however, landing surface 90 could be defined by any number of treads 80, including as few as one piece, depending upon the desired dimensions of landing surface 90 and the dimensions of treads 80. Finally, plurality of step windows 42 are defined through each railed riser 20, wherein treads 80 are securely received therethrough and secured therein to form steps 86, cross-supported between the pair of railed risers 20. Thus, railed risers 20 define the support structure to which steps 86 are attached, thereby defining preferred stairway device 10.

In the preferred conformation and use with a trampoline T, portable, modular stairway system and device 10 further preferably comprises a pair of safety rails 120, as seen in FIG. 4, in order to offer children and adults safe access from the ground onto a trampoline T, wherein landing surface 90 preferably provides protection against falling via safety rails 120, preferably extending from top spindle 130 of railing riser 20 to just beyond rear edge 66 of landing riser 60. The preferred webbed net 122 provides a barrier to prevent people from fall off of landing surface 90, but is not a dangerous obstacle if encountered while falling in the trampoline netting N while jumping on the trampoline play surface.

In order to facilitate such preferred use, each landing riser 60 has plurality of strap receiving ports 76 defined therethrough, proximate top edge 74, and each railed riser 20 has plurality of strap receiving ports 44 defined therethrough, proximate upper rear edge 38. Preferably, each safety rail 120, preferably a webbed net 122, extends from upper rear edge 38 of each railed riser 20 to a trampoline net support pole P, wherein each webbed net 122 is secured via first plurality of straps 124 about trampoline net support pole P, second plurality of straps 126 about plurality of strap receiving ports 76 of each landing riser 60, and third plurality of straps 128 about plurality of strap receiving ports 44 of each railed riser 20. Thus, webbed net 122 is preferably attached to top spindle 130, landing treads 86b, 86c and 86d, and then to trampoline net support pole P, wherein preferably, straps 124, 126 and 128 are formed from canvas webbing, connecting via traditional buckles. Although buckles are preferred, however, it is envisioned that hook-and-loop fastener could be utilized. Further, although canvas webbing is preferred, other suitable materials could be utilized, such as leather, plastic, and/or woven metals.

For easy shipping and/or transport, stairway device 10, when disassembled, is preferably storable within a container or box with a total weight not exceeding seventy (70) pounds, and a maximum dimensional size of 130 inches, as calculated by length plus two width plus two depth (L+W+W+D+D). Such a preferred size and weight enables standard shipping via standard rates, without overweight and oversize penalties. Thus, in order to satisfy the preferred size and weight requirements, for packing as depicted in FIG. 3, preferred portable, modular stairway system and device 10 is preferably designed to have three steps, each seven inches (7″) in height, and ten inches (10″) in depth. Further, it is preferred that landing surface 90 is 30 inches deep, 36 inches wide, and 28 inches above the ground. For safety, all spindles preferably have gaps therebetween of no greater than three inches, preferably 2¾″. Additionally, it is preferred that the handrail is 22 inches above the step surface, for an overall height of 50″ and a total length of 60″ for stairway device 10.

Although other sizes and dimensional configurations are possible, wherein more than one shipping container could be necessitated and/or an oversized and/or overweight shipping container could be required, the above preferred measurements and configurations facilitate that, when unassembled, preferred stairway device 10, including both nets 122, two railed risers 20, two landing risers 60, and eight treads 80, will fit into a box with the total weight not exceeding 70 lbs, and within maximum dimensional size constraints of 130″, wherein a box, measuring externally 53″×35″×21″, is suitable. As depicted in FIG. 3, risers 20 and 60 are preferably stacked upon each other, with treads 80 positioned thereon. Nets 122 could be fit thereabout, with the box.

Thus, to assemble via preferred system for preferred use, during assembly, risers 20 and 60 “click” together and treads 80 “click” into risers 20 and 60 for easy assembly by the consumer, especially those who would like to avoid nuts and bolts. The safety nets buckle or otherwise secure through the retention ports, thereby facilitating complete and secure assembly of the modular, portable stairway system without requiring screws or fastening tools.

