FOOT TRACTION PANEL ASSEMBLY FOR STAIR TREADS, STEPS, AND WALKWAYS

Abstract

A foot traction panel assembly includes a panel body having an exposed top surface, opposing sides, and opposing ends. The panel body defines a number of slots extending between the opposing sides and opposing ends. A number of removable spiked inserts are adapted for being custom arranged adjacent selected slots of the panel body. Each of the spiked inserts has a base and a series of spaced apart rigid spikes attached to the base. The spikes are configured to extend vertically above the top surface of the panel body.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates broadly and generally to a foot traction panel assembly for stair treads, steps, and walkways, and method for enhancing adhesive friction of a user's bare or covered foot on an existing stair tread, step, or walkway. The exemplary assembly can be used all year to help prevent slips and falls especially in the winter ice and snow, and in the summer around water. In addition to adding traction on unfinished, slippery or dangerous surfaces, the exemplary assembly may protect bare feet from burning on sun-heated docks, piers, boat ramps, and other outdoor walkways. In one exemplary embodiment, the present assembly's open pattern construction may promote more effective heat dispersion allowing the assembly to cool quicker in a direct sun environment.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. Use of the term “exemplary” means illustrative or by way of example only, and any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “exemplary embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

It is also noted that terms like “preferably”, “commonly”, and “typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the invention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present invention.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises a foot traction panel assembly applicable for use on an existing stair tread, step, walkway, or other foot-contacting surface. The exemplary foot traction assembly is applicable for use on any wood, concrete, polymer, metal, or other surface. The present assembly comprises a panel body having an exposed top surface, opposing longitudinal sides, and opposing lateral ends. The panel body defines a plurality of narrow slots extending between the opposing sides and opposing ends. A plurality of removable spiked inserts are adapted for being custom arranged adjacent selected slots of the panel body. Each of the spiked inserts comprises an elongated base and a series of spaced apart rigid spikes attached to the base. The spikes are configured to extend vertically above the top surface of the panel body.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the rigid spikes and elongated base of each spiked insert are integrally formed together as a single homogenous unit.

According to another exemplary embodiment, each spiked insert comprises between 3-8 rigid spikes.

According to another exemplary embodiment, each rigid spike has a forward-pointing, generally V-shaped tip configuration.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the panel body defines between 4-8 narrow slots extending between the opposing sides and opposing ends.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the traction panel assembly comprises between 4-8 removable spiked inserts adapted for being custom arranged within selected 4-8 narrow slots of the panel body.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the panel body further defines a plurality of corner openings adapted for managing surface-water runoff.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the panel body has a low profile height of less than 0.5 inches.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the panel body has a chamfered front edge extending longitudinally between the opposing ends.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the traction panel assembly has a downwardly-turned lip formed along the front edge of the panel body.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a bottom of panel body comprises a plurality of integrally formed structural ribs.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the top surface of the panel body comprises an anti-slip surface texture.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the traction panel assembly comprises a plurality of fastener landings formed between adjacent slots of the panel body. The fastener landings have respective holes for receiving fasteners used to mount the traction panel assembly to an underlying surface.

In another exemplary embodiment, the traction panel assembly includes a panel body having an exposed top surface, opposing longitudinal sides, and opposing lateral ends. The panel body defines a plurality of narrow slots extending between the opposing sides and opposing ends. A plurality of removable spiked inserts are adapted for being custom arranged adjacent selected narrow slots of the panel body. Each of the spiked inserts comprises an elongated flat narrow base and a series of spaced apart rigid spikes attached to the base. The flat narrow base is slightly wider than the slot and adapted to reside beneath the panel body, such that the rigid spikes extend vertically upward through the slot and above the top surface of the panel body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of foot traction panel assembly according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the exemplary traction panel assembly;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the exemplary traction panel assembly;

FIG. 4 is a further perspective of the exemplary traction panel assembly, and showing an underside arrangement of structural ribs and gussets

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary spiked insert adapted to be removably located within a slot formed with the panel body;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the exemplary spiked insert;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the exemplary spiked insert;

FIG. 8 is an end view of the exemplary spiked insert;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary traction panel assembly applied to a wood stair tread;

FIG. 10 is a further perspective view of exemplary traction panel assemblies applied respective stair treads of wood staircase;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a further cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 12-12 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of exemplary traction panel assemblies applied respective stair treads of wood staircase, and showing the assemblies without spiked inserts;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 14-14 of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 15 is a further cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 15-15 of FIG. 13.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE

The present invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. Like numbers used herein refer to like elements throughout. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be operative, enabling, and complete. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad ordinary and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term “one”, “single”, or similar language is used. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list.

