U.S. patent application number 14/618171 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-12 for stair tread cover.
The applicant listed for this patent is Arthur Drevnig. Invention is credited to Arthur Drevnig.
Application Number | 20150322678 14/618171 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54367349 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150322678 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Drevnig; Arthur |
November 12, 2015 |
Stair tread cover
Abstract
The inventive device is a stair tread cover that helps reduce
falls on outdoor stairs. The device changes the slope of the stair
surface to improve footing; uses a high friction surface to improve
traction; and utilizes a unique shape to improve drainage of snow,
ice and water. The unit may optionally be electrically powered with
internal heating elements to melt snow and ice.
Inventors: |
Drevnig; Arthur; (Toronto,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Drevnig; Arthur |
Toronto |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
54367349 |
Appl. No.: |
14/618171 |
Filed: |
February 10, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61989482 |
May 6, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/179 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 11/163 20130101;
E04F 11/17 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04F 11/16 20060101
E04F011/16 |
Claims
1. A stair cover for outdoor stairs comprising: A rubber-like
material with a shape such that the front of the stair cover is
higher than the back; Containing water drainage pathways throughout
that channel liquid off to the side;
2. The device of claim 1 with the addition of embedded heat tracing
cable to assist in melting show and ice
3. The device of claim 1 with the addition of a brightly colored
edge to improve visibility of the edge of the stair
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a cover for
individual outdoor stairs and relates specifically to a unique way
to shape and cover the stairs in order to reduce falls.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] It can be appreciated that stair treads--including heated
stair treads have been available for years in different varieties.
However, all these devices are based on either a horizontal slope
or one that leans such that fluid flows down the stairs. None of
these devices slope the tread upwards to aid in footing. Many of
them are invented with the aesthetic goal of covering up older,
marked stairs in order to make them appear more attractive.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 893,198 to Schachner discloses a non-slip
stair tread consisting of a metal surface.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 2,205,044 to Moore discloses a stair cover for
stairs on transit vehicles. This invention utilizes a nosing to
cover the screws which hold the tread in place.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,724 to Sonoda discloses one innovative
stair tread that does utilize a rubber material. However the rubber
encases a metal frame and it does not slope the tread upwards. The
innovation is mainly concerned with rainwater drainage.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,061 to Ryan discloses a stair tread that
utilizes plastic around a steel frame in order to provide a
specific shape in steel with the protection of a plastic outer
coating.
[0007] However, all of these above-mentioned prior art references,
fail to provide a device that utilizes a combination of
rubber-based, non-slip surface with innovative slope in order to
help reduce incidence of falls.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a stair
tread cover which overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.
[0009] This new rubberized object covers stairs in order to reduce
falls. Specifically, the device alters the slope of the stair; the
friction on top of the stair and the shape of the stair.
Visibility, and hence safety, is also improved by bright coloring
on the stair edge. Together these elements help reduce stair falls
while still allowing for drainage. The unit may optionally be
electrically heated via internal heating elements embedded in the
material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the device.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference numbers denote similar elements throughout the several
views, the attached figures illustrate an innovative stair tread
cover.
[0013] FIG. 1 shows the side view of the unit placed overtop of a
stair. The unit 1 is constructed of a rubber-like material and
slopes the stair so that the front of the stair is higher than the
back. In so doing, footing is improved. Water drainage is
accomplished via the use of pathways 2 and 3 that drain water to
the sides of the device. Optional heating elements embedded inside
the unit serve to melt snow and ice.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the apparatus. Pathways 2 and 3
are shown clearly here and are sloped in such a way such that water
flows towards the back of the stair and then to the sides and away.
The edge of the device closest to the front of the stair 4 is
brightly colored to improve visibility and safety. The direction of
drainage flow is indicated on FIG. 2.
* * * * *