Portable, modular stairway system and device 10 could be assembled and utilized without safety rails 120, or safety rails 120 could have a generally rigid conformation in lieu of webbed net 122, or webbed net 122 could be secured via a different attachment methodology, rather than via plurality of straps 124, 126 and 128.

In an alternate embodiment, portable, modular stairway system and device 10 could be utilized to facilitate entrance into a hot tub or mobile home.

In another alternate embodiment, a railing attachment could be utilized in place of safety netting 122, wherein a plurality of railing attachments could be installed above any edge of landing surface 90, thereby enabling use as an entrance platform, for either straight or side entry. Thus, the rail on the landing may be constructed of netting for use with trampolines, or a solid rail may be attached for use with above ground pools, mobile homes, RVs, trailers, or elevated storage containers.

In another alternate embodiment, portable, modular stairway system and device 10 could be entirely integrally constructed, in a non-collapsible manner; however, such construction would impose size constraints on portability.

In another alternate embodiment, as seen in FIG. 5, landing riser 60 of stairway device 10 could have more than one tab recess 62, wherein railed riser 20 could have more than one oversized tab structure 40 to cooperatively interlock therewith.

In still another alternate embodiment, two treads could have apertures defined therethrough, proximate either end thereof, in order to facilitate “snap like” insertion of a railing spindle, wherein the railing spindle could be utilized on either the left or right side of the stairway device 10 and the railing spindles could “click” into landing riser 60 after passing through tread apertures defined where treads 80 would have otherwise carried protrusions 82. In such an alternate manner, a generally rigid railing could be installed proximate landing riser 60, wherein the railing spindles would hold treads 80 in place.

Further, such tread apertures could be alternately configured and utilized to facilitate passage of a rope, as depicted in FIG. 11, therethrough to rope knot retention apertures 150.

Still further, railed riser 20 could be formed in two or more pieces, for example, as triangular-shaped base 24 and rhombic-shaped railing 26, such as depicted in FIGS. 6-8G, wherein treads 86f, 86g, and 86h could have apertures 81 defined therethrough, proximate either end thereof, in order to facilitate “snap like” insertion of a railing spindle 27, wherein the railing spindle 27 could be utilized on either the left or right side of the stairway device 10 and the railing spindles 27 could “click” into triangular-shaped base 24 after passing through tread apertures 81 defined where treads 80 could carry protrusions 82, or could be formed with apertures 81 only, without protrusions. In such an alternate manner, a generally rigid railing could be installed proximate triangular-shaped base 24, wherein the railing spindles would hold treads 80 in place.

In yet another alternate embodiment, stairway device 10 could include eyebolts 172, or other suitable rope accepting structure, for securing and tying off a rope, and top spindle 130 could define rope threading apertures therethrough, as seen in FIGS. 9A and 10B.

In still another embodiment, landing platform could have an integrally formed rail structure to facilitate netting connection.

In other embodiments, then, as depicted in FIGS. 6, 9A-B and 10A-B, safety rail 120 could be secured to stairway device 10 via rope 170, wherein, as depicted in FIG. 10B, a plurality of loops 172 could be defined along top spindle 130, adapted for interweavingly receiving rope 170 therethrough, after passing through cooperatively spaced apertures 174 defined in webbed net 122, as depicted in FIG. 9A, and securing via landing aperture 176. Further, additional, similarly spaced apertures 178 could be defined in webbed net 122, adapted for interweaving receiving rope 180 therethrough, after passing around trampoline net pole P, to be secured via landing aperture 182. In such an alternate configuration, landing riser 60 could have elongated sleeve retention aperture 184 defined therethrough, and webbed net 122 could have elongated sleeve 186 defined there along, wherein elongated sleeve 186 could be adapted with hook-and-loop fastener, or other closure means, for fixing about sleeve retention aperture 184.

