US20030051299A1 - Convertible steps - Google Patents
Convertible steps Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030051299A1 US20030051299A1 US09/951,826 US95182601A US2003051299A1 US 20030051299 A1 US20030051299 A1 US 20030051299A1 US 95182601 A US95182601 A US 95182601A US 2003051299 A1 US2003051299 A1 US 2003051299A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- ramp
- steps
- convertible
- underside
- laid down
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
- E04F11/02—Stairways; Layouts thereof
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
- A61G3/02—Loading or unloading personal conveyances; Facilitating access of patients or disabled persons to, or exit from, vehicles
- A61G3/06—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like
- A61G3/061—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like using ramps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
- A61G3/02—Loading or unloading personal conveyances; Facilitating access of patients or disabled persons to, or exit from, vehicles
- A61G3/06—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like
- A61G3/068—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like in combination with folding stairs
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
- E04F11/002—Ramps
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
- E04F11/02—Stairways; Layouts thereof
- E04F11/04—Movable stairways, e.g. of loft ladders which may or may not be concealable or extensible
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
- E04F11/002—Ramps
- E04F2011/005—Ramps collapsible, e.g. folding, telescopic
Definitions
- the present invention is directed toward a set of convertible steps and more particularly, toward a set of steps which converts to a ramp.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,440 to Mogck discloses a step and ramp combination which includes a frame and steps.
- the steps have hangers attached thereto and rest on rods extending between the frame.
- the steps are removed and then placed at an angle by repositioning the hangers.
- This system is intended to allow pets to climb to various elevated places and is portable. It is not intended to be incorporated into a set of steps attached to a building nor is it intended to be used by humans.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,539,781 to McCoy discloses a set of stairs which may be converted to a ramp and includes a plurality of stairway treads and a plurality of stairway risers where the treads and risers are hinged together in alternating sequence so that the stairway may be expanded into a ramp.
- a power means operates a mechanism to change the stairway to a ramp or the reverse. This device, however, is rather complicated and requires a great deal of machinery.
- the present invention is designed to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art discussed above. It is an object of the present invention to provide a set of steps which is easily and quickly converted to a ramp.
- a set of steps which converts to a ramp Each step is hinged to left and right stringers.
- the bottom step is lifted, inverted, and laid down so that the bottom or underneath of the tread of the step is exposed.
- Each step is lifted and laid down in the manner described above so that a ramp is formed.
- the top step has an additional board hinged to the bottom of the tread. When the top step is inverted and laid down, the additional board is opened and laid down. The additional board acts as an extension so that the ramp reaches the floor or elevated surface to which the steps are attached.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the steps of the present invention attached to an elevated surface
- FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the steps of the present invention converted to a ramp while attached to an elevated surface;
- FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the steps of the present invention attached to an elevated surface
- FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 detailing the initial process of converting the steps of the present invention to a ramp;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of section 5 of FIG. 4 with a portion broken away to illustrate an attaching means for the upper step;
- FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of FIG. 2 of the steps of the present invention converted to a ramp;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken through section 7 of FIG. 6;
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken through section 8 of FIG. 6.
- FIG. 1 a set of convertible steps constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated generally as 10 .
- the present invention essentially includes a set of steps which converts to a ramp.
- Each step 12 , 14 , and 16 is hinged adjacent its forward edge to right and left stringers 18 and 20 via hinges 22 a, 22 b, 24 a, 24 b, 26 a, and 26 b, respectively.
- FIGS. 1 and 2. It should be realized that while only three steps are illustrated any number of steps may be used.
- Each step above the bottom i.e. top step 12 and step 14 has two cut-outs or slots 28 a, 28 b, 30 a, and 30 b, respectively, formed on the rear edge of the tread opposite the hinges. (See FIG. 1.) This allows the steps to interact with the stringers in a manner that will be described in more detail below.
- the top step 12 has an additional panel or board 32 hinged to the underside 34 of the step 12 via hinges 36 a and 36 b.
- the board 32 and the underside 34 of the top step 12 have complimentary securing or attaching means so that the board 32 is normally held to the top step 12 .
