Abstract: A lifeguard observation station having a support structure for allowing a lifeguard to monitor a pool and swimmers or bathers therein. The lifeguard observation station includes a platform which is configured to accommodate the lifeguard. The platform member has a first edge, with at least a portion of the first edge of the platform member and a portion of the platform member adjacent the first edge being configured to extend to or beyond a pool edge of the pool. When positioned on the portion of the platform member adjacent the first edge, the lifeguard is positioned at the edge of the water or over the water in the pool to provide the lifeguard an unimpaired line-of-sight to the swimmers or bathers in the pool.

Abstract: A stair cage is a stair assistance apparatus having a rail attached to the wall on each side of a staircase, and two horizontal rails spaced horizontally apart but joined by cross bars and having wheels rotatably attached to the ends of the cross bars and engaged in tracks within the horizontal rails so that the cross bars are able to move up and down the stairway. A brake system having a brake assembly in the wheels and squeeze brake handles on the cross bars so that the user can control the descent or hold position on the ascent.

Abstract: The stair system is made of a deck plate attached to an existing structure (such as a deck) and to the top end of a pair of stringer beams. A base plate is attached to the bottom end of the pair of stringer beams. Next a plurality of steps are attached to the pair of stringer beams, the steps being comprised of a tread assembly, a pair of tread brackets and at least one intermediate support bracket. The steps can be integrally formed or made of modular components which are connected together to form the step. Finally, the decking material is attached to the step.

Abstract: An insulating system comprises a cover and a generally rigid attic sealing member. The cover defines an interior chamber, and the interior chamber is filled with insulation. The cover further forms a cavity in the bottom of the cover, where the attic sealing member is received into the cavity. Together, the system raises the insulating value (R-value) of an area above an attic opening to a minimum R-value level required by many building codes. The cover may be filled with insulation through a slit or passage extending along the top of the cover.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing a safe room environment within an attic space utilizing a typical folding attic stair and door assembly. The system includes components that retrofit to an existing folding attic stair in a manner that allows the user to draw the attic stair up behind them and to secure the attic door panel closed and locked while the user is within the attic space. The components include a retractable lift cord attached to a middle section of the attic stair, and a lift rod attached to the attic door. Brackets and frames positioned on the attic door and door frame allow the user to pull up to fold and raise the stair into the attic space. A lock may then secure the attic stair closed preventing access from below. Methods for installing the system and using the system are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing a safe room environment within an attic space utilizing a typical folding attic stair and door assembly. The system includes components that retrofit to an existing folding attic stair in a manner that allows the user to draw the attic stair up behind them and to secure the attic door panel closed and locked while the user is within the attic space. The components include a retractable lift cord attached to a middle section of the attic stair, and a lift rod attached to the attic door. Brackets and frames positioned on the attic door and door frame allow the user to pull up to fold and raise the stair into the attic space. A lock may then secure the attic stair closed preventing access from below. Methods for installing the system and using the system are provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for pool step forms and related methods for forming steps in a pool formed by wall panels. The step forms may include a wall panel insert configured for insertion between adjacent pool wall panels. The step forms may include one or more step form brace configured to couple with the wall panel insert and, thereby, the wall panels. The step forms may include riser forms that from riser portions of the stairs when the step forms and riser forms are coupled. The pool stair forms may be filled with filling material to form tread portions of the stairs. The pool stair forms may include liner support members coupled to the step form braces and/or the wall panels that facilitate the coupling of a liner to the stairs formed by the pool stair forms and filling material.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position, a neutral position, and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a ramp panel rotatably coupled at a first end about a first axis and a support that is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction about a second axis. A cam follower is coupled to the support and supportingly engages a second end of the ramp panel. Rotation of the support moves the cam follower along an arcuate path. The weight of the ramp panel biases the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is between the stowed position and the neutral position. A drive assembly selectively rotates the support in the first and second direction, and a stop limits rotation of the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is in the stowed position.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a support element and an inner ramp rotatable at a first end about a first axis. The operable ramp further includes an outer ramp rotatably coupled to a second end of the inner ramp about a second axis. The outer ramp has a first cam follower that engages a slot formed in the support element. A drive assembly selectively rotates the inner ramp relative to the outer ramp, such that rotation of the inner ramp in a first direction moves the second axis from a raised position to a lowered position. The operable ramp forms a step in the stowed position, and the outer ramp and the inner ramp form an inclined transition between a first surface and a second surface when the operable ramp is in the deployed position.