Thus, in an alternate embodiment, apertures could be defined proximate corners of landing surface 90, proximate stairs and proximate edge of trampoline T, wherein the apertures could be adapted to receive a rope, knotted at one end, fed through the hole by the stairs, then used to “stitch” the net upwards, via loops along raised riser 20, wherein the rope could continue through a sleeve at the top of the net and stitch the other side of the net to trampoline pole P, ending, knotted, in the hole by the trampoline edge. The rope could be knotted and inserted through an aperture from underneath treads 80. The rope could wrap around the top most “picket” on a handrail, looping through holes on an edge of the netting. The rope could then feed through a sleeve on the top edge of the net, wrapping around the trampoline netting support pole P, looping through holes on the netting, and terminating at the other hole. In such an embodiment, webbing at the edge of the net could also be stitched or otherwise permanently affixed around the top spindle of the railed riser.

In another alternate embodiment, stairway device 10 could be formed without receiving ports 36 and 70, wherein any other alternate cross-support methodology could be utilized. Or, in another configuration, receiving ports 36 and 70 could be defined such that inverted treads 86a and 86e would not be in contact with the ground, or such that treads 86a and 86e could be installed in a non-inverted orientation.

In still another alternate embodiment, stairway device 10 could have an optional protective gate attached proximate the entrance area, wherein such a gate could be hingedly attached via hinge pins, could be compressively attached via springed extension rods, or could be attached via any appropriate means.

In yet still another alternate embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 11A-D, risers 20 and 60 could continue to interlock, but could have centralized tunnels defined therethrough, whereby an elongated bolt 200 or 202 could be extended therethrough, with nut and bolt head indentions 204, 206 in risers 20 and 60 enabling flush positioning. Such an elongated bolt could be formed from a high-strength plastic, could be metal, or could be manufactured from any suitable material.

In another alternate embodiment, treads 80 could have elongated extension members proximate outer edges, and/or could have apertures defined therethrough for optional bolts, or other types of elongated connectors.

In another alternate embodiment, stairway device 10 could be formed from one pair of risers, wherein landing riser and railing/step riser could be integrally formed.

In still another embodiment, stairway device 10 could be formed without any railings or nets, wherein only risers and treads could be provided, thereby forming steps having opened sides.

In yet another alternate embodiment, when a rope or other lash is to be utilized to secure a safety net between stairway device 10 and a trampoline T, an elongated plastic threading member 220, as depicted in FIG. 9B, could be incorporated to reduce rope tangling, and to ensure the rope stays appropriately configured, without slipping down the spindle to which the net is attached.

In still another alternate embodiment, stairway device 10 could include threaded height-adjustment members, proximate each corner of the assembled base, in order to compensate for potentially uneven ground site installations.

In yet still another alternate embodiment, stairway device 10 could be formed with plugged apertures, whereby water or sand could be filled therein in order to weight the structure when in use.

In yet another alternate embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 12A, each railed riser 320 could define honeycombed, four-sided structure 322. Front edges 328 of each railed riser 320 could include gate support members 323 in order to selectively block the entry area to the assembled stairway device via removable gate 410, depicted in FIG. 13A. Receiving port 336 is defined along bottom edge 334 of railed riser 320, proximate front edge 328, for receiving a tread member 380 therein to enhance structural stability. Also, rear edges 338 of each railed riser 320 define oversized interlocking tab structures 340, wherein complementary interlocking tab recesses 362 are defined in each landing riser 360, as depicted in FIG. 12B.

Bottom edges 368 of each landing riser 360, like each railed riser 320, also include receiving ports 370 proximate rear edge 366, for receiving an inverted tread member 380 therein, wherein, again, the cross-positioned tread member 380 enhances cross-support to the assembled structure. Like the railed riser 320, landing riser 360 could possess a honeycombed structural design, as depicted in FIG. 12B, thereby enhancing strength of materials while facilitating ease of manufacture and maintaining a lightweight configuration.

