Tread-nosing; E.g., Shaped Stair Pad Patents (Class 52/179)
  • Publication number: 20110162302
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Timothy Barrett
  • Publication number: 20110146168
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Bas van Genderen
  • Publication number: 20110131902
    Abstract: A stair tread overlay includes a tread and a front nosing attached to a front edge of the tread by a tongue and groove joint to provide a strong mechanical joint between the nosing and tread. Adhesive may be applied at the tongue and groove joint to enhance the strength of the joint. A horizontally symmetrical side nosing having a profile matching the profile of the front nosing may be attached an edge of the tread adjacent to the front nosing. The stair tread and nosings may be in the form of a kit used to cover an existing staircase to enhance the appearance of the staircase. The method of making the overlay is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Robert H. YOUNG
  • Publication number: 20100287853
    Abstract: A wooden structure for a stair having tread and riser surfaces includes a tread member including a tread core layer made of lower quality wood and having a tread bottom face, and a tread lamella layer fixed on top of the tread core layer, made of higher quality wood, and having a tread top face. The tread member has a first height, and tread front and rear end faces respectively interconnecting front and rear ends of the tread top and bottom faces. A front nose member has a front nose rear face connected to the tread front end face and having a part extending downwardly from the tread front end face and adapted to face the riser surface, a front decorative face, and front nose top and bottom ends spaced apart from each other by a second height that is larger than the first height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Min-Ju Chung
  • Publication number: 20100251627
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved safety nosing component including a base element with channel member and a light emission element. The safety nosing component is manufactured by extrusion, co-extrusion, triple-extrusion, injection molding, insert injection molding, two-shot molding or a combination thereof. The present invention allows safety nosing components to be installed on architectural structures while also providing additional functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Ronald J. Kay
  • Publication number: 20100242382
    Abstract: A step nose is formed having a tread portion and a riser portion, formed initially as a flat strip, the tread portion having a receiving slot formed therein, and the riser portion having a hook formed as part thereof. The tread and riser portions are stretchable with respect to one another so as to enable the hook to interlockingly engage the slot when the tread and riser portions of the flat strip are bent towards one another to thereby form a step nose ready for installation. Machines are further disclosed for forming the flat step nose strip into an assembled state by bending the tread and riser portions and interlocking them together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Dennis Pearson, Steve Ramelot, Thomas E. Peot
  • Publication number: 20100083592
    Abstract: A profiled cover strip system (1) for finishing a bottom covering (2) on a step (3) open on at least one front side (4), the system having an upper covering profiled element (12). A facing device (16) having a facing cap (18) provided with a facing plate (17) for facing the profiled cover strip system (1) on the front side, and at least one facing cover strip (19, 20) separate from the facing cap (18), for facing the bottom covering on the front side (2), is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: PROVERUM AG
    Inventor: Moritz Muehlebach
  • Publication number: 20100071283
    Abstract: A stair nosing (1) including a window (3) and an L-shaped member (2) configured to display one or more signs (50) protected by the window (3), the L-shaped member (2) being configured to releasably retain the window (3); said L-shaped member (2) including a first section (4) and a second section (5) respectively configured to form all or part of the tread and the riser of a step once installed; the first section (4) and second section (5) being connected by at least one hinge (67) that extends parallel to the length of the stair nosing (1), said hinge (67) being configured to allow an interior angle formed between the sections (4, 5) to be varied over a preset range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Graham Quinn
  • Patent number: 7634876
    Abstract: A modular floor apparatus comprising a modular-floor-locator section to be combined with a plurality of modular-floor tiles to form a flooring surface. The modular-floor-locator section may comprise a top surface and a first locator raised surface area formed in the top surface. The first locator raised surface area may be dimensioned to guide positioning of an object on the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Jorgen J. Moller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7617641
    Abstract: An Attic Floor Joist Grid System for Weight Bearing Storage called an Attic Grid System. This system features low profile, flat, open and high strength grid panels that are supported by a joist system. The panels install directly onto the ceiling joists in an attic or storage area for residential and commercial applications. The panels are nominal widths that extend essentially to the center points of supporting joists. The system provides a simple and strong support surfaces which only requires simple, easy to use tools for installation. The panels are easily trimmed to size for non-standard operations and for encircling mechanical and electrical objects. The system is “see-through” and permits full air movement. Hence it does not contribute to moisture entrapment, mold and mildew. The materials are fire resistant and do not collapse or emit toxic fumes in the presence of a flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Arlan H. Landey
