Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6763912
-
Patent Number
6,763,912
-
Date Filed
Thursday, August 29, 200221 years ago
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Date Issued
Tuesday, July 20, 200420 years ago
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Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 182 115
- 182 116
- 182 113
- 182 151
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International Classifications
-
Abstract
A modular stair assembly includes a stair module and at least one of a transportation module, deck module, handrail module, extension deck module, and extension handrail module that can be interconnected in various configurations to suite a wide variety of different applications.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to stair assemblies, and more particularly to modular stair assemblies with different modules or components that can be connected together to suit a wide variety of different applications.
Prefabricated stair assemblies are often designed for a single application or particular use. For example, it is common to prefabricate stair assemblies for new homes, trailer homes, and so on. These stair assemblies are typically constructed of cement, and are therefore relatively heavy in weight, difficult to transport, position, and secure in place. The removal of such stair assemblies is labor-intensive and often requires special equipment. For temporary structures or structures at temporary locations, such as platforms for presentations or speeches, trailer homes, and so on, the ability to install and/or remove the stair assembly for various applications in a quick and efficient manner is desirous.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a modular stair assembly comprises a stair module having a pair of spaced stair support frames with each stair support frame including an elongate base member, a rear upright support member connected to a rear end of the base member, a stringer extending diagonally from a forward end of the base member to an upper end of the rear support member, and a plurality of L-shaped risers connected to the stringer. Each riser has a vertical riser portion that extends upwardly from the stringer and a horizontal riser portion that extends rearwardly from the vertical riser portion toward the stringer. The vertical and horizontal riser portions are rigidly fixed together. A plurality of steps extend between the stair support frames and are supported by the horizontal riser portions.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, at least one of a transportation module, deck module, handrail module, extension deck module, and extension handrail module can be provided with the stair module so that the modular stair assembly is readily adaptable to a wide variety of different applications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
FIG. 1
is an isometric view of a modular stair assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2
is an isometric view of the modular stair assembly with an attached transportation module in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 3
is an isometric view of the modular stair assembly with an attached handrail module in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 4
is an isometric view of the modular stair assembly with an attached deck module in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 5
is an isometric view of the modular stair assembly with attached deck and handrail modules in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 6
is an isometric exploded view of the modular stair assembly of
FIG. 5
as viewed from the left side thereof,
FIG. 7
is an isometric view of the deck module;
FIG. 8
is a side elevational view of a pair of modular stair assemblies in back-to-back relationship;
FIG. 9
is an isometric view of a modular stair assembly with an attached extension deck module and extension handrail module in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 10
is an isometric view of a modular stair assembly with an extension deck module and a pair of extension handrail modules in accordance with an even further embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 11
is an isometric view of the extension deck module as shown in the
FIG. 10
embodiment;
FIG. 12
is a left side isometric view of a stair step in accordance with the invention that can form part of the modular stair assemblies of the previous embodiments;
FIG. 13
is a side elevational view of the stair step; and
FIG. 14
is a bottom plan view of the stair step.
The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like parts throughout the drawing figures are represented by like numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings, and to
FIG. 1
in particular, a modular stair assembly
5
in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The modular stair assembly includes a stair module
10
with a pair of spaced stair support frames
12
and
14
, a plurality of steps
16
extending between the support frames, and a cross member or brace
18
extending diagonally between the support frames
12
and
14
for added structural support.
