Abstract: A stairway 2 is fabricated using a plurality of load bearing modules 4 that are attached to form a box beam 60 that can be freestanding. Each module 4 included flat vertical front and rear panels 6, 20 that are joined by vertical inside and outside panels 30, 3 8. The modules are joined by affixing the front panel of a higher module to the rear panel of the next adjacent lower module to form a stepped configuration. For a curved stairway 2, the helical box beam 60 formed of a plurality of trapezoid shaped modules 4 provides the principle support for the weight of the stairway 2 and the weight of any body positioned on the stairway. Longitudinal members 64, 66, 68 extending between the lower edges of adjacent modules 4 are loaded in tension and resist separation of the individual modules 4. Because the box beam 60 is the primary weight carrying member, the longitudinal members can be relatively thin and flexible and easy to fabricate.

Abstract: A staircase of monocoque construction comprises a pair of stringers, a series of successive and alternating treads and risers and nosings which are all made of solid wood or of composite wood such as O.S.B., pyrock, plywood, particle board, etc. At locations where these various components are to be joined, the components define facing grooves with a tapered space being also defined between the components. A gap filling substance, such as a polyester resin reinforced with micro-glass fibers, injected in the large ends of the tapered spaces fills the grooves as well as the tapered spaces and adhesively joins when it hardens the treads and risers one to another in succession, and also adhesively joins the stringers and the nosings to the treads and risers. The hardened resin "welds" the wooden components one to another thereby acting as a welded mechanical key, whereby the assembled structure forms a monocoque staircase. A method is also suggested to produce a monocoque staircase.

Abstract: A bathtub step assembly for use in bathing disabled persons. The step assembly has a plurality of planar surfaces disposed in spaced, generally parallel relationship to each other, the uppermost planar surface being coplanar with the top surface of the bathtub wall or walls that it is disposed adjacent to. The uppermost planar surface is also specifically shaped to provide adequate human buttocks support when the human buttocks engages the uppermost planar surface both when the human is disposed thereon with his/her back facing the bathtub and when the buttocks are pivoted approximately one-quarter turn to be in feet-first ingress position relative to the bathtub.

Abstract: A railing made of prefabricated standard components with railing rods, connecting elements between the railing rods and with railing panels. Each of the railing rods consists of a longitudinal part which can be secured to the building body, as well as a bent short end. The short end of the railing rods can be inserted longitudinally slidable into the connecting elements. The longitudinal part of each railing rod to be mounted is held in a transverse throughbore of the connecting element. The connecting elements are designed as handrail segments which have a blind bore in longitudinal direction for receiving the short end of a railing rod and transversely thereto a throughbore for the vertical longitudinal part of the railing rod to be mounted. Further on the longitudinal part of the railing rods panel holders are adjustably arranged for fastening the railing panel.

Abstract: A metal stairway constructed on site in a metal framed house. The stair steps are supported between a pair of trimmed sheet metal stringer panels on each side of the stairway. Each step of the stairway is formed of metal treads and risers cut to appropriate lengths from conventional joist members provided on site for the metal framed house. The metal treads and risers are attached at opposite ends thereof to the respective stringer panels by way of standard angled brackets provided on site for securing metal framing members together. Threaded self-drilling fasteners attach each angled bracket to a corresponding stringer panel and to an associated metal tread or metal riser. Wooden treads and risers are attached over the metal treads and risers by standard self-drilling screws.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure defining a set of stairs for swimming-pool. This structure defining a set of stairs comprises a base; at least one step having a tread; and at least one supporting member supporting and connecting the tread to the base; said base cooperating with the bottom floor of the swimming-pool for positioning said structure on the bottom floor of said swimming-pool to thus prevent motion of said structure in the swimming-pool.

Abstract: A means to provide a cost effective anti-skid/ anti-slip stairnose in staircases is described. The means can be dimensioned to fit across various lengths of staircases. A detachable anti-skid/ anti-slip conformable tape is fixed onto the stairnoses.

Abstract: A router machine for making repetitive router cuts at predetermined positions on one or two workpieces. The router machine has a free standing main frame with an open work horizontal platform for supporting said one or two workpieces. The platform has a longitudinal front edge with a fence therealong. Clamping mechanisms for clamping the one or two workpieces at the predetermined positions. A workpiece feed mechanism for advancing the one or two workpieces to each of the predetermine positions. A pair of routers are provided having vertically oriented, opposed, coaxial bits. A movable support assembly supports the routers. The routers are shiftable vertically on the support assembly toward each other to an extended cutting position and away from each other to a retracted non-cutting position.