For exemplary methods or processes of the invention, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal arrangement, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or arrangement, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

Additionally, any references to advantages, benefits, unexpected results, or operability of the present invention are not intended as an affirmation that the invention has been previously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed. Likewise, unless stated otherwise, use of verbs in the past tense (present perfect or preterit) is not intended to indicate or imply that the invention has been previously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a foot traction panel assembly according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown generally at broad reference numeral 10. The exemplary traction panel assembly 10 is applicable for enhancing the adhesive friction (or “grip”) of a user's bare or covered foot on an existing stair tread, step, or walkway. In alterative applications, the traction panel assembly 10 may be used on any generally flat surface to assist in the movement of rolling objects, such as carts, hand trucks, and other vehicles, or for any other purpose. The traction panel assembly may be injection molded as a single homogenous unit with a UV-resistant coating or UV stabilizer, and may be fabricated in a variety of neutral or vivid colors.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the present assembly 10 comprises a low-profile panel body 12 having an exposed top surface 14, opposing longitudinal sides 15, 16, and opposing lateral ends 17, 18. The panel body 12 defines a number of strategically spaced narrow slots 20 (referenced generally at 20 and more specifically at 20A-20F) extending between the opposing sides 15, 16 and opposing ends 17, 18—each slot 20 having length and width dimensions identical to the other slots. In the present embodiment, panel body 12 defines two longitudinally aligned front slots 20A, 20B, two longitudinally aligned intermediate slots 20C, 20D, and two longitudinally aligned rear slots 20E, 20F. The pairs of front and rear slots 20A, 20B and 20E, 20F are laterally spaced apart from opposite sides 15, 16 of the panel body 12, respectively, while the intermediate slots 20C, 20D are located substantially along a longitudinal centerline of the panel body 12. As best shown in FIG. 2, the pairs of front and rear slots 20A, 20B and 20E, 20F are laterally spaced apart an equal distance from the pair of intermediate slots 20C, 20D. A number of fastener landings 22 are formed between adjacent slots 20 of the panel body 12, and define respective holes 23 for receiving fasteners “F” (FIG. 9) used to mount the traction panel assembly 10 to an underlying surface. Additional corner openings 24 and narrower slots 25 may be formed in the panel body 12 for added ventilation and to facilitate water runoff from the exposed top surface 14. The top surface 14 of panel body 12 may have an anti-slip texture 28 comprising a multiplicity of small raised bumps or the like. To increase its overall load strength and durability, the underside 29 of the panel body 12 (shown in FIG. 4) may incorporate an arrangement of integrally formed ribs and gussets.

When used on a stair tread, the traction panel assembly 10 may further comprise a downwardly-turned continuous lip 31 formed along a front edge 32 of the panel body 12 and designed to cover a nose of the tread. The front edge 32 of the panel body may also be chamfered between opposing ends 17, 18. In one exemplary embodiment, the profile (height) of the panel body 12 is about 0.38 inches, the length of the panel body 12 is approximately 36 inches, the width of panel body 12 is approximately 9.4 inches, and the height of the downwardly-turned lip 31 is approximately 1.38 inches. The width of each slot 20 is approximately 0.81 inches, and the length of each slot 20 is approximately 12.59 inches.

Referring to FIGS. 5-8, the exemplary traction panel assembly 10 further comprises a plurality of removable modular spiked inserts 40 designed to be custom arranged adjacent selected slots 20 of the panel body 12. Each spiked insert 40 has an elongated flat narrow base 41 comprising a thin peripheral flange 42 and a series of spaced apart rigid spikes 44 integrally formed with the base 41 along its length. The base flange 42 is slightly wider than the slot 20 and designed to reside directly beneath the panel body 12 when assembled, such that the rigid spikes 44 extend vertically upward through the slot 20 and above the exposed top surface 14 of the panel body 12. The portion of the base 41 extending above the flange 42 fits closely within the slot 20. In the exemplary embodiment, the rigid spikes 44 and elongated base 41 of each spiked insert 40 are integrally formed together (e.g., by injection molding) as a single homogenous unit. Each spiked insert 40 is identical to one another and may comprise between 3-8 rigid spikes 44—each rigid spike 44 having a forward-pointing, generally V-shaped tip configuration.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate the exemplary traction panel assembly 10 applied to an existing wood stair tread 50. The spiked inserts 40 may be located in all slots 20 of the panel body 12, such as shown in FIGS. 9-12, or may be custom arranged within only selected slots 20. For example, for increased traction at the nose end of the stair tread 50 one or more spiked inserts 40 may be located within the front and/or intermediate slots 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D of the panel body 12. In another example, the spiked inserts 40 may be located only in slots 20A, 20C, 20E or 20B, 20D, 20F adjacent a selected end of the panel body 12. In yet another example, the spiked inserts 40 may be located only within the intermediate slots 20C, 20D. After determining the desired arrangement, the spiked inserts 40 are located within the selected slots 20 (from the underside of the panel body 12) and the panel body 12 laid over the stair tread 50 with the downwardly-turned lip 31 closely adjacent the nose of the tread 50. Once properly positioned, threaded fasteners “F” are inserted through respective fastener landings 22 of the panel body 12 and into the underlying stair tread 50 to removably mount the traction panel assembly 10 to the tread 50. The resulting assembly 10 may be especially applicable for improving foot traction in snow, ice, wet or other slippery conditions.