With additional reference to
FIG. 6
, each of the stair support frames
12
and
14
is generally triangular in shape and includes an elongate base member
20
that contacts a horizontal support surface, such as a floor, platform, ground, and so on, a rear upright support member
22
connected to a rear end of the base member
20
, and a stringer
24
extending diagonally from a forward end of the base member
20
to an upper end of the rear support member
22
. Preferably, the base member
20
, the rear upright support member
22
and the stringer
24
are L-shaped in cross section and formed of a metal material, such powder-coated steel or anodized aluminum to inhibit rust and/or discoloration. It will be understood that the structural members can be constructed with other materials and/or finishes. A plurality of L-shaped risers
26
are connected to the stringer
24
for supporting the steps
16
. Each riser
26
is preferably constructed of a single piece of material and includes a vertical riser portion
28
and a horizontal riser portion
30
that is rigidly connected to the vertical riser portion. With the exception of the forward-most riser
26
, the ends
32
and
34
of the risers
26
are securely connected to the stringer, preferably through welding, although fasteners, brackets, or other securing means can be used. As shown, the forward-most riser
26
has one end
32
that is also connected to the stringer
24
and another end
34
that is connected to the forward end of the base member
20
at a more forward position than the stringer
24
. Each of the horizontal riser portions
30
includes a pair of spaced apertures
36
through which threaded bolts or studs
38
are received for securing the steps
16
to the risers
26
.
The steps
16
are preferably trapezoidal in shape with an upper surface
40
that is wider than a lower surface
42
. Each step
16
is preferably constructed of a slip-resistant cement material with the studs
38
embedded therein and extending downwardly from the lower surface
42
. It will be understood that the steps
16
can be constructed of other materials and shapes.
With the above-described arrangement, the stair module
10
is relatively light weight, rigid, and easily transported and erected when the individual components are shipped separately and bolted or otherwise connected together at the installation site. When the stair module
10
is used for temporary structures or displays, the bolted configuration allows for relatively quick and easy disassembly.
With reference now to
FIG. 2
, a transportation module
48
in the form of wheels or casters
50
can be connected to the base members
20
of the support frames
12
and
14
to facilitate movement and positioning of the modular stair assembly
5
. This configuration is especially advantageous when the modular stair assembly
5
is installed at temporary locations or must be moved for accessing or preventing access to different parts of a structure. The wheels
50
can be of the locking and/or swiveling type. The wheels
50
may additionally or alternatively be of the retracting type so that the frame can be solidly supported on a surface when positioned at a desired location.
With reference now to
FIGS. 3 and 6
, the modular stair assembly
5
can include a handrail module
60
. As shown, the handrail module
60
has a front upright post
62
, a rear upright post
64
, a lower support bar
66
that extends between the front and rear posts, an upper rail
68
that connects to and extends beyond the front and rear posts, and spindles
70
that extend between the lower support bar
66
and the upper rail
68
. The components of the handrail module
60
are preferably constructed of a durable material, such as steel or aluminum, and can be separately formed and rigidly connected together through welding, fasteners, or other attachment means. Alternatively, the handrail module
60
may be formed as a unitary structure of plastic or other material. The front upright post
62
is preferably connected to a front mounting tab
72
that is rigidly connected to and extends upwardly from the base member
20
of each support frame
12
,
14
. The rear upright post
64
is preferably connected to the rear upright support member
22
of one of the support frames
12
,
14
. The rear upright support members
22
and the front mounting tabs
72
preferably have mounting holes
74
that are in alignment with holes
76
(
FIG. 6
) on the front and rear posts
62
and
64
, respectively, for receiving a bolt or other fastener to thereby secure the handrail module
60
to one or both of the support frames
12
,
14
.
With reference now to
FIGS. 4
,
6
and
7
, the modular stair assembly
5
can include a deck module
80
. As shown, the deck module
80
has a pair of spaced deck frames
82
and
84
and a plurality of platform portions
86
extending between the deck frames. Although not shown, a cross member can extend diagonally between the deck frames
82
and
84
for added structural support.
