Helical Type Patents (Class 52/187)
  • Patent number: 11585108
    Abstract: A lifeguard observation station having a support structure, a platform member and stairs. The platform member is supported by the support structure and is elevated from ground level. The platform member has a first side, with at least a portion of the first side of the platform member being configured to be positioned proximate to or in-line with an edge of a pool or body of water. The stairs extend between the ground level and the platform member. The support structure is offset from the stairs. The lifeguard observation station provides a lifeguard unimpaired line-of-sight to swimmers or bathers in the pool or body of water whether when the lifeguard is positioned on the platform member or on the stairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Aqua Conscience Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Bartley J. Eckhardt, Bret W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10487514
    Abstract: A method is disclosed of attaching a tread assembly of a spiral staircase to a vertical support column. One step of the method involves providing a tread assembly having a tread portion attached to an arcuate mounting plate defining at least one hole through which extends a fastener defining external threads, the mounting plate having a first face defining a first radius of curvature. Another step involves providing a support column extending along an axis, the support column having a plurality of axially and angularly spaced apart tread attachment locations, each of the tread attachment locations having an arcuate outer surface defining a corresponding aperture for receipt of the fastener, the arcuate outer surface defining a second radius of curvature that is greater than the first radius of curvature. According to another step of the method, the tread assembly is loosely connected to one of the tread attachment locations of the support column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Safe Rack LLC
    Inventor: John Rutledge Lawson
  • Patent number: 10378212
    Abstract: A spiral staircase comprises a mounting column extending along a longitudinal axis. A plurality of tread assemblies each having a tread portion attached to a mounting plate is also provided. The tread assemblies are axially and angularly offset from an adjacent tread assemblies along the mounting column. In this aspect, each mounting plate has a first face that engages a corresponding portion of an outer surface of the mounting column and a second face from which the tread portion extends. Each of the tread assemblies further have attachment hardware that secures the mounting plate to the mounting column. Prior to attachment to the mounting column and in an unstressed state, the mounting plate has a first radius of curvature and the corresponding portion of the outer surface of the mounting column has a second radius of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Safe Rack LLC
    Inventor: John Rutledge Lawson
  • Patent number: 10221611
    Abstract: A window frame insulation method for constructing a warm house of the present invention, provided in order to achieve the above objective, comprises: a placement preparation step (S10) for opening a portion of a wall body so as to insert a window frame before the wall body is formed, and forming a mold so as to form a stepped portion on the outer side of the wall body; a placement step (S20) for placing concrete so as to form the wall body within the mold; a preservation step (S30) for conservation of the concrete formed within the mold in order to prevent harmful effects; a window frame installment step (S40) for installing a window frame on the inner side of the opened wall body; an insulation material installment step (S50) for installing insulation material in the wall body except for the window frame; and a finishing material installment step (S60) for installing finishing material on the outer side of an outer insulation material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: STARVILLENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Woong-Hoi Kim
  • Patent number: 10214912
    Abstract: A kit of parts for securing a plurality of fixtures to an elongate support member is described. The kit of parts comprises a plurality of attachment members. Each attachment member comprises an aperture for receiving the elongate support member and a fixing detail adapted to attach a fixture to the attachment member. The aperture is larger than a lateral dimension of the elongate support member to provide a gap between the attachment member and elongate support member when received in the aperture. The kit of parts also comprises a plurality of locking elements. Each locking element is adapted to be received in the aperture in the gap between the attachment member and the elongate support member to secure the attachment member to the elongate support member by friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Lograr Group Limited
    Inventors: Benjamin Lance Catt, James Powell, Edward Scholten, Craig David Shannon
  • Patent number: 10106986
    Abstract: A curved pathway including a double helix form with no center support column includes a plurality of segments, wherein each of the segments is formed from a plurality of rods coupled to a plurality of connecting nodes. The plurality of rods are arranged in a skewed tetrahedral geometry, which causes the plurality of stair segments to form a helical structure when the plurality of segments are coupled together. The plurality of rods form a spine on an underside of the plurality of stair segments. A pathway surface is coupled to each of the segments. In alternate embodiments, the curved pathway may be formed from sheet metal creased to form a plurality of linear support locations and connecting nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Moritz O. Bergmeyer
