Abstract: A stairway and rail system. The stairway system includes a plurality of spaced apart treads; at least one baluster per tread; a two-piece handrail assembly; and a lateral support for supporting the handrail. In the preferred embodiment, the handrail assembly includes: a top segment; a bottom segment; a mating surface on one of the top segment and the bottom segment for aligning the top segment with the bottom segment; and a fastener groove between the top segment and the bottom segment for permitting the accommodation of fasteners used to attach the handrail to each baluster.

Abstract: A modular step system for in-ground swimming comprising a bottom central hub, a brace assembly, a top central hub, a tread support assembly, a step form and a liner. The components of the modular step system interlock and snap together without fasteners. Also, the components of the modular step system are obtained by molding plastic material or curing of a curable material. The modular step system is installed on a level concrete floor of a swimming pool and designed to be rigidly fixed from behind to adjacent pool walls. The modular step system is adaptable to a pool having a vinyl liner, structurally sound regardless of size, easy to assemble, consistent in size, and cost-effective.

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: A step system made up of masonry panels of various sizes pre-formed to resemble natural stone or brick on the outside. These panels have bolts or other securing devices embedded in them at precise locations at the time of their manufacture. These securing devises allow them to be attached together to form the sides and front of a set of steps. They are attached via a metal frame that is also of differing sizes and made with holes at precise locations to accept the bolts of the masonry pieces. When assembled, as directed, the structure has areas where large slabs of natural stone treads can be rested and attached at differing distances and heights from the ground forming a set of steps.

Abstract: A two-tired seating riser for a sports stadium comprises upper and lower metal plates bonded together by a solid elastomer core. The elastomer core has different thicknesses in the treads and rises. The lower tread has a lip portion in which the metal plates are flared to facilitate alignment with the riser below.

Abstract: A child's handrail assembly is mounted beneath another handrail and comprises three 6? dual pull-lock extension rods; a plurality of durable lightweight 1? diameter rods, which can be adjusted to fit any size handrail and connected together by an interlocking coupling. Each dual pull-lock extension rod includes an upper strap that is wrapped around the existing handrail and a lower strap that is wrapped around the lower rods to suspend the lower rods beneath the existing handrail and form a child's handrail.

Abstract: A temporary stairway rail support for erecting a temporary stairway rail for use and safety during the construction phase of the building, the temporary stairway rail support having planar base member in contact with a portion of the stair tread, an L-shaped open stringer/riser engaging portion formed of two planar adjacent, depending side walls having formed therein a nosing/tread edge engaging portion which is C-shaped in cross section and engages the lower face of the nosing, the outer edge of the nosing and a portion of the tread at the corner of a step above an open stringer, and a tubular upright member secured to the upper surface of the planar base member portion, said tubular upright member dimensioned to support a temporary newel post or temporary baluster upon which a temporary hand rail can be secured.

Abstract: The present invention is a free standing portable deck for use with recreational vehicles. The deck further comprises a polygonal shape lower support frame. The support frame further comprises a plurality of removably interconnected rails. A flat planar platform portion is being removably mounted upon the lower support frame. A plurality of leg members are being disposed underneath the lower support frame at each corner such that the platform portion is held in a substantially level position at a predetermined height in relation to the recreational vehicle door. Each leg member is removably connected to each corner of the lower support frame. The upper support frame is removably connected to the lower support frame and extends linearly upward. At least one step means provides for ingressing and regressing onto the platform portion. The at least one step means is located at a predetermined distance from the lower support frame and at a predetermined height in relation to the ground level.

Abstract: A baluster retaining member for connecting an end of a baluster to an opening in a rail of a railing system includes a rail section dimensioned to fit within the opening and a baluster section dimensioned to be secured to an end of the baluster. The rail and baluster sections are oriented with respect to one another at a predetermined angle so that when the baluster is connected to the rail by the member and the rail is positioned for use adjacent a stairway at an angle from the horizontal, the baluster is oriented vertically.

