SAFETY GUARD TO A PREVENT CHILDREN FROM CLIMBING THE EXTERIOR OF A STAIR RAILING

TECHNICAL FIELD

The apparatus, system and methods generally relate to children safety devices for staircases.

BACKGROUND

Many staircases have one or both sides open or, in other words, sides not closed in by walls. The open side of these staircases present a danger to children. More particularly, the exterior of the handrails, along with the stairstep treads hanging over the side of the staircase like ledges, are very inviting for children to climb. Children will often place their hands on the handrail supports or balusters to steady themselves while climbing the stairsteps with their small feet using the overhanging stairstep treads as ledges for footholds.

On some staircases having one or both sides open, the bottom of the handrails supports do not attach the stairsteps but instead to an angled support. With this particular staircase design, the children may slide their feet under the handrail supports and onto the stairstep tread. In yet other staircase designs with open sides, the children may place their feet between the handrail supports (e.g., balusters) to access greater portions of the stairstep treads for footholds on which to climb.

Gate-type guards have been developed to prevent children from ascending or descending in the normal “inside of the railing” path or stairway. These gates are placed at the bottom and top of the stairway. The gates are often pressure mounted or mounted by drilling holes in the bannisters or walls. Unfortunately, these gate-type guards do nothing to prevent children from climbing the side or exterior of the staircase. In fact, since the normal inside the railing path is closed off to the child by the gate, the exterior route up the stairs is even more alluring. This is particular troublesome because the vertical drops are even more dangerous on the exterior of the staircase than the interior.

Children are hurt every year falling from the exterior of staircases. Parents desire to remove this significant danger from their child's environment.

Accordingly, there is a desire for a safety device for use on the exterior of staircases.

What is needed is an apparatus for discouraging children from climbing to elevated positions on the outside of a staircase.

SUMMARY

This apparatus is a safety guard to discourage and/or prevent children from climbing stairs on the exterior of the railing.

Whereas gate-type guards prevent a child from ascending or descending the stairs in the normal “inside the railing” path, this safety apparatus protects children by shielding them from climbing to elevated positions on the outside of the railing, where the vertical drop is even more of a danger.

A stair guard safety apparatus is described. A screen or shield is used to discourage children from climbing the outside of a staircase. The screen and a fastening structure comprise the stair guard safety apparatus. Fixed support for securing the screen is provided by structure available in the staircase (e.g., handrail, bannister, closures and/or its accoutrements). In some embodiments, the screen fastening structure uses the fixed support structure of the handrails, for example balusters, spindles, stanchions, decorative supports, ornamental closures, decorative accoutrements or stair sticks to secure support for the screen. This screen support is provided, for example, by sandwiching, applying pressure, surrounding or otherwise fastening the screen to the existing staircase parts, such as bannisters, balusters, steps or other structure. In many embodiments, the stair guard apparatus is fastened in such a way that it does not damage the balusters and is removable.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for use on an open side of a staircase is described wherein the staircase includes an interior for foot traffic, stairsteps with tread overhanging the open side of the staircase and has a handrail on the open side of the staircase with railing closures or supports, the apparatus comprising: a shield; and a support structure connected to the shield and removably connected to the railing closure or support; wherein the shield is supported in a position exterior to the railing closure or support and extending a sufficient distance in a direction perpendicular to the handrail to block a child from climbing the tread or its overhang In an embodiment, the railing closures or supports comprise intermediate rails, balusters, banisters, decorative supports or ornamental closures. In an embodiment, the support structure comprises a bracket. In another embodiment, the support structure comprises a support plate. In an embodiment, the support structure comprises compression plates. In an embodiment, the support structure comprises a bracket and compression plates.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for use in blocking a child from climbing stairstep treads overhanging an open side of a staircase is described as comprising: a shield; and a support structure for removably connecting the shield to railing support.

In an embodiment, the apparatus' bracket and support form an angle between 85 and 95 degrees. In another, the bracket and support form an angle between 80 and 100 degrees. In yet another, the bracket and support form an angle between 70 and 110 degrees.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for use on the open side of a staircase wherein the staircase includes an interior for foot traffic, stairsteps with tread overhanging the open side of the staircase and has a handrail on the open side of the staircase with railing supports is described as comprising: a shield and a means, removably connected to the rail support, for supporting the shield extending a sufficient distance measured in a direction perpendicular to the handrails to block a child from climbing the stairstep tread overhangs to ascend the exterior of a staircase.

In this embodiment, the railing supports comprising one or more of the following intermediate rails, balusters, banisters, decorative supports or ornamental closures.

In one embodiment, the tread overhangs the open side of the staircase; In another embodiment, the tread does not overhang the open side of the staircase and children climb the exterior of a staircase using stairstep tread wherein there is no stairstep tread overhang.