  • Patent number: 9840847
    Abstract: A curved staircase including a double helix form with no center support column includes a plurality of stair segments, wherein each of the stair segments is formed from a plurality of rods coupled to a plurality of connecting nodes. The plurality of rods are arranged in a skewed tetrahedral geometry, which causes the plurality of stair segments to form a helical structure when the plurality of stair segments are coupled together. The plurality of rods form a spine on an underside of the plurality of stair segments. A tread is coupled to each of the stair segments. In alternate embodiments, the curved staircase may be formed from sheet metal creased to form a plurality of linear support locations and connecting nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventor: Moritz O. Bergmeyer
  • Patent number: 9803368
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods of manufacturing a spiral staircase assembly for custom projects. A method may include coupling a plurality of stairs to a center column such that distances between adjacent stairs of the plurality of stairs deviates less than ½? to meet code. A method may further include cutting the center column after coupling the plurality of stairs to the center column to form a first center column and a second center column. A method may further include welding a female column coupling to a first end of the first center column and welding a male column coupling to a first end of the second center column. The male column coupling is configured to couple to the female column coupling such that when the male column coupling is coupled to the female column coupling, distances between adjacent stairs of the plurality of stairs deviates less than ½?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Paul David Stehl
  • Patent number: 9580911
    Abstract: A stair tread and method of building a stairway is provided. Each stair tread includes a metal pan having one or more walls forming a cavity. Concrete filler is disposed in the cavity to provide an upper walking surface. Reinforcement bars and foam blocks can be positioned within the cavity. Concrete treads including the pan can then be transported to a job site for attachment between a pair of stringers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: TL FAB, LP
    Inventor: Victor O'Mara
  • Publication number: 20150101273
    Abstract: A modular, prefabricated stair tower comprising a plurality of stairs, landings, handrails and hangers pre-assembled into a module configured such that it might be shipped and installed into a wind power tower tube section, with installation preferably occurring prior to shipment to the wind farm jobsite so that, when the tube section is erected vertically, authorized personnel gain immediate, efficient and economical access for ascending and descending large land based and offshore wind power turbine towers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Larry James Hopper
  • Patent number: 8887456
    Abstract: A kit for assembling to produce a staircase, the kit comprising: a pair of star supports (12); a plurality of treads (16); a plurality of risers (18); a plurality of tread supports (14) for supporting treads when the staircase is assembled; and means defining the correct position of the plurality of tread supports on the stair supports to produce a staircase to a given specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Jonathan Hyams
  • Patent number: 8595991
    Abstract: A deck for the roof of a grain bin includes a plurality of deck units each having a plate having an upper face and a lower face and openings spaced from each other and adjacent each longitudinal edge of the plate. The spacing of some of the openings is substantially the same as the spacing of openings in the roof whereby the plate may be attached to the roof. A pair of ring segments extend substantially perpendicular to the elongate plate and rest upon the plate. Openings are in the ring segments and at least one of which is aligned with openings in the plate whereby the ring segments may be attached to the upper face of the plate. A riser extends upwardly from the ring segments opposite the plate, and the riser and ring segments are attached. A deck plate is attached to the riser opposite the ring segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Greene Welding and Hardware, Inc.
    Inventor: Rex A. Greene
  • Patent number: 8595989
    Abstract: A grain bin and deck assembly includes a generally cylindrical grain bin having an inclined roof and a substantially vertical cylindrical side wall the top of which is located adjacent to the bottom of the inclined roof, and a deck encircles at least a portion of the cylindrical side wall beneath the bottom of the inclined roof and the deck is positioned to permit access to vents on the roof. The deck is mounted to and supported on the exterior of the side wall and its side wall stiffeners which stiffeners are spaced from each other and extend substantially vertically over at least a portion of the height of the cylindrical side wall and adjacent the top of the cylindrical side wall. The deck is fastened to the stiffeners of the side wall by a support assembly which includes mounting plates having a width that extends across the width of the stiffeners, and the mounting plates have plural rows of holes which are arranged to overlie stiffeners of differing widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Greene Welding and Hardware, Inc.