Abstract: A stairwell cover adapted to seal a stairwell opening such as between a first floor living space and a basement when the basement is not in use includes a housing mounted to a wall partition above the base of the stairs, a retractable cover rotatably mounted in the housing, and a pair of roller rails extending along the sidewalls of the stairwell and along which the cover rolls for movement between an retracted position providing open access to the basement and an extended position closing off the basement at the top of the stairwell.

Abstract: A stairway and rail system. The stairway system includes a plurality of spaced apart treads; at least one baluster per tread; a two-piece handrail assembly; and a lateral support for supporting the handrail. In the preferred embodiment, the handrail assembly includes: a top segment; a bottom segment; a mating surface on one of the top segment and the bottom segment for aligning the top segment with the bottom segment; and a fastener groove between the top segment and the bottom segment for permitting the accommodation of fasteners used to attach the handrail to each baluster.

Abstract: A hand rail assembly having a wood hand rail is supported on a plurality of brackets that can be premounted onto a wall. The brackets include a rail bolt threadable relative to the mounted portion of the bracket. The rail bolt has a T-shaped head that fits into a groove opening on the rail that opens to recessed groove portions. The heads of the rail bolts are arranged so that they are parallel to the groove opening, and then when the rail has been placed with the heads inside the groove opening, the rail bolts are rotated so the head fits into a recessed portions of the groove to hold the rail on the rail bolt. A nut is then used for clamping the head in position on the rail for mounting the rail securely. The rail bolt has flat spots so that a tool can be used to manipulate the rail bolt.

Abstract: The present invention is a netting system (10) for use with bleachers and grandstands (11) to prevent children, persons, and debris from falling to the ground. A first end (12a) of a net (12) is operatively connected to a cable (18) proximate an attachment point (11a) proximate the top of the bleachers (11). Then, a second end (12b) of the net (12) is passed over the understructure (11c) of the bleachers (11) and then operatively connected to a cable (25) proximate an attachment point (11b) proximate the bottom of the bleachers (11).

Abstract: A baluster retaining member for connecting an end of a baluster to an opening in a rail of a railing system includes a rail section dimensioned to fit within the opening and a baluster section dimensioned to be secured to an end of the baluster. The rail and baluster sections are oriented with respect to one another at a predetermined angle so that when the baluster is connected to the rail by the member and the rail is positioned for use adjacent a stairway at an angle from the horizontal, the baluster is oriented vertically.

Abstract: An architectural support assembly comprises an elongate member having a longitudinal channel formed therein, the channel having longitudinally extending ledge portion projecting from opposite sides thereof. A support is located on the exterior of the elongate member and a bolt extending from the support is screwed in a nut located in the channel. The nut bears against the ledge portion. When the bolt is unscrewed, the nut, bolt and associated support can be moved along the elongate member. The elongate member can be mounted upright on a walkway floor to support a hand rail which is carried on an uppermost support carried by the elongate member.

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 modular and dismantleable porch apparatus including a deck frame for supporting decking material, a handrail assembly attached about the circumference of the deck frame, an modular step assembly attached to the deck frame, and a modular handrail assembly attached to the step assembly. The deck frame is constructed of a plurality of support members having swedged ends that interlock to form a rectangular body. The step assembly is constructed of step frame members that may be added as needed to add additional steps. The handrail assembly also provides a modular design using handrail segments with swedged ends in which additional rail segments may be added to accommodate the length of the completed step assembly.

Abstract: A spindle clamp supports a supplemental or kiddie stair rail by clamping onto mutually adjacent stair rail support spindles. In one embodiment, the clamp holds a conventional stair rail support bracket. A kit of parts includes a plurality of such spindle clamp supplemental stair rails supports.

