Abstract: A telescopic and retractable bleacher system and handrail that stows with the bleacher system. The bleacher system is adapted to move between an open position in which seating is available for use and a closed position in which rows of seating surfaces are vertically stacked. The system includes handrails adapted to move between a use position when the system is in the open position and a stowed position when the system is in a closed position. A post of the handrail includes a cam and a cylinder surrounding the post includes a cam slot. A ramp on a surface of the aisle step engages the post and raises the post within the cylinder as the bleacher system is moved into the open position. As the post is raised in the cylinder, the corresponding cam and cam slot cause rotation of the post.

Abstract: A step for installation into an attic that is easily installed on the existing beams within a typical attic to provide a safer and easier means to maneuver within a home's attic space. The step is produced using a single piece of sheet metal. In addition, the step is installed into the attic by securing teeth on the bendable tabs of the step to the existing beams using a hammer with the optional use of additional fasteners.

Abstract: A precision built staircase kit is disclosed. The kit includes a plurality of stringers that include a structural stringer, a decorative stringer and a winder stringer that are cut by a high precision machine, a skirt board, a plurality of risers with a pair of ends and a plurality of squares. The staircase also includes a plurality of winder treads wherein the stringers, the skirt board, the risers and the treads form a plurality of stairs, a recessed tread end cap, one or more cover joints and corner joints to cover a plurality of cuts, a decorative panel disposed on the back of staircase after the stairs are formed and a packaging box that stores a plurality of unassembled staircase components and that forms a cabinet or a closet when empty. The staircase may be assembled from a kit with a method of assembling.

Abstract: A staircase and method for producing the same. The staircase is produced by double routing channels for sub-treads and sub-risers and capping risers and capping treads. These sub-treads and sub-risers are assembled into staircase stringers that have pre-routed channels that are sufficient to install sub-treads and sub-risers having a particular thickness and having room for subsequent placement or installation of capping treads and risers by sliding them laterally into the channels created by the double routing of the stringers. This creates a more finished look to be (the) staircase while avoiding damages to the capping treads and risers that might occur during building construction.

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

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

Abstract: An anti-icing system may maintain a thin layer of solution on top of pedestrian reception areas to prevent frozen precipitation from remaining frozen on the pedestrian reception areas. This greatly reduces the slippery surfaces that pedestrians would otherwise encounter when using the walk-on surface.

Abstract: A staircase of skeletal form is prefabricated and is provided with prefabricated decorative cladding finishing plates for the treads, the risers and the stringer boards, the plates being pre-drilled for ease of assembly, a plurality of finishing plates can be preassembled, or factory assembled, together before installation over a portion of the prefabricated staircase, and the installation method thereof.

Abstract: A method for constructing such house is disclosed. The components of the house such as the finished product main frame, the finished product enclosed wall, the finished product floor cover plate, the finished product top cover plate and the finished product stair are finished product industrially constructed in different manufactories, and then transported to the constructing location respectively, and then assembled at the base of the house, so as to form a house constructed from finished product components. By using finished product components, the construction of the house has high efficiency, good quality, less material consumption and shorter construction period. Furthermore, comparing with traditional site operation, constructing house from finished product components is more environment-friendly.

Abstract: A method for providing an anti-slip surface for a step comprising providing a thin thermoplastic material sheet matrix and a design appliqué of a contrasting material or materials, applying the matrix and the appliqué to a step and heat fusing the matrix to the step and the appliqué to the matrix, and an appliqué used in such a method.

Abstract: A refaced staircase having original treads and original risers with replacement treads and replacement risers is disclosed. The original treads include nosings that overhang the original risers. A replacement riser extends down from each original tread, the replacement tread being placed over the original tread and overhanging both the nosing of the original tread and the replacement riser. The replacement tread may include a scotia facing the original tread that hides the seam between the original tread and the replacement riser.

Abstract: A staircase and method for producing the same. The staircase is produced by double routing channels for sub-treads and sub-risers and capping risers and capping treads. These sub-treads and sub-risers are assembled into staircase stringers that have pre-routed channels that are sufficient to install sub-treads and sub-risers having a particular thickness and having room for subsequent placement or installation of capping treads and risers by sliding them laterally into the channels created by the double routing of the stringers. This creates a more finished look to be (the) staircase while avoiding damages to the capping treads and risers that might occur during building construction.