    Inventor: Rex A. Greene
  • Patent number: 8595990
    Abstract: A hand rail assembly for the roof of a grain bin includes plural units each having a plate having openings spaced from each other and adjacent each longitudinal edge of the plate. Some of the openings align with openings in the roof whereby the plate may be attached to the roof. A pair of ring segments extend substantially perpendicular to the plate and rest upon the plate. Openings in the ring segments align with openings in the plate whereby the ring segments may be attached to an upper face of the plate. A gusset extends upwardly from the ring segments, and the gusset and ring segments are attached together. A hand rail comprising a vertical post is attached at one end to the gusset, and a horizontal rail is attached to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Green Welding and Hardware, Inc.
    Inventor: Rex A. Greene
  • Patent number: 8534234
    Abstract: The invention relates to apparatuses for a reversible pet spiral staircase. Embodiments of the invention comprise: a bottom tread storage platform member; a plurality of tread platform members, elevated above the bottom storage platform member; a center leg support member, and a plurality of outer leg support members, which support the tread platform members; and a helical skirt board railing member that supports the tread platform members and traverses the perimeter of the apparatus. Embodiments of the invention are capable of being configured in either the left-hand spiral configuration, or the right-hand spiral configuration. Embodiments of the invention allow the apparatus to be self-supporting; reversible; space-saving; compactable for storage; safe for pet elevation; easily assembled; reconfigurable; and environmentally safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: William Arthur Moore, III
  • Patent number: 8434273
    Abstract: A deck for the roof of a grain bin includes a plurality of deck units each having a plate having an upper face and a lower face and openings spaced from each other and adjacent each longitudinal edge of the plate. The spacing of some of the openings is substantially the same as the spacing of openings in the roof whereby the plate may be attached to the roof. A pair of ring segments extend substantially perpendicular to the elongate plate and rest upon the plate. Openings are in the ring segments and at least one of which is aligned with openings in the plate whereby the ring segments may be attached to the upper face of the plate. A riser extends upwardly from the ring segments opposite the plate, and the riser and ring segments are attached. A deck plate is attached to the riser opposite the ring segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Greene Welding & Hardware, Inc.
    Inventor: Rex A. Greene
  • Publication number: 20120304560
    Abstract: A kit for assembling to produce a staircase, the kit comprising: a pair of star supports (12); a plurality of treads (16); a plurality of risers (18); a plurality of tread supports (14) for supporting treads when the staircase is assembled; and means defining the correct position of the plurality of tread supports on the stair supports to produce a staircase to a given specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Jonathan Hyams
  • Patent number: 8281525
    Abstract: A modular spiral staircase assembly that involves a handrail formed of one or more sections and a series of slide members each configured to form a link between both a baluster and the handrail of the staircase. The use of such slide members enables initial ease with respect to positioning of the balusters along the extent of the handrail and subsequent secure locking of such balusters in position with respect to the handrail for alignment purposes with corresponding treads of the staircase. Additionally, using such slide members along the extent of the handrail provides the installer ready-made tools for progressively shaping the extent of the handrail so as to align it with the curvature of the staircase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Custom Iron, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry L. Driscoll
  • Patent number: 8112952
    Abstract: A staircase including a bent pole stringer with first and second straight stair sections separated by a spiral stair section. There is preferably a first bend defined on the stringer between the first straight stair section and the spiral stair section, and a second bend defined on the stringer between the spiral stair section and the second straight stair section. There are also a plurality of first straight stair treads cantilevered from the first straight stair section of the stringer, a plurality of spiral stair treads cantilevered from the spiral stair section of the stringer, and a plurality of second straight stair treads cantilevered from the second straight stair section of the stringer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: John D. Shepherd
  • Publication number: 20110302851
    Abstract: Provides is an earth quake safe elevator system with optional staircase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Gholam Ali Entezari
  • Patent number: 8056288
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Albini & Fontanot S.p.A.