Abstract: An article of furniture includes a base, an intermediate member positioned above the base, a top member positioned above the intermediate member, and an adjustability mechanism that is attached to the base, the intermediate member, and the top member such that the intermediate member and the top member are each moveable relative to the base and such that the intermediate member is moveable relative to the top member and the top member is moveable relative to the intermediate member.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a bracket, and a device for connecting to the bracket. The bracket may be one of a plurality of brackets for placing a plant box on. The device may have a first portion having an opening through which a fastener can be inserted to connect the device to the bracket. The device may have a second portion connected at an angle to the first portion. The device may be sized so that when connected to the bracket by inserting the fastener through the opening, the second portion of the device fits snugly within opposing sections of the bracket, such that the second portion has a length which is slightly less than a distance between the opposing sections of the bracket. The apparatus may further include a railing situated so that a cross section of the railing sits in between a space between the device and the bracket.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system of light weight folding stairs, especially lightweight wooden stairs, designed for installation in the ceiling of a building. For example, the light weight ladder-type stair system may be opened downwards and unfolded towards inside the room located under this ceiling. At least one ladder-type stair section is connected to a flap that fits within a frame in an opening in the ceiling, wherein the flap hinges open to access the folded stair sections. The ladder-type stair section is connected to the flap by a hook-type holder that allows installing the frame in a ceiling opening without the flap, which can be easily and quickly attached during final stage of assembly.

Abstract: A refaced staircase having original treads and original risers with replacement treads and replacement risers is disclosed. A replacement riser extends down from each original tread, and a replacement tread is placed over the original tread and overhangs the replacement riser. The replacement tread preferably includes a scotia facing the original tread that hides the seam between the original tread and the replacement riser.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for removable stair treads and risers having a bracket with a horizontal mounting surface and a vertical mounting surface. The bracket has openings on the horizontal mounting surface to allow a fastener to secure the bottom of a stair tread to the bracket. The bracket has openings on the vertical mounting surface to allow a fastener to secure the bracket to a supporting structure. The vertical mounting surface has at least one recess connected to a primary portion of an attaching element. A riser has a secondary portion of an attaching element attached to an unexposed surface of the riser located opposite at least one recess of the bracket. This allows the riser to be removably attached to the bracket without causing damage to the surrounding stair treads or risers.

Abstract: A swimming pool step assembly includes a plurality of steps which can be stacked in a vertical array including a top step, bottom step and, optionally one or more intermediate steps between the top step and the bottom step, each step having a top surface, a periphery, and a bottom, wherein the bottoms of at least the bottom step and the intermediate step(s) each include a recess configured to receive an adjacent higher step in the vertical array.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a staircase that can roll to an upright position when not in use and considers safety standards. More particularly, the invention is directed to a staircase that can be used where space is limited as the staircase's footprint can be minimized when not in use.

Abstract: A walkway assembly (10) for attachment to a support structure such as a roof of a building includes a primary support (13) for on-site attachment to the support structure, a plurality of tread modules (41) each attached relative to the primary support and moveable between a first position and a second position at which a part of each tread module is spaced further from the primary support than when at the first position, and at least one riser unit (48) for supporting the tread modules relative to the primary support in at least the second of the first and second positions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein pertain to a collapsible staircase comprising a plurality of tread assemblies. Each tread assembly is disposed adjacent to at least one of another of the tread assemblies and includes a tread plate and a first and a second telescoping support member attached to a rear surface of the tread plate. The first and second telescoping support members of each tread assembly are operable to slideably engage the telescoping support members of the adjacent tread assemblies for adjusting a height of the staircase and for defining a substantially fixed angle between the tread plates of each of the tread assemblies.