Abstract: A modular stair tread overlay including a tread and a front nosing attached to a front edge of the tread cover is disclosed. The front nosing is attached to a front edge by a securing means such as a tongue and groove joint to providing a strong mechanical joint between the nosing portions and the tread cover. Adhesive may be applied at the tongue and groove joint to enhance the strength of the joint. The front nosing of the modular stair tread is hollow thereby allowing the installation of the stair tread overlay over the original stairs without the requirement of removing or trimming the nose of the original stair treads. The stair tread and the nosing can also be unitary and be made of material such as metal, plastic or composite. A method for remodeling stair sets is also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly for creating a three dimensional exterior structure incorporates a plurality of bodies inter-assembled via engaging tongue and groove profiles to create at least one of a multi-tier stepped or extending walkway surface. Each of the bodies further exhibits a hollowed interior to facilitate in-filling of a compactible material in order to weight said bodies during assembly. Either or both of thermal generating elements or effect lighting can be incorporated into one or more of the bodies. The bodies can also include tiered or stackable step blocks, each exhibiting an interior ledge for supporting a thermally conducting insert shelf or pad, additional rectangular assembled blocks providing tongue and groove engagement and supporting the underside of the step blocks.

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

Abstract: A stair tread overlay includes a tread and a front nosing attached to a front edge of the tread by a tongue and groove joint to provide a strong mechanical joint between the nosing and tread. Adhesive may be applied at the tongue and groove joint to enhance the strength of the joint. A horizontally symmetrical side nosing having a profile matching the profile of the front nosing may be attached an edge of the tread adjacent to the front nosing. The stair tread and nosings may be in the form of a kit used to cover an existing staircase to enhance the appearance of the staircase. The method of making the overlay is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A concentrated solar tower assembly includes a hollow tower structure defining lower and upper portions. The lower portion includes a closable opening region for configuring a closable opening, and the upper portion includes a top gird having inner and outer top grids. The assembly further includes a solar receiver steam generator entirely installed at the ground level G on the inner top grid simultaneous to erection of the tower. The generator on the inner top grid is slidingly directed within the tower from the closable opening to be entirely accommodated therewithin. Thereafter, the generator on the inner top grid is lifted for being placed along the upper portion of the tower.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a vinyl pool stair liner to a set of pool stairs. The system includes a locking component that is secured to the stairs and a locking rod that is selectively engageable in a channel in the upper end of the locking component. The locking rod secures a flap of vinyl extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the stair liner into the channel and thereby secures the stair liner to the pool stairs. An installation tool is used to push the locking rod into the channel of the locking component. The locking rod is removable from the locking component to release the stair liner if it is determined that the liner should be replaced at a later date.

Abstract: Capping structures for covering existing stair treads to provide a bull nose configuration. Additionally, unique processes and/or methods for manufacturing or making such capping structures.

Abstract: A stair tread overlay and a riser overlay made from solid wood for fitting over a conventional, exposed wooden stair having a generally rounded nose like those found in most residential general construction staircases and prefabricated staircases. The tread overlay and riser overlay cover the exterior surface of a conventional wooden stair from stringer to stringer to hide a construction grade stair tread and riser below that are made from a composite material or unsalvageable hardwood to present an attractive, solid wood surface that is finishable. One or more manufacturing processes for manufacturing a stair tread overlay and a riser overlay. The manufacturing process comprises the forming or milling of wood blanks, to fit over a conventional, exposed wooden stair having a generally rounded nose like those found in most residential and prefabricated staircases.

Abstract: A window well enclosure including a front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall that engage each other. At least one step is attachable to the window well enclosure using a channel formed in at least one of the front wall, the first side wall and the second side wall.

Abstract: A staircase and method for producing the same. The staircase is produced by double routing channels for sub-treads and sub-risers and capping risers and capping treads. These sub-treads and sub-risers are assembled into staircase stringers that have pre-routed channels that are sufficient to install sub-treads and sub-risers having a particular thickness and having room for subsequent placement or installation of capping treads and risers by sliding them laterally into the channels created by the double routing of the stringers. This creates a more finished look to be (the) staircase while avoiding damages to the capping treads and risers that might occur during building construction.

Abstract: A stair system (20; 300) comprises: a first length-adjustable stringer (40A; 308A); a second length-adjustable stringer (40B; 308B); and a plurality of tread assemblies (148; 350) installable to the first and second stringers. The system further includes at least one handrail (268; 302A, 302B). A plurality of balusters (280A, 280B; 360, 362) are attached or attachable to the tread assemblies and handrail. The tread assemblies each have an adjustable tread pitch.