    Inventor: Piero Denicolo'
  • Publication number: 20110258946
    Abstract: A spiral staircase comprises a central supporting element and a plurality of steps which are connected to the supporting element at a first end, there being two types of steps positioned in an alternating fashion, of which a first type of step is substantially “L”-shaped and a second type of step is substantially arrow-shaped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Fausto Scherma
  • Publication number: 20110192099
    Abstract: A modular spiral staircase assembly that involves a handrail formed of one or more sections and a series of slide members each configured to form a link between both a baluster and the handrail of the staircase. The use of such slide members enables initial ease with respect to positioning of the balusters along the extent of the handrail and subsequent secure locking of such balusters in position with respect to the handrail for alignment purposes with corresponding treads of the staircase. Additionally, using such slide members along the extent of the handrail provides the installer ready-made tools for progressively shaping the extent of the handrail so as to align it with the curvature of the staircase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: CUSTOM IRON, INC.
    Inventor: Terry L. DRISCOLL
  • Patent number: 7946084
    Abstract: A stairway has a pair of stringers, mounted in inclined, spaced-apart, parallel relationship with at least one stair assembly, disposed in spanning relationship across the stringers. Each stringer has a top surface and a side surface. Each stair assembly has a pair of brackets and a tread with each end of the tread affixed to one of the brackets. Each bracket is mounted and affixed along a length of one of the stringers. Each of the brackets has a first and a second faces, which intersect in an angular manner. A flange is disposed perpendicularly from a side of the first face. When the bracket is mounted to the stringer, its first face and the flange are in abutting relationship with the respective top and side surface of the stringer. A further embodiment bracket has no flange extending from the first face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Sidney Gibson Limited
    Inventor: Sidney T. Gibson
  • Publication number: 20100107523
    Abstract: A staircase including a bent pole stringer with first and second straight stair sections separated by a spiral stair section. There is preferably a first bend defined on the stringer between the first straight stair section and the spiral stair section, and a second bend defined on the stringer between the spiral stair section and the second straight stair section. There are also a plurality of first straight stair treads cantilevered from the first straight stair section of the stringer, a plurality of spiral stair treads cantilevered from the spiral stair section of the stringer, and a plurality of second straight stair treads cantilevered from the second straight stair section of the stringer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: John D. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 7552564
    Abstract: A template system and method for use in the installation of and framing for staircases is disclosed. The template system includes a plurality of staircase template pieces that can be assembled to produce a full-scale template of a staircase in plan view. If desired, a plurality of wall plates can be assembled in connection with the staircase templates to provide a full-scale template for framing the staircase. Balcony templates could also be used to provide a full-scale template for a balcony of the staircase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Arcways, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick Lee Kressin
  • Patent number: 7469516
    Abstract: A staircase structure, representatively at least partially curved, is constructed from longitudinal modules each having tread, riser and stringer portions. In one embodiment of the construction technique, stringer portions of the modules are longitudinally telescoped with one another and then intersecured so that the interfitted modules form successive longitudinal portions of the assembled staircase structure. In another embodiment of the construction technique, stringer portions of the modules are vertically stacked and then intersecured. Illustratively, the riser and stringer portions of each module are of a laminated wooden construction shaped in situ on the underside of module tread portion by a CNC milling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Lynn H. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080236066
    Abstract: A segmented spiral staircase and kit for its construction has a plurality of laterally extending step segments. Each step segment has a step surface with an inboard, donut-shaped end section and lower downwardly extending support members. Each step segment also has an upstanding baluster rail member connected by screws to the outboard end of the step surface. The step segments are each rotatably mounted, at their respective inboard end sections, in offset fashion through a vertically standing support post. The baluster rail members of the step segments are configured to be aligned adjacent to each other and are connected one to the other by screws. Spacer sleeves separate each of the step segments, whose lower support members are positioned against the vertical surfaces of the sleeves. Alternate stacking of the sleeves and step segments and connection of the baluster rail members produces a sturdy staircase structure which also includes an upper landing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Harold E. Arnold