  • Publication number: 20090277104
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: STARECASING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: James M. McCool
  • Patent number: 7600346
    Abstract: A threshold assembly is disposed below a closure. The threshold assembly includes a sill having a first end and a second end spaced from each other and having an entry portion sloping downwardly from a proximate end to a distal end between the first and second ends. A pair of jamb pedestals are disposed at the first and second ends of the sill, respectively. Each jamb pedestal supports a jamb spaced above the sill. A first wall extends upwardly from the proximate end of the entry portion and a second wall extends upwardly from the sill and along the first wall to define a channel extending longitudinally between the jamb pedestals. The first wall defines an opening which establishes fluid communication from the channel to the entry portion of the sill between the jamb pedestals for directing water from the channel away from the threshold assembly along the entry portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Quanex Corporation
    Inventor: James W. Meeks
  • Publication number: 20090235594
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Yong Hwan Won
  • Publication number: 20090145059
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved safety nosing component including a base element with channel member and a light emission element. The safety nosing component is manufactured by extrusion, co-extrusion, triple-extrusion, injection molding, insert injection molding, two-shot molding or a combination thereof. The present invention allows safety nosing components to be installed on architectural structures while also providing additional functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald J. Kay
  • Patent number: 7464505
    Abstract: A staircase finishing arrangement includes a tread portion presenting a finishing surface layer, a nosing extending across substantially the whole length of the tread portion with a supporting layer affixed to the underside of the surface layer and mortised into the nosing, in the front and/or free side edges of the tread. Mechanical securement members are provided for interengagement as between the nosing and the subjacent riser, and are pivotally mounted such that upon interengagement limited adjustment may be achieved to secure the arrangement in proper transverse locational relationship with the stair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Gilles Grenier
  • Publication number: 20080295422
    Abstract: Stairs are described, comprising a lining made of tread plates (3) fastened in the tread area (2) of the steps (1) and riser plates (5) arranged in the riser area (4) which are held with a lower boundary section between the riser area (4) of the steps (1) and the respectively adjacent bottom tread plate (3) and are overlapped in the upper boundary region (14) by a downwardly projecting boundary nose (16) of the respective upper tread plate (3). In order to provide advantageous fastening conditions it is proposed that the riser plates (5) engage with their bottom boundary section into an upwardly open holder profile (6) which is U-shaped in its cross section and is fastened with the leg (8) on the step side in the riser area (4) of the steps (1) and overlaps the adjacent bottom tread plate (3) with a bent covering flange (10) of the other leg (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Franz Neuhofer, JR.
  • Publication number: 20080216421
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Koo Dong Chung, Yong Hwan Won
  • Patent number: 7389613
    Abstract: The edge protector, especially for stair edges, comprises of a step profile and a base profile being fixable on a stair. The step profile has a step part and a step riser flange that is formed thereat, and the base profile comprises a base plate on which a support arrangement is formed. The step profile being non destructively unlockably fixable onto the base profile by means of a continuously height adjustable mounting, comprises fastening means, and a downwardly directed rib being formed at the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Herm Friedr. Kunne GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Frank Sondermann
  • Patent number: 7380376
    Abstract: This invention relates to a non-slip structure, which is highly efficient in preventing a slip with no trouble caused by a through hole, thereby enhancing reliability. The non-slip structure of this invention is characterized in that a portion of a metal plate such as a steel plate and the like is sheared so as to form cutting lines (a pair of lateral side cutting lines and a joining cutting line) for forming a protruded piece and, at the same time, the protruded piece is pulled up along the cutting lines to a height, which does not exceed the thickness portion of the steel plate so as to raise the shearing surface (edge), so that the sheared surface does not form a gap nor any through hole in contacting the steel plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunji Ohno, Norio Nakajima, Kazumichi Iwasa, Masanori Tsuji, Tsuyoshi Doi, Yoshihisa Kohzu, Yoshihiro Agarihama, Shinya Ura, Hideyuki Miyake
  • Publication number: 20080028699
