COVER FOR A STEP

Abstract

A cover for a step may include a pad placed upon the underside of the cover. The cover may affix to the beck end of the step via one or more fasteners directed along damps rotatably mounted to a back end of the cover. A catch may be employed which is permanently mounted to the back end of the step to catch an end of the cover. The catch may include a hinged cover to allow for temporary emplacement of the cover and may include a recess to capture a rod and a hinged cover to securing the rod. Temporary hook-and-loop fastener strip may be used to affix the front end of the cover over the step.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to step covers and, more particularly, to an application of step cover to preexisting stationary steps or ladder steps.

2. Description of Related Prior Art

Numerous types of step covers have been used over the years. The most common step cover is simply material, usually a rubber composition, which is attached to the top of a step by a mastic, brads, or the like. Such a cover may extend partially or fully along the top surface of the step. Some step covers wrap partially around a step such that the opposed edges of the cover extend onto the sides or bottom of the step and are attached by nails, brads, or a mastic. A potentially removable step cover extends partially about each longitudinal edge of a step and partially on to the bottom of the step. The opposing ends of the cover at the bottom of the step are latched with one another by cords or the like penetrably engaging apertures along the edges of the cover under the step.

The first two types of covers discussed above are usually permanently or at least semi-permanently attached to a step. This creates difficulties when the covers are to be replaced due to wear, damage or discoloration. The third type of cover is relatively easily removed but while in operation the forces exerted by the cords, or other fastening systems, tend to cause a cover to pucker due to the non-uniform pulling forces exerted by the engaged cords. This puckering renders these types of covers relatively unsightly. If the pucker extends to the top of the step, a safety hazard exists as it may cause a user to trip. Where such steps are of metal, attachment on a permanent or semi-permanent basis of a cover creates significant issues relating to attachment and covers are unlikely to be used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a wraparound cover for attachment to a step or a seat that includes a cover extending across the step and having opposed ends foldable to the underside of the step. The wraparound cover may include a first rod attached to a first end and a second rod attached to a second end, with at least one hole formed in each end adjacent to the rod(s).

An optional separable pad may be releasably coupled to an underside of the cover. The holes may be penetrated by a tie to draw the ends and/or rods toward one another to secure said wraparound cover about the step. The cover may include a separable pad is releasably coupled to the underside of the cover via a hook and loop fastener around the ends, along an edge or over a majority of the underside surface.

The present invention is also directed to a cover or rug for a step that extends across the top of the step with the longitudinal ends thereof extending along the front and back sides and may extend partially onto the bottom of the step. A plurality of apertures is formed in the rear edge, and possibly the front edge, adjacent the corresponding optional rod(s) along back and front. For a wraparound embodiment, the from and rear edges of the cover are drawn toward one another to secure the cover in place by conventional plastic tie wraps engaging pairs of holes in the opposing ends of the cover. The tie wraps bear against the respective end rods and thereby exert a pulling force along the full length of each corresponding opposed end. By tightening the tie wraps, sufficient friction exists between the cover and the step to prevent sliding movement of the cover along the step. Replacement of a cover is a simple matter of severing the tie wraps to disengage the old cover and removing it. The replacement cover is secured in place with new tie wraps. Optionally, a lower pad may be replaced allowing recovery and/or reuse of the rug (and other components), and/or otherwise ease maintenance.

The present invention includes a step cover for mounting upon a step. A top portion of the cover extends across the step with a first top end adapted to mount upon a step top surface, and a second bottom or front end adapted to affix over a front end, lip, or convex corner of a step. A first rod may be attached to the top end with at least one hole formed adjacent to the rod to allow a connector to mate with the top end and affix (temporarily or permanently) to a step. The front end may include a connection strip, such as a glue strip or hook-and-loop fastener to attach the front end to the step, over the lip, or on the back stop above the next lower step. The connector may be a coupler, such as a C- or U-clamp adapted to hook around an exposed section of the rod. The connector may include an aperture to allow a fastener to pass there through and affix to the step surface. The connector may also include a feature mounted permanently onto the step, or back corner, making a catch to grab, or secure the rod. The catch may include a hinged door, and/or a recess to secure the rod and thereby cover.