In another embodiment a safety apparatus is described comprising: a screen; a bracket, connected to the screen; a brace, operably connected to the bracket, wherein the brace and bracket fasten the apparatus to handrail supports and the screen protrudes from the exterior of the handrail supports preventing children from climbing the exterior of a staircase.

In one embodiment, fastening devices or fixing devices such as bolts and nuts are used.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for preventing children from climbing stairs on an exterior of a railing is described as comprising: a shield, generally perpendicular to the railing, for blocking an ascent of the stairs along the exterior of the railing; a right-angle mounting bracket, connected to the shield, for substantially rigidly connecting the shield to the railing; and support plates, removably connected to the railing, for facilitating attachment of the right-angle mounting bracket to the railing and stabilizing the connecting of the right-angle mounting bracket to the railing; and wherein the apparatus may be removed from the railing by disconnecting the mounting brackets.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for preventing children from ascending, exterior to a handrail, a staircase, is described the apparatus comprising: one or more blocking shields, located exterior to a handrail; a bracket operably connected to the blocking shields; and a support structure operably connected to the bracket and handrail supports, wherein the blocking shield blocks a child from climbing using a portion of a stairstep exterior to a handrail.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for preventing children from climbing using a portion of stairsteps located exterior to a handrail is described as comprising: a shield, located exterior to a handrail and blocking a child from climbing a outer portion of a stairstep; a bracket connected to the shield; a support plate, connected to the bracket and removably connected to a railing system.

In an embodiment, an apparatus for use on the open side of a staircase wherein the staircase includes an interior for foot traffic, stairsteps with tread overhanging the open side of the staircase and has a handrail on the open side of the staircase with railing supports comprising intermediate rails, balusters, banisters or ornamental closures, is described as comprising: a shield located exterior to the railing support and extending at least 10 inches from the railing support measured in a direction perpendicular to the railing support; a bracket connected to the shield; and a support, connected to the bracket and removably connected to a railing support.

In an embodiment a kit is described for an stair guard safety apparatus. In one such embodiment, a kit for a shield to screen children from climbing an exterior of an open side of a staircase having a handrail and handrail supports, is described as comprising: a screen; a bracket; means for attaching the bracket to the screen; a support; and means for removably securing the bracket and support to the handrail supports, wherein when secured the screen prevents ascent on the exterior of an open staircase.

In a kit embodiment described, the removably securing means comprises a screw. In another kit embodiment, the screen is a panel and the support is a plate. In another embodiment, when mounted, the handrail support is sandwiched between the bracket and the support.

In another embodiment, a method of installing a shield on a side of a staircase wherein the side is open is described as comprising: attaching a panel to a bracket or support plate; mounting the attached panel (and bracket or support plate) to handrail supports or handrail closures using a support; wherein the mounted panel prevents ascending the exterior of the open side of the staircase by climbing steps.

In another embodiment, the step of attaching a panel comprises connecting the panel to a panel mount and connecting the panel mount to the support plate. In yet another embodiment, the step of attaching comprises connecting the panel to a panel mount and connecting the panel mount to the bracket.

In another embodiment, the method step of mounting the safety apparatus sandwiches the rail support between plates. In another embodiment, the step of mounting sandwiches the handrail supports between the bracket and support. In another embodiment, the method of installing a shield on a side of as staircase includes fastening brackets to handrail supports. In another embodiment the method involves securing plates to handrail supports.

In another a barrier is connected to stanchions using a brace. In another embodiment, a brace is used to fasten one or more brackets and a shield to the handrail supports

The different design options or embodiments included below are representative of the many that could be used for a stair guard apparatus. Each example of a stair guard apparatus can be fastened to an open right side or an open left side of a staircase.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art gate on a home stairway for gating the inside the railing path while children are climbing the exterior of the staircase.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a safety apparatus having a screen and a fastening structure.

FIG. 3a illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a safety apparatus with a shield mount.

FIG. 3b illustrates a perspective view of an example for a screen or shield for a stair guard.

FIG. 3c illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary end piece or shield mount for a stair guard apparatus.

FIG. 3d illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary back plate or brace for a stair guard apparatus.

FIG. 3e illustrates a top view for an exemplary gripping bracket for a stair guard apparatus.

FIG. 3f illustrates an alternative design with a combined shield mount and back plate or brace.

FIG. 4a illustrates a view from the outside of the handrail looking up of an exemplary embodiment having two gripping brackets and two support plates.

FIG. 4b illustrates a view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4a from inside the staircase handrail looking downward showing the interior support plate fastened to the inside of the railing.

FIG. 5a illustrates a view from outside the handrail, at approximately a 45-degree angle to the handrail, of an embodiment using clear material and four support plates.

