U.S. patent application number 10/012074 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-05 for stair steps gripper.
Invention is credited to Preda, George.
Application Number | 20030101665 10/012074 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32963050 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030101665 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Preda, George |
June 5, 2003 |
Stair steps gripper
Abstract
A stair steps gripper for permanently covering the carpet on the
stair steps to prevent it to wear out and becoming dirty, the stair
steps gripper comprising a walking zone in the center having an
anti-skid surface on the top and spikes on its lower surface for
penetrating into a underlying carpet.
Inventors: |
Preda, George; (Kent,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVID L TINGEY
321 BURNETT AVENUE
SUITE 303
RENTON
WA
98055
US
|
Family ID: |
32963050 |
Appl. No.: |
10/012074 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/179 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 15/02172 20130101;
A47G 27/0287 20130101; E04F 11/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/179 |
International
Class: |
E04F 011/16; E04F
015/00 |
Claims
What I claim as my invention is:
1. A stair steps gripper for covering the carpet on the stair steps
to prevent it from becoming wear out prematurely and dirty, the
stair steps gripper comprising a walking zone in the center having
an anti-skid surface on the top and spikes on the bottom surface
and a strait front edge.
2. A stair steps gripper as defined in claim 1 in which the base is
composed of semi-rigid plastic and spikes on the bottom
surface.
3. A stair steps gripper as defined in claim 1 in which the runner
has an anti-skid surface.
4. A stair steps gripper as defined in claim 1 in which the front
edge is curved and has an anti-skid surface.
5. A stair steps gripper for covering the steps made from hard wood
or concrete, the stair steps gripper comprising a walking zone in
the center having an anti-skid surface on the top and an anti-skid
material in the lower surface and a strait front edge.
6. A stair steps gripper as defined in claim 5 in which the front
edge is curved and has a serrated surface.
7. A stair steps gripper as defined in claims 5 and 6 in which the
lower surface is uncovered with anti-skid material.
8. A stair steps gripper as defined in claims 5 and 6 in which the
base has a double edge in the back.
9. A stair steps gripper as defined in claim 5 and 6 in which the
base is secured on the floor by an L-shaped fixture in the
back.
10. A stair steps gripper as defined in claim 8 in which the front
edge is curved and has a serrated surface.
11. A stair steps gripper as defined in claim 8 in which the base
is secured on the floor by an U-shaped fixture in the back.
12. A stair steps gripper as defined in claim 8 in which an U-shape
fixture in the back and an edge cover in the front secure the base
on the floor.
13. A stair steps gripper as defined in claim 8 in which the front
edge is S-shaped and has a serrated surface.
14. A stair steps gripper as defined in claim 8 in which the front
edge is L-shaped and has a serrated surface.
15. A stair steps gripper as defined in claims 10, 13 and 14 in
which the front edge is uncovered with a serrated surface.
16. A stair steps gripper as defined in claim 12 in which the front
edge is unsecured with an edge cover.
17. A stair steps gripper as defined in claim 8 in which the double
edge is continued on the sides.
18. A stair steps gripper as defined in claim 8 in which the double
edge is just on the sides.
19. A stair steps gripper as defined in claims 1-18 in which the
overall dimensions of the runner can be smaller, equal or bigger
than the overall dimensions of the base.
Description
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0001] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND FIELD OF INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates to a small carpet runner adapted to
be installed on stair steps, separately on each step, especially
stairs located inside of a house. In general inside the house the
stairway is covered with carpet for ornamental, flexibility and
thermal insulation. The carpet on the steps become worn away more
quickly than the carpet in the house and also dirties much easily.
The area where the carpet is worn out and become dirty is located
in the center of the stairs. The cleaning and changing of the
carpet on the steps is very expensive and many times the new carpet
doesn't match the old carpet in the house. The tendency is to
install a narrow piece of carpet runner, made from plastic or
tread, as one unit body from the top to the bottom of the stairs
fixed by stair rods or screws, but it brings into existence
undesirable dispersion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is the principal object of the invention to provide a
stair steps gripper witch can protect the carpet on the steps and
provide an anti-skid cushioned surface with an excellent
flexibility and ornamental effect. This is generally achieved by
covering a piece of semi-rigid plastic material, provided with
short spikes on one side, with an antiskid and cushion material,
having ornamental properties. Another purpose of this invention is
to provide a stair steps gripper witch can be very easy installed
on each step of the stair, witch is clear of the undesirable
dispersion. Using this invention will prevent the carpet wear out,
dirt on the steps and injury, due to skidding, is reduced to
minimum.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
stair steps gripper.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a view in detail of the portion indicated by the
section line 2-2 in FIG. 1
[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the base.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a view in detail of the portion indicated by the
section line 4-4 in FIG. 3
[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the
stair steps gripper.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a view in detail of the portion indicated by the
section line 6-6 in FIG. 5
[0011] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of
FIG. 1
[0012] FIG. 8A is a view in detail of the portion indicated by the
section line 8-8 in FIG. 7
[0013] FIG. 8B is a modification of FIG. 8A indicated by the
section line 8-8 in FIG. 7
[0014] FIG. 9 is a view in detail of the portion indicated by the
section line 9-9 in FIG. 7
[0015] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the base.