- the securing means may be sockets 38 a and 38 b formed in the bottom side 34 of the step 12 and pins 40 a and 40 b formed on the board 32 which fit into the sockets 38 a and 38 b, respectively.
- the purpose of this board 32 will be discussed in greater detail below.
- the bottom step 16 is lifted, flipped over or inverted, and laid down so that the underside 42 of the tread 44 of the bottom step 16 is exposed. (See FIGS. 6 and 7.)
- the leading edge of the tread of the bottom step 16 is tapered or chamfered such as shown at 46 so that a smooth transition is created between the ground surface 48 and the bottom of the ramp. (See FIG. 2.)
- Each step is lifted and laid down in turn in the manner described above and independently of the other steps so that a ramp is formed. (See FIG. 4.)
- the slots 28 a, 28 b, 30 a and 30 b formed in the tread surfaces allow the leading edges of the ramp sections to fit over the left and right stringers 18 and 20 . This permits the leading edges of the ramp sections to be slightly lower so as to allow for proper alignment with the next section below.
- the additional board 32 is released from the securing means of the step 12 and is rotated clockwise as shown in FIG. 5 about hinges 36 a and 36 b.
- the additional board 32 acts as an extension so that the ramp reaches the floor or elevated surface 50 to which the stairs are attached. (See FIG. 2.)
- the leading edge 52 of the additional board 32 is chamfered in complimentary fashion with the edge 54 of the elevated surface 50 in order to provide a smooth transition between the top of the ramp and the elevated surface 50 . (See FIG. 8.)
- the process is simply reversed. That is, the top step 12 is lifted upwardly and the additional board 32 is removed from its engagement with the elevated surface 50 .
- the additional board 32 is secured to the underside 34 of the top step 12 and together, the step and board are replaced on the stringers 18 and 20 so that the top side 56 of the tread is exposed.
- the succeeding steps are lifted and flipped back into position on the stringers with the top side of each tread exposed.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Vehicle Step Arrangements And Article Storage (AREA)
Abstract
A set of steps where each step is hinged to left and right stringers is disclosed. To convert the steps to a ramp, the bottom step is lifted, inverted, and laid down so that the underside of the tread of the step is exposed. Each step is lifted and laid down in the manner described above so that a ramp is formed. The top step has an additional board hinged to the underside of the tread. When the top step is inverted and laid down, the additional board is opened and laid down. The additional board acts as an extension so that the ramp reaches the floor or elevated surface to which the steps are attached. The top free edge of the additional board and the forwardmost free edge of the lower step are chamfered to provide smooth transitions from the ground to the ramp and from the ramp the elevated surface.
Description
- The present invention is directed toward a set of convertible steps and more particularly, toward a set of steps which converts to a ramp.
- Transporting people or freight in wheeled vehicles between various elevations is a common occurrence. Frequently, ramps are used to transport wheeled vehicles. However, ramps are usually not very aesthetically pleasing especially when they are located outside of a home. Furthermore, a ramp is not always necessary and steps may still be needed or desired. Therefore, a need arises to easily convert a set of steps to a ramp and vice versa.
- For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,440 to Mogck discloses a step and ramp combination which includes a frame and steps. The steps have hangers attached thereto and rest on rods extending between the frame. In order to convert the steps to a ramp, the steps are removed and then placed at an angle by repositioning the hangers. This system, however, is intended to allow pets to climb to various elevated places and is portable. It is not intended to be incorporated into a set of steps attached to a building nor is it intended to be used by humans.
- Also, U.S. Pat. No. 4,539,781 to McCoy discloses a set of stairs which may be converted to a ramp and includes a plurality of stairway treads and a plurality of stairway risers where the treads and risers are hinged together in alternating sequence so that the stairway may be expanded into a ramp. A power means operates a mechanism to change the stairway to a ramp or the reverse. This device, however, is rather complicated and requires a great deal of machinery.
- A need exists for a permanent construction for converting a set of steps into a ramp and vice versa which is inexpensive and which is simple to use.
- The present invention is designed to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art discussed above. It is an object of the present invention to provide a set of steps which is easily and quickly converted to a ramp.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a permanent structure which may be constructed on the outside of a building or home.
- It is still another object of the present invention to provide a prefabricated structure which may be easily transported to and attached to the outside of a building or home to become a permanent part thereof.