The present invention also includes a system to mount a rug for covering a step. The system includes a cover extending across a top of the step. The cover may include a rod disposed along a first top end of the rug. The system may include a catch mounted along the step. The catch would have a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of the (exposed) rod, and a hinged cover adapted to retain the end within the catch. The catch may be mounted via a fastener along a step top and a backstop. The angled fastener may be angled at forty-five degrees from the ground or step plane, or range between thirty and sixty degrees. Alternatively, the angled fastener may be angled upward beyond ninety degrees from the step plane to ensure the catch does not pop up. A downward fastener may also be used with or without the angled fastener and will be directed downwardly into the step. This may be set perpendicular to the step plane. An optional anchor may be installed, or used, under the step pane to allow the downward fastener to set into the anchor.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a detachably attached cover that extends along the top, front side and where necessary, onto back side and the bottom of a step.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cover that wraps along the top and/or sides of a step and applying a uniform force exerted along at least one end, if not both opposing ends, of the cover to draw them apart from one another to retain the cover in place and/or prevent puckering.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a wraparound cover for a step having a rod disposed along a back end of the cover.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a catch to secure a back end/rod along a step.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a replaceable pad on the underside of a step cover.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a catch to securely mount a cover on a step.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a cover that can be easily moved or removed for maintenance or cleaning.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a uniform force extending along the length of the ends of a wraparound cover disposed at the bottom of the step.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a method for securing an end of a cover to a step.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereof proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described with greater specificity and clarity with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention applied to a floating step;

FIG. 2 illustrates the underside of the cover shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section 3-3 of FIG. 2 of a first embodiment of the present invention applied over and wrapped around a floating step;

FIG. 4 illustrates a corner section of the underside of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention applied to a step;

FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up magnified view of the underside of cover shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 5 applied to a step;

FIG. 8 illustrates a partially see-through perspective view of an embodiment of a catch along a step corner;

FIG. 9 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an alternative catch fastening to a step structure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the catch along with an embodiment of the present invention applied to a step;

FIG. 11A illustrates a catch of an embodiment of the present invention along the corner instep in the closed position;

FIG. 11B illustrates a catch of an embodiment of the present invention along the corner instep in the open position;

FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded cross-section of the catch embodiment shown in FIG. 11A; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a section of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, there is illustrated a ladder 10 depicting a step 12 supported laterally by supports 17, 18, 19, and 20. As shown, ladder 10 may include step 12 with surface features 13 to provide for better grip and safety when climbing. These features 13 are well known in the art and range from simple patterns to uplifted steel barbs. Step 12 may include a rug or a wraparound cover 30, which is designed to provide, a stable, comfortable, and removable grip surface for users of the ladder 10. Cover 30 may be constructed out of materials known for durability, strength, water and slip resistance, and flexibility, these include carpeting, rubber matting, woven matting, link matting, or other such material known in the art.

The underside 15 of step 12 with applied cover 30 is illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 in detail. Underside 15 illustrates the underside portion of step 12, which may or may not include both step 12 and features 13. Forward end 35 of cover 30 wraps around front edge 22 of step 12 and preferably extends on to underside 15. Similarly, rear end 36 wraps around the rear edge 23 of step 12 and preferably extends to cover a portion of underside 15. Rod 44 may be disposed within a sleeve 43 on ends 35 and 36, being an elongate shaft constructed of a material having the properties of rigidity and strength like steel, aluminum or the like. Sleeve 43 may be attached to ends 35 or 36 and may be made from end 35 or 36 material folded back on itself, and secured to form a sleeve 43 or additional material attached to ends 35 or 36 to form a sleeve, 43 as is known in the art. Apertures or holes 39 penetrate sleeve 43 essentially adjacent to the location of rod 44, closer to edge 22 or 23 of the step 12, than rod 44.