  • Patent number: 7377080
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Christopher J. Mills
  • Publication number: 20080078130
    Abstract: A metal baluster is provided which has first and second metal segments, where each of these metal segments comprises a first end and a second end. The first ends of the first metal segments include extension portions from mating engagement with one another and the second end of each metal segment is adapted for attachment to the underside of an elongated handrail or to a tread or floor. The second end of each of the metal segments further comprises an ornamental portion which is proximate the elongated handrail or the tread or the floor. Connection apparatuses provided for securing the engagement of the extension portions of the first metal segment and the second metal segment. In another embodiment, a metal baluster of the present invention may comprise three metal segments where the first two metal segments are adapted for attachment to the underside of an elongated rail or to tread or floor and has an ornamental portion proximate the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Eric J. Grandich
  • Publication number: 20070283638
    Abstract: A stairway system including a plurality of treads, a handrail including a fastener, and a handrail support. A fixture for joining a handrail having at least two segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Robert H. Green, James N. Trice, Richard W. Turner
  • Patent number: 7159363
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: ECMD, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Green, J. Allen Dyer
  • Patent number: 6715242
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: ECMD, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Green, J. Allen Dyer
  • Patent number: 6574925
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Maximus Technologies
    Inventors: Anthony M. Palagonia, Stuart K. J. Smyth
  • Patent number: 6523310
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tread and handrail combination structure of a staircase, including a support post, multiple helically laminated treads mounted on the support post, and multiple juxtaposed handrails. Each tread has an outer side provided with multiple combination holes, so that two ends of each handrail may pass through the combination holes to be fixed on the tread. Each tread has a bottom face provided with a support tube aligned with one combination hole. One end of each handrail is screwed on the tread, and the other end of each handrail is extended through the combination hole and the support tube of the mating tread, and through the combination hole of a next tread, so that any two adjacent treads may be combined rigidly and stably, without deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Taiwan Lounge Chair Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Nung Tseng
  • Patent number: 6230454
    Abstract: A universal modular tread and riser unit for positioning on a stairway stringer having a predetermined slope. The unit, including an elongate tread wall having two ends including a connecting end and a free end. An elongate riser wall having two ends including a connecting end and a free end. The riser wall having its connecting end joined to the connecting end of the tread wall with the riser wall oriented in a depending perpendicular relation to the tread wall. A pair of spaced apart vertical side walls is secured on either side of the connected tread wall and riser wall. The side walls are spaced apart sufficiently to receive a stairway stringer with the free end of the tread wall resting on the stringer and the free end of the riser wall resting on the stringer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy D. Meagher
  • Patent number: 6155007
    Abstract: A spiral staircase includes a newel post and a plurality of steps which are mounted around the newel post. Each step has a surface tread. The tread is set up higher than the inner side. The slope of the tread at the outer side of the tread is sharper than at the inner side of the tread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Masaki Murase
  • Patent number: 6112480
    Abstract: A stairway 2 is fabricated using a plurality of load bearing modules 4 that are attached to form a box beam 60 that can be freestanding. Each module 4 included flat vertical front and rear panels 6, 20 that are joined by vertical inside and outside panels 30, 38. The modules are joined by affixing the front panel of a higher module to the rear panel of the next adjacent lower module to form a stepped configuration. For a curved stairway 2, the helical box beam 60 formed of a plurality of trapezoid shaped modules 4 provides the principle support for the weight of the stairway 2 and the weight of any body positioned on the stairway. Longitudinal members 64, 66, 68 extending between the lower edges of adjacent modules 4 are loaded in tension and resist separation of the individual modules 4. Because the box beam 60 is the primary weight carrying member, the longitudinal members can be relatively thin and flexible and easy to fabricate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Scott A Turner