Abstract: An improved surface covering includes a base having a plurality of receiving grooves on one side and a plurality of working grooves on the other side. Each receiving groove includes gripping projections and is constructed to receive and grip a filler material. To assemble the surface material, the base material is flexed so that the size of the receiving grooves is enlarged thereby making insertion of the filler material easy.

Abstract: A device for blocking stairs which is attached to the vertically-extending side panels of a stairway. A pair of expanding support elements is wedged between the side panels and separated from each other by a few steps. A material sheet is attached to, and extends between, the pair of expanding support elements. The material sheet covers the few steps so that access to the steps and the stairway is blocked. The support elements include outwardly-biased end plates equipped with rubber pads. One of the support rods has a rotationally-biased spool for retracting the material sheet during transport or storage.

Abstract: Prefabricated, preferably pre-cast concrete, stringers and treads can be employed to provide either a staircase of any required inclination, a horizontal walkway or a ramp of a required inclination. In all these applications, the same standardized stringers and treads can be effectively used. Stanchions can be added as required. Further embodiments can be used for providing ladders and for providing seating for grand stands or theaters.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a staircase handrail volute, comprising the steps of: (a) cutting a workpiece from wood with a bandsaw such that the workpiece has an approximation of a shape of the volute, wherein the approximation dimensions are larger than the shape dimensions; (b) mounting the workpiece so that the workpiece may be operated on by a numerically controlled machine tool; (c) cutting a bottom surface of the workpiece to the shape dimensions with the machine tool; (d) cutting lower side surfaces of the workpiece with the machine tool to a first dimension between the approximation dimensions and the shape dimensions; (e) cutting the lower side surfaces of the workpiece with the machine tool to the shape dimensions; (f) drilling at least one mounting hole in the bottom surface with the machine tool, the at least one mounting hole for holding the workpiece in steps (g) through (j); (g) turning the workpiece over and mounting the workpiece so that the workpiece may be operated on by a numerically control

Abstract: A stairset for the fabrication of a spiral stairway on-site, and a method for the assembly of the stairset. This stairset includes a central support to receive spacers to position a plurality of stair tread units at a selected separation (riser height), the stair treads extending horizontally outward. Further, components for a banister (handrail) are a plurality of segments, being a selected number for each stair tread unit, that are threaded upon a cable. The cable is provided on at least one end with means for tensioning, with final tensioning after general assembly of components (post-tensioning). A plurality of balusters are attached to, and extend downwardly from, at least a portion of segments of the resultant banister to be fastened to distal ends of the stair tread units. Specifically, the same number of balusters join the selected number of banister segments for each stair tread.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing or converting a stairway made from wood-composite materials to a stairway which appears for all intents and purposes to be made from architectural solid wood materials. The method contemplates providing one or more stair treads and risers interconnected on one or more support stringers. This assembly may be preexisting or constitute new construction. With the stair treads and risers in place, sheets of veneer overlay are provided which are scribed and trimmed to cover at least the end portions of each tread, riser, or both, leaving the central high traffic portion of the tread exposed. Once trimming is complete, the veneer overlays are adhered to each tread or riser. With respect to the stair treads, it is preferred that a portion of the veneer is rolled around the leading edge of the tread and fastened to the underlying surface. Any irregularities or gaps in the joints between the treads, risers, and veneer may be concealed behind strips of molding.

Abstract: Sheet steel pan forms bent or rollformed to specific "universal" profiles allow the manufacture of concrete tread filled steel stairs or precast concrete stairs. The profiles adjust against each other under the specific angle of 26.565 and thereby, used in series, create stairways of various rise and run relations, maintaing the same profile at all times, satisfying requirements of all building codes and follow the measure of the human step on an incline.These "universal" profiles are designed to standardize stair construction, save labor and material and produce stairs more economically than conventional methods employed in today's construction industry.

Abstract: An "off the shelf" modular staircase system is described that allows for a flexible fit of the staircase into custom plan areas and/or areas in which the ceiling-to-floor height varies. The modules form a complete staircase and not a mere skeleton of a staircase. Furthermore, the modular staircase system, because it allows for the mass production and conventional transportation of the various stair modules, results in the reduced cost of a staircase and reduced construction time. Individual stair modules may be formed as a unitary structure out of a moldable material.