    Abstract: A stair tread comprising a tread center manufactured from a plurality of elongated wood members. Each elongated wood member receives a lamination of higher quality wood which is glued to each elongated wood member. The elongated wood members are then edge glued to form a tread body. A nose member is attached to leading edge of the tread body and is manufactured from a single unbroken piece of high-quality wood. Additionally, a heel member manufactured from a single unbroken piece of higher quality wood is attached to the rear edge of the tread body. A side member manufactured from higher quality wood may be positioned adjacent each edge of the tread body as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: Interwood International Limited
    Inventor: Shu Wong Mak
  • Publication number: 20080010916
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of a stair nosing that can be installed on a concrete tread. The nosing has an upper surface that is formed with a plurality of openings or apertures that can be any of various shapes such as a diamond, square, rectangular, circle, oval, triangle, or various combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the nosing is formed from a piece of expanded metal defining a pattern of diamond-shaped apertures. The nosing can be formed by bending an anchor portion such as two side portions of the piece of expanded metal downwardly with respect to a central portion of the metal piece. When forming a concrete tread, the two bent side portions are inserted into the uncured or wet concrete, and therefore serve as an anchor for securing the nosing to the tread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: William Gardner
  • Patent number: 7303801
    Abstract: A rubber or plastic floor mat has a series of parallel upper ribs on its upper surface which define slots in which respective strips or carpeting or the like are removably held. The strips are retained along their lengths by retaining means which run continually or continuously along the slots. The strip retainers include hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO), and/or overhanging edges above the strip edges, preferably formed in one-piece fashion along the side of the upper ribs adjacent the slots. The overhangs may be interrupted, e.g., crenelated as seen from above, and may include bevels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: R & L Marketing & Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald N. Kessler
  • Patent number: 7174682
    Abstract: A transition support for flooring extending between a floor area of a high height and a floor area of a low height, said support being in the shape of a wedge which is generally unnoticeable by persons walking across the support and which does not jostle wheeled vehicles crossing the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Johnsonite Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Pelosi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7165362
    Abstract: A monolithic glass member for supporting loads is disclosed. The glass member includes a plurality of glass sheets that are laminated together with one or more bonding layers. One of the glass sheets has a cut out at an edge thereof to receive a connector. The connector provides a means for connecting and supporting the glass member relative to other structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Jobs, Karl Backus, Rosa Sheng, Ben McDonald, Michael Waltner, Colleen Caulliez, James O'Callaghan, Graham Coult, Damian Rogan, Scott Nelson
  • Patent number: 6920725
    Abstract: False return tread modules are provided that include a treadplate, a bullnose joined to the treadplate, a riserplate, and a stairbracket joined to the riserplate, such that the stairbracket/riserplate subassembly and treadplate/bullnose subassembly form the false tread module. The false tread modules of the invention permit fast and easy onsite installation, with or without preattached balusters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Lee Lanphier
  • Patent number: 6860071
    Abstract: A stair tread having predetermined dimensions including a top and bottom that are at least substantially parallel and substantially planar that includes a nose strip extending the length of the stair tread, having a hardwood appearance at the top, and having an edge at the front that is shaped in cross-section from the top to the bottom to provide a nose to the stair tread, a base including a plurality of base strips having a first joint between each adjacent base strip, wherein the base extends the length of the tread and, together with the nose strip, extends from the front to the rear of the tread, and a separately formed cover strip disposed over the base and sized sufficiently to provide the appearance of hardwood on the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Weaber, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew G. Weaber, Galen G. Weaber, Jeffrey Winslow
  • Publication number: 20040244314
    Abstract: The invention is a non-slip rug sized to cover a substantial portion of a stair. The non-slip rug includes an upper rug-like layer. The non-slip rug includes an integral non-slip base layer positioned on a bottom side of the upper rug layer. When the non-slip rug is positioned on a stair, the base directly contacts the stair and prevents movement of the non-slip rug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Michael F. Lieber
  • Patent number: 6774066
    Abstract: A composite structural reinforcement device to be applied to structural members by wrapping in successive overlying layers includes a body formed of a first ply of resin impregnated high tensile strength material, a second ply of resin impregnated high tensile strength material, a magnetically detectable ply disposed and bonded between the first and second plies, an interlock means for mechanically interlocking successive layers as the device is applied to a structural member, and an alignment means for aligning successive layers of the device in overlying relation. Various alternative embodiments and various combinations of features are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventors: James M. Souza, Glenn Davis, Billy H. Davidson