Abstract: This device has a principal section (1) and an auxiliary section (6) with means of attachment and detachment under pressure. The auxiliary section (6) has guides (61) for fitting an advertising support (7). The section (1) defines two wings (11 and 12), a recess (13) for the lighting means (2) and a seat (14) for a non-slip strip (4) and a row-numberer (5). The wing (12) has a longitudinal channel (17) for fitting lighting means (8) and a transparent protector, forming a hollow portion (9) for running cables (81) through it. The seat (14) has two interior mortised portions (14a and 14b), one of which forms a duct for the power-supply cables (51) of lighting means (52) housed in the orifice (53) of the numberer (5).

Abstract: A grab rail adapted to be mounted to a surface is provided. The grab rail includes an elongated rail that has a bore lying along a central axis. A wedge block is disposed in the bore of the elongated rail. The wedge block has an inclined face on one end that is inclined relative to the central axis. A support member is connected to the surface. The support member has an inclined face on one end that is contiguous with the inclined face of the wedge block. A fastener engages the wedge block. The fastener urges together the inclined face of the wedge block and the inclined face of the support member to slide the elongated rail in a non-axial direction relative to the support member to join the support member and the elongated rail.

Abstract: An emergency stairwell for a building having multiple floors comprising: at least one landing associated with each the floor, each landing increasing in width in at least one horizontal direction from an uppermost landing of an upper floor to a lowermost landing of a lower floor; and at least one set of stairs extending between adjacent pairs of landings.

Abstract: Purpose of cover is to seal basement stairwell opening when basement is not in use. Benefit of cover over basement stairwell is to seal out of living space any and all dampness or cold air drafts, especially in winter climates that come up from basement. Also to save on energy usage, during cold winter months of the year, due to cold air drafts coming up from basement.

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: 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: 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: A staircase construction is provided which may incorporate an integral heating assembly. The heating assembly is mounted within stair tread covers or repair members which may also be used to repair a damaged staircase. The staircase construction may further incorporate stair tread members of various configurations for attachment to standard stringers.

Abstract: A demountable indoor/outdoor arena seating system includes a plurality of seat groups in seating modules. The seat group modules are supported by a plurality of floor board deck members of joined planks, wherein the deck members have attachment extensions attachable to the seat group modules. The deck members are supported by inner struts insertable in outer hollow struts. The inner struts are grooved to accommodate the heads of shortened locking bolts having spring loaded cam rings to lock the bolts in place.

Abstract: A skirt assembly system for use on a mobile home. The skirt assembly system includes a plurality of telescoping studs. The skirt assembly system also includes a plurality of tracks wherein the stud are secured within the tracks with an edged of the stud facing out. The skirt assembly system also includes studs fastened to a side wall of the tracks. The skirt assembly system also includes a brace connected to the telescoping studs on one side thereof and connected to a bottom of the mobile home on an opposite end of the brace.

Abstract: An end member is joined against axial displacement to a handrail by a lock member that is coupled to a mounting flange portion of the end member against axial movement and for rotation relative to the mounting flange portion. A locking cam portion of the lock member is received in an undercut mounting groove of the handrail and is configured to permit the lock member to be moved axially along the locking groove in an unlocked rotational position relative to the locking groove and to frictionally engage walls of the locking groove in a locked rotational position relative to the locking groove and thereby retain the end member against axial movement relative to the handrail.

Abstract: These steps for a swimming pool are noteworthy in that they possess, projecting from the inside of the recessed front face (1a), at least one solid part (1d) that acts as a backing or support produced directly by a process of injection moulding a plastics material for the production of the body of the steps, and the said rib (1d) appears as an extra thickness on the inside of the face (1a), in the thickness of which the fixing means (2) of a liner (3) can be engaged.

