AU2017100527A4 - A portable adjustable staircase - Google Patents

Abstract

A PORTABLE ADJUSTABLE STAIRCASE A portable adjustable staircase (1) having a pair of elongate side members (2). Each side member (2) having a ground end (3) and an elevated end (4). Each side member (2) including a plurality of holes (5) extending therethrough. The holes (5) of the first side member (2) being complimentary to the holes (5) of the second side member (2) when said members (2) are located substantially parallel to each other. A plurality of support members (10) each having connecting means (15). The connecting means (15) adapted in use to connect said support member (10) to said side member (2) by way of one or more of said holes (5). Whereby in use, said support members (10) can be configured with respect to said side members (2) to permit the staircase (1) to be adjustable between various elevations. r 1 Figure 1

Description

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A PORTABLE ADJUSTABLE STAIRCASE

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a device to assist a person to move from a ground surface to an elevated surface, such as a ladder, scissor lift, staircase, scaffolding, cherry picker, elevator, escalator or the like. In particular, an adjustable portable staircase for use in the building industry.

Background of the Invention [0002] With limited space across the globe and an increase in population there has been a move towards increasing the height of buildings to accommodate more people in a smaller footprint. When living or working in such buildings there is a need for a device to assist movement from the ground surface to upper levels. When constructing a building, devices such as ladders, scissor lifts, cherry pickers, elevators, escalators, staircases or the like are commonly used. These known types of lifting devices come in various shapes, sizes and forms however are typically fixed shaped structures.

[0003] When constructing a suburban house for example, typically scaffolding or fixed ladders are used for workmen to move between floors.

[0004] The disadvantages of existing scaffolding is that they come in fixed sized units and are typically designed for exterior applications rather than internal applications. They have limited fixed shapes for stair returns, landings or ceiling heights. They are also bulky and heavy as they are usually made from steel. They have protruding fixtures such as U-bolts, nuts and the like that are a hazard for the tradespersons finishing off the inside of the dwelling, for example.

They are also difficult to remove or dismantle within the confined spaces at the completion of the dwelling. They are also generally not adjustable. Existing scaffolding is required to be erected and certified by licensed scaffold contractors, increasing the cost and time of the erection of a building.

[0005] An alternate method to access floors of multi storey dwellings under construction, for example, is using an aluminium ladder placed in the void and tied back to the first floor joists. The ladder is typically placed at a 75 degree angle which makes it very unstable for

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(N o o o (N tradespersons to lift heavy loads up the ladder. The ladder has no safety or grab rails for the trades to grab for support. The small treads of the ladder make the foot area for support minimal and dangerous.

[0006] All Industrial ladders must have a minimum weight ratio of 120kg and be labeled that it is suitable for ‘Industrial U’. Just because a ladder is labeled with a load rating, it does not mean that the ladder actually meets that standard. A ladder would be deemed unsafe if you had a tradesman of a heavy weight that was then carrying materials such as tiles, sand, cement, gyprock, windows and internal flooring up the ladder. This usually then requires other men on the worksite to cease their own job and help transport materials to the second level which is a loss of time and money.

[0007] Internal finished staircases can often be forced to be installed early on a jobsite and covered up to allow tradesman access to the second level of the dwelling. In most cases, internal stairs are often damaged by tradesman’s use of the stairs and also the coverings become loose and dangerous before the job is completed. It is then up to the builder to rectify this problem. Internal stairs should be one of the last items installed due to the issue of being damaged and costly.

[0008] There is a need for a portable adjustable staircase having wide stair treads and handrails to encourage a safer work environment. Optively the staircase would be placed at an angle of 34 degrees, which makes the mechanical effort to climb the stairs with a load much easier. Advantageously, the portable staircase would be screwed to the upper floor for securement.

Object of the Invention [0009] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention [0010] There is disclosed herein a portable adjustable staircase, the staircase having: a pair of elongated side members; each side member having a ground end and an elevated end;

AH25(13003053_1):KEH ο Ο (Ν S' (Ν (Ν ΙΟ ο ο ο (Ν each side member including a plurality of holes extending therethrough, the holes of a first side member being complimentary to the holes of a second side member when said members are located substantially parallel to each other; a plurality of support members; coimecting means adapted in use to connect said support members to said side members by way of one or more of said holes; whereby in use, said support members can be configured with respect to said side members to permit the staircase to be adjustable between various elevations.

[0011] Preferably, wherein the support members are stair treads.

[0012] Preferably, wherein the coimecting means includes attachment brackets positionable in use in said holes of said side members.

[0013] Preferably, including one or more handrails having fastening means adapted in use to fasten to said side members.

[0014] Preferably, wherein the ground end includes a non-slip member and the elevated end includes a cut-away, said cutaway adapted in use to position about a floor beam elevated above a ground surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0015] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0016] Figure 1 shows a side view of a portable adjustable staircase stringer of an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure la shows a connecting plate which connects the stringers together of Figure 1.

[0017] Figure 2 shows a separable handrail for attachment to the staircase of Figure 1; and [0018] Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show top, side and end views of an adjustable tread for use with the staircase of Figure 1.

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Description of Embodiments [0019] There is disclosed in the accompanying drawings a portable adjustable staircase 1 having a pair of elongate side members 2. Each side member 2 having a ground end 3 and an elevated end 4. Each side member 2 including a plurality of holes 5 extending therethrough· The holes 5 of the first member 2 being complimentary to the holes 5 of the second member 2 when said members 2 are located substantially parallel to each other. The staircase 1 includes a plurality of support members 10 have connecting means 15. The connecting means 15 are adapted in use to connect the support members 10 to the side members 2 by way of one or more of the holes 5. In use, the support members 10 can be configured with respect to the side members 2 to permit the staircase 1 to be adjustable between various elevations.