  • Patent number: 6634145
    Abstract: A modular stone stair system using a plurality of modules in the form of stringers, risers, treads and landings in standardized thicknesses and widths. The risers, landings (if any) and treads have different widths dependent upon the width of the stairs desired, with the treads and landing (if any) being of the full width of the stair, and the risers being a modular width such that each tread or landing is underlain by a plurality of risers. Each level of the stair has a plurality of stringers, abutting the back of the tread and riser and running to the back of the stair. The stringers vary in depth depending upon how many steps are to be present, such that each level, except the bottom, overlaps the tread and riser of the next lower level by a fixed amount. The system can easily be assembled by two people, using a shovel, a level, and a ruler, giving the homeowner or contractor the option of choosing threshold heights, widths, and landings with varying depths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Ormsby Dolph
  • Publication number: 20030182880
    Abstract: A stair tread having predetermined dimensions including a top and bottom that are at least substantially parallel and substantially planar that includes a nose strip extending the length of the stair tread, having a hardwood appearance at the top, and having an edge at the front that is shaped in cross-section from the top to the bottom to provide a nose to the stair tread, a base including a plurality of base strips having a first joint between each adjacent base strip, wherein the base extends the length of the tread and, together with the nose strip, extends from the front to the rear of the tread, and a separately formed cover strip disposed over the base and sized sufficiently to provide the appearance of hardwood on the top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Matthew G. Weaber, Galen G. Weaber, Jeffrey Winslow
  • Patent number: 6606827
    Abstract: This device has a principal section (1) and an auxiliary section (6) with means of attachment and detachment under pressure. The auxiliary section (6) has guides (61) for fitting an advertising support (7). The section (1) defines two wings (11 and 12), a recess (13) for the lighting means (2) and a seat (14) for a non-slip strip (4) and a row-numberer (5). The wing (12) has a longitudinal channel (17) for fitting lighting means (8) and a transparent protector, forming a hollow portion (9) for running cables (81) through it. The seat (14) has two interior mortised portions (14a and 14b), one of which forms a duct for the power-supply cables (51) of lighting means (52) housed in the orifice (53) of the numberer (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Friedemann Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6596362
    Abstract: A wooden stairtread includes an elongate nose member, an elongate tread body, and a tread end member. The nose member is made of higher quality wood and has a connecting end surface and two opposite lateral end surfaces. The tread body has first and second connecting end surfaces, and includes multiple core layers, and corresponding upper and lower surface layers. Each upper and lower surface layer is made of higher quality wood and has top and bottom sides that are flush with corresponding upper and lower edges of the connecting end surface of the nose member. Each core layer includes two lateral end members made of higher quality wood, and a middle core member made of lower quality wood. The tread end member is made of higher quality wood and is connected to the second connecting end surface of the tread body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Min-Ju Chung
  • Patent number: 6591560
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an anti-fatigue flooring article having inherent properties of electrostatic dissipation. Further, this disclosure relates to flooring article having at least two layers, wherein a first layer (comprised of dense rubber) is calendered to a second layer (comprised of foam rubber). Each layer has a different electrical conductivity, thereby creating a mat having an appropriate range of conductivity when combined. The present flooring article may also include a layer of static dissipating scrim, a grounding means, and/or a colored marking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: William O. Burke, III, Amy B. Streeton, Robert C. Kerr, William H. Stewart, Jr., Roy P. DeMott
  • Publication number: 20030121221
    Abstract: A stairway comprises a one-piece fiber reinforced plastic base having a plurality of riser surfaces and tread surfaces forming steps and a landing surface. The tread surfaces and the landing surface are configured to include an integral reinforcement surface region extending along a length of each tread surface and the landing. A preformed plastic tread member is fastened on a respective one of the tread surfaces of the base, and a preformed plastic landing member fastened on the landing surface. The base comprises a front wall region, first and second side wall regions and a rear wall region integrally formed as one-piece and is comprised of an outer filled resin layer and a plurality of fiber reinforced filled resin layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Ceramic Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Russell L. Kress
  • Publication number: 20030101665
    Abstract: A stair steps gripper for permanently covering the carpet on the stair steps to prevent it to wear out and becoming dirty, the stair steps gripper comprising a walking zone in the center having an anti-skid surface on the top and spikes on its lower surface for penetrating into a underlying carpet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: George Preda
  • Publication number: 20030079421