  • Patent number: 6108988
    Abstract: A modular spiral staircase within a surrounding enclosure for indoor playground equipment is disclosed. The modular spiral staircase includes individual stair treads arranged in a spiral pattern within the surrounding enclosure. The individual stair treads are vertically connected to one another and are circumferentially connected to the surrounding enclosure. Preferably, arcuate tread segments each having a plurality of integrally connected individual stair treads are provided. The individual stair treads are laterally offset from each other and are circumferentially arranged in a spiral pattern about an associated supporting central post. The surrounding enclosure includes enlarged spaced lower and upper openings that are aligned with the modular spiral staircase to facilitate entry and exit of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Soft Play, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Keith C. Nagelski, Dustin C. Clark, Grant M. Strawcutter
  • Patent number: 6044599
    Abstract: The circular staircase has individual steps made of stone, and in particular natural stone, mounted on a central newel. The steps each have a reinforcing member with one end that is joined to the newel and he other end that has a prestressing element against a step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Walter Wachenfeld
  • Patent number: 5983580
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: M. Robert Carr
  • Patent number: 5881509
    Abstract: A spiral staircase includes a shaft pole for the staircase, a plurality of arms spirally connected to the outer periphery of the shaft pole, treads fixed to the upper surface of each arm, a plurality of balusters fixed to the outside end portion of a plurality of arms in parallel with the shaft pole, and a plurality of handrails mounted and connected between the balusters pillars, wherein each of the arms is connected to the shaft pole by an arm connecting metal, each baluster is connected to each arm by a baluster connecting metal, and the baluster and the handrails are connected by a handrail connecting metal. Since the connecting metals are used for the connection between the shaft pole and the arms, between the arms and the balusters and between the balusters and the handrails, connection and assembly of the spiral staircase can be carried out easily, reliably and firmly without requiring skilled labor, and the cost of the production and high operation efficiency can be accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Inafuku Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nouzen Inafuku
  • Patent number: 5806254
    Abstract: Flanged Triangular elements for constructing a stairway which can be joined to provide a beam having adjacent tread and riser mounting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Michael Hebden Bennett
  • Patent number: 5737884
    Abstract: A spiral stair case wherein segments of the outside stringer framework and segments of the central column are forming corresponding polygonal segments, wherein the spiral stair case preferably is made in octagonal polygonal segments, wherein one segment of the outside stringer together with one segment of the central column respectively is supporting preferably two stair treads of the the spiral stair case, wherein the segments of the outside stringer and the segments of the central column are strait, non curved elements, and wherein the stair treads are made strait and wherein all peripheral cuts are made strait, and wherein the segments are connected to each other by standard carpentry connection means, wherein the fascia, the baluster posts, the baluster filler parts and the handrail build the rigid outside stringer segments, wherein the outside stringer segments build a rigid, structural supporting outside stringer framework of the spiral stair case formed in polygonal segments and wherein the segments ar
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Wolfram Schrom
  • Patent number: 5720136
    Abstract: A stairway 2 is fabricated using a plurality of load bearing modules 4 that are attached to form a box beam 60 that can be freestanding. Each module 4 included flat vertical front and rear panels 6, 20 that are joined by vertical inside and outside panels 30, 3 8. The modules are joined by affixing the front panel of a higher module to the rear panel of the next adjacent lower module to form a stepped configuration. For a curved stairway 2, the helical box beam 60 formed of a plurality of trapezoid shaped modules 4 provides the principle support for the weight of the stairway 2 and the weight of any body positioned on the stairway. Longitudinal members 64, 66, 68 extending between the lower edges of adjacent modules 4 are loaded in tension and resist separation of the individual modules 4. Because the box beam 60 is the primary weight carrying member, the longitudinal members can be relatively thin and flexible and easy to fabricate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Scott Alan Turner