As shown in FIG. 13B, each alternate tread 380 includes apertures 382 for interlocking with mating protrusions 372 defined in other structural components, including railed riser 320 and landing riser 360. For instance, receiving port 336 of bottom edge 334 of railed riser 320 and receiving port 370 of bottom edge 368 of landing riser 360 each define appropriately positioned mating protrusions 372 for receiving and securing treads 380 via protrusions 382. Further, each upper edge 374 of each landing riser 360 has appropriately positioned mating protrusions 372 defined therein, for receiving and securing treads 380 thereon. Finally, plurality of step windows 342 are defined through each railed riser 320, wherein treads 380 are securely received therethrough and secured therein to form steps cross-supported between the pair of railed risers 320.

In order to provide protection against falling, apertures 400 could be defined proximate upper edge 374 of each landing riser 360, and apertures 402 could also be defined in railed riser 320, proximate rear edge 373, wherein the apertures 400 and 402 could be adapted to receive a rope, knotted at one end, then used to “stitch” a protective “netting,” or rope barrier between each landing riser 360 and railed riser 320 in order to prevent people from falling.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A-14Q, FIG. 15, and FIG. 23, the present invention in an alternate embodiment is portable, modular stairway system and device 510, comprising a pair of risers 520, a landing support 560, a plurality of treads 580, a gate 600, a pair of step railings 620, a plurality of hinge pins 640, a landing platform 660, a plurality of tubes 680, and a plurality of tube weldments 700, wherein each component 520, 560, 580, 600, 620, and 660 are of twin sheet thermoformed design, and wherein plurality of hinge pins 650, tubes 680, and tube weldments 700 are aluminum, formed by such methods as extrusion, tube welding, or forged (cast) aluminum. As with the previously described embodiments, other materials could be utilized and other types of manufacturing processes could be utilized, so long as the general structural benefits are maintained for each component, wherein structural materials could even be formed from wood.

Referring now to FIGS. 17, 18A and 18B, each riser 520 defines multi-sided structure 522, integrally formed from generally rectangular section 524 and stepped section 526. Front edges 528 of each riser 520, as installed in a generally vertical position, define the entry area to stairway device 510, top edges 530 define riser platform base edges 532 and top edges 533 define step platform edges 534 for stairway device 510. Top edges 533 are dimensioned to receive lower portions 702 of tube weldments 700 vertically therethrough, as visible in exploded FIG. 23.

Bottom edges 535 of each riser 520 facilitate base support for stairway device 510 when installed, wherein receiving port 536 defined along bottom edge 534 receives landing support 560 therein, wherein the cross-positioned landing support 560 imparts structural stability via base cross-support between the two risers 520 as positioned in the structural conformation for stairway device 510 via interlock arm 561. Each riser 520 has essentially straight rear edge 566 for generally flush positioning proximate to the raised structure selected.

As depicted in FIGS. 15 and 19A, 19B and 19C, step handrails 532 of step railings 620 are dimensioned to extend from the front, or entrance edge 592 of bottom step 586a to the front, or entrance edge 594 of landing surface 590, and are rounded on the top for user comfort. Support legs 534 of step railing 620 are dimensioned to pass through receiving ports 570 of treads 581 and to receive upper sections 704 of tube weldments 700 therewithin, in order to facilitate secure attachment to riser 520, as visible in exploded FIG. 23.

Landing surface 590, referring now to FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C, can carry non-skid surface treatment, and is adapted with plurality of apertures 591, or receiving ports, defined therethrough for interlocking with mating extensions 582 of riser 520, as visible in exploded FIG. 23, wherein plurality of tubes 680 are cross-positioned between landing surface 590 and riser 520 in order to impart additional supportive, weight-bearing strength.

As depicted in FIGS. 15, 16A, 16B and 16C, each tread 580 includes apertures 572, or receiving ports, defined therethrough for interlocking with mating extensions 582, seen in FIGS. 17 and 19A, defined in other structural components, including riser 520 and step handrails 532. For instance, receiving port 536 of tread 581 defines an appropriately positioned mating aperture 572 for receiving upper portion 704 of tube weldment 700, as positioned within support leg 534 of step railing 620, also secured within receiving port 536, as visible in exploded FIG. 23. Further, receiving ports 570 of tread 581 each define appropriately positioned mating apertures 572 therein for receiving and securing riser engagement protrusions 582 therein for structural support. Thus, the treads 580 are used as the horizontally exposed surface of each step 586a, 586b, and 586c.