FIG. 5b is the same illustration as FIG. 5a with a depiction of a child prevented from climbing the exterior of the staircase.

FIG. 6a is an illustration of a wrought iron screen embodiment viewed from outside the staircase handrail at about 45 degrees from the handrail in the horizontal plane and looking up at roughly 30-degree angle.

FIG. 6b is front view of the wrought iron screen embodiment of FIG. 6a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a prior art gate for blocking the inside the railing path of a stairway. A typical home staircase having one open side with a handrail having handrail supports is shown. A gate-type guard at the bottom of the steps is used to prevent children climbing in the normal inside the railing path of the stairway. The gate-type guard is typically pressure mounted or may be bolted to walls and/or handrail balusters. As is shown, with the gate-type guards installed, children climb the exterior of the staircase using the balusters as hand holds and the overhanging stairstep treads as footholds. The overhanging portions of the stairstep treads can form ledges extending beyond the side of the staircase. These ledges are generally of sufficient size for children to use as footholds for climbing. Using the balusters and overhanging stairstep treads, children are able to reach dangerous vertical heights on their ascent up the outside of the staircase.

FIG. 2 is one embodiment of the staircase safety apparatus 100. Various embodiments and variations of the staircase safety apparatus are described with reference to the Figures. The staircase safety apparatus 100 has two components, (1) a screen 104 device for completely or partially blocking the path of the child climbing the exterior of the staircase and (2) a fastening structure 108 for securing the screen 104 device to a staircase.

The screen 104 is any device or object that will block, prevent or discourage children from climbing the exterior of an open side of a staircase. In some embodiments, the screen 104 is solid and in others it is not solid. In some embodiments the screen 104 is clear or see-through while in others it is opaque or dark. In various embodiments, the screen 104 may be one of more of the following, a shield, a panel, a series of connected bars, a wrought iron gate, a mesh, a netting, a webbing, a curtain, a lattice, a partition, etc. The screen 104 can be made of any material that will facilitate with the blocking or preventing of passage or discourage climbing the exterior of the staircase. The screen 104 may be made from natural or man-made materials. Materials such as wood, metal, iron, plastic, glass, fabrics, marble, stone, upholstery, animal skin, etc may be used.

The fastening structure 108 is any hardware that enables the screen 104 to be held in place on the open side of a staircase. The fastening structure 108 fastens the screen 104 to the available staircase structure (e.g., handrail, handrail supports, stairsteps, etc.). In some embodiments, the fastening structure 108 is removably attached to the staircase. In some embodiments, the fastening structure 108 removably fastens the screen 104 to the handrail supports (e.g., balusters, decorative support, wrought iron, wooden slats etc.). In other embodiments, in which a more permanent or long term solution is desired (e.g., a preschool), the fastening structure 108 may more permanently affix the screen 104 to the side of the staircase.

The screen 104 is generally in a vertical position to act as a blocking device for the child climbing up the side of the staircase. While the screen can vary from the vertical by a significant amount (e.g., 0 to 30 degrees), it is best not to have the screen angled to such a large extent that a child can climb on board the screen and cross over the screen or even tempt a child to climb on board the screen 104.

In some embodiments, the screen 104 is fastened with the fastening structure 108 so as to be generally perpendicular to a side (a side running along the length) of the staircase. In this manner the screen 104 protrudes from the staircase and prevents a child from climbing up the side of the staircase. In various embodiments, the screen 104 protrudes from the staircase at different angles. For example, the screen 104 may extend from the staircase at angles varying from 30 degrees to 150 degrees. For example, 45, 60 and 80 degrees forward facing or 100, 120 and 135 degrees backward facing angles may be used.

The screen 104 should be of adequate height and width to prevent a child from getting around the screen (e.g., over, under, or around the side). Screens 104 may be of different heights, widths and depths.

Handrails are typically between 30 and 38 inches tall (in height) as measured from the stairstep tread to the top of the handrail along the plane of the riser. Handrail height may be dictated by local codes. Screens 104 may be taller or shorter than the handrail height. For a screen to be effective to block a child, it does not need to be as tall as the handrail height. In most implementations, a screen height of about 24 inches is sufficient and effective. An effective size for the screen depends on the width and the height of the screen 104, its placement along the vertical height of the side of the handrail, and its angle from the vertical. If the screen 104 is approximately vertical and located in approximately the center of the vertical height of the handrail, a screen height of roughly ⅓ to ⅔ of the handrail height is usually sufficient to prevent a child from going over or under the screen. For example, if the handrail height is 36 inches, an effective screen height may be approximately 12 to 24 inches. Of course, a screen 104 can be made taller as long as it does not interfere with the use of the handrail. Screens 104 between 25 inches and 40 inches or more may be used. A taller screen 104 is generally safer if it does not interfere with normal use of the staircase.