[0016] FIG. 11A is a view in detail of the portion indicated by the
section line 11-11 in FIG. 10
[0017] FIG. 11B is a modification of FIG. 11A indicated by the
section line 11-11 in FIG. 10
[0018] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of
FIG. 7
[0019] FIG. 13 is a view in detail of the portion indicated by the
section line 13-13 in FIG. 12
[0020] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of
FIG. 7
[0021] FIG. 15A is a view in detail of the portion indicated by the
section line 15-15 in FIG. 14
[0022] FIG. 15B is a modification of FIG. 15A indicated by the
section line 15-15 in FIG. 14
[0023] FIG. 16 is a view in detail of the portion indicated by the
section line 16-16 in FIG. 14
[0024] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of
FIG. 12
[0025] FIG. 18A is a view in detail of the portion indicated by the
section line 18-18 in FIG. 17
[0026] FIG. 18B is a modification of FIG. 18A indicated by the
section line 18-18 in FIG. 17
[0027] FIG. 18C is a modification of FIG. 18A indicated by the
section line 18-18 in FIG. 17
[0028] FIG. 19 is a view in detail of the portion indicated by the
section line 19-19 in FIG. 17
[0029] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of
FIG. 10
[0030] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of
FIG. 10
[0031] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of
FIG. 10
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0032] 51--Runner
[0033] 52--Adhesive
[0034] 53--Surging
[0035] 54--Spike
[0036] 55--Rigidity serrations
[0037] 56--Front edge
[0038] 57--Curved edge
[0039] 58--Anti-skid serrations
[0040] 59--L-shape fixture
[0041] 60--Base
[0042] 61--Anti-skid material
[0043] 62--Hole
[0044] 63--U-shape fixture
[0045] 64--Double edge
[0046] 65--Edge cover
[0047] 66--S-shape edge
[0048] 67--L-shape edge
[0049] 68--Carpet
[0050] 69--Stairs
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0051] Description--FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4--Preferred Embodiment
[0052] A preferred embodiment of the stair steps gripper of the
present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The invention has a
base 60 made from semi-rigid plastic material with short but
relatively sharp spikes 54 on its lower surface for penetrating
into an underlying carpet 68. The vinyl plastic used to fabricate
the base 60 is semi-rigid, liquid-impervious, plastic material
having a predetermined durometer rating on a Rockwell C scale
sufficiently high to provide enough rigidity for the base 60. The
base 60 can be cut in any predetermined lengths and widths at a
cutting station during the fabrication process as the formed roll
leaves the forming stations. However, the base 60 can consist of
any other material that can satisfy the condition of rigidity on a
Rockwell C scale like polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl, nylon,
various impregnated or laminated fibrous materials, various
plasticized materials, cardboard, paper, etc. The thickness of the
base 60 can be typically 2 mm to 4 mm and the overall dimensions
depends of the applications. The color of the base 60 can be clear,
semi-transparent or colored plastic to give ornamental variations
to the carpet 68. The outer four corners of the base 60 are
typically beveled or rounded to avoid snagging and personal injury.
The base 60 can be cut in various shapes for example rectangular,
trapezoidal, circular, semi-circular, elliptic, semi-elliptic, etc.