Further, each upper edge 574 of each riser 520 has appropriately positioned riser engagement protrusions 582 for receiving and securing landing surface 590 thereon. Thus, risers 520 define the support structure to which steps 586 and landing surface 590 are attached, thereby defining stairway device 510.

For secure and safe use with a trampoline T, portable, modular stairway system and device 510 further comprises top spindles 830 with a plurality of apertures 832 defined therethrough for supporting safety rails 820 (not shown), in order to offer children and adults safe access from the ground onto a trampoline T, wherein landing surface 590 is provided with protection against falling via safety rails 820, extending from top spindle 830 of riser 520 to just beyond rear edge 566 of landing 590. The safety rails 820 provide a barrier to prevent people from falling off of landing surface 590, but is not a dangerous obstacle if encountered while falling in the trampoline netting N while jumping on the trampoline play surface. For example, in order to facilitate use, each safety rail 820 could be a webbed net 822 (not shown), extending from upper rear edge 538 of each step rail 620 to a trampoline net support pole P, wherein each webbed net 822 could be secured via a plurality of straps 824 (not shown) about trampoline net support pole P and about plurality of strap receiving ports, or apertures, 832 of each spindle 830. Thus, webbed net 822 could be attached to top spindle 830 and then to trampoline net support pole P, wherein straps 824 could be formed from canvas webbing, connecting via traditional buckles, or hook-and-loop fastener could be utilized. Further, other suitable materials could be utilized, such as leather, plastic, and/or woven metals.

To assemble alternate device 510 for use, during assembly, treads 580 and landing surface 590 “click” onto risers 520, and step rails 620 “click” into risers 520 through treads 580 for easy assembly by the consumer, especially those who would like to avoid nuts and bolts. Landing support 560 is inserted between risers 520 and below landing surface 590, wherein sand and/or water can be utilized therein in order to facilitate structural integrity. Further, lower portion 702 of tube weldments 700 are inserted into risers 520, whereby horizontal portion 706 defines a support span therebetween, underneath each tread 580, wherein each tread 580 is slidably positioned onto upper portion 704 of tube weldments 700 prior to snap-like placement onto risers 520.

Step rails 620 are slidably positioned onto upper portion 704 of tube weldments 700 for placement on top of treads 580, wherein support legs 534 of step rails 620 extend through apertures 572 in treads 580, clicking into place therein and encapsulating aluminum support tube weldments 700. Additional aluminum support is imparted via horizontal positioning of tubes 680 under landing surface 660, wherein aluminum support tubes 680 fit securely together with landing surface 660, abutting risers 520. The device 510 could be manufactured and utilized without tubes 680 and/or without tube weldments 700, however, the incorporation of these aluminum support members results in a more rigid, stronger structure.

Portable, modular stairway system and device 510 could also be assembled and utilized without safety rails 820, or safety rails 820 could have a generally rigid conformation in lieu of webbed net 822, or webbed net 822 could be secured via a different attachment methodology, rather than via plurality of straps 824, 826 and 828. Further, spindle apertures 832 could be alternately configured and utilized to facilitate passage of a rope therethrough, wherein safety rail 820 could be secured to stairway device 510 via rope 870, wherein top spindle 830, adapted for interweavingly receiving a rope therethrough.

Referring now to FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C, stairway device 510 has protective gate 600 hingedly attached proximate the entrance area, wherein such gate 600 is attached via hinge pins 640, however could be compressively attached via springed extension rods, or could be attached via any other appropriate means. As depicted in FIGS. 15 and 23, gate 600 extends essentially between step rails 620, controlling access therebetween.

