Convertible Ramp Stair Cover with Variable End Segments
The disclosure includes a device and steps of a method for covering stairs from a first tread run to a last riser with a convertible ramp stair cover of a total variable length. The method includes extending a top end segment from a top joint of the convertible ramp stair cover a variable length to abut a top run of the staircase. The method additionally includes extending a bottom end segment from a bottom joint of the convertible ramp stair cover a variable length to abut the floor adjacent the staircase and changing an angle of the top segment with respect to the convertible ramp stair cover to match a surface of the top run of the staircase. The method yet includes changing an angle of the bottom segment with respect to the convertible ramp stair cover to approach a surface of the floor adjacent the staircase.
This application claims priority to the Provisional Patent Application 62/686,648 titled, ‘Convertible Stair Cover,’ filed 18 Jun. 2018 by Armando Onhintie referenced herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of InventionThe present invention relates to stair cover that is placed over an existing stairway to convert the pathway into a ramp.
Description of Related ArtMobility challenges affect many individuals including the disabled or simply someone who suffers from arthritis. Mobility issues may relate to simple movements or the ability to traverse a staircase. Stairs are particularly challenging in that the stairs place extra strain on the joints and when ascending the stairwell there could be additional strain on the individual's cardiovascular system. Nonetheless, mobility issues need to be addressed as related to traversing over a stair case. Many stairwells may include adequate railing which is normally sufficient for some individuals. Further attachments to staircases have been developed, where an individual may sit in a seat that automatically moves up and down the stairwell to avoid any contact with the staircase. Also, many commercial buildings have developed ramp systems to allow entry and exit into the building through a ramp system as opposed to stairs. The object of the present invention is to provide a convertible staircase cover that keeps the stairway exposed for normal use and may be automatically placed over the staircase converting the staircase into a ramp.
The present invention is a convertible stair cover system that converts the staircase into a ramp. This convertible cover system has a first position, where the cover is vertically adjacent to a target staircase and a second position on top of the stair case to convert the staircase to a ramp.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Claims
1. A stair cover for a staircase of stairs, comprising:
- a. a convertible ramp stair cover having a variable length from a first riser to a last riser of the staircase;
- b. a top end segment configured to extend from a top joint of the convertible ramp stair cover a variable length to abut a top run of the staircase; and
- c. a bottom end segment configured to extend from a bottom joint of the convertible ramp stair cover a variable length to abut the floor adjacent the staircase.
2. The stair cover of claim 1, wherein the variable length of the bottom end segment is greater than a length of a rise of the staircase.
3. The stair cover of claim 1, wherein the variable length of the top end segment is approximately equal to a length of a run of the staircase.
4. The stair cover of claim 1, further comprising a top surface of the convertible ramp stair cover having a grit-like friction material thereon.
5. The stair cover of claim 1, further comprising a seam from the top and bottom joints to the convertible ramp stair cover and a seam at each transition from a riser to a run thereof and wherein the convertible ramp stair cover folds up at the seams.
6. The stair cover of claim 1, wherein the variable length of the convertible ramp stair cover is approximately equal to a run of the stairs times n number of stairs.
7. The stair cover of claim 1, wherein the top end segment defines at least one hole for a fastening anchor to the top run of the staircase.
8. The stair cover of claim 1, wherein the bottom end segment defines at least one hole for a fastening anchor to the floor adjacent the staircase.
9. A stair cover for a staircase of stairs, comprising:
- a. a convertible ramp stair cover of a total variable length having a plurality of longitudinal portions each of a fixed length;
- b. a top end segment configured to extend from a top joint of the convertible ramp stair cover a variable length to abut a top run of the staircase; and
- c. a bottom end segment configured to extend from a bottom joint of the convertible ramp stair cover a variable length to abut the floor adjacent the staircase.
10. The stair cover of claim 9, wherein the variable length of the convertible ramp stair cover is based on a first longitudinal portion of the ramp sliding past a second longitudinal portion of the ramp.
11. The stair cover of claim 9, wherein the variable length of the top end segment is based on a longitudinal portion of the top end segment sliding past the top joint of the ramp.
12. The stair cover of claim 1, wherein the variable length of the bottom end segment is based on a longitudinal portion of the bottom end segment sliding past the bottom joint of the ramp.
13. The stair cover of claim 1, further comprising a compression clip configured to allow a plurality of longitudinal portions to slid past one another and vary a total effective length thereof.
14. The stair cover of claim 1, further comprising a tongue and groove relation between the longitudinal portions
15. A method for covering a staircase of stairs, comprising:
- a. covering the staircase from a first run to a last riser with a convertible ramp stair cover of a total variable length;
- b. extending a top end segment from a top joint of the convertible ramp stair cover a variable length to abut a top run of the staircase; and
- c. extending a bottom end segment from a bottom joint of the convertible ramp stair cover a variable length to abut the floor adjacent the staircase.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising anchoring the top end segment to a top run of the staircase.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising anchoring the bottom end segment to a floor adjacent the staircase.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising varying the total length of the convertible ramp stair cover by sliding a first longitudinal portion of the ramp past a second longitudinal portion of the ramp.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising changing an angle of the top segment with respect to the convertible ramp stair cover to match a surface of the top run of the staircase.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising changing an angle of the bottom segment with respect to the convertible ramp stair cover to approach a surface of the floor adjacent the staircase.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 18, 2019
Publication Date: Dec 19, 2019
Inventor: Armando Onhintie (Madison, WI)
Application Number: 16/444,118