Various screen widths may be used. The width of a screen 104 is sufficient if, when fastened to the staircase, it prevents a child from getting around the side of the screen 104. In order to get around a fastened screen 104 a child needs to reach the stairstep treads and/or the balusters, while maneuvering around the side of the screen 104. Therefore, the length of a child's limbs helps determine an adequate width for the screen 104. Distance fastened from the balusters is also a variable. Generally, roughly a distance of 12 to 18 inches from the balusters is sufficient to block a child. The distance from the balusters to the outside edge of the screen depend upon the width of the screen 104 as well as the distance between the screen and the balusters to which the screen 104 is affixed. Screen widths of between 8 inches and 36 inches may be used. In most implementations widths of approximately 10 to 14 inches are sufficient to block a child. The distance between the screen 104 and the balusters after fastening may be zero, a few inches or greater distance. However, in many implementations, the gap between the screen 104 and the balusters will not allow for a child to pass between the balusters and the screen 104. In embodiments with multiple gripping brackets or multiple fastening means, the size of the gap between the screen 104 and the balusters is of less concern because the fastening structure will block the child from passing between the screen 104 and the balusters.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the gripping bracket 112 is attached to the screen 104. Various methods and hardware may be used to attach the gripping bracket to the screen 104, for example, bolts, screws, glue, a machined slot, etc. The gripping bracket 112 may be attached to the screen 104 in advance or may be attached by a user just before fastening to the staircase.

Referring to FIG. 2, the screen 104 itself may be connected to the back plate 116 using a bolt, screw, tie or other fastener. One or more the bolts may pass from the back plate 116 directly into the screen. In this embodiment, the screen must be designed to accept the connection. This is accomplished by having a screen that is thick enough and/or strong enough to accept the direct connection from the back plate 116. In embodiments in which the staircase safety apparatus 100 is removable, the connection between the back plate 116 and the screen 104 should be non-permanent or removable.

Generally referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the parts for the staircase safety apparatus or side stair guard, namely a screen and a fastening structure, are gathered into a kit and made available for a user to assemble at home. The stair guard kit is packaged and supplied with instructions for assembly and use.

FIGS. 3a through 3e show another implementation of a stair shield apparatus 100 utilizing a four-piece assembly: a screen or shield 104, a shield mount 304, a gripping bracket 112 and a back plate 116. In this implementation, the fastening structure 108 comprises a mount 304, a gripping bracket 112, a back plate 116 and two to four bolts with nuts, screws or other tightening devices.

An exemplary screen 104 or shield is shown in FIG. 3b. In this embodiment, the shield 104 is generally a flat panel with rounded edges. The shield 104 includes mounting holes for attachment to a fastening structure 108.

The implementation shown in FIG. 3a includes a shield mount (or simply a mount) 304. In some implementations, the shield mount 304 allows for a more secure fastening of the shield 104 to the side of the staircase. In those implementations in which the shield 104 is very thin, in other words, has a narrow depth (e.g., ⅛ inch, ¼ inch, ⅓ inch, ½ inch etc.) the shield mount 304 provides greater area in which to fasten the shield 104 to the side of the staircase; thus, providing greater area for the brace, (e.g., the gripping bracket 112, back plate 116 and bolts) to connect or attach to the shield 104 via the shield mount 304. An example of a shield mount is shown in FIG. 3c.

As shown in FIG. 3a, in some implementation, the balusters are located or sandwiched in between the side surface of the gripping bracket 112 and the back plate 116. The combination of the back plate 116 and the gripping bracket 112 along with bolts and nuts (or the like) provide a brace to fasten the screen 104 to the balusters.

Referring to FIG. 3c, in some embodiments the shield mount 304 only attaches to the shield 104 and the back plate 116. In other words, no connection is made between the gripping bracket 112 and the shield mount 304. In some of these embodiments, the shield mount 304 is positioned or rests against the gripping bracket 112 but is not physically connected to the gripping bracket. In other embodiments, various methods of attaching the gripping bracket 112 and shield mount 304 are used. In yet other embodiments, the gripping bracket 112 and the shield mount 304 are combined, permanently attached or formed into one piece.

Referring generally to FIG. 3e, the gripping bracket 112 can take various shapes and forms and be made of various materials. The gripping bracket 112 assists in fastening the shield 104 to the open side of a staircase using for example a handrail or handrail supports. In FIG. 3a the gripping bracket 112 provides support between the shield and the outside of the handrail supports (outer faces of the balusters). Generally, the gripping bracket 112 assists in providing vertical support and horizontal support for the shield 104. In some implementations as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3a, the gripping bracket 112 may be flat (length and width greater than depth) with an L-shape on the inside (formed by length and width) and a curved area on the outer surfaces. In other embodiments, the gripping bracket 112 is rectangularly shaped. In still other embodiments, the gripping bracket 112 is a right angle or “L” bracket. The right angle or “L” bracket may be fixed, adjustable or lockable in place.