Abstract: A folding loft stair assembly has an outer mounting frame for mounting in a ceiling ope giving access to an attic space in a building. An inner stairway support frame is pivotally mounted on the outer frame for movement between a nested position within the outer frame and a downwardly extending in-use position. A two-art collapsible stairway is movable on the inner frame by a remotely controlled actuator between a raised collapsed stored position and lowered in-use position. The stairway includes an upper part and a lower part hingedly connected to the upper part. An upper end of the upper part is hingedly mounted on the inner frame. The lower part is slidably connected to the inner frame by a pair of slide arms. An inner end of each slide arm is pivotally connected to the inner frame and an outer end of the slide arm slidably engages a slide rail on the lower part.

Abstract: A machine for constructing height adjustable stair steps with tread/riser unit, and riser bracket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided, for allowing pets to ascend and descend on a foldable staircase having a plurality of stair treads operatively connected by articulating links in such a manner that the treads can be pivoted in unison from a stowed position of the staircase, in which the treads are substantially stacked upon one another, to a plurality of extended positions, in which the links position the treads in a spaced and parallel relationship to one another. A latch selectively secures the staircase in a selected one of the extended positions. The latch is configured for preventing further pivoting of the treads in either direction between the stowed and extended positions of the staircase, when the latch is engaged.

Abstract: A step for modular staircases, preferably produced by molding using a thermoplastic technopolymer, comprises at least a main body (11) and a spacer (12). The main body (11) comprises at least a tread surface (Ha) and a hollow portion (lib) extending vertically with an internal thread (111), while the spacer (12) has an external thread (121) matching that of the hollow portion (lib) of the main body (11), allowing the spacer (12) and the hollow portion (lib) to be screwed together. The hollow portion (lib) and the spacer (12) also have ends (112,122) which do not interact, shaped to match one another, to allow vertical stacking of two or more steps (10), thus obtaining a modular staircase (1), complete with a landing (20) produced in a similar way to the step (10).

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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein pertain to a collapsible staircase comprising a plurality of tread assemblies. Each tread assembly is disposed adjacent to at least one of another of the tread assemblies and includes a tread plate and a first and a second telescoping support member attached to a rear surface of the tread plate. The first and second telescoping support members of each tread assembly are operable to slideably engage the telescoping support members of the adjacent tread assemblies for adjusting a height of the staircase and for defining a substantially fixed angle between the tread plates of each of the tread assemblies.

Abstract: An adjustable stair stringer and railing construction assembly. The assembly is adapted to use a pair of parallel stringer arms for each stair side, a riser/tread support bracket for each stair, and alignment and spacing elements for spacing the support brackets along the stringers. The brackets include formations for spacing the stringers apart and for spacing adjacent brackets along the stringers. The brackets are initially pivotally attached to each of the stringers so as to be rotatably movable about their pivotal attachment as the stringers are moved axially. Axial movement of the stringers with respect to each other establishes the angle of rise. Treads and risers are attached to the brackets to form stairs, and railings are attachable to the stringer and bracket assembly. The parallel stringers, brackets and spacers are also used in the preparation of formwork for pouring aggregate stairs, with the stringers, brackets and spacers being reusable.

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.

Abstract: A portable stepball game apparatus has a collapsible stairway with a plurality of steps. Each step has a vertical riser portion, a horizontal tread portion, and a nosing on the forward or player-facing edges of the tread portions which protrudes over the riser portions. The game's pivotable stairway configuration is readily housed for storage in a carrying case specifically adapted to be easily portable. It is designed such that one person can lift the carrying case with one hand and easily move it from location to location.

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

Abstract: Especially designed to allow the wheelchairs in which disabled persons move to pass from a lower level to a higher level and vice-versa, although it is also valid for mothers, with trolleys whether of babies, shopping, etc. or for any other similar application; the stairs have steps which can move upward and/or downward to be positioned coplanarly and establish a platform, whereto the disabled person's wheelchair can directly access, allowing this by horizontal raising and/or lowering of this platform to pass from one floor level to another. For this purpose, it is provided that each step is supported by a scissor structure, associated to a mechanism, preferably formed by a motor and a spindle, making it possible to simultaneously raise and/or lower, and in controlled fashion, all the steps to form the platform of direct access of the disabled person's chair.