Abstract: A method of refacing a staircase having original treads and original risers with replacement treads and replacement risers is disclosed. Each replacement tread overhangs a respective original riser by a distance greater than the thickness of the replacement riser. The replacement riser is shimmed and spaced from the original riser a distance equal to the difference between the replacement riser thickness and the overhang distance. Preferably the replacement treads overhang the replacement risers the same distance that the original treads overhang the original risers.

Abstract: Modules for converting at least a portion of an existing stairway into an alternating stairway are described. The modules may be installed over an existing stairway to improve accessibility of the stairway for the very young, elderly, ill, injured, or disabled. Installation of the modules creates an alternating stairway presenting a step height that is about one-half the step height of the existing stairway, without appreciably changing the horizontal run or height of the stairway.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a vinyl pool stair liner to a set of pool stairs. The system includes a locking component that is secured to the stairs and a locking rod that is selectively engageable in a channel in the upper end of the locking component. The locking rod secures a flap of vinyl extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the stair liner into the channel and thereby secures the stair liner to the pool stairs. An installation tool is used to push the locking rod into the channel of the locking component. The locking rod is removable from the locking component to release the stair liner if it is determined that the liner should be replaced at a later date.

Abstract: A stair tread overlay includes a tread and a front nosing attached to a front edge of the tread by a tongue and groove joint to provide a strong mechanical joint between the nosing and tread. Adhesive may be applied at the tongue and groove joint to enhance the strength of the joint. A horizontally symmetrical side nosing having a profile matching the profile of the front nosing may be attached an edge of the tread adjacent to the front nosing. The stair tread and nosings may be in the form of a kit used to cover an existing staircase to enhance the appearance of the staircase. The method of making the overlay is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stairway system, kit and method for assembling the kit are provided, the system including pre-fabricated components such as steps, stringers, decorative moldings and panels or boards, etc., on site. The kit comprises a step module and an adjacent step module, the step module comprising a riser and a tread, the riser being adapted to abut the tread on a first side thereof and being adapted to define a fastener-mating portion on a second side thereof. The tread is adapted to be secured atop the riser on one side thereof. The adjacent step module comprises a riser and a tread, the adjacent step module being adapted to be assembled with the step module by engaging a fastener with the fastener-mating portion of the step module and securing the fastener to the tread of the adjacent step module to secure the two step modules together.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for changing the appearance of a staircase by draping, dressing, or covering the staircase or parts thereof with fabric are provided. A fabric is attached to a staircase to conceal a plurality of balusters of the staircase when viewed from at least a first direction. The fabric extends at least the entire length of the balusters. In some embodiments, the fabric conceals at least a part of a handrail of the staircase when viewed from the first direction.

Abstract: A house constructed from finished product components and a method for constructing such house are disclosed. The components of the house such as the finished product main frame, the finished product enclosed wall, the finished product floor cover plate, the finished product top cover plate and the finished product stair are finished product industrially constructed in different manufactories, and then transported to the constructing location respectively, and then assembled at the base of the house, so as to form a house constructed from finished product components. By using finished product components, the construction of the house has high efficiency, good quality, less material consumption and shorter construction period. Furthermore, comparing with traditional site operation, constructing house from finished product components is more environment-friendly.

Abstract: A stair tread overlay includes a tread and a front nosing attached to a front edge of the tread by a tongue and groove joint to provide a strong mechanical joint between the nosing and tread. Adhesive may be applied at the tongue and groove joint to enhance the strength of the joint. A horizontally symmetrical side nosing having a profile matching the profile of the front nosing may be attached an edge of the tread adjacent to the front nosing. The stair tread and nosings may be in the form of a kit used to cover an existing staircase to enhance the appearance of the staircase. The method of making the overlay is also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: Methods and tooling for constructing a stair unit are provided. The methods incorporate tooling and tables to create templates (two for each tread) that, when laid along a series of hypotenuse marks on the stringer from the table, will dictate the geometry, cutting, and fitting to the treads, without using a framing square. Brackets are used to conjoin the stringer, tread material, and tread framing so that the tread width is not limited by the lack of strength of the tread material. The methods then incorporate the bracket in a tread module to provide further convenience and sequencing options for the assembly of the stair unit. An alternate method combines aspects of the template and the bracket to hold continuous support for the tread, accomplishing a cut stringer look. The result is less time and material expense with better strength, fit and finish.