The gripping bracket 112 may be made of various materials including manmade and natural materials. In many embodiments, the gripping bracket 112 has sufficient structural integrity to help support and fasten the shield to handrail supports and withstand the forces placed on the shield by a child. In some embodiments, the safety apparatus is designed to avoid or cover any protrusion of bolts or other attachment devices.

The back plate 116 shown in FIGS. 2, 3a and 3d is often a rectangular shaped brace to be placed on the inside of handrail closures or supports. When present, the back plate is part of the fastening structure 108. The back plate 116 may be formed in various shapes and in various sizes. Generally, for embodiments being fastened on balusters, the back plate is longer than it is wide. For example, the back plate has a length longer than the distance between two balusters and the has a width wider than the fastener (e.g., bolt, screws, nuts, ties, etc.). In many locations, the distance between balusters is regulated by code. More specifically, the code relates to closing the area underneath the handrail to prevent falling and blocking objects from falling below. The code requires handrail closures of one type or another. Balusters (e.g., wrought iron rods, wooden dowels, etc.) are often used as closures. In some locations the code requirement is 4 inches or less between closures such as balusters. In other locations, it is whether a sphere of some size can pass between the closures or balusters, that sphere can vary between about 4 and 5 inches. Thus, generally, a functional back plate 116 in many embodiments would be longer than 4 inches in order to fasten to two closures or balusters. Closures may be decorative or plain and come in many designs. A back plate 116 to fasten to three balusters would need to be greater than 8 inches in length. For many embodiments, back plates 116 of 5 to 12 inches in length will assist in fastening to multiple handrail supports or balusters. The height of the back plate 116 depends on the strength and stability desired for the brace. In many embodiments, back plate 116 heights of between 1 inch to 12 inches (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.) are operative to form a brace around handrail closures or supports to securely fasten a screen 104 in place.

Back plate 116 depth may be limited by local codes which in some cases prevent obstacles in the main walkway (within the stair walkway, “inside the railings”). If the back plate 116 is made of a strong material (e.g., metal, stone, etc) a narrow depth of less than ½ inch will suffice (e.g., a metal strip). In most embodiments, depths of less than 1 inch (⅓, ½, ⅔, ¾, etc.) provide sufficient strength and are not otherwise in the way.

The back plate 116 may be made of various materials including manmade and natural materials. For example, any common building material may be used for the back plate 116 (e.g., wood, metal, plastic, stone, etc.). Some examples of back plates 116 are: (a) 6½ inches by 3 inches by ½ inch aluminum, (b) 6 by 2 by ¼ inches steel or wrought iron, (c) 8 by 8 by ¾ wooden or plastic.

FIG. 3f shows an alternative design in which the shield mount and the back plate 116 are one piece, combined, or more permanently connected. In some embodiments, connecting the shield mount 304 and the back plate 116 provides greater strength. In other embodiments, a combined shield mount 304 and back plate 116 provide ease in user installation. In one embodiment, the combined shield mount 304 and back plate 116 are metal. For example, the combined shield mount 304 and back plate 116 are stamped or laser cut from 3/32-½ inch thick steel or ⅛-1 inch aluminum which are molded to a right angle configuration, in one embodiment, with a press break. In other embodiments, the shield mount 304 and the back plate 116 are welded or molded plastic. In some embodiments, holes are drilled, and/or drilled and tapped through the shield mount 304 and back plate 116 to accommodate fasteners (e.g., plastic, metal or wooden screws, bolts, cam lock nuts, cam screws, confirmat fasteners, hex bolts, hex cap screws, cap screws, plastic ties etc.)

Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3a through 3f, the configuration of these implementations show the fastening structure connected or attached on the backside of the screen or shield 104. These implementations with a rear gripping bracket 112 connected to the backside of the screen 104, generally, are able to provide greater strength against a force from the front of the screen or shield as the gripping bracket 112 provides greater resistance (preventing compression of the gripping bracket) than some of the other implementations. The planar gripping bracket shown 112 will resist frontal forces from the front of the screen 104. Given the block type configuration of the gripping bracket shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the gripping bracket 112 will resist force along its plane and resist being compressed.

In some embodiments both the bracket 112 and the back plate 116 or brace are attached to the screen 104. In other embodiments, either the bracket 112 or the back plate 116 are attached to the screen 104 but not both. The shield mount 304 facilitates connecting either or both the bracket 112 or the back plate 116 to the shield 104.