    Abstract: A stair safety mat for walk-learning baby is provided for 1˜4 year-old children to prevent any injured caused by falling over the stairsteps. Because the material of the mat of this invention is softness, skidproof, anti-shock, and protruding to cover the edge of sairsteps, it may reduce any possible injured resulted from that children, the aged, and persons who act inconveniently fall over stairs. The stair safety mat of the present invention is provided with a double-sided adhesive to bond on stairsteps and floor adjacent to stair for securing the safe of children from falling over the stairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Tsuen Yang
  • Patent number: 6554446
    Abstract: A step lighting apparatus comprising a coextrusion of a light reflective gray strip with a dark plastic body. The apparatus is mountable to the nose of a stair step where the reflective strip is located at the edge of the step. The strip is made from a material that will reflect low level ambient light to indicate the step's edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Targetti-Tivoli Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence C. Walsh, Randy G. Valparaiso
  • Patent number: 6438909
    Abstract: A heating assembly is provided which includes a metal stair tread member having an upper horizontal surface and a bottom surface for mounting on a stair tread of a staircase. A strip heating element is attached to the bottom surface of the stair tread member. A first covering of synthetic material encapsulates the horizontal surface of the metal stair tread member and the strip heating element on bottom surface of the stair tread member. The strip heating element is contiguous with the bottom surface and is attached thereto by a gasket extending around the peripheral edge of the strip heating element. A thermostat is electrically connected to the strip heater and to a power source for selectively supplying electric current to the strip heater in response to changes ambient temperatures. A temperature sensing element is in electrical communication with the thermostat wherein the thermostat selectively supplies the current to the strip heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Tread Ex, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry L. Birch, John S. Eve
  • Publication number: 20020104274
    Abstract: A facing structure for a forward portion of steps of the stair (1) comprises a working member (2) made of a resilient material, a horizontal (4) and a vertical (3) fastening members connected to rearward (6) and lower (5) surfaces of the said working member (2). The thickness H of the working member and the modulus of elasticity E of a resilient material satisfy the relationships: H>h+h1, E≦H×k, where: h—the thickness of a facing material of the horizontal surface of stair steps [m], h1—the thickness of the horizontal fastening member [m], k=1011[n/m3].
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: MIKHAIL MIKHAILOVICH TIMOFEEV
  • Patent number: 6427395
    Abstract: An elongated member suitable for flooring, decking, or seating, having a top plate formed as an extrusion of plastic material, wherein the top plate includes ribs constituted by protruding parts of parallel, spaced, elongated friction elements co-extruded therewith, the friction elements being formed of plastic having distinctly greater softness or flexibility than the main parts of the top plate and suitable for providing a non-slip surface. The member may include an elongated support formed as a relatively rigid extrusion of plastic material having a base plate with upstanding side walls and a central support portion, the top plate overlying the support and having edge formations engaging the side walls. Alternatively, the top plate and support may be formed integrally by extrusion, or the top plate may be part of a plank cover having integrally formed ribs for spacing the top plate above a plank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Western Profiles Limited
    Inventors: Glenn R. Elsasser, Frederic E. C. Wall
  • Publication number: 20020066242
    Abstract: An anti-skid plate is to be fixed on a corner of a step of a stair. The corner is formed with a generally L-shaped notch which has a generally horizontal notch portion and a generally vertical notch portion that form an angle of about 90° therebetween. The anti-skid plate includes a rectangular, generally horizontal plate portion for engaging fittingly the horizontal notch portion of the notch in the corner of the step of the stair, and has a plurality of upwardly extending integral upper ribs that are generally parallel to the vertical notch portion and that have round top ends, and a rectangular, generally vertical plate portion that has a top side formed integrally on an outer side of the horizontal plate portion and that is mounted to engage fittingly the vertical notch portion. A lower rib projects integrally and downwardly from the horizontal plate portion in a direction that is generally parallel to the vertical plate portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Chun-Nan Hsu
  • Publication number: 20020056238
    Abstract: A deck plank (12) readily attaches to an engagement clip (46) when force is applied over the plank. When a plurality of clips are attached to underlying joists in parallel with the joists, and a plurality of deck planks are oriented to the clip perpendicular to the joist and pushed down over clips, a secure deck structure is provided. Each clip has a pair of horizontal flanges (52 and 54), which snap over a plurality of ledges (42 and 44) in a channel under each plank. The deck planks (12) are embossed (14) so as to form a slip resistant surface to be walked upon. The plastic extruded deck plank (12) resists rot, deterioration and insect infection found in current wood products. The deck plank assembly is simple enough so that a homeowner or do-it-yourselfer can install or alter it with minimal effort and direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Alan Leines