Each of the deck frames
82
and
84
is of generally C-shaped configuration and includes a lower support member
88
, a rear upright support member
90
connected to a rear end of the lower support member
88
, and an upper support member
92
connected to an upper end of the upright support member
90
. Preferably, the lower, upper and rear upright support members are L-shaped in cross section and formed of a metal material, such powder-coated steel or anodized aluminum to inhibit rust and/or discoloration. A lower connection tab
94
is secured to a forward end of each of the lower support members
88
and extends generally upwardly therefrom. An upper connection tab
96
is secured to a forward end of each of the upper support members
92
and extends generally forwardly therefrom. A hole
98
is preferably formed in each of the connection tabs
94
,
96
and corresponding holes
100
(
FIG. 6
) are preferably formed in the rear upright support members
22
through which threaded bolts or other fasteners are received for securing the deck module
80
to the stair module
10
. It will be understood that the deck module can be connected to the stair module through other fastening means, such as clamping, welding, adhesive bonding, and so on.
Each of the upper support members
92
preferably includes pairs of spaced apertures
102
through which threaded bolts or studs (not shown) are received for securing the platform portions
86
to the upper support members
92
. It will be understood that more or less pairs of spaced apertures
102
can be used depending on the length of the deck module
80
and thus the total number of platform portions
86
. As with the rear upright support members
22
of the stair support frames
12
and
14
, the rear upright support members
90
of the deck frames
82
and
84
have mounting holes
105
that are in alignment with holes
76
(
FIG. 6
) on the rear posts
64
of the handrail module
60
for receiving a bolt or other fastener to thereby secure the handrail module
60
to one or both of the stair support frames
12
,
14
and the deck frames
82
,
84
. It will be understood that the structural members can be constructed with other materials and/or finishes. It will be further understood that the deck frames are not limited to the C-shaped configuration.
The platform portions
86
are preferably similar in construction to the steps
16
and are preferably trapezoidal in shape with an upper surface
104
that is wider than a lower surface
106
. Each platform portion
86
is preferably constructed of a slip-resistant cement material with studs (not shown) embedded therein and extending downwardly from the lower surface
106
. It will be understood that the platform portions
86
can be constructed of other materials and shapes.
Although only three steps
16
and two platform portions
86
are shown for the stair and deck modules, respectively, it will be understood that more or less steps and/or platform portions can be used, it being understood that the structural members would be lengthened and/or shortened to accommodate the different numbers of steps and/or platform portions, as shown for example in FIG.
9
.
The modular stair assembly
5
can include one or more of the modules as previously described. As shown in
FIG. 1
, the modular stair assembly includes the stair module
10
. In
FIG. 2
, a transportation module
48
is added. In
FIG. 3
, the modular stair assembly
5
includes a combination of the stair module
10
and the handrail module
60
. In
FIG. 4
, the modular stair assembly includes a combination of the stair module
10
and the deck module
80
. In
FIGS. 5 and 6
, the modular stair assembly includes a combination of the stair module
10
, the handrail module
60
, and the deck module
80
. Other combinations of the different modules can be used depending on the particular requirements at the installation site.
With reference now to
FIG. 8
, a modular stair assembly
110
in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention includes two modular stair assemblies
5
in back-to-back relation to form a raised platform
112
that can be accessed from either stair module
10
. As in the previous embodiment, each of the stair assemblies
5
may be arranged with a single stair module
10
or different combinations of modules to produce the desired effect.
Referring now to
FIGS. 9 and 11
, a modular stair assembly
120
in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention includes a stair module
122
, a deck module
124
connected to a rear end of the stair module, a handrail module
126
connected to a forward end of the stair module
122
and a rearward end of the deck module
124
, an extension deck module
128
connected to a rear end of the deck module
124
, and an extension handrail module
130
connected to a side of the extension deck module
128
. The stair module
122
, deck module
124
and handrail module
126
are similar in construction to the stair module
10
, deck module
80
and handrail module
60
, respectively, with the exception that some of the structural components are lengthened to accommodate an increased height of the stair module
122
and the increased number of steps
16
. The size of the structural components may also be increased to accommodate more weight.
The extension deck module
128
has a pair of spaced extension deck frames
132
and
134
, cross members
136
,
138
and
140
extending diagonally between the extension deck frames
132
and
134
, and a plurality of platform portions
86
extending between the extension deck frames.