  • Patent number: 5632124
    Abstract: A circular stairway and method of making same, including a helical newel formed by installing a cylindrical tube or pipe with its longitudinal axis concentric with the vertical axis about which the circular staircase is to wind. The treads are then affixed to the tube in either cantilever fashion or are bridged between the tube and an outer wall. The tube is subsequently cut along helically extending lines disposed beneath the tread line and at approximately the handrail elevation. The tube material between these lines is then removed to leave a helically extending ribbon of tube material forming the tread supporting helical newel. As an alternative, the several components of the stairway can be pre-fabricated and transported to a site for assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventors: David M. Weingarten, Lucia E. Howard
  • Patent number: 5557893
    Abstract: A spiral stairway (10) includes a center support pole(14), a plurality of steps (16), and an adjustable pitch railing assembly (12). The steps (16) are attached at a narrow end (22) to the center support pole (14) and at a peripheral end (24) to the railing assembly (12). The railing assembly (12) includes an upper railing (38), a lower railing (36), and a plurality of pickets (32). Each railing (36), (38) includes a continuous channel (54) formed along a length therein. Each picket (32) includes portions (62), preferably in the shape of a cylinder having a longitudinal axis transverse to the length of the picket (32). The railing assembly (12) further includes a plurality of inserts (34) having a length corresponding to the distance between pickets (32). The picket end portions (62) are engageable within corresponding partial circular cutouts formed within the inserts (34), and the combination is receivable in the railing channel (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: George A. Bowls
  • Patent number: 5551495
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a staircase handrail volute, comprising the steps of: (a) cutting a workpiece from wood with a bandsaw such that the workpiece has an approximation of a shape of the volute, wherein the approximation dimensions are larger than the shape dimensions; (b) mounting the workpiece so that the workpiece may be operated on by a numerically controlled machine tool; (c) cutting a bottom surface of the workpiece to the shape dimensions with the machine tool; (d) cutting lower side surfaces of the workpiece with the machine tool to a first dimension between the approximation dimensions and the shape dimensions; (e) cutting the lower side surfaces of the workpiece with the machine tool to the shape dimensions; (f) drilling at least one mounting hole in the bottom surface with the machine tool, the at least one mounting hole for holding the workpiece in steps (g) through (j); (g) turning the workpiece over and mounting the workpiece so that the workpiece may be operated on by a numerically control
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: L. J. Smith
    Inventors: Lynn H. Smith, Mark D. Smith, Dee R. Smith
  • Patent number: 5535557
    Abstract: A stairset for the fabrication of a spiral stairway on-site, and a method for the assembly of the stairset. This stairset includes a central support to receive spacers to position a plurality of stair tread units at a selected separation (riser height), the stair treads extending horizontally outward. Further, components for a banister (handrail) are a plurality of segments, being a selected number for each stair tread unit, that are threaded upon a cable. The cable is provided on at least one end with means for tensioning, with final tensioning after general assembly of components (post-tensioning). A plurality of balusters are attached to, and extend downwardly from, at least a portion of segments of the resultant banister to be fastened to distal ends of the stair tread units. Specifically, the same number of balusters join the selected number of banister segments for each stair tread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Precision Pine, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Garber
  • Patent number: 5515657
    Abstract: A winding stair for spiral ascension within a building structure. The stair includes a newel post which has a plurality of elongated slots horizontally formed around the periphery at different elevations. Each steps of the winding stair is provided with an arched end plate located along an inner narrow end of the step. With each arched end plate formed to hug the outer surface of the newel post. A curved flange portion extends upwardly along a top edge of the arched end plate. Steps are attached to the newel post as by inserting the curved flange portion within the elongated slots and allowing the arched end plate to rest against the periphery of the newel post. Aligned openings in each of the newel post and arched end plate, receive fasteners to secure the step to the newel post. The curved flange also has openings aligned with openings in the newel post receiving fasteners which serves to further secure the step to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Johnson Chou