Abstract: A baluster, balustrade, and method for constructing the same are provided. The balustrade includes a rail supported by one or more balusters, each baluster extending from a support surface such as one or more treads of stairs. Each baluster has an elongate member having a terminus portion and an end member that receives the terminus portion. The terminus portion is structured to be shortened, and the end member is selectively positionable on the terminus portion, such that the baluster is aesthetically configurable to accommodate stairs of varying dimensions.

Abstract: An audience seating system including at least two platforms having a leg receiver at their rear margin and a leg supporting a protrusion engageable into a recess in the leg receiver and lockable by moving the leg from a non vertical orientation to a generally vertical orientation.

Abstract: A mechanism for simultaneous angle adjustment of support elements (4), particularly for setting up a mold structure for the steps of a straight staircase, has a casing (9) in which at least two interdependent shafts (6) are arranged. Each of the shafts (6) extends into the next shaft in a nested configuration where the successive intervals between the shafts are adjustable. Each shaft has a threaded portion (6a) traversing an internally threaded block (11) that is located in the casing and holds one of the support elements (4). A shaft (12), running parallel to the two or more shafts (6), passes through the blocks and is equipped with eccentrics (13), where each of the eccentrics (13) is respectively associated with one of the blocks (11).

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/tred 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: A self-storing telescoping seat assembly is disclosed which comprises rows of seating movable between a retracted position where the rows of seating are generally stacked on top of one another, to an extended position and a handrail assembly affixed to a corresponding row of seating in a single assembled position with respect to that row. The handrail assembly stays in the single assembled position as the rows move between the extended position and the retracted position. The handrail assembly can have a top handrail and a lower handrail which cooperate to form an opening, and the opening is preferably adapted to receive the front face of a deck of a row of seating when the rows of seating are in the retracted position. A front face can be formed by the rows of seating in the retracted position, and the handrail assembly has a post which preferably extends in front of the front face when the rows of seating are in the retracted position.

Abstract: A pivot assembly particularly adapted for pivotally interconnecting a pair of relatively thin parallel walls spaced an appreciable distance from one another. A stud with a pivot joint on one end is interposed between the walls.

Abstract: An escalator has a step-band with steps for the transport of persons. The step-band is bounded on its sides by a balustrade held by a balustrade base. A handrail-drive drives the handrails, and has friction-wheels driving the handrails on the outside of the handrails. Rollers press upon the insides of the handrails, pressing the handrail against the friction-wheel. At least one further friction-wheel arranged on a step chain-wheel drives the friction-wheel through frictional or mechanical engagement.

Abstract: Stair elements installed on sloped ground starting bottom up and using a riser reversibly secured with a clamping mechanism. Each riser is attached to a corresponding tread at the time of installation. The manner of fixing the riser to the tread permits the relationship between the two to be adjusted for angle and position.

Abstract: A modular portable floor decking system for constructing a temporary or a permanent flooring structure is described. The system comprises a plurality of extruded metal hollow support posts and a plurality of beams interconnectable with the posts to form a support frame. Decking boards are securable across the beams. The support posts each have flat outer surfaces and two or more longitudinal connecting channels each disposed internally of an associated one of the flat outer surfaces. The channels have a central narrow slot extending along the respective flat outer surfaces. The beams have opposed flat connecting end walls and a metal clamping shoe is connected to the end walls of the beams by fasteners whereby to displace the shoe away from the flat surfaces to slide the shoe in a respective connecting channel of the posts as the beam is lowered between two posts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transportable podium (1) with step elements (2) which in an operating position of the podium (1) have different heights above a floor (6). To facilitate the assembly and disassembly of a mobile podium (1) the invention provides for the step elements (2) to be configured such that they can be extended telescopically and to be arranged in a substantially cuboidal support frame (5).

Abstract: A scaffold stringer which is a plate and a series of tread mounts attached at substantially uniform distances along the plate, the tread mounts forming an angle with the plate, each tread mount having an associated finger projection positioned above each tread mount and projecting outwardly from the stringer, the scaffold stringer additionally has least one attachment member for attaching the stringer to a scaffold structure.

Abstract: In the first embodiment, a staircase repair device or kit is provided which includes two components, namely, a stair tread repair member and a riser repair member. These members are placed on an existing staircase to provide a protective covering. In the second embodiment, a new staircase construction is provided which includes a plurality of stair tread members spanning between standard stringers. The components of the first embodiment and the stair tread member of the second embodiment are made of metal bent to desired shapes. Each is coated with a synthetic material to coat exposed surfaces or to completely encapsulate them therein. A slip-free wearing surface is formed by a layer of particles placed over the first coating, and a second coating of synthetic material which is applied over the dispersed layer of particles.