Each of the extension deck frames
132
and
134
is preferably generally square or rectangular in shape and includes a lower support member
142
, an upper support member
144
, a front upright support member
146
and a rear upright support member
148
extending between forward and rearward portions, respectively, of the lower support member
142
and the upper support member
144
. Preferably, the lower, upper, front and rear support members are L-shaped in cross section and formed of a metal material, such powder-coated steel or anodized aluminum. It will be understood that the support members can be constructed of other cross sectional shapes and/or materials.
As shown, the cross member
136
extends diagonally from a lower portion of the front upright support member
146
of the extension deck frame
132
to an upper portion of the front upright support member
146
of the extension deck frame
134
. Likewise, the cross members
138
and
140
extend diagonally from a lower portion of one of the rear upright support members
148
to an upper portion of the other rear upright support member
148
. Although three cross members are shown, it will be understood that more or less cross members can be provided.
As with the deck module
80
, each of the upper support members
144
of the extension deck module
128
preferably includes pairs of spaced apertures (not shown) through which threaded bolts or studs (not shown) are received for securing the platform portions
86
to the upper support members
144
. It will be understood that more or less pairs of spaced apertures can be used depending on the length of the extension deck module
128
and thus the total number of platform portions
86
.
The extension deck module
128
is preferably connected to the rear of the deck module
124
through fasteners, such as threaded bolts and nuts, but may alternatively be connected through clamping, welding, adhesive bonding, or other fastening means.
As shown in
FIG. 9
, the extension handrail module
130
has a front upright post
150
, a rear upright post
154
, a lower support bar
156
that extends between the front and rear posts, an upper rail
158
that extends between the front and rear posts, and spindles
160
that extend between the lower support bar
156
and the upper rail
158
. The components of the extension handrail module
130
are preferably constructed of a durable material, such as steel or aluminum, and can be separately formed and rigidly connected together through welding, fasteners, or other attachment means. Alternatively, the extension handrail module
130
may be formed as a unitary structure of plastic or other material. The front upright post
150
is preferably connected to the front upright support member
146
of one or both support frames
132
,
134
(
FIG. 11
) Likewise, the rear upright post
154
is preferably connected to the rear upright support member
148
of one or both support frames
132
,
134
through fasteners, such as threaded bolts and nuts, but may alternatively be connected together through clamping, welding, adhesive bonding, or other fastening means. The use of two or more extension handrail modules with the extension deck module
128
is contemplated.
With the above-described embodiment, one or more stair modules
122
, deck modules
124
, handrail modules
126
, extension deck modules
128
, and/or extension handrail modules
130
can be connected together in different combinations and orientations to accommodate a wide variety of circumstances and applications. As in the
FIG. 8
embodiment, two modular stair assemblies
120
can be positioned in back-to-back relation to form an extended raised platform that can be accessed from both stair modules
122
.
With reference now to
FIG. 10
, a modular stair assembly
160
in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The modular stair assembly
160
is similar in construction to the modular stair assembly
120
previously described, with the exception that the extended deck module
128
is connected to a side of the deck module
124
and a second extension handrail module
162
is connected to a forward portion of the extended deck module
128
. The handrail module
126
is also repositioned on an opposite side of the stair module
122
and the deck module
124
.
With the above-described embodiments, it can be readily seen that the modular stair assembly can be configured in a wide variety of different ways to accommodate a wide variety of different applications.
Turning now to
FIGS. 12-14
, a step
170
in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The step
170
can be used with any of the stair modules of the previously described embodiments and includes a tread portion
172
and an overhang portion
174
that extends generally downwardly from the tread portion
172
. Openings
176
are formed in a lower surface
178
of the tread portion
172
. The openings
176
are adapted to receive threaded studs or bolts (not shown) for connecting the steps
170
with the risers
26
as previously described. Alternatively, studs, bolts, clamps, or other fastening means can be integrally molded with the steps
1700
for connection with the risers
26
. The step
170
is preferably constructed of a slip-resistant cement material, although other materials may be used.