Abstract: An adjustable stair riser includes a body portion made of a flexible material. An upper connecting portion is disposed adjacent to an upper end of the body portion. A lower connecting portion is disposed adjacent to a lower end of the body portion. A front surface of the body portion is concavely shaped between the upper and lower ends so as to create slack for moving the upper and lower ends toward or away from each other to accommodate spacing between adjacent treads of a stairway during installation. The concavely shaped front surface of the body portion additionally provides an obstruction free path of foot travel.

Abstract: A transportable prefabricated container house includes a main body and a house forming body, configured to be housed in the main body and drawn out of the main body at the installation site to be expanded/assembled into a house threefold the size of the main body. Assembly of the pre-assembled square “U”-shape walls sandwiched between the floor and ceiling boards includes tightly tying the ceiling supporting beams and the floor supporting beams together with shackles, and passing steel rods or pipes between the walls to render the house immune from earthquakes and hurricanes. A foundation of steel pipe bodies assists earthquake- and hurricane-resistance. Mega structures housing multitudes of container houses can be used when stacking two or more container houses is insufficient and large scale urban development is necessary, and are capable of resisting earthquakes and hurricanes due to a system of wire mesh covering.

Abstract: A method of refacing a staircase having original treads and original risers with replacement treads and replacement risers is disclosed. Each replacement tread overhangs a respective original riser by a distance greater than the thickness of the replacement riser. The replacement riser is shimmed and spaced from the original riser a distance equal to the difference between the replacement riser thickness and the overhang distance. Preferably the replacement treads overhang the replacement risers the same distance that the original treads overhang the original risers.

Abstract: An exemplary stair nosing assembly comprises an elongated base, a plate adhered to the base, and a cover temporarily covering the base and the plate. The base has at least one anchor portion extending downwardly from the upper portion for attaching to a lip of a tread pan and/or embedding in a concrete tread. The plate can have various features to enhance traction and visibility. The cover has front and rear lips that engage with front and rear edges of the base, and a weakened region adjacent the rear lip. When the assembly is embedded in a concrete tread, the cover is configured to fracture at the weakened region when the front lip of the cover is lifted upward from the base, leaving the rear lip remaining embedded in the concrete and allowing the rest of the cover to be removed to expose upper surfaces of the base and plate.

Abstract: A stair tread overlay includes a tread and a front nosing attached to a front edge of the tread by a tongue and groove joint to provide a strong mechanical joint between the nosing and tread. Adhesive may be applied at the tongue and groove joint to enhance the strength of the joint. A horizontally symmetrical side nosing having a profile matching the profile of the front nosing may be attached an edge of the tread adjacent to the front nosing. The stair tread and nosings may be in the form of a kit used to cover an existing staircase to enhance the appearance of the staircase. The method of making the overlay is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a prefabricated stair formwork structure (1) for making a stair flight, comprising: a first space (A) for containing a concrete cast defined by two longitudinal beam elements (11, 12), arranged parallel to one another, and two transversal beam elements (13,14), also arranged parallel to one another and each coupled with both said longitudinal beam elements (11, 12) at their respective ends; a plurality of shaped elements (15) each defining a second containment space (S) for a concrete cast of corresponding steps, said shaped elements (15) being fixed in succession above said at least two longitudinal beam elements (11, 12); an element (16) for closing the bottom of the formwork structure (1), fixed to said longitudinal and/or transversal beam elements on the opposite side with respect to said shaped elements (15); and a reinforcement structure (C) of the concrete housed in said first containment space (A).

Abstract: An example of the disclosed seating system includes a plurality of seating risers configured to telescope relative to one another, and at least one of the seating risers is a powered seating riser configured to deploy and retract the seating risers. Further included is a controller operable to drive the powered seating riser to correct a misalignment condition.

Abstract: A step for ingress and egress from a swimming pool and/or a spa includes a tread including opposing side edges, a riser coupled with and extending substantially perpendicular from one of the side edges of the tread and an upper flange substantially perpendicular to said tread and coupled with and extending upwardly or downwardly from one of the opposing side edges of the tread opposite the riser. The upper flange is configured to be coupled with the riser of another step or a wall of the swimming pool or spa to form a stairway.