Abstract: A system to join two substantially perpendicular members tightly together. The system finds particular application where it is desired to secure a subfloor to an underlying joist to eliminate squeaking and to rectify a "spongy" floor through reinforcement. The system comprises a brace and a pair of screws of different lengths. The brace includes a pair of working surfaces that meet to form a ninety-degree corner. A flange extends from one of the working surfaces for placement between the top side of the joist and the bottom side of the subfloor. The brace has a pair of parallel pilot holes defined therein for receiving the two screws. The pilot holes are disposed at about a thirty-degree angle relative the joist-mating working surface.

Abstract: A three dimensional stringer pad affixed to the stringers of a staircase prior to applying carpet. The stringer pad is dimensioned to substantially completely overlay the stringer, has an inner flat surface which lies substantially flush on the stringer and has an outer surface which billows out from the stringer to create a three dimensional surface upon which carpet is later applied. Prior to applying carpet to the stringers of the staircase, the three dimensional stringer pads are applied to the stringers using nails or any suitable adhesive. Carpet is then applied to the stringers with the stringer pads interposed between the carpet and the stringers. Due to the billowing surface of the stringer pads, the carpeted stringers are provided with a three dimensional look which is aesthetically pleasing and which serves to further define the risers and treads of the staircase. Preferred aspects of the invention include constructing the stringer pads from inexpensive polyurethane foam or equivalent material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prefabricated concrete component system for forming ground-bearing stairways, platforms, terraces and analogous structures of one or more layers. It is the object of the invention to be able to construct, from a few basic components, a durable and safe ground-bearing structure of the desired shape. Such a component system comprises at least three different basic components (1, 2, and 3), which are used together or separately and which are slab components provided with upright supports. The basic components of the component system according to the invention are so designed that one or two adjacent slab components in the same constructional layer form at least two support and fastening surfaces for the next higher slab component. Thus a sturdy and safe structure is obtained. The shape of the components enables them to be cast in a single-part casting mold, from which the component will detach owing to vertical surfaces.

Abstract: The prefabricated component for building staircases comprises a supporting element made of foamed plastic material which extends longitudinally and is cut in the shape of steps along one of its upper surfaces. The supporting element is provided with a plurality of longitudinal holes which are meant for the insertion of respective metallic reinforcement frames and are suitable to be filled with a concrete casting when installed, to provide respective beams for stiffening the supporting element.

Abstract: The standardized step module according to the present invention is provided with a pair of wings disposed aside of the step and having the shape, as seen in a side section, of a parallelogram whose bases are parallel to the tread of the step and are separated by a distance equal to the riser of the step. In the case of a step made of reinforced concrete, said wings are constituted by a metallic structure having said parallelogram shape and provided with suitable reinforcing members and buried in a casting of concrete. According to the invention, the metallic structure forming the step wing is provided with suitable coupling means for joining it to other adjacent modules, said means being generally constituted by through-holes into which are inserted, for instance, fixing bolts, and nuts. The conformation of the structure forming a wing of the module according to the invention allows a high production at a low cost of such reinforced concrete modules to be achieved.

Abstract: A step system for swimming pools comprises a unitary stair module including a stair shell formed of plastic sheet material and a plurality of elongated rigidizing members which are encapsulated within the plastic sheet material of the stair shell, and support braces for supporting the unitary stair module. A method of manufacturing the unitary stair module of the step system is disclosed and comprises encapsulating each of the rigidizing members in the plastic sheet material of the stair shell by vacuum forming.

Abstract: A returned stair tread for use on an open stairway or an open portion of a stairway is shown. This returned stair tread comprises a stair tread constructed of wood and a return nosing fitting flush against its side edge, the stair tread and nosing being slidably connected to one another by tongue and groove construction. The returned stair tread also comprises means for securing the nosing to the stair tread, including rigid securing means joining the nosing to the stair tread only in the region containing an exposed joint located at a forward end portion of the tread forward of the slidably connected construction. The returned stair tread further comprises a non-rigid securing means joining the nosing to the stair tread along the length of their mutual juncture, which non-rigid securing means is adapted to secure the continued contact of the nosing and stair tread while permitting each to expand and contract in width over a range due to changing ambient temperature and humidity conditions.