Abstract: An improvement to a stair module support system includes a flexible engagement between a post and a channel attached to the underside of a stair module. The flexible engagement enables the stair module support system to be assembled and placed into a stored configuration with each post received by a corresponding channel. The system may then be shipped to an installation site where the posts may be rotated to a deployed position without requiring further assembly or tools.

Abstract: A device that provides assistance in using a handrail, the device comprising two parts that together form a stirrup shape and that are clamped onto said handrail using assembly means.

Abstract: The present invention comprises various combinations of 2″×4″, 2″×6″, 2″×8″, 2″×10″ and 2″×12″ members stacked on top of one another with one longitudinal edge of each member co-aligned. In this configuration, the non-aligned longitudinal edges form shallow steps which act as a ramp, allowing wheeled implements to easily transition form ground level to the floor level of the portable building.

Abstract: A portable embankment stairway with steps that can be adjusted for the slope of the section of the embankment on which it is temporarily installed to provide level footing for workmen on the stairway.

Abstract: The present staircase includes a permanent framing made of metallic stringers, one of which being typically secured to a half-timbering. vertically extending step supports are secured along the stringers and each include upper and front flanges adapted to be secured respectively to a tread and to a riser of each step of the staircase. A temporary staircase may be easily obtained with the present kit for use during construction, wherein a number of L-shaped steel step units are laid onto the step supports to form a successive series of alternating risers and treads. Then, these L-shaped steel units can be removed and replaced by finished steps of various configurations. If the staircase has an exposed side, a finishing stringer is provided thereat to conceal the structural metallic stringer.

Abstract: The seating section of a seating system is variable in slope between high riser and low riser positions forward ends of the pivotable treads forming a deck surface overlap confronting ends of adjacent treads, and lever arms maintain the treads substantially level irrespective of inclination of the underlying support beams. The arms are pivotable between angular and upright positions and extend between each of the treads and the beams. The forward ends of the treads are supported on support plates mounted on the support beams in a low riser height position of the seating section, and the lever arms support the forward ends of the treads on the support plates in a high riser position of the seating section.

Abstract: A prefabricated stairway module (10, 11) comprises a first step and a second step, each step (14) having a tread member (13) and a riser member (15). The stairway module further has fixing means (31) for fixing the module to a sloping surface on which it is laid. The steps in a module may be connected to each other by a rigid or flexible bridging member (19), and the tread member (13) may be curved. Different designs and configurations of the prefabricated modules may be combined into a stairway assembly, the modules which can be chosen according to the gradient of the underlying surface on which the stairway is to be constructed.

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/tred 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: A scaffold stringer which is plate and a series of tread mounts attached at substantially uniform distances along the plate, the tread mounts forming an angle with the plate, each tread mount having an associated finger projection positioned above each tread mount and projecting outwardly from the stringer, the scaffold stringer additionally has least one attachment member for attaching the stringer to a scaffold structure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a removable end rail system that can be removed from the end of a bleacher, folded and stored upon the bleacher deck so that the end rails are concealed when the telescoping bleacher are folded away for storage. The end rail system is comprised of a base member and an end rail member. The end rail member is designed to protect occupants when used on bleachers in gymnasiums and other spectator areas. The end rail member is comprised of vertical pickets and is designed to be installed and then removed after each use of the bleachers. The end rail member is fastened to the base member by using a set of thumb screws. The end rail is hinged through the vertical center so that it can then be folded and stored flat upon the deck of the bleachers for storage purposes.

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/tred 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. Treds 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: A deployable telescopic seating structure employs a backstop arrangement to prevent users and operators from coming into contact with structure that may cause injury, such as interengaging metal elements that limit the extent of deployment The backstop portions are arrangement in the aisle region of the telescopic seating structure and have an overall height that is responsive to the height of one seating level above another, or in another embodiment, to the difference between such height and an intermediate step. The backstop arrangement has an engagement portion with an edge portion that precludes a discontinuity on the walking surface of tile seating structure. Structural integrity and strength of the riser portion is enhanced by forming same as a multi-fascia structure having a reinforcing corrugation therebetween. A curved back portion along the lowermost edge serves as a termination and additionally adds strength to the backstop arrangement.