Abstract: A stair tread overlay includes a tread and a front nosing attached to a front edge of the tread by a tongue and groove joint to provide a strong mechanical joint between the nosing and tread. Adhesive may be applied at the tongue and groove joint to enhance the strength of the joint. A horizontally symmetrical side nosing having a profile matching the profile of the front nosing may be attached an edge of the tread adjacent to the front nosing. The stair tread and nosings may be in the form of a kit used to cover an existing staircase to enhance the appearance of the staircase. The method of making the overlay is also disclosed.

Abstract: A permanent form assembly and method for creating and forming swimming pool user support structures within a swimming pool includes one or more of a vertical elongated support, one or more of a lateral brace, and a plurality of support structure risers that when assembled create a permanent support structure form having a volume for receiving a filler within the volume.

Abstract: The assembly and method of the present invention is used for forming a monolithic tiered concrete slab or stairway. The assembly includes a plurality of foam blocks positioned adjacent one another and in a plurality of rows on a support base. The upper surfaces of the blocks are sloped and form a continuous included plane from the front row to the back row. Interface elements are attached to the upper surfaces so as to cover the joints between adjacent blocks. Riser ties are mounted on the interface elements, with riser face forms attached to the ties. After the blocks are positioned and the interface elements with riser ties and face forms assembled, concrete is poured under the blocks so as to cover the upper surface, the interface elements, and the ties, thereby forming a monolithic tiered series of risers and treads.

Abstract: A stringer assembly for mounting to steps of a stairway, comprises first and second stringer members. The first stringer member are adapted to be secured to the steps with first fasteners that are driven through the first stringer member and then into the steps. The second stringer member is adapted to be positioned with respect to the first stringer member such as to conceal the first fastener and to be mounted thereto via second fasteners and glue, wherein the second fasteners are adapted to be driven through the first stringer member and then into the second stringer member. Decorative covers are provided for mounting onto exposed edges of the first and second stringer members. A method for assembling a stringer to steps of a stairway and a kit for producing a stringer assembly for use in stairways are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stairway assembly includes a tread and riser panel attached together by a uniquely designed gusset to form a tread and riser assembly that can be integrally installed on the stringers. In one embodiment, a first portion of the gusset includes a first attachment structure connected to the lower surface of the tread, and a second portion of the gusset has a second attachment structure connected to the lower surface of the riser. The first portion of the gusset extends at an angle from the second portion, with the side edge of the riser overlapping and facing the upper surface of the tread, and said tread side edge faces said gusset. The gusset may include an elongated slot that forms a line of weakening in the gusset. The gusset may be bent about the line of weakening to move the tread and riser into the final position in which the tread is perpendicular to the riser.

Abstract: A stair tread structure includes a tread body comprised of a core having a plurality of layered glued plywood members, top and bottom veneer layers glued to the core for minimizing warping of the tread, and an elongate hardwood leading edge formed with an inside ridge to fit into the core and veneer layers in a tongue and groove manner. Included is a jig/template for onsite trimming of the stair tread ends as needed for fitting of an end-cap, thus providing proper onsite fitting of each stair tread.

Abstract: A method of converting a traditional staircase into a dual-use staircase, for reducing the stepping height and knee stress in stairs climbing and descending, comprises: providing a plurality of lifting modules and a plurality of extending modules; connecting the plurality of lifting and extending modules in pairs to the original steps respectively; and optionally connecting a plurality of dividers in between said lifting and extending modules respectively. The dual-use staircase structure reduces the step rise by half, while keeping the total run about the same. It allows healthy people to walk in a full-step domain, while allowing people with knee concerns to walk on a half-step domain. The dual-use staircase may include dividers with lateral openings to facilitate reverse turning halfway during ascending or descending of the staircase.

Abstract: A modular seating riser for stadia, a set of structural modules for building the same, a kit and an assembly therefor, as well as to a method for building the same, are provided. More particularly, a set of structural modules for building a structurally sound modular seating riser on which seats of a bleacher-type stadium can be mounted are provided. The structural modules are an elongated metal extrusion. The set of structural module includes a first module having a female tensioned catch-connector provided along a lateral edge thereof, and a second module having a male tensioned catch-connector provided along a lateral edge thereof. The male and female tensioned catch-connectors have complementary configurations for mating and interlocking together, and forming, when interlocked together, a structural permanent joint.