Abstract: A portable stairway railing device is disclosed comprising a frame structure having several support braces attachable to the stairway surface at the rearward section of the individual step. The support braces allow for selective variance of the width, depth, and height for fitting variously sized stairways. On the top portion of the frame structure is disposed a hand rail.

Abstract: A stair tread, in which synthetic rubber is used to encase metal side core portions arranged at the side edges of a substantially horizontal core section at a downward right-angle thereto. A lip is provided along the side edges of the tread surface. The lip projects upward, the outside surface of the lip is flush with the surface of the synthetic rubber that covers the side core sections, and the lip is formed in one piece, of synthetic rubber.

Abstract: Improved methods of fabricating at least partially curved staircases include a first method in which preformed step structures have treads with curved slots formed in the underside of the ends which define a path for insertion of top edge segments of thin starter strips. The slots are collectively configured to laterally deflect the inserted starter strips in a manner longitudinally conforming them to at least partially curved paths of the overall stringer structures in the completed staircase. The stringers are then laterally built up and completed by securing reinforcing structures to the side surfaces of the laterally deflected strips. A second method uses preformed cooperating treads and risers themselves as a form which defines an at least partially curved path for the stringers.

Abstract: A shear plug connector arrangement is formed by a bearing element (1) and a plug element (2) that can be introduced into the bearing element. The bearing element (1) comprises an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve (3 and 4, respectively). Between these two sleeves (3, 4), an elastic element (5) is arranged. The inner sleeve (4) and thus the plug element (2) introduced therein are mounted in floating fashion. This leads to a good footstep sound insulation. In accordance with the invention, a structure (7, 8, 9) is provided for limiting motion amplitudes at the bearing element (1) and/or at the plug element (2) so that the elastic element is not subject to excessive stresses and to ensuing short-term or long-term damage. The aforementioned structure is realized, for example, by an annular disk (8) on the front face of the inner sleeve (4), a nail plate (7) having a circular opening at the outer sleeve (3), and an interposed gap (9).

Abstract: A child assist rail and support system is disclosed which is adapted for attachment to an existing or new handrail at a stairway. The child assist rail and support system includes a plurality of suspension elements and a strap associated with each suspension element. The strap is adapted to suspend the associated suspension element below the handrail. The strap is further adapted to position a first end of its associated suspension element proximate to said handrail of the stairway. There is an auxiliary rail positioned at a second end of each of the suspension elements. The strap is also operative to maintain the auxiliary rail in a proximate position with respect to the second end of each of the suspension elements. There is a locking element operative with the strap of each of the suspension elements. The locking element is operative with the strap and the suspension element for maintaining the auxiliary rail in a substantially stationery position with respect to the handrail of the stairway.

Abstract: The invention disclosed comprises a combination ladder and stair for use by children which incorporates stair-like treads and risers with ladder-like rungs to achieve safe climbing activity. The combination ladder and stair is adapted to be used at a comparatively steep angle to the ground with the treads being maintained level. The rungs are placed adjacent to and level with each tread to afford additional security for the foot, and are spaced from the tread to allow the hand to grasp around the rung. In the preferred embodiment the ladder is incorporated into a split tube which serves as an entry to a children's play system.

Abstract: A construction unit (10) which is suitable for use in the fabrication of a stair stringer is provided. In one embodiment, the unit has three side members (12, 14, 16) which form a right triangle. The side member (16) forming the hypotenuse of the right triangle has a flat surface for locating the unit (10) against a flat support surface. The side members (12, 14) forming the other two sides of the right triangle are provided with channels (22) extending along their lengths, each for receiving the edge of a stair tread (28) or stair riser (30) forming sheet therein.

Abstract: A combination pull-down stairs and lighting assembly with the lighting assembly attached to the underside of the stairs such that, when retracted, the lighting assembly provides both cover for concealing the stairs and illumination for the space below the stairs. The lighting assembly can include a frame with a grating or translucent panel, or the lighting assembly can include a light fixture attached to a base plate.

Abstract: A footboard for an indoor staircase which is temporarily fixed to notchboards with ease. In fixing the footboard to the notchboards, the lower end portion of a riser of the footboard is made free so that the footboard can be employed in the staircase provided with the same footboards each having different dimensions of the riser. The footboard for an indoor staircase comprises a riser 1 and a footstep portion 2 which is formed integrally with the riser in the L-shape, characterized in that the riser 1 having a hook portion 2 at the upper end thereof, the footstep portion having a lower end portion inclined downward, a rising portion 6 which rises from the end of the inclined lower end portion to a tip end thereof so as to reach a nosing 5 so that the hook portion of the lower positioned footboard can be hooked by the tip end of the rising portion of the upper positioned footboard, and fixing pieces 7 which are welded between the inclined portion 4 of the footstep portion and the rising portion 6.