FIGS. 4a and 4b depict an embodiment with a solid blocking shield 104 and a fastening device 108 comprising two mounting gripping brackets 112 and two support plates, a back plate 116 and a front plate 404.

In this implementation, the safety apparatus 100 incorporates a screen 104 formed as a vertical barrier, a type of blocking shield, generally perpendicular to the plane of the railing balusters (banisters), which is rigidly fastened in such a way that it blocks children's pathway to climb higher up the staircase steps on the exterior of the railing.

While shown in this embodiment generally as wood, particle board or faux wood, the barrier can be constructed of various natural and man-made materials. In this embodiment, the barrier is attached with right-angle brackets 112 to existing stair railing balusters. The apparatus shown and its materials are strong enough to continuously function as a rigidly attached blocking shield, while having an appearance that is aesthetically pleasing to the home (or building) owner.

In some embodiments, attachment or fastening to the balusters is via threaded fasteners through holes drilled in the right-angle bracket 112 and the mounting materials/plates 116, 404. These mounting plates 116, 404 sandwich the railing balusters, providing a rigid support for attaching the right-angle mounting bracket 112 which holds the vertical blocking shield 104 in place. While the apparatus is generally rigidly fastened over existing balusters, in most embodiments, the apparatus is removable and connected so as to avoid damaging the balusters.

Style, materials of construction, and method of attachment to existing stair railings are features that can be varied to best suit mass production and marketing. While the embodiment shown has the fasteners structure fastened toward the lower part of the stairwell wrought iron handrail balusters, the fastener structure can be higher up the handrail then the barrier.

Referring to the implementation shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, there are three primary hardware components for the embodiment shown, a screen/shield 104, gripping brackets 112 and support plates 116, 404.

The vertical barrier (blocking shield 104) is shown fastened or mounted perpendicular to the stair railing. The vertical blocking barrier, generally, serves the purpose of blocking an ascent along the outside of the bannister. The vertical barrier or shield 104 shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b may be fabricated from wood or the like (or for example veneer covered particle board). Typical wood material thickness can vary from ¼ inch to 3 inches. Typical width of a wooden screen 104 can vary from about 8″ to 30″ and the height can vary from about 6″ to 60″

The right-angle mounting brackets (brackets 112) rigidly connect the barrier 104 to the front plate 404 railing or bannister. In some embodiments, the right-angle mounting brackets 112 are fabricated from steel or other strong materials (for example metals and composites) because of the desire or requirement to have rigidity in the construction, however it is possible to select from a wide variety of various architectural designs and coating colors. In one embodiment, generally for a standard home staircase, these right-angle brackets 112 extend approximately eight (8) inches across the balusters, and ten (10) inches across the vertical barrier, although both of these dimensions can vary from 4″ to 30″. These distances may vary depending upon the staircase, balusters and design of the fastening structure or mounting mechanism.

The support plates, front 404 and back 116, facilitate attachment of the right-angle mounting bracket 112 to the stair railing and stabilizes the attachment or mounting to the bannister (or balusters). The support plates of the design shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b may be fabricated from wood or the like (for example veneer covered particle board). Typical wood material thickness can vary from about ¼″ to 3″. Typical width for wooden support plates can vary from about 6″ to 24″ and the height can vary from about 4″ to 30″.

Each of these three primary components 104, 112, 116 may be formed in multiple parts. Also, in certain embodiments, two or three of these components may be combined into a singular or unitary construction. The apparatus may be adapted for mounting on a variety of balusters or railing configurations.

While this embodiment shows two right angle gripping brackets 112, some embodiments use only one gripping bracket 112. The number of gripping brackets 112 use can vary (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 etc.). The angle of the gripping brackets 112 may also vary as described below.

The number of support plates 116404 can also vary. The configuration of the support plates can vary. For example, in some embodiments, one back plate is used as a brace with one or more front plates. In some other embodiments, one front support plate is used with multiple brace or back support plates. In yet other embodiments, the number of front support plates 404 and back support plates 116 are equal to each other (e.g. 2, 3, 4, etc.).

As can be seen in other embodiments shown, the front support plate 404, on the outside (screen 104 side) of the balusters, can be eliminated and the gripping brackets 112 may fasten or attach directly to the back support plate.

Likewise, the back plate 116 can be eliminated from the fastening structure 108. In these embodiments, braces are used around balusters to mount the front plate 404 to the balusters. For example, u-shaped braces encircle a baluster and attach to the front plate 404. Multiple u-shaped braces (not shown) may be used on multiple balusters to fasten the front plate 404 and in turn the shield 104 to the balusters.