Abstract: In the first embodiment, a staircase repair device or kit is provided which includes two components, namely, a stair tread repair member and a riser repair member. These members are placed on an existing staircase to provide a protective covering. In the second embodiment, a new staircase construction is provided which includes a plurality of stair tread members spanning between standard stringers. The components of the first embodiment and the stair tread member of the second embodiment are made of metal bent to desired shapes. Each is coated with a synthetic material to encapsulate them therein. A slip-free wearing surface is formed by a layer of particles placed over the first coating, and a second coating of synthetic material which is applied over the dispersed layer of particles.

Abstract: A prefabricated staircase module (10, 11) comprises a first step and a second step, each step (14) having a tread member (13) and a riser member (15). The staircase module further has fixing means (31) for fixing the module to a sloping surface on which it is laid. The steps in a module may be connected to each other by a rigid or flexible bridging member (19), and the tread member (13) may be curved. Different designs and configurations of the prefabricated modules may be combined into a staircase assembly, the modules which can be chosen according to the gradient of the underlying surface on which the staircase is to be constructed.

Abstract: An overcast system for a mine is disclosed. The system includes and overcast positioned at an intersection of mine passageways and operable to direct airflow through the passageways in a desired flow pattern at the intersection. Stairways are positioned adjacent opposite sides of the overcast providing a means for people to traverse between the opposite sides of the overcast. The stairways are self adjusting to accommodate overcasts of different heights while providing generally horizontal steps. The stairways are constructed with knockdown assembly means to provide for easy assembly and disassembly in the mine.

Abstract: Variable floor height tiered stands installed in a gymnasium, auditorium, indoor or outdoor athletic field or the like, including tiered floor members of which displacement in the fore-and-after direction and variation in depth are minimized when their inclination is changed, thereby to maintain constant the planar projected space of the stands in the architectural plan and to eliminate the risk of interference between the stands and any stationary structure in changing the inclination.

Abstract: A portable stairway for use with standard airport boarding bridges is disclosed. The stairway is easily portable as a standalone unit. The stairway also easily connects to and disconnects from the boarding bridge. The type of releasable connection provided between the stairway and the boarding bridge is secure but allows the stairway and the boarding bridge to pivot vertically with respect to one another. Such a connection allows the stairway to be used when the boarding bridge and stairway are not aligned at exactly the same height. When properly connected to the boarding bridge, the stairway provides a smooth transition between the boarding bridge and the stairway and leads from the outer doorway of the boarding bridge to the airplane parking level. Also, while connected to the boarding bridge, the stairway moves freely with the boarding bridge as it is moved about the airplane parking level to service various airplane parking positions.

Abstract: A stairway (10) is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in one embodiment of the invention in which a pair of side support panels (12, 14) are formed of a hollow plastic material. Side support panels (12, 14) have closed end columns (24, 26, 28) extending from an outer face of the side support panels to provide a relatively large bearing area. Another embodiment of a stairway (10A) shown in FIGS. 3-5 has a side rail panel (40A) positioned on a lower side support panel (12A) with wooden posts (32A) received in open ended columns (24A, 26A, 28A) of lower side support panel (12A) and received within columns (42A, 44A and 46A) of side rail panel (40A). Posts (32A) are normally embedded in concrete (36A) for securement of the stairway (10A).

Abstract: A support structure for a telescoping seating system includes a wheel and wheel extension coupled to the underside of a foot extension. The next lowest foot extension provides continuous support for the wheel throughout the opening and closing of the seating system. Methods for enhancing structural support for and providing a foot-level aisle in a telescoping seating system are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a prefabricated step and stairway system, where the prefabricated step is preferably a precast concrete step having an elongate body substantially triangular in cross-section having a first side as a tread, a second side as a riser adjacent the first side, and a third side, and the step further has a first and second end which preferably include an attachment member to attach the step between a pair of stringers. The attachment member is preferably integrated metal plates proximate to the first end and second end to facilitate attachment between a pair of stringers, and preferably includes one or more reinforcing members attached to the metal plates and integrated throughout the length of the body to strengthen the step. The prefabricated steps are rigidly secured either to intermediate runners between a pair of stringers, upon a brace, or directly to stringers to form a stairway.

Abstract: A seating system having a plurality of seating sections in which the slope of the understructure thereof can be varied, the treads of the seating sections being pivotable to permit the riser height to vary so as to enable a single seating system to provide varying slopes and sight lines depending on the stadium/arena configuration. The treads are pivotable between low riser and high riser positions by the provision of lever arms movable between angular and upright positions and extending between the treads and the beams for supporting the treads in the high riser position on the upper surface of understructure beams. In the low riser position ends of the treads opposite their pivotal ends are supported on an adjacent tread.