Abstract: A step support used in the construction of a staircase that can be attached to a stringer and is capable of securely supporting a step. The apparatus comprises a relatively thin first side member, a relatively thin second side member and a filler block. The filler block is smaller than the first and second side members and is attached between them so that there is a gap between the first side member and the second side member. The step support is attached to the stringer so that the stringer fits in the gap and the side members extend over the sides of the stringer. The step support is attached to the stringer through the use of a plurality of fasteners.

Abstract: The invention concerns a flight of stairs with a multiple of steps--where each step is firmly connected at least at one lateral end with the subsequent step by two vertical members, and where the bottom and top steps (22, 12) are resting on an intermediate floor (26, 24), a landing beam or a similar member, and where at least one lateral end of each step (12 to 22) is arranged within a square support--consisting of two horizontal and two vertical members (40, 42; 44, 46) which, together, form a stair stringer--in such a manner that each step is supported by its assigned horizontal member beneath it, and that each horizontal member (40, 42) is extended beyond a vertical member (44, 46), so that the extension (32) of the upper horizontal member (40) forms the lower horizontal member of the next step (12) above, while the extension (48) of the lower horizontal member (42) forms the upper horizontal member of the next step (16) beneath it, and where--at least on one side--a vertical member can be replaced by a sp

Abstract: A returned tread for use on an open stairway or open portion of a stair way constructed of wood and a return nosing joined on at least one side edge of the tread so as to form an exposed joint on a forward end portion of the assembly. The tread and nosing are fastened or secured together only along a forward end portion which contains at least a portion of the exposed joint. The remainder of the nosing and tread are slidable relative to one another and are joined on a rear end portion by means of an expansion joint. In one embodiment, the expansion joint includes an oval shaped biscuit glued and disposed in a slot formed in a nosing facing edge of the tread which biscuit projects into an elongated slot formed in the nosing for permitting the biscuit to slide along the elongated slot as the tread expands and contracts.

Abstract: An improved handrail is provided to aid a visually handicapped person in moving up and down stairs. The handrail extends along the stairs. Indicia on the handrail identifies the steps along which the handrail extends. The indicia is in the braille system and includes characters which project downwardly away from a lower side of the handrail.

Abstract: A scaffold, having a main frame including four vertical posts arranged in a rectangular array and connected at the sides of the scaffold by two side trusses that support a scaffold main platform, is further provided with an auxiliary frame that supports a plurality of vertically spaced auxiliary platforms above the main platform and parallel thereto. The auxiliary frame is located at one end of the main frame and has two parallel side members, each side member having a first clamp member formed of angle stock at one end to receive a vertical post and a second clamp member formed of angle stock at the other end to receive a side truss. The vertical post is maintained with the first clamp member by a bent, partially threaded rod that is bolted to the perpendicular webs of the first clamp member and extends about the vertical post.

Abstract: A step module is provided for use in constructing stairways. Each step module includes a tread portion and a riser portion connected at a nosing so that a plurality of modules may be secured adjacently in stepwise fashion to create a stairway. A shoulder member attaches to the riser portion of one module along the front riser surface parallel to the nosing and thus forms a tread seat for attachment of the distal tread edge of a lower module. When connected, a channel is formed which may be enclosed and filled with a filler material such as an acoustical damping material. The cover may be a wing projecting forwardly of the riser portion and underlying the tread portion of the lower module.

Abstract: A portable stair barrier intended to prevent very young children from climbing up a stairway is formed by a ramp having support members adapted for rest on the stairway, wherein the ramp bridges over one or more stairs when deployed.

Abstract: A metal-reinforced polyurethane shoe protecting the lower end of a wood support system from shallow water or moisture on a floor, said shoe comprising a high-density polymer impregnating a rust-resistant metal mesh, and attached to the bottom surface of a wood support system by means of a wood screw or like fastener, thereby protecting the wood support system from the water and moisture accumulating on a potentially wet surface, thus preventing the occurrence of dry rot in the lower end of a wood support system.