Abstract: The adjustable modular staircase includes two stringers for rigid attachment to a building structure in parallel, opposed relationship to each other, a plurality of axially parallel pins protrude out of each of the stringers and are spaced equidistant apart there along, the pins in one stringer are axially aligned with the pins in the other stringer when installed in the building structure, and a plurality of step modules, each including a tread and at least one end wall. The end wall has a top edge for supporting one end of the tread, a bottom edge inclined with respect to the top edge, and a notch in the bottom edge for releasably pivotally engaging one of the pins, whereby the step module can pivot around the pin to allow for horizontal leveling of each of the treads so as to form a rough staircase used for the early stages of the building process. Each step module preferably includes a riser having an end supported by a front edge of the end wall.

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: Pivotably mounted barriers extending across a portion of and staggered in an alternating manner from opposite sides and spaced apart as to permit directed travel up or down stairs or staircase. Barriers extend across staircase to the extent that in addition to acting as an aid in ascending or descending, should a person stumble or lose their footing, their fall would be interupted within a few feet instead of tumbling all the way to the bottom suffering certain injury and possible death.

Abstract: A frangible insert that is inserted in a pre-positioned bushing in the wall of a manhole form from the convex, easily reached side of the inner form wall. A key in the insert is received in a keyway in the bushing in the form wall so that the insert is properly oriented in the form. Concrete is then poured into the form, enveloping and affixing the insert within the man hole wall. A weakened, frangible region is provided on the insert in a position immediately adjacent to the form wall so that after the concrete is cured, the manhole and form can simply be separated, causing the portion of the insert embedded in the concrete to separate from the insert portion in the form bushing.

Abstract: A balustrade which features premade gallery, rake and starting newels and rail sections, and the process for installing the balustrade using the newel of this invention. The newel is a tubular member having an insert disposed at the lower end thereof, and optionally including a hex bolt which has intermediate machine screw threads, and distal lag screw threads, the machine screw threads thereof being in engagement with a coupler, disposed above a rigid plate, and the lag screw threads to be disposed within a support for the newel. The process includes the steps of mounting the new gallery, intermediate rake newel(s),—location dependent—mounting the starting newel, and attaching the rail section therebetween, and finishing off the upper portion of newels by attaching newel caps. The balustrade can utilize the newel of this invention at one or both of the gallery and starting newel locations, and at an intermediate rake location if employed.

Abstract: A children's handrail assembly consists of four equally spaced connector brackets having three sections of plastic tubing interconnected therebetween. The connector brackets are secured to a standard handrail by means of cable ties which pass through apertures in the connector bracket and pull tightly around the standard handrail. The children's handrail can be applied to either wall mounted or spindle supported standard handrails. When wall mounted, the connector brackets urge against the wall surface. When spindle mounted, an additional cable tie may be employed to secure the bracket to a spindle.

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 modular stairway assembled from a stringer having a relatively planar, flat top, an initial step module fixed adjacent a lower end of the stringer, and several intermediate step modules attached to the stringer. The initial step module includes an upper edge, and a portion of the first intermediate step module bears against the upper edge of the initial step module. A method of constructing the stairway includes the steps of placing the stringer in position relative to a structure, anchoring the initial step module adjacent a lower end of the stringer to define an initial riser and tread for the stairway, and to define an initial stop.

Abstract: A bracket for use in manufacturing a step supported by a stringer. The bracket includes an anchor block to which a tread for a step may be attached, a pair of frames flanking the anchor block and fixed thereto, and markings formed on at least one of the frames. The markings indicate a rise and a run for the step. The bracket may be used in a method for building a stairs. The method includes the steps of selecting a desired tread distance and rise distance for the stairs to be built, fastening tread receiving portions and riser-receiving portions of a bracket to a first elongate stringer to define the desired tread and riser distances, repeating the above steps with respect to a second stringer, mounting a tread to the tread-receiving portions, and mounting a riser to the riser-receiving portions.