- In accordance with the illustrative embodiments demonstrating features and advantages of the present invention, there is provided a set of steps which converts to a ramp. Each step is hinged to left and right stringers. To convert the steps to a ramp, the bottom step is lifted, inverted, and laid down so that the bottom or underneath of the tread of the step is exposed. Each step is lifted and laid down in the manner described above so that a ramp is formed. The top step has an additional board hinged to the bottom of the tread. When the top step is inverted and laid down, the additional board is opened and laid down. The additional board acts as an extension so that the ramp reaches the floor or elevated surface to which the steps are attached.
- Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof taken in conjunction with the drawings.
- For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the accompanying drawings one form which is presently preferred; it being understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the steps of the present invention attached to an elevated surface;
- FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the steps of the present invention converted to a ramp while attached to an elevated surface;
- FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the steps of the present invention attached to an elevated surface;
- FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 detailing the initial process of converting the steps of the present invention to a ramp;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of
section 5 of FIG. 4 with a portion broken away to illustrate an attaching means for the upper step; - FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of FIG. 2 of the steps of the present invention converted to a ramp;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken through
section 7 of FIG. 6; and - FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken through
section 8 of FIG. 6. - Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like reference numerals have been used throughout the various figures to designate like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a set of convertible steps constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated generally as10.
- The present invention essentially includes a set of steps which converts to a ramp. Each
step left stringers via hinges top step 12 andstep 14, has two cut-outs orslots - The
top step 12 has an additional panel orboard 32 hinged to theunderside 34 of thestep 12 viahinges 36 a and 36 b. (See FIGS. 2, 4 and 5.) Theboard 32 and theunderside 34 of thetop step 12 have complimentary securing or attaching means so that theboard 32 is normally held to thetop step 12. (See FIG. 5.) For example, the securing means may besockets bottom side 34 of thestep 12 andpins board 32 which fit into thesockets board 32 will be discussed in greater detail below. - To convert the steps to a ramp, the
bottom step 16 is lifted, flipped over or inverted, and laid down so that theunderside 42 of thetread 44 of thebottom step 16 is exposed. (See FIGS. 6 and 7.) The leading edge of the tread of thebottom step 16 is tapered or chamfered such as shown at 46 so that a smooth transition is created between theground surface 48 and the bottom of the ramp. (See FIG. 2.) Each step is lifted and laid down in turn in the manner described above and independently of the other steps so that a ramp is formed. (See FIG. 4.) - As shown best in FIGS.6 an 7, the
slots right stringers - When the
top step 12 is flipped over and laid down, theadditional board 32 is released from the securing means of thestep 12 and is rotated clockwise as shown in FIG. 5 about hinges 36 a and 36 b. Theadditional board 32 acts as an extension so that the ramp reaches the floor orelevated surface 50 to which the stairs are attached. (See FIG. 2.) The leadingedge 52 of theadditional board 32 is chamfered in complimentary fashion with theedge 54 of theelevated surface 50 in order to provide a smooth transition between the top of the ramp and theelevated surface 50. (See FIG. 8.) - In order to restore the ramp to a set of steps, the process is simply reversed. That is, the
top step 12 is lifted upwardly and theadditional board 32 is removed from its engagement with theelevated surface 50. Theadditional board 32 is secured to theunderside 34 of thetop step 12 and together, the step and board are replaced on thestringers top side 56 of the tread is exposed. Similarly, the succeeding steps are lifted and flipped back into position on the stringers with the top side of each tread exposed. - The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.
Claims (5)
1. A convertible step and ramp combination comprising:
a plurality of steps including a top step and a bottom step wherein each of said steps has a top tread side and a ramp underside;
left and right stringers, and
hinge means pivotally securing each of said steps to said left and right stringers adjacent their forward edges,
whereby each of said steps can be inverted by pivoting the same about its respective hinge means to expose its ramp underside so as to form a continuous inclined surface.
2. The convertible step and ramp combination of claim 1 wherein said top step further includes means for extending said top step to reach an elevated surface when the same is inverted.
3. The convertible step and ramp combination of claim 2 wherein said extending means includes a panel hingedly attached to the underside of said top step.