For each modular spiked insert 40, the length and width of the base 41 above the flange 42 may be only slightly less than the length and width of the slots 20. The total height of each rigid spike 44 above the base 41 is approximately 0.4 inches, the height of the base 41 above the flange 42 is approximately 0.23 inches, and the height of the flange 42 is approximately 0.13 inches. Additionally, the spiked inserts 40 may be injection molded with a plastic colorant (e.g., florescent orange or safety yellow) for increased visibility, safely and fall prevention.

In an alternative application illustrated in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, the exemplary traction panel assembly 10 may be applied to a stair tread 50′ (or other underlying surface) without the spiked inserts 40. This arrangement may be especially desirable in warm weather months when less textured foot traction may be required to safely traverse stairs, steps, or walkways. In further alternative embodiment, the spiked inserts 40 may be added to and removed from slots 20 of the panel body 12 from the top surface 14 using a snap-in or other mechanical attachment means. In still further exemplary embodiments, the present traction panel assembly may incorporate a light package comprising a solar panel insert, a battery pack insert operatively connected to the solar panel insert, and an LED light insert operatively connected to one or both of the solar panel and battery pack inserts. The LED light insert may comprise 3-9 equally spaced LED lights. Using various sensors, the exemplary light package of the traction panel assembly may automatically emit a warm illuminating glow at night, and when motion is detected at or near the panel assembly, the LED lights may fully illuminate fora predetermined duration (e.g., 30 mins). Each of the solar panel, battery, and LED light inserts may comprise an elongated flat narrow base having a thin peripheral flange, such as previously described, and may be configured to closely fit within selected slots of the panel body.

For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it is noted that the use of relative terms, such as “substantially”, “generally”, “approximately”, and the like, are utilized herein to represent an inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims.

In the claims, any means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. Unless the exact language “means for” (performing a particular function or step) is recited in the claims, a construction under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) [or 6th paragraph/pre-AIA] is not intended. Additionally, it is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Claims

1. A method for assembling a traction panel assembly on an underlying surface, said method comprising: positioning a panel body of the traction panel assembly on the underlying surface, the panel body having an exposed top surface, a bottom surface, opposing sides, and opposing ends, and defining at least one slot extending between the opposing sides and opposing ends;arranging at least one spiked insert adjacent the slot of the panel body, wherein the spiked insert comprises a series of rigid spikes configured to extend vertically through the slot and above the top surface of the panel body; andretaining the spiked insert at the slot without direct attachment of the spiked insert to the underlying surface.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the spiked insert comprises between 3-8 rigid spikes.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein each rigid spike has a forward-pointing, generally V-shaped tip configuration.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one slot of the panel body comprises 4-8 slots extending between the opposing sides and opposing ends.

5. The method according to claim 4, and comprising custom arranging 4-8 removable spiked inserts within selected 4-8 slots of the panel body.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the panel body further defines a plurality of corner openings adapted for managing surface-water runoff.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the panel body has a low profile height of less than 0.5 inches.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the panel body has a chamfered front edge extending between the opposing ends.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the panel body has a downwardly-turned lip formed along a front edge of the panel body.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the panel body has an underside comprising a plurality of integrally formed structural ribs.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the top surface of the panel body comprises an anti-slip surface texture.

12. A method for assembling a traction panel assembly on an underlying surface, said method comprising: positioning a panel body of the traction panel assembly on the underlying surface, the panel body having an exposed top surface, a bottom surface, opposing sides, and opposing ends, and defining a plurality of slots extending between the opposing sides and opposing ends;custom arranging at least one spiked insert adjacent a selected one of the slots of the panel body, wherein the spiked insert comprises a series of rigid spikes configured to extend vertically through the slot and above the top surface of the panel body; andretaining the spiked insert at the slot without direct attachment of the spiked insert to the underlying surface.