Abstract: The removable non-skid pad covers a portion of a corresponding step of an exterior stair or staircase so as to allow people to use it more safely. The pad comprises a main section to be disposed on the upper horizontal portion of the step, a preformed substantially hooked-shaped from section having one end integrally connected to the front end of the main section so as to fit around the front edge and a part of the bottom portion of the step near the front edge, and a rear section having one end integrally connected to the rear end of the main section. A binding assembly is provided to removably attach the front and rear sections under the step. The pad may be easily installed and removed. Any snow or ice accumulations may be easily dislodged by removing the pad and skating it.

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: A replacement pool step for installation into the interior corner of a swimming pool is disclosed. The pool step is installed such that the vinyl liner of the pool does not cover the pool step but rather is installed in such a manner that it is sealed to the front of the pool step.

Abstract: A handrail assembly which may be mounted on an existing handrail and used to aid children in ascending or descending a set of stairs. The handrail assembly includes a plurality of clamping devices which may be removably mounted on an existing handrail and which support a secondary handrail at a predetermined position below the existing handrail. The secondary handrail includes a plurality of telescopically mated rods which enable the overall length of the secondary handrail to be adjusted to coincide with the overall length of the existing handrail. Each section of the secondary handrail may be attached at a fixed position along the length of the secondary handrail to a clamping device. Additional clamping devices may be slidably mounted along the length of the secondary handrails to support any long expanses of unsupported sections of the secondary handrail. The clamping devices each have a pair of jaws which may be quickly mounted onto a variety of styles of existing handrails.

Abstract: A handrail assembly and a handrail system incorporating the assembly. The handrail assembly includes a handrail which is a formed structure with an inner channel, and a mount structure accommodatable within the channel and having opposing substantially parallel members each having handrail engagement support members pliantly couplable with engagement support member acceptors within the channel. The handrail system incorporates the assembly and a base support structure extending from the mount structure. An expansive fill material can be introduced into the channel to substantially encapsulate the mount structure within the channel and provide protection from the environment. The handrail assembly provides a handrail structure and a mounting structure whereby the mounting structure is pliantly expandable and contractible to accommodate expansion non-compatibility of the mounting structure and the handrail structure due to temperature change.

Abstract: A modular support system useable for a pool or spa is disclosed. A prefabricated pool or spa stairs may be supported by utilizing a plurality of stiffeners each extending along the length of the bottom of a step of the prefabricated stairs. Within the stiffeners are a plurality of openings within which posts may be inserted. The posts contact the bottom surface of the top side of each stiffener to support the stiffener and a load placed upon the step supported by the stiffener. The stiffener is constructed to help minimize deflection of the step when a load off is placed thereon. A locking mechanism may be used to lock each post within into the opening. If desired, only posts supporting the top step may be placed upon a stable surface and the remaining posts, after insertion into their respective openings, may remain hanging above the stable surface. Concrete may be poured on the stable surface to embed each of the posts therein.

Abstract: A protective barrier for a stairway includes a yieldable core and a cover that encloses the core. A plurality of flaps extend from the cover. A plurality of fasteners extend through the flaps and secure the cover and the core to the stairway. Each flap may have a reinforcement layer placed therein. Eyelets may be spaced along the flap to receive the fasteners therein. When the protective barrier is mounted, the barrier may extend above the riser to which the protective barrier is mounted.

Abstract: A staircase hoist for wheelchair users includes a hoist carrier plate having a pair of brackets, two guide rails in slidable engagement with the pair of brackets to maintain the hoist carrier plate in a prescribed attitude, the guide rails being disposed vertically parallel to one another on a staircase wall along an angle of flight of the staircase, a drive motor on the hoist carrier plate, a plurality of arms radiating from a drive shaft rotated by the motor that rotate in opposition to the staircase wall, a tip of each arm having a roller, and a plurality of drive guides disposed between the guide rails at a prescribed distance from the wall that sequentially engage with the rollers on the arms. The drive shaft that rotates the arms is set at an angle to the staircase wall to prevent rollers that have terminated engagement with a drive guide coming into contact with other drive guides while being rotated around into position for the next engagement.

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: 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.