It will be understood that terms of orientation and/or position as may be used herein such as vertical, horizontal, front, rear, upper, lower, and so on, as well as their respective derivatives and equivalent terms refer to relative, rather than absolute, orientations and/or positions. Moreover, it will be understood that the term “preferably” as used herein refers to an exemplary arrangement of the invention, and therefore is not intended to portray the invention in any limiting sense.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It will be understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims
- 1. A modular stair assembly, comprising:a stair module supportable and freestanding on a surface, the stair module having a plurality of steps removably connected between a pair of spaced side frames; and a plurality of optional modules removably connected to the stair module to result in different structures of the stair assembly to suit a wide variety of applications, the optional modules comprising a deck module, wherein the deck module comprises: a generally horizontal platform portion substantially coplanar to an uppermost step of the stair module; and a pair of spaced C-shaped side frames each having, a generally, horizontally extending bottom member having a free proximal end supportable on a surface, a generally, horizontally extending top member having a free proximal end supporting the platform portion, a generally vertical member extending between distal ends of the bottom and top members, and connection tabs extending from the proximal ends of the bottom and top members for removably engaging the side frames of the stair module.
- 2. The modular stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of optional modules further includes an extension deck module having a generally horizontal platform portion substantially coplanar to the platform portion of the deck module.
- 3. The modular stair assembly of claim 2, wherein the plurality of optional modules further includes a handrail module removably connectable to the stair module and an extension handrail module removably connectable to the extension deck module.
- 4. The modular stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of optional modules further includes a handrail module that extends in a generally horizontal direction a length generally coterminous with the side frames of the stair module.
- 5. The modular stair assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of optional modules further includes a handrail module that extends in a generally horizontal direction a length generally coterminous with a length defined by the stair module connected to the deck module.
- 6. A modular stair assembly, comprising:a stair module supportable and freestanding on a surface, the stair module having a plurality of steps removably connected between a pair of spaced side frames; a module removably connected to the stair module wherein the module is a first handrail module extending in a generally horizontal direction a length generally coterminous with the side frames of the stair module, or a deck module, the deck module comprising: a generally horizontal platform portion substantially coplanar to an uppermost step of the stair module; and a pair of spaced C-shaped side frames each having a generally, horizontally extending bottom member having a free proximal end supportable on a surface, a generally, horizontally extending top member having a free proximal end supporting the platform portion, a generally vertical member extending between distal ends of the bottom and top members, and connection tabs extending from the proximal ends of the bottom and top members removably engaging the side frames of the stair module; and optionally a second handrail module removably connected to the stair module and removably connected to the deck module, the second handrail module extending in a generally horizontal direction a length generally coterminous with a length defined by the stair module connected to the deck module.
- 7. The modular stair assembly of claim 6 wherein the deck module is removably connected to an extension deck module having a generally horizontal platform portion substantially coplanar to the platform portion of the deck module.
- 8. The modular stair assembly of claim 7 wherein the extension deck module is removably connected to a third handrail module.
- 9. A modular stair assembly, comprising:a stair module supportable and freestanding on a surface, the stair module having a plurality of steps removably connected between a pair of spaced side frames; and at least one of a plurality of modules removably connected to the stair module to result in different structures of the stair assembly to suit a wide variety of applications, the plurality of modules comprising: a first handrail module extending in a generally horizontal direction a length generally coterminous with the side frames of the stair module; a deck module, the deck module comprising: a generally horizontal platform portion substantially coplanar to an uppermost step of the stair module; and a pair of spaced C-shaped side frames each having a generally, horizontally extending bottom member having a free proximal end supportable on a surface, a generally, horizontally extending top member having a free proximal end supporting the platform portion, generally vertical member extending between distal ends of the bottom and top members, and connection tabs extending from the proximal ends of the bottom and top members removably engaging the side frames of the stair module; and a second handrail module extending in a generally horizontal direction a length generally coterminous with a length defined by the stair module connected to the deck module.
US Referenced Citations (33)