Abstract: A stair frame may be used to form a straight staircase, a spiral staircase, or a combination of the two. The stair frame includes an elongated angle having a leg and a back, the back cut into a plurality of independent back portions and the leg bent into a zigzag shape with alternating vertical and horizontal leg portions. A rail is fastened to the upper end of each vertical portion back and the forward end of each horizontal portion back to secure the angle into a sturdy frame which may be bent into a helical pattern. The horizontal leg portions serve the dual purpose of forming sturdy frame, and supporting one end of the staircase treads.

Abstract: A portable banister, for use by a person in climbing or descending a staircase having a plurality of steps which are separated by risers, comprising a foot portion, a handgrip portion, and mast members extending between the foot portion and handgrip portion. The foot portion is stepped to match the contours of the staircase. In particular, the foot portion includes a pair of horizontal slabs which rest against sequential steps, and a vertical member which extends between the horizontal slabs and rests against the riser therebetween. The horizontal slabs extend parallel to each other. The distance between the horizontal slabs is adjustable to match the staircase. The mast members each extend between one of the horizontal slabs and the handgrip portion, and are each adjustable in length to vary the height and angle of the handgrip portion for the comfort and safety of the user.

Abstract: A gangway to accommodate passage to and from a boarding structure includes first and second longitudinal frame members each having an elongate housing with a wall structure surrounding an interior thereof and a pair of longitudinal elongate rails extending through a length of the housing in parallel relation to each other and terminating at opposite distal ends; the pair of rails including a fixed rail and a moving rail. A series of step members, each including top bottom step surfaces, are rotatably supported between the first and second longitudinal frame members in pivotal interconnection with the pair of rails of each frame member.

Abstract: A step support brace especially for a swimming pool stair assembly includes vertically extending positioning posts that extend from the top of each horizontal riser portion of the brace associated with a stair tread some or all of which are slidably positionable from front to back along the respective horizontal riser portion to accommodate various stair module types and styles. The posts may also be cut off to a desired length in order to be received within an opening formed in the bottom side of the stair tread. The support brace also has a front hinge structure that allows the hingeable connection to another support brace to form a V-shaped configuration, thereby providing greater stair tread support if necessary.

Abstract: A stairway step assembly for use as an aid in climbing a stairway. The assembly is particularly useful to elderly and handicapped users who have difficulty climbing a standard stairway due to the height or rise of the steps thereof. The assembly provides a means of quickly, economically, and safely altering the step arrangement of the standard stairway with minimal or no modification to the permanent structure of the stairway. The assembly comprises a plurality of step members having predetermined horizontal dimensions and a predetermined height which is approximately one-half the height or rise distance of a standard step. The assembly further comprises an attachments mechanism for connecting the step members in place on the top or horizontal section of standard steps.

Abstract: Devices for changing the slope of rows of tiers, whose bearing structures are definitively or temporarily fast, by a single elevating operation. The devices include tiers whose bearing supports are constituted by first long columns and second short columns, which, by actuation of elevating motors are alternately brought in supporting position of the tiers, the first long columns in active supporting position generating a first, more accentuated slope profile for the tiers, the second short columns, brought in active position of the tiers generating a second less accentuated slope profile.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a modular and adjustable staircase, prefabricated, destined to be installed in a rigid manner, and having at least one side which is equipped with a stiffener (1). Per stair and per side having a stiffener (1), a single element of the staircase, which is a crosspiece equipped with a heel (7a), of a shim (6), must be adjusted or is predetermined is order to obtain the desired stair height.

Abstract: The choral riser of the present invention is adapted to be supported on a stage surface. The choral riser has a base that presents two spaced apart base supports, each of the base support having a first and a second spaced apart pivot point. A first step member has a step pivot point and a base pivot point that is operably pivotally coupled at the base pivot point to the base at the base first pivot point and has at least one step presented thereon. A second step member has a step pivot point and a link pivot point that is operably pivotally coupled at the step pivot point to the first step member at the first step member step pivot point and has a plurality of steps presented thereon. A bar link member is operably pivotally coupled at a first end pivot point to the second step member bar link pivot point. The bar link member is operably pivotally coupled at a second end pivot point to the base second pivot point.