In more detail, the individual parts for the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b are:

(a) a vertical barrier—serving as a screen 104 or blocking shield

(b) an upper right-angle mounting gripping bracket 112

(d) a front support plate 404—exterior to a railing

(e) a back support plate 116—interior to a railing; and

(f) a number of bolts—

- (i) first bolt—sandwiches upper right-angle mounting gripping bracket 112 to support plates at the outermost location, which grip both the interior and exterior sides of two or three of the railing balusters;
- (ii) second bolt—sandwiches lower right-angle mounting gripping bracket 112 to support plates at the outermost location, which grip both the interior and the exterior sides of two or three of the railing balusters;
- (iii) third bolt—attaches lower right-angle mounting gripping bracket 112 to the vertical barrier 104, at the outermost location.
- (iv) fourth bolt—attaches upper right-angle mounting gripping bracket 112 to the vertical barrier 104, at the outermost location.
- (v) fifth bolt—attaches upper right-angle mounting gripping bracket 112 to the support plates 116, 404 at the innermost location (closest to the right angle bend) which grip both the interior and the exterior sides of two or three of the railing balusters
- (vi) sixth bolt—attaches lower right-angle mounting gripping bracket 112 to the support plates 116, 404 at the innermost location (closest to the right angle bend) which grip both the interior and the exterior sides of two or three of the railing balusters;
- (vii) seventh bolt—attaches upper right-angle mounting gripping bracket 112 to the vertical barrier 104 at the innermost location (closest to the right angle bend);
- (viii) eighth bolt—attaches lower right-angle mounting gripping bracket 112 to the vertical barrier 104 at the innermost location (closest to the right angle bend).

FIGS. 4a and 4b also show the handrail baluster (or banister)—or in other words, the existing stair railing upright support member to which this safety apparatus 100 attaches. (Typically there is no more than four inches of separation between each of these vertical pieces). This example of the safety guard apparatus 100 attaches to (sandwiches) one, two or three of the railing balusters (banisters). In this example, the balusters are sandwiched in between the front plate 404 and the back plates 116 using pressure from tightening nuts on the bolts.

Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b a design adapted for the use of polycarbonate plastic or similar material is shown.

This design option offers the benefit of a “see-through” barrier and support plates 116, 404 that are aesthetically pleasing since they have minimal visual impact. Various see-through materials (e.g., acrylic, polycarbonate, glass, etc.) may be used for the shield and mounting mechanism and are included and within the spirit of the disclosure.

FIG. 5b depicts a child attempting to climb the exterior of the stair railing being blocked by a see-through design stair guard safety apparatus 100.

For this embodiment, the components remain similar or the same as is listed in the detailed description (above), with some adaptations or modifications.

In this example, the screen or shield 104 is fabricated from polycarbonate plastic or the like see thru material, for example, from a plastic of 0.5 inch thick material (thickness can vary from about 3/32″ to 3″).

The support plate exterior to the railing 404 may be fabricated from a similar polycarbonate plastic 0.5 inch thick material (thickness can vary from about 3/32″ to 3″). The exterior support plate 404 can vary in length (e.g., 4 inches to 18 inches). What is depicted is approximately eleven (11) inches in length, which allows the gripping bracket 112 to be fastened to three balusters. The length of the exterior support plate 404 can vary from about 4 inches to 30 inches. The exterior support plate 404 shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b is formed of two smaller pieces (one for the upper and one for the lower gripping bracket 112) rather than the single piece as is shown in other embodiments (e.g., FIGS. 4a and 4b). In this example, the width of the exterior support plate 404 exceeds the width of the gripping bracket 112.

The back plate 116, support plate interior to the railing, is also, for example, fabricated from polycarbonate plastic 0.5 inch thick material (thickness can vary from about 3/32″ to 3″) and about eleven (11) inches in length (length can vary from 4″ to 30″). In this embodiment, the back plate is formed of two smaller pieces (one for the upper and one for the lower) rather than the back plate 116 as shown in FIG. 4a. Other plastics and other thickness may be used for support plates 116,404.

Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b, two right angle gripping brackets are shown, an upper right angle gripping bracket 112 and a lower right angle gripping bracket 112. The two gripping brackets 112 are shown as being the same, however, different brackets may be used.

The right-angle mounting brackets 112 are generally fabricated from steel or other rigid material because of the desire or requirement to have rigidity in the construction, however it is possible to select from a wide variety of various architectural designs and coating colors. Another option would be to fabricate these right-angle mounting brackets from plastic/polycarbonate material.

In the embodiment, generally for a home staircase as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, these right-angle brackets 112 extend approximately six (6) inches across the balusters, and eight (8) inches across the vertical barrier, although these dimensions can vary from about 4″ to 30″. Other lengths may be appropriate given the baluster and design considerations (e.g., 4, 5, 9, 10, 11 inches etc.). One factor driving the size of the fastening structure 108 are the number or amount of handrail support on which the screen 104 will be fastened. While the screen 104 can be fastened to one baluster or six or more balusters, most implementations will fasten to two or three balusters and the lengths of the support plates 116, 404 and gripping brackets 112 will adjust accordingly to sandwich or partially encircle the two or three balusters. Thus, these dimensions may vary depending upon the staircase, balusters and design of the fastening structure 108.

Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, a screen 104 and fastener structure 108 for wrought iron balusters is shown. This embodiment offers the benefit of replicating the material, style, and spacing of the existing staircase balusters (banisters) which therefore provide minimal visual impact, while still providing the safety function of the stair guard 100.

The screen 104 of FIGS. 6a and 6b is formed of wrought iron like hollow tubing. Additional matching balusters may be used to form the screen 104. The screen 104 appearance is intended to be similar to the wrought iron balusters. Any number of balusters may be used to form the screen 104 (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.). In this embodiment, three balusters spaced apart at about 4 inches are used. The baluster may be held together in various ways to form the screen 104.

In this embodiment, the balusters are held together with the aid of the gripping bracket 112. Similar methods, materials and structure used to fasten the screen 104, the fastening structure 108, to the balusters may be used to form a screen 104 comprising balusters, baluster like pieces, rods or the like. In other embodiments, other methods of forming the wrought iron like screen 104 are used such as welding a bar horizontally across the wrought iron rods.

Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, for this embodiment, similar components are similarly labeled to the other embodiments.

The screen 104 is fabricated from steel or wrought iron like one-half inch square tubing that matches the vertical balusters in the existing stair railing in both material, style, and spacing. The steel tubing can be solid or hollow and vary from ¼″ on a side to 2″ on a side, and can be selected to best match the existing balusters. Other bars or screening materials may be used for the screen 104.

Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, there is no support plate exterior to the railing. The right-angle mounting bracket is positioned (and is bolted through) directly on top of the exterior surface of the balusters (banisters). This is the case for both the upper and lower right-angle mounting bracket.

The back plate 116 interior to the railing is fabricated from ⅛th inch thick steel (thickness can vary from approximately 1/16″ to 3″) or similar material. The back plate 116 comprises two smaller pieces rather than the single piece shown in other embodiments. The two smaller steel plates are mounted behind both the upper and the lower right-angle mounting brackets, and are drilled to allow bolts to pass through the right-angle mounting bracket and through these support plates.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, includes a gripping bracket 112. Specifically, the gripping bracket 112 comprises two right-angle brackets 112 an upper bracket and a lower bracket. Various construction may be used for the gripping bracket 112.

The right-angle mounting brackets 112 are generally fabricated from steel or other rigid or strong material (for example, metals and composites) because of the desire or requirement to have rigidity in the construction. However, it is possible to select from a wide variety of various architectural designs and coating colors for the gripping brackets 112.

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, generally for a standard home staircase, it is sufficient for these right-angle brackets extend approximately eight (8) inches across the balusters, and ten (10) inches across the vertical barrier, although both of these dimensions can vary from 4″ to 30″. Larger or smaller gripping brackets 112 may be used depending on the size and shape of the bannister construction. The size of the balusters and the distance between balusters is a consideration in design. The strength of material used for the gripping brackets also impacts the size of the gripping brackets 112. Generally, stronger materials allow for somewhat smaller size. Thus, the dimensions vary depending upon the staircase, balusters and design of the fastening structure.

The stair guard apparatus 100 may be used on either side or both sides of a staircase. In some embodiments, the stair guard apparatus 100 is reversible to fastened on outside of the left hand side or right hand side of a staircase. Whether on the left side or right side of a staircase, similar components are used for the stair guard apparatus 100.

All the components of a stair guard apparatus 100 may be constructed of various available materials. The material selection decision includes strength of materials and, in some instances, impacts design considerations. A design may need to be adapted to account for the materials chosen for the apparatus and the design of the open side of the staircase.

The parts for each of the embodiments described may be packaged in a kit for shipment and later assembly. Each of the embodiments described may be assembled and fastened to a staircase.

In the description and claims of the present disclosure, “comprise,” “include,” “have,” and conjugates thereof are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements, or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.

It will be appreciated that the above-described apparatus, systems and methods may be varied in many ways, including, changing the order of steps, and the exact implementation used. The described embodiments include different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of the present disclosure. Moreover, some embodiments of the present disclosure use only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by combination of features and elements that have been described in association to different embodiments along the disclosure.

While certain embodiments have been described in details and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited by the specific embodiments.

The foregoing description of various embodiments provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice in accordance with the present invention. It is to be understood that the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

SAFETY GUARD TO A PREVENT CHILDREN FROM CLIMBING THE EXTERIOR OF A STAIR RAILING

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