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

Abstract: An adjustable stair stringer and railing construction assembly is disclosed. The assembly is adapted to use a pair of parallel stringer arms for each side of the stair, a riser/tread support bracket for each stair and alignment and spacing elements for spacing the support brackets along the stringers. The brackets include formations for spacing the stringers with respect to each other and for spacing adjacent brackets along the stringers. The brackets are initially pivotally attached to each of the stringers so as to be rotatably movable about their pivotal attachment as the stringers are moved axially. Axial movement of the stringers with respect to each other establishes the angle of rise of the stair. Treads and risers are attached to the brackets to form the stairs and railings are attachable to the stringer and bracket assembly to complete the construction.

Abstract: An aircraft 1 comprises a walkway 11 moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The aircraft may be arranged such that the walkway, in the deployed position, defines a path, at least a portion of which extends from the fuselage at an angle, when viewed from above, of less than 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The walkway 11, in the stowed position, may be located at an angle, when viewed from above, of less than 80 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The opening 9 may be located in a region extending from 20% to 80% of the total cabin length. The walkway may be further moveable to a second deployed position.

Abstract: The invention is a portable, modular stairway unit for use on a building site during construction of a multistorey building, the stairway unit including: a stair run section with a plurality of rise-separated stair treads, the stair run section having an upper and a lower end; an upper landing connected to the stair run section at, or at a distance from, the upper end of the stair run section; a lower landing connected to the stair run section at, or at a distance from, the lower end of the stair run section; wherein each of the landings have portions that extend laterally beyond a width of the stair run section, the landings being devised to extend inwardly into respective upper and lower storey levels of the building when the stairway unit is situated adjacent to a face of the building; and anchoring means arranged to removeably secure the landings, in use, at the upper and lower storey levels thereby to provide a double-cantilevered mounting of the stair run section extending between the two building store

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

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

Abstract: The present invention includes a baluster assembly system comprising: (a) a first baluster portion comprising a first tubular section and having a first attachment adapted to be attached to a surface, and a first engagement end; (b) a second baluster portion comprising a second tubular section and having a second attachment adapted to be attached to a surface, and a second engagement end; the first tubular section adapted to slidingly engage the second tubular section, and (c) a locking fixture adapted to fix the position of the first baluster portion with respect to the second baluster portion after the first tubular section and the second tubular section have been engaged.

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

Abstract: A folding loft stair assembly (1) has an outer mounting frame (2) for mounting in a ceiling ope giving access to an attic space in a building. An inner stairway support frame (3) is pivotally mounted on the outer frame (2) for movement between a nested position within the outer frame (2) and a downwardly extending In-use position, A two-art collapsible stairway (4) is movable on the inner frame (3) by a remotely controlled actuator (5) between a raised collapsed stored position and lowered in-use position. The stairway (4) Includes an upper part (30) and a lower part (31 ) hingedly connected (38) to the upper part (30). An upper end of the upper part (30) Is hingedly mounted on the inner frame (3). The lower part (31) is slidably connected to the inner frame (3) by a pair of slide arms (40).

Abstract: There is provided a portable riser having an operator actuated lifting assist assembly operatively coupled to a riser deck. In one aspect, there is a first pivot mechanism coupled to a first support leg and adapted to initiate upward movement of the portable riser from a collapsed position when a downward force is applied to the first support leg, and a second pivot mechanism coupled to a second support leg and adapted to continue the upward movement. The lifting assist assembly provides a lifting force that continues upward movement to an upright position where the portable riser in locked. There is included a riser unlocking means for unlocking the lifting assist assembly. The portable riser remains in the upright position until the riser unlocking means is operated and a collapsing force is applied to the portable riser sufficient to overcome the lifting force and enable collapsed of the portable riser.

Abstract: An integrated insulated housing system with handrails and a system of seals for a pull down stairway opening is provided. The integrated housing system reduces air convection, moisture loss and dirt infiltration. The insulation of the housing system reduces heat loss. Handrails as part of the system are deployed by the action of the pull down stairway. No manual intervention is required. As the stairway is pulled down for use, the integrated housing above moves away from the access opening. Simultaneously, the two integrated handrails move into a stable position on the upper floor and to either side of the stairway. As the stairway is returned up to its closed position, the connected insulated housing moves back into position sealing the access opening.