  • Patent number: 6385923
    Abstract: A transition support for flooring extending between a floor area of a high height and a floor area of a low height, the support being in the shape of a wedge which is generally unnoticeable by persons walking across the support and which does not jostle wheeled vehicles crossing the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Duramax, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Pelosi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6141920
    Abstract: A stair edge profile assembly comprises a tread angle member having a tread limb portion whose free end is in the form of a cover blade member extending over a stair tread covering. The tread angle member carries an abutment limb substantially at a right angle to the cover blade member. The assembly further includes a base profile member which can be fixed on the stair structure. The tread angle member can be fixed on the base profile member by way of a holding means affording adjustment in height, so the height of the tread angle member can be so set in dependence on the thickness of the material of the tread covering that the cover blade member comes to lie on the tread covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Hans August Kemper
  • Patent number: 6125598
    Abstract: A modular stairway assembled from a stringer having a relatively planar, flat top, an initial step module fixed adjacent a lower end of the stringer, and several intermediate step modules attached to the stringer. The initial step module includes an upper edge, and a portion of the first intermediate step module bears against the upper edge of the initial step module. A method of constructing the stairway includes the steps of placing the stringer in position relative to a structure, anchoring the initial step module adjacent a lower end of the stringer to define an initial riser and tread for the stairway, and to define an initial stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Lee Lanphier
  • Patent number: 6115975
    Abstract: A stair system employing an improved stair nose molding and back molding which provides for a stair system having a free-floating riser and a free-floating tread, the stair nose molding having a cutout with tongue for receiving grooved stair tread and a groove for receiving a riser in a sliding arrangement. The stair back molding having a groove to receive the bottom edge of the riser in a sliding arrangement. The tread is secured to the stair nose molding, the riser being slidably secured in the stair nose molding and the stair back molding, and the end of the tread being secured along with the back stair molding to the tread subflooring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Hassan Abdollahi
  • Patent number: 6101770
    Abstract: A three piece stair nosing is used in new construction and the reconstruction and repair of stairs, primarily for industrial and commercial applications. The stair nosing comprises a metal sub-channel, a front channel including a tread surface, and a rear channel. The sub-channel includes one or more anchors to be embedded in uncured concrete which, when hardened, secures the sub-channel to the stair pan. The front channel includes a metal base and a tread bonded to the base to provide a skid resistant surface. The front channel is locked into place on top of the sub-channel with locking tabs and is secured to the sub-channel with fasteners after which the rear channel is press fit into place to complete the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Wooster Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Namen G. Dalton
  • Patent number: 6088976
    Abstract: The removable non-skid pad covers a portion of a corresponding step of an exterior stair or staircase so as to allow people to use it more safely. The pad comprises a main section to be disposed on the upper horizontal portion of the step, a preformed substantially hooked-shaped from section having one end integrally connected to the front end of the main section so as to fit around the front edge and a part of the bottom portion of the step near the front edge, and a rear section having one end integrally connected to the rear end of the main section. A binding assembly is provided to removably attach the front and rear sections under the step. The pad may be easily installed and removed. Any snow or ice accumulations may be easily dislodged by removing the pad and skating it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Gilles Roy
  • Patent number: 6067758
    Abstract: The invention concerns a stair construction element comprising a horizontal tread part and a nosing-like riser part extending vertically therefrom, for renovating a stair, in which a tread part (2) and a nosing-like riser part (3) form an integral element (1) encased or coated with laminate (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Cosima Zenkner
    Inventor: Klaus Dieter Zenkner
  • Patent number: 6047506
    Abstract: A stair edge profile assembly formed of a tread angle member having a tread limb portion whose free end is in the form of a cover blade member extending over a stair tread covering. The tread angle member carries an abutment limb substantially at a right angle to the cover blade member. The assembly further includes a base profile member which can be fixed on the stair structure. The tread angle member can be fixed on the base profile member by way of a holding means affording adjustment in height, so the height of the tread angle member can be so set in dependence on the thickness of the material of the tread covering that the cover blade member comes to lie on the tread covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Hans August Kemper