Cover 30 is retained in place by securing the opposing ends 35 and 36 with one another, by maintaining tension force between end 35 and end 36. To provide that tension, a tie 40 is preferably looped through opposing holes 39, one hole 39 on end 35 and one hole 39 on end 36. Tie 40 is preferably looped through each set of opposing holes 39. Tie 40, may be conventional zip ties, or may alternatively be rope ties, cord, bolt, rubber bands, chain, hook/and-loop lines, string, tape, magnets, or other like known in the art. Each tie 40 is drawn tightly to bring the ends 35 and 36 toward one another. Ties 40 may include a single line with two enlarged ends 41, or include a single loop tied through both ends and doubled-over. The forces exerted by ties 40 preferably bear upon respective rods 40 and not the cover 30 directly. Alternate rods 44, being in their respective sleeves 43, translate the tension force urged by ties 40 to essentially the full width of each end 35 or 36. Therefore, there is no concentration of forces, as would be if grommets or the like were used and engaged with ties 40 or similar. Alternate rods 44 provide uniform tension along each end 35 or 36, allowing for an elimination of bunching or puckering of the cover 30. Furthermore, as each tie 40 can be tightened to a selective degree, the cover 30 is firmly and essentially immovably attached to step 12.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of a cover 30 and its elements attached to step 12. Pad 32 may be floating under undersurface 31 or otherwise attached to cover 30. Pad 32 is preferably attached to the undersurface 31 of cover 30 via hook-and-loop fasteners that provide for convenient replacement of pad 32. Preferably, fasteners are located along a strip, or strips, preferably parallel, to attach pad 32 to cover 30. Pads 32 tend to wear considering the features 13 provided on each step 12, and therefore may need to be replaceable. Pad 32 may also be affixed by gluing, or other fixing means known in the art. Pad 32 minimizes the discomfort and tripping hazard of features 13. Pad 32 allows for movement between pad 32 and cover 30 when a user steps on step 12, the slight movement allowed prevents damage and wear to cover 30. Pad 32 is constructed out of materials known for durability and ability to resist stress such as waffle rubber, urethane foam, bonded urethane, flat rubber, fiber cushion, or other pads known in the art. Pad 32 may also include a fully-formed rug, including both backing and facing, whereby pad facing provides contact to undersurface 31 or backing of cover 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, and 13, illustrating layover cover 130, layover cover may be used in conjunction with ordinary step 110. Step 110 being an ordinary step which may include; step top-surface 111, lip 112, backstop 113, and riser 114. Layover cover 130 is designed to be used in conjunction with steps 110, where cover 30 would be impossible or impractical to install, such as steps where risers connected to steps do not allow access for a wrap-around cover. Layover cover 130 may be wider or narrower than step 110 depending on the application and need of the user, in the preferred embodiment layover cover 130 would be slightly less narrow than the step top-surface 111, as shown in FIG. 5. Layover cover 130 has front end 134 and back end 135. In the preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, front end 134 extends past step top-surface 111, over lip 112, and hangs along backstop 113. FIG. 5 also illustrates the preferred position for back end 135, parallel to and adjacent to the riser 114.

Referring to FIG. 6, a small section of the underside of back end 135 of the layover cover 130 is illustrated. Rod 160 is disposed within a pocket 138 applied along back end 135 of layover cover 130. Rod 160 being an elongate shaft constructed of a material having the properties of rigidity and strength like steel, aluminum or the like. Pocket 138 is attached to end 135 and may be made from end 135 material folded back on itself and secured to form pocket 138 or additional material attached to end 135 to form a pocket 138. Apertures or holes 139 penetrate pocket 138 allowing access to rod 160 when end 135 includes pocket 138. The number of holes 139 would vary depending on the size of layover cover 130 and expected usage. FIG. 5 illustrates four apertures along end 135, however this is only for illustration purposes.