[0020] As shown in the figures, the side members 2 can have a plurality of holes 5 located all along the elongate length between the ground end 3 and the elevated end 4. The ground end 3 as shown in Figure 1 can include a non-slip surface 40 or other type of footing arrangement.

The elevated end 4 as shown in the drawing can include a cut-out 26 or the like adapted to fit into a floor beam or the like elevated above a ground surface. The stair tread 10 can include various non-slip surfaces 31 to assist with support and stability for a user. The treads 10 can include various arrangements of connecting plates or attachment brackets 15 which cooperate with the holes 5. It should be appreciated that the holes 5 do not have to extend fully through the side members 2 and could in fact only partially be recessed. The coimecting plates and attachment brackets 15 could include a number of dowels or the like or could utilise a nut and bolt arrangement through each of the holes 5. There could also be placed one or more elongate members across adjacent holes in adjacent members 2 to support a tread 10. The tread 10 could then be snapped-locked in place on those elongate members, for example.

[0021] The adjustable staircase 1 in a preferred embodiment will be 500 mm in width allowing the walls on either side to be finished by all tradesmen without being in the way. As they are temporary stairs they are easy to dismantle on the spot with no damage to walls surrounding the stairwell as it won't be a whole unit to remove from the house, which could be anywhere up to a 3 metre floor height which would result in a stringer of up to 4.8 metres long.

[0022] Advantageously, the adjustable staircase 1 will be at an angle of 34 degrees instead of a 75 degree incline like normal ladders are and each tread 10 is much wider than each rung of a

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r- (N o o r- o (N ladder. For ladders to be safe they need to be secured and structural sound where it cannot move at all. There is rarely a secured ladder on job sites or a set of internal temporary stairs to new dwelling to create a safe and accessible access.

[0023] The adjustable staircase 1 provides an easier and safer access method for trades to access upper floors on new multi storey dwellings, for example. The adjustable staircase 1 will achieve a lighter, safer and easier internal construction of temporary access ways to upper levels of dwellings under construction.

[0024] The adjustable staircase 1 will have handrails 20 to improve safety for tradespersons and clients alike. Clients are often hesitant to climb ladders to discuss issues of the construction with the builder such as electrical connections, plumbing, fixtures and the like because of fear of falling off the ladder.

[0025] The adjustable staircase 1 will be completely manufactured from aluminium materials so that it is light and easy to carry and used. However, any material could be used.

[0026] All fasteners will be galvanized hex head bolts, nuts and lock washers that will be able to be tightened by a ratchet gun or the like for fast installation.

[0027] The stair treads 10 and platforms to be constructed of aluminium weld mesh or high impact rubber tread mesh. This will keep the weight of the installation down to be more manageable for the builders erecting the staircase 1.

[0028] Connecting plates 15 or the like allow modular construction of two or more units to suit the dwelling requirements.

[0029] In a preferred form, the adjustable staircase 1 will have multiple side members (stringer 2) sizing of 7 step, 8 step, 14 step, 15 step and 16 step assemblies which will cater for reverse landing staircases, and for ceiling heights of 2400mm, 2700mm and 3000mm. The adjustable staircase 1 will have connecting plates 15 attached to holes 5 drilled in the end of the adjoining stringers 2 to allow for different modular sections to be assembled. This modular sizing should fit almost all staircase requirements. The adjustable staircase 1 will have a handrail assembly 20 on each modular panel to improve safety issues for the users.

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r- (N o o r- o (N 6 [0030] Stringers 2 200 x 50 x 6mm RSC with drillings 5 to suit sizing for multiple applications tread plate attachment brackets 15 welded to inside of stringers are 75 x 75 x 6mm angle drilled to suit. Stringer connecting plates 15 are 150mm xlOmm flat. Drilled to suit. Stair treads 10 to be constructed from 25mm thick aluminium tread mesh or high impact rubber tread mesh. The flat plate washer welded to the top of the stair mesh located at the end of each tread. Then a nut or internal thread is welded to the underside of a 75 x 75x 6mm angle so that the tread can be bolted to the stringer 2. The portable stair scaffold treads 10 are to be 220mm wide x 500mm long to allow access for trades on either side of the system to complete fixing and plastering etc. The typical staircase void during construction is 1000mm, which will allow 250mm either side of system for trades to complete their finishers. All holes 5 drilled to suit Ml2 galvanized bolts, nuts and lock washers. The handrails 20 are made to suit 7 step and 8 step systems from 50mm aluminium tubing, bolted to the RSC sections plates welded into the toe of the channels at the required positions.

[0031] Advantageously, the adjustable staircase 1 is light and easy to manage within the confined spaces of the dwelling. The adjustable staircase 1 is easy to dismantle and remove with minimum tools (ratchet gun). The adjustable staircase 1 has multiple unit sizes to fit applications of different ceiling heights to multi storey dwellings.

[0032] The adjustable staircase 1 is easier to climb with heavy loads than the upright ladder configuration. The adjustable staircase 1 has multiple shapes and sizing to suit most stair orientations. The adjustable staircase 1 has no sharp edges with the construction method of hex head bolts and nuts, with the bolt heads on the external surfaces of the system. The adjustable staircase 1 can be erected by the licensed builder without the requirement of certification from an outside