Abstract: An elevated floor has two separate types of floor panels arranged in alternating order on adjustable support legs. Base floor panels and access floor panels are formed from squares of low density oriented strand material having extruded metal cladding strips along the peripheral edges of the squares. The base floor panels include edge cladding strips having a support flange extending outwardly from the base panel peripheral edge. The access panels include a different type of cladding strip designed to seat on the support flange of the base panel cladding strip. Detachable riser beams are provided for assembly of multilevel stepped raised floors.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for stairs comprises a length of rail secured to a wall parallel to the stairs and a handle which is slidable along the rail if force is applied to the handle in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the rail but is jammed with respect to the rail if force is applied in any other direction. Preferably the handle is a loop formed by rubber covered reinforcement and the handle is a loop formed by rubber covered reinforcement and the handle has a neck portion leading to a head portion, the neck portion extending through a slot into a box section of the rail which contains the head portion.

Abstract: A bolted steel staircase is erected by placing side stringers spaced apart and attached to the upper and lower floors. A series of stair pans are placed on brackets, the brackets having been welded to the stringers in the fabrication location. The nuts are then hand-tightened on bolts which are welded to the brackets. A set of flat metal wedges, each having an angled slot, is driven between the vertical bolts and lances on the sides of the stair pans in order to align the stair pans and drive them against the stringers. After the wedges are driven, the nuts are fully tightened.

Abstract: Self-supporting unit element staircase consisting of linking elements of steel tube shaped by bending into a U-form and which lie at right angles to the line of the stairs. These linking elements are connected together at their upper, open ends by means of handrail parts, which are also of steel tube and have been shaped by bending and which have a coupling sleeve welded on transversely at one end. At their lower ends, the linking elements are connected together by means of the steps, which have pipe clamp fittings at their four corners. Two different step shapes permit every desired form of flight of stairs to be constructed.

Abstract: A bracket for use in constructing a stairway of the type having stringers and a plurality of treads and risers. The bracket includes adjacent horizontal and vertical portions attachable to tread and riser members respectively, and an upwardly angled portion carried by an end of the bracket for attached to a stringer. The vertical portion of the bracket includes a downwardly directed finger which is grippingly receivable in an upwardly open slot means of an adjacent bracket, enabling a plurality of identical brackets to be firmly joined together and attached to a plurality of stringers to construct a stairway.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a stair construction and method in which the stair includes at least one stringer assembled in situ from a plurality of stringer units, treads supported on the stringer, and a hand rail comprised of a plurality of hand rail units or sections secured together in situ. The use of modular construction, with the parts assembled in situ on a job site, enables the components to be manufactured in a factory and then shipped in convenient packages to the job site for assembly. This enables relatively complex stair designs, such as spiral and circular stairs, as well as more conventional straight stairs to be employed in construction without concern for bulky and difficult to handle packaging and shipping, or the need for skilled carpenters using special tools to construct such stairs on the job site.

Abstract: Apparatus for aiding a person in walking up andn down a staircase which has at least one railing running alongside. The apparatus includes a series of structures which are affixed to the at least one railing for supporting a person's hands and arms and, thereby, a portion of the person's weight.

Abstract: A stair bracket for constructing a staircase is formed from a single strip of sheet metal. One edge of the strip at one end and is upturned to form a flange having a length at least equal to the depth of a stair tread, and the same edge at the other end is downturned into a channel having a length at least equal to the height of a riser, the channel and flange meeting in the middle of the strip. In use the strip is bent at a right angle in the middle at the juncture point with the flange being on the inside of the angle and the channel being on the outside.

Abstract: The covering (20) for repairing worn-out steps has two unitary flanges (21, 22, 25, 29) linked together, and is made of step and scuff resistant plastic. At least the capping (21) comprises at its underside facing the step (10) an insert of press board, which has less specific weight as the plastic (23) of the covering (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the construction of stairs provides a series of specially-designed brackets to enable the builder to screw or bolt the steps to the inside surface of the stringers, thereby obviating the need to notch the stringers, and avoiding undesirable wood-to-wood contact. In addition, such bolting is considerably more efficient than traditional nailing, and allows easy access to and replacement of the steps and/or hardware when necessary. Furthermore, this bolting and bracket method enables the use of precalculated dimensional instructions for proper location of the brackets on the stringers, and thus is especially conducive to the modular construction and prefabrication of stairs.