Layover cover 130 is secured to step 110 at back end 135 by fixing the exposed portions 161 of rod 160 to the step top-surface, as illustrated in FIG. 13. A fastener, such as a nail, screw, or staple may be used to pin the rod 160 at each exposed portion 161. In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6 a clamp 150 may fit over exposed section 161. Clamp 150 may include a loose circumscribing fit over rod exposed section 161 to allow for clamp to rotate freely around rod 160. Front end 134 may be detached and rotated upwards, while back end 135 remains fixed relative distance to step top-surface 111. By allowing clamp 150 to rotate, the layover cover 130 may be lifted for periodic cleaning of step, replacement of a pad (not shown), easier maintenance, replacement, etc. Clamp 150 may be constructed out of material known for durability, strength, and toughness such as plastic, steel, aluminum, and the like. Clamp 150 may include an aperture 159 to allow for layover 130 to be affixed to step 110 via fasteners 170 to top-side 111 of step 110 or fasteners 170 may be used without an aperture 159 on clamp 150 during installation fixing clamp 150 and layover cover to step 110. Fastener 170 may include a nail, bolt, catch, glue, or other fastener known in the art.

Turning to FIG. 7, an illustration of how front end 134 may be attached to step 110. It may be desired to attached front end 134 to step 110 to, prevent tripping hazard, limit fraying on the end, and provide a more aesthetic appearance. As described earlier, there is benefit in the user's ability to quickly lift layover cover 130 for cleaning, replacement of a pad (not shown) easier maintenance, replacement, etc. Front end 134 of cover 130 may include an attachment strip 190 for permanent or temporary placement along back stop 113. The attachment strip 190 may be located along underside of end 134 facing back stop 113 and one of two corresponding components of a fastening system, while the complementary fastener, the second corresponding component of the fastening system is attached to the back stop 113 aligned with attachment strip 190. In the preferred embodiment attachment strip 190 is one component of a hook-and-loop fastener system and complementary fastener 191 is the corresponding side of the hook-and-loop system. In other embodiments attachment strip 190 and complementary fastener 191 may be complementary and opposed components of fastening systems including, opposed magnetic clasps, snap fasteners, screw and nut assemblies, and the like.

A pad (not shown) may be placed underneath the layover cover 130 and may be constructed out of materials known for durability and ability to resist stress such as waffle rubber, urethane foam, bonded urethane, flat rubber, fiber cushion, or other pads known in the art.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-12B, which illustrate a catch 200 designed to secure a cover 230, described above as the layover cover 130. Catch 200 is designed to be used as an alternate means for fixing cover 230 to a step 210, rather than a clamp or other fastener directly through cover. By using catch 200 the cover 230 may be lifted for periodic cleaning of step, replacement of a pad (not shown), easier maintenance, replacement, etc. similar to the benefits conferred by the use of clamp 150, however the ease of replacement and interchangeability of covers 230 is greatly increased by the use of the catch 200. Catch 200 is fixed along a corner 290 of the step 210 formed along the line intersection where a backstop surface plane 212 meets a lower step top-surface plane 211. Catch 200 captures a back end 235 of the cover 230 to the corner 290.

A first fastener 220 is preferably affixed diagonally, preferably close to forty-five-degree angle, give or take thirty degrees, or may be affixed as far as parallel with step top surface place 211. In an embodiment not shown, first fastener 220 may be directed upwardly into back stop 212. A second fastener 221 preferably secures the case base 201 to the step top-surface plane 211 and is preferably directly perpendicular to step top surface 211. Fasteners 220 and 221 may include a bolt, nail, screw, or other fastener known the art. An optional anchor 240, preferably made of a solid and more substantive material than step, may be affixed in the step to provide either fastener 220 or 221 to get a better grip, or otherwise to protect the step material. FIG. 12 illustrates where fasteners 220 and 221 connect to catch 200. Fastener 220 preferably attaches to catch 200 using a pre-chilled hole, corner fastener shaft 225. Fastener 221 preferably attaches to catch 200 using a pre-drilled hole, base fastener shaft 224. FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative arrangement of the anchors 240 and fasteners 220 and 221 securing the catch 200 to the step 210.