Platform support 560, as seen in FIGS. 22A, 22B and 22C, is formed with plugged apertures, whereby water or sand may be filled therein in order to weight the structure when in use. It is anticipated that other components could be similarly configured, as desired.

Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A trampoline stairway device comprising,

a plurality of risers; and

a plurality of treads, wherein said risers are adapted to securely receive said treads, thereby defining said stairway device structure.

2. The trampoline stairway device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of step railings.

3. The trampoline stairway device of claim 2, further comprising netting, said netting removably carried by said plurality of step railings.

4. The trampoline stairway device of claim 2, wherein said risers are adapted to securely receive said step railings, and wherein said step railings are adapted to securely mount in said risers.

5. The trampoline stairway device of claim 2, wherein said plurality of risers is two risers, and wherein each said step railing is carried by one said riser.

6. The trampoline stairway device of claim 1, wherein each said tread of said plurality of treads carries a plurality of female receiving ports and each said riser of said plurality of said risers carries a plurality of coordinating male projections for placement therein.

7. The trampoline stairway device of claim 1, further comprising a landing support member with plurality of interlock arms, wherein each said riser comprises a base receiving port for receiving at least one interlock arm of said plurality.

8. The trampoline stairway device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of treads is three treads upwardly carried by and between two said risers defining three steps.

9. The trampoline stairway device of claim 2, wherein each said step railing further comprises a plurality of strap receiving ports proximate the top edge thereof, wherein a pair of webbed safety nets are removably secured thereto.

10. A portable, modular stairway system, comprising:

a pair of risers, each defining a step portion and a landing portion;

a pair of railings carried proximate said step portion of said risers;

a landing platform; and

a plurality of treads,

wherein each said riser, railing, landing platform and tread is twin sheet, thermoformed plastic, and wherein each riser interlockingly couples to said landing platform, said treads, and said railing.

11. The portable, modular stairway system of claim 10, further comprising a gate, said gate hingedly extending between said railings.

12. The portable, modular stairway system of claim 10, wherein at least one twin-sheet thermoformed component is comprised of fill-apertures for receiving ballast therein.

13. The portable, modular stairway system of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of aluminum support poles carried by a plurality of twin sheet thermoformed components.

14. A method of assembling a stairway and landing device, comprising the steps of:

a) obtaining a pair of risers, a landing, a landing support member and three stair treads;

b) interlocking a first riser in a perpendicular relationship with said landing support member;

c) interlocking a second riser in a perpendicular relationship with said landing support member;

d) interlocking a first end of a first stair tread with said first riser;

e) interlocking a second end of said first stair tread with said second riser, defining a first step;

f) interlocking a first end of a second stair tread with said first riser;

g) interlocking a second end of said second stair tread with said second riser, defining a second step;

h) interlocking a first end of a third stair tread with said first riser;

i) interlocking a second end of said third stair tread with said second riser, defining a third step;

j) interlocking a first end of said landing with said first riser; and

k) interlocking a second end of said landing with said second riser, defining a landing.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of:

l) filling at least one said riser, tread, or landing support member with a ballast material.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of:

l) obtaining a pair of hand rails; and

m) installing said hand rails through said treads and into said risers.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

n) obtaining a hinged gate; and

o) installing said hinged gate between said hand rails.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein each said hand rail comprises a plurality of apertures adapted to receive a soft safety guard therethrough.

19. The method of claim 14, A method of assembling a stairway and landing device, further comprising the steps of:

a′) obtaining a plurality of aluminum support members;

c′) inserting three aluminum support members of said plurality of aluminum support members into said first and second risers; and

i′) cross-positioning at least one aluminum support member of said plurality of aluminum support members between said first and second risers.

20. The portable, modular stairway system of claim 10, further comprising:

a plurality of rigid, straight tube members; and

a plurality of rigid H-shaped support members,

wherein said plurality of rigid, straight tube members are positioned between said risers and said landing platform and wherein said plurality of rigid H-shaped support members are positioned within and between said risers and said railings, passing through said treads.