4. The convertible step and ramp combination of claim 3 wherein said panel has a chamfered free edge.
5. The convertible step and ramp combination of claim 1 wherein said bottom step has a chamfered free edge.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/951,826 US20030051299A1 (en) | 2001-09-14 | 2001-09-14 | Convertible steps |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/951,826 US20030051299A1 (en) | 2001-09-14 | 2001-09-14 | Convertible steps |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030051299A1 true US20030051299A1 (en) | 2003-03-20 |
Family
ID=25492207
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/951,826 Abandoned US20030051299A1 (en) | 2001-09-14 | 2001-09-14 | Convertible steps |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20030051299A1 (en) |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2441321A (en) * | 2006-08-31 | 2008-03-05 | Sang Ngoc Nguyen | Deployable wheelchair ramp |
US20080302312A1 (en) * | 2007-06-06 | 2008-12-11 | Sue Steffey | Folding Pet Ramp and Steps |
US9380760B2 (en) | 2012-11-02 | 2016-07-05 | Petedge, Inc. | Folding pet ramp and steps device with telescoping handle |
US9561448B1 (en) * | 2016-04-15 | 2017-02-07 | John Bethers | Mobile action sports ramp |
US9580910B1 (en) * | 2015-09-11 | 2017-02-28 | Lift-U, Division Of Hogan Mfg. Inc. | Operable ramp |
US9963883B1 (en) * | 2017-02-03 | 2018-05-08 | Lift-U, Division Of Hogan Mfg., Inc. | Operable ramp |
US20190383023A1 (en) * | 2018-06-18 | 2019-12-19 | Armando Onhintie | Convertible Ramp Stair Cover with Variable End Segments |
CN110616860A (en) * | 2019-10-08 | 2019-12-27 | 于巧媛 | Slope device for step |
US20210396016A1 (en) * | 2020-06-17 | 2021-12-23 | Michael A. Turner, SR. | Waterslide dog ladder |
US20220104978A1 (en) * | 2020-10-05 | 2022-04-07 | Kevin Jon Carr | Interfacing wheelchairs with other apparatuses |
USD1007787S1 (en) * | 2023-06-20 | 2023-12-12 | Chenhan Li | Pet steps |
-
2001
- 2001-09-14 US US09/951,826 patent/US20030051299A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2441321A (en) * | 2006-08-31 | 2008-03-05 | Sang Ngoc Nguyen | Deployable wheelchair ramp |
US20080302312A1 (en) * | 2007-06-06 | 2008-12-11 | Sue Steffey | Folding Pet Ramp and Steps |
US7621236B2 (en) * | 2007-06-06 | 2009-11-24 | Petedge | Folding pet ramp and steps |
US9380760B2 (en) | 2012-11-02 | 2016-07-05 | Petedge, Inc. | Folding pet ramp and steps device with telescoping handle |
US9580910B1 (en) * | 2015-09-11 | 2017-02-28 | Lift-U, Division Of Hogan Mfg. Inc. | Operable ramp |
US9561448B1 (en) * | 2016-04-15 | 2017-02-07 | John Bethers | Mobile action sports ramp |
US9963883B1 (en) * | 2017-02-03 | 2018-05-08 | Lift-U, Division Of Hogan Mfg., Inc. | Operable ramp |
US20190383023A1 (en) * | 2018-06-18 | 2019-12-19 | Armando Onhintie | Convertible Ramp Stair Cover with Variable End Segments |
CN110616860A (en) * | 2019-10-08 | 2019-12-27 | 于巧媛 | Slope device for step |
US20210396016A1 (en) * | 2020-06-17 | 2021-12-23 | Michael A. Turner, SR. | Waterslide dog ladder |
US20220104978A1 (en) * | 2020-10-05 | 2022-04-07 | Kevin Jon Carr | Interfacing wheelchairs with other apparatuses |
US11963914B2 (en) * | 2020-10-05 | 2024-04-23 | Kevin Jon Carr | Interfacing wheelchairs with other apparatuses |
USD1007787S1 (en) * | 2023-06-20 | 2023-12-12 | Chenhan Li | Pet steps |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO PAY ISSUE FEE |