Catch 200 preferably includes a hinged cover 270 mating at a hinge fulcrum 271 with a catch base 201. The hinged cover 270 as shown in FIGS. 11A and 12 is in the ‘closed’ position and as shown in FIG. 11B in the ‘open’ position. The secured catch 200 may be used to attach cover 230 to step 210. Catch base 201 includes a recess 260 where a rod section 261, the same rod exposed section 161 described above with reference to FIGS. 5-7, of step cover 230 may be captured and secured in catch 200 to emplace step cover along step 210. Cover 270 is opened up to allow for rod section 161 to be emplaced within catch 200 and held, preferably in recess 260. Hinged cover 270 is then closed, thus trapping rod within recess 270 of catch 200 to affix the cover upon the step.

In the preferred embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 10 there may be multiple catches 200 used to secure the cover 200, preferably one placed at every aperture (not shown for cover 230), although a single catch 200 may be sufficient depending on the needs of the user.

Claims

1. A wraparound cover for attachment to a step or a seat, said wraparound cover comprising: (a) a cover extending across the step, said cover and having first end and second end, said first and second ends opposed one another, said cover foldable to an underside of the step;(b) a first rod fixed in said first end;(c) a second rod fixed in said second end;(d) at least one hole formed in said first end adjacent said first rod;(e) at least one further hole formed in said second end adjacent said second rod; and(f) means for coupling said first and second ends to one another.

2. The wraparound cover as set in claim 1 further comprising a separable pad releasably coupled to an underside of said cover.

3. The wraparound cover as set forth in claim 2 wherein said separable pad is releasably coupled to said underside via a hook and loop fastener.

4. A wraparound cover as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for coupling comprises conventional tie wraps.

5. The wraparound cover as set forth in claim 1 further comprising: (h) means for penetrating said hole and said further hole for drawing said first and second rods toward one another to secure the wraparound cover about the step.

6. A wraparound cover as set forth in claim 5 wherein said penetrating means comprises conventional tie wraps.

7. A wraparound cover as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first end comprises a folded end to create a sleeve adapted to receive said first rod, and second end comprises a folded end to create a sleeve adapted to receive said second rod.

8. A step cover for mounting upon a step, said step cover comprising: (a) a cover extending across said step, and having a first top end adapted to mount upon a step top surface, and a second end adapted to affix over a front end of a step;(b) a first rod coupled to said first top end;(c) at least one aperture formed in said first end adjacent said first rod; and(d) at least one connector adapted to fit over said first rod and couple said first top end with said step.

9. The step cover of claim 8 wherein said at least one connector comprises a coupler adapted to hook around an exposed section of said first rod along said at least one hole.

10. The step cover of claim 9 wherein said connector comprises at least one aperture adapted to receive a fastener, said fastener adapted to mount said step cover to the step.

11. The step cover of claim 8 further comprising a cover bottom surface comprising fastening means for attaching to a backstop.

12. The step cover of claim 8 wherein said at least one connector comprises a catch mounted on said step, said catch adapted to couple with said first rod.

13. The step cover of claim 12 wherein said catch comprises a recess fur receiving at least a portion of said first rod.

14. The step cover of claim 12 wherein said catch comprises a hinged cover adapted to cover at least a portion of said first rod when said hinged cover is closed.

15. The step cover of claim 8 wherein said at least one connector comprises a clamp set about at least a portion of said first rod.

16. The step cover of claim 8 further comprising at least one connection strip attached along said second end adapted to mate with at least a portion of a step to secure said second end to said step.

17. A system to mount a rug for covering a step, said system comprising: (a) a cover extending across a top of the step;(b) a rod disposed along a first top end of the rug;(c) a catch mounted along the step, said catch comprising: a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of said rod; anda hinged cover adapted to retain said at least portion within said catch.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein said catch is mounted via a fastener along a step top and a backstop.

19. The system of claim 17 wherein said catch comprises a downward fastener directed downwardly into the step perpendicular to a step plane.

20. The system of claim 19 further comprising an anchor mounted below the step adapted to receive said downward fastener.