Abstract: Adjustable steps (2) extend between two parallel stingboards (3). Each stringboard (3) includes two locking flanges (4) and each step (2) is supported by four pivotable blocks (7, 8) each securable to a flange (4) by means of a nut (17). Two threaded rods (13, 16) extending through the step and between the stringboards engage two respective nuts (17) combined with two opposite blocks. The height of each step of the staircase may be adjusted by changing the spacing between the blocks (7, 8) along each flange (4). The horizontal position of the steps may be adjusted by changing the vertical distance between the front blocks (7) and rear blocks (8) along the stringboards, regardless of the angle at which the stringboards were fitted. A universal staircase may thus be achieved.

Abstract: A support member for center support stairs is composed of a plurality of support member elements which can be connected to each other in different vertical and angular positions and each receive and support a step of the stairs. The individual support member elements are hollow section-like cast members, wherein each support member element has two outer guide surfaces located opposite each other and spaced apart from each other and extending on the same circular line. Adjacent support member elements are connected to each other through at least one screw, wherein the screw rests with its head in a recess of the respectively upper support member element. The screw extends through openings of the walls of adjacent support member elements and is screwed into a clamping jaw provided in the interior of the respectively lower support member element.

Abstract: A modular portable stage and floor system uses a small number of standardized modular components to construct a temporary or permanent platform that is easily adaptable to a wide variety of platform designs. The modular standardized components include a series of modular vertical and horizontal supports and a light-weight modular deck panel. The modular vertical and horizontal supports can be detachably coupled together in a slidably interlocked manner using a universal connector mechanism in to a support frame structure for supporting a plurality of modular deck panels. By using a small number of modular supports and a universal connector mechanism that is similar for all structural interconnections required to build the support frame structure, the modular portable stage and floor system is strong and stable, yet easily transported, assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: A telescoping bleacher system having plural sectional rows of cantilever mounted seats and horizontal foot decks moveable between an extended use position whereat the rows are cascaded in descending order and a storage position in which the rows are superposed in vertical registration, and wherein plural guard rail units are permanently secured to the cantilever seats and foot decks for movement therewith between stored and extended positions; such guard rails being individually associated with each sectional row to provide vertically extending safety barriers across the exposed ends of the seats and foot decks and importantly operable to nest in a storage position within the foot well of each row without interfering with telescoping movements of the bleacher sections.

Abstract: A stair which has independent, infinitely variable height steps. The steps collectively form a platform for raising or lowering an individual and return to form a configuration of a stair.

Abstract: The choral riser is to be supported on a stage surface. The choral riser has a base that presents two spaced apart base supports, each of the base support having a first and a second spaced apart pivot point. A first step member has a step pivot point and a base pivot point that is operably pivotally coupled at the base pivot point to the base at the base first pivot point and has at least one step presented thereon. A second step member has a step pivot point and a link pivot point that is operably pivotally coupled at the step pivot point to the first step member at the first step member step pivot point and has a plurality of steps presented thereon. A bar link member is operably pivotally coupled at a first end pivot point to the second step member bar link pivot point. The bar link member is operably pivotally coupled at a second end pivot point to the base second pivot point.

Abstract: A support structure for a telescoping seating system includes a wheel coupled to the underside of a foot extension, and support members coupled to the next lowest foot extension. The seat of the next lowest foot extension together with the support members provides substantially continuous support for the wheel throughout the opening and closing of the seating system.

Abstract: A stairway step assembly for use as an aid in climbing a stairway. The assembly is particularly useful to elderly and handicapped users who have difficulty climbing a standard stairway due to the height or rise of the steps thereof. The assembly provides a means of quickly, economically, and safely altering the step arrangement of the standard stairway with minimal or no modification to the permanent structure of the stairway. The assembly comprises a plurality of step members having predetermined horizontal dimensions and a predetermined height which is approximately one-half the height or rise distance of a standard step. The assembly further comprises an attachments mechanism for connecting the step members in place on the top or horizontal section of standard steps.

Abstract: A floating areaway system which can respond to changing soils conditions (such as freezing, expansion, settling, or the like) utilizes a continuously adjustable attachment to the foundation or a free motion support. The system is particularly adapted to overhanging areaway enclosures such as may include an escape dement. The designs can range from slidable retainers to elastic members to rotating elements so that the areaway enclosure can move up or down with the soil. Shields, low friction surfaces, and waterproof elements can be included to assure continuous operation. Installation, whether new or retrofit, is facilitated through individual free motion support brackets which can accommodate previously installed areaway enclosures as well as a new enclosure. The brackets can be designed to be specific to particular designs, generic, removable, and reversible so that the mounting can be in either the interior or the exterior of the enclosure. Integral designs afford efficient manufacture and installation.