Abstract: A universal hinged tread system includes a folding stair set with one or more primary treads. At least one auxiliary tread is hingedly attached atop at least one primary tread. The folding stair set includes at least two hingedly attached sections. The hingedly attached sections fold flat against each other when in a stowed position, and every other folding stair section is inverted when in the stowed position. Each auxiliary tread is angularly displaced from its primary tread as its folding stair section is inverted. The auxiliary treads do not obstruct any primary treads on other sections when in a stowed position. The auxiliary treads include a beveled lower front edge to aid the auxiliary treads in deflecting.

Abstract: A stairway assembly having an external step portion, an internal step portion slidably engaged with the external step portion; a first stringer secured to the external step portion to support the external step portion; and a second stringer secured to the internal step portion to support the internal step portion.

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

Abstract: A portable staircase for use at construction sites that comprises fold-down railings to facilitate transport from one construction site to the next. The portable staircase includes a plurality of horizontal treads supported by stringers. Handrails are provided which pivotally connect to the stringer utilizing a plurality of handrail support posts. A permanent pivot pin pivotally connects the handrail to each of the handrail support posts. Another permanent pivot pin pivotally connects each of the handrail support posts to the stringer. The handrail can be locked into one of two pre-selected positions: a first folded-down position to facilitate transportation and a second upright position for use at construction sites. Two removable pins may be employed to lock the handrail in position: a first removable pin to lock the handrail support post to the stringer and a second removable pin to lock the handrail support post to the handrail in the up and usable position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for stairways or other walkways supported at only one end provide a plurality of stair treads are attached to a support beam, a pair of mounting brackets disposed at either side of a support beam bottom end rotatably connected to the support beam by a pivot bolt, the mounting brackets connected to a base, the base connected to a load bearing structure. A support bolt is disposed through the mounting brackets and below a bottom surface of the support beam. Locking means pivotally connected to the support beam engage a base mounting plate and restrain the stairway from at least one of pivoting upward about the pivot bolt or pivoting downward about the pivot bolt. Operative loads transfer from the support beam into the support brackets through the pivot bolt and support bolt and through the base into the load bearing structure.

Abstract: A staircase system (2) includes a rail element (40) and multiple stair elements (42). Baluster elements (44) are coupled to the rail element (40) and to the stair elements (42). A center support system (46) is coupled to and supports the rail element (40) and the stair elements (42). The center support system (46) has a stowed state and a deployed state.

Abstract: An extendable deck assembly for a seating area includes a deck portion that is extendable from a base portion to provide a substantially planar support platform. The extendable deck assembly includes a support assembly positioned within the base portion and configured to support a cover plate of the base portion when the deck portion is extended from the base portion. The deck portion may telescopingly extend from the base portion and the support assembly may nest together to facilitate extension and retraction of the support assembly within the base portion. The extendable deck assembly may include a locking mechanism that may secure or lock the extendable deck in the extended position to limit or substantially preclude retraction of the deck portion relative to the base portion. The locking assembly may be part of a guard rail assembly positioned at least partially around the extendable deck portion.

Abstract: A car barrier includes two posts and a plurality of bars are connected between the two posts. Each bar includes a retractable inner tube. Two respective top ends of the two posts are in contact with a vehicle ceiling and two respectively lower ends of the two posts are connected with two respective connection devices. Two clamping units are connected to the two connection devices and each clamping unit includes two members and each member has a notch defined in an inner surface thereof. The first member and the second member clamp a support rod of a head restraint between the first and second notches.

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

Abstract: A conveyor specialized to convey people, and more particularly a conveyor which may serve as a conventional staircase, comprises treads that can individually raise and lower by the amount of the tread rise. To ascend, a user stands on the lowest level, and the tread lifts to match the height of the next tread. The user steps forward to the next tread. That tread likewise lifts to match the height of the next tread, and so on. In this way the user is able to ascend the height of the staircase without having to step up. A corresponding process permits descending the height of the staircase without having to step down. The conveyor can work even if the staircase winds or curves or goes around corners. Optionally a platform is caused to move laterally from each step to the next, so that the user need not even step forward during the process.