The runner 51, shown partially peeled back, is a common carpet, a
short or deep pile carpet, a foot cloth or felt and can be cut in
the same various shapes like the gripper. The edges of the runner
51 are protected against frying by surging 53, or covering the
edges with a plastic sheet, a cloth, etc. The overall dimensions of
the runner 51 can be smaller equal or bigger than the size of the
base 60 because the same invention can be used to hold in place a
foot cloth or a small decorative rug on the carpet. The connection
between the base 60 and the runner 51 is made by an adhesive 52
witch enables the base 60 and the runner 51 to form the stair steps
gripper. The adhesive 52 can be a latex adhesive, synthetic resin,
adhesive tape with a good adherence and flexibility to plastic and
carpet. FIG. 2 show a view in detail along its cross-section 2-2 of
the front edge 56 for the base 60. The base 60 is provided on the
upper surface with rigidity serrations 55 to increase rigidity and
on the lower surface spikes 54 designed to secure the base 60 on
the carpet 68. FIG. 3 show the preferred embodiment for the base 60
and a view in detail along its longitudinal cross-section 4-4
characterized in that the walking zone on the center has the same
thickness like the edge zone.
[0053] FIGS. 5-22 Additional Embodiments
[0054] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a modified embodiment of the Stair steps
gripper of FIG. 1 with the runner 51 partially peeled back, which
is provided with curved serrations 58 on the upper surface. FIG. 6
is a view in detail along its cross-section 6-6 of the corner
surface.
[0055] FIGS. 7, 8A, 8B and 9 show a modified embodiment of the
stair steps gripper of FIG. 1 with the runner 51 partially peeled
back, which is adapted to the stairs made from hard wood or
concrete. The modified embodiment has a base 60 without spikes on
the lower surface. The stair steps gripper can be attached in the
back of each step with screws through the holes 62, from the base
60, and the L-shape fixture 59. FIG. 8A is a view in detail along
its cross-section 8-8 (FIG. 7) characterized in that the base 60
have a strait edge 56 in the front and holes 62 in the back. To
increase the anti-skid effect the lower surface (FIG. 8B) can be
covered with rubber or another material with anti-skid properties
61. FIG. 9 is a view in detail along its cross-section 9-9 (FIG. 7)
of the L-shape fixture 59.
[0056] FIGS. 10, 11A and 11B show the modified embodiment for the
base 60 of FIG. 3. FIG. 11A is a view in detail along its
longitudinal cross-section 11-11 characterized in that the walking
zone in the center have the same thickness like the edge zone. FIG.
11B is a modified version of the section 11-11 characterized in
that the edge zones have a greater thickness than the central
walking zone.
[0057] FIGS. 12 and 13 show a modified embodiment of FIG. 7, with
the runner 51 partially peeled back, which is provided with a
curved edge 57 and anti-skid serrations 58 in the front. FIG. 13 is
a view in detail along its cross-section 13-13 characterized in a
curved edge 57 with anti-skid serrations 58 in the front and
anti-skid material 61 on the lower surface.
[0058] FIGS. 14, 15A, 15B and 16 show a modified embodiment of FIG.
7, with the runner 51 partially peeled back, which is provided with
a double edge 64 and a U-shape fixture 63 in the back. FIG. 15A is
view in detail along its cross-section 15-15 characterized in that
the base 60 has a double edge 64 in the back and a strait edge 56
in the front. FIG. 15B is a modified version of the section in FIG.
15A characterized in a covered lower surface with an anti-skid
material 61 to increase the anti-skid effect. FIG. 16 is a view in
detail along its cross-section 16-16 of the U-shape fixture 63.
[0059] FIGS. 17, 18A, 18B, 18C and 19 show a modified embodiment of
FIG. 12, with the runner partially peeled back, which is provided
with a double edge 64, a U-shape fixture 63 in the back and a edge
cover 65 in the front. FIG. 18A is a view in detail along its cross
section 18-18 which is provided with a curved edge 56, in the
front, and anti-skid material 61, on the lower surface. FIG. 18B is
a modified version of the section in FIG. 18A characterized in a
S-shape edge 66, in the front. FIG. 18C is a modified version of
the section in FIG. 18A characterized in a L-shape edge 67, in the
front. FIG. 19 is a view in detail along its cross-section 19-19 of
the edge cover 65.
[0060] FIGS. 20 and 21 is a further modification of the base 60
showed in FIG. 10 characterized in supplemental double edges 64 on
the sides. In FIG. 20 the side edges are going from thick to flush
with the front edge. In FIG. 21 the side edges have the same
thickness from the back to the front edge and in the front the
corners are rounded or beveled.
[0061] FIG. 22 is a further modification of the base 60 showed in
FIG. 10 characterized in double edge 64 on the sides.
[0062] Altough exemplary embodiments of the invention have been
disclosed for illustrative purpose, it will be understood that
various minor changes, modifications and substitutions may be made
in such embodiments without departing from the invention as
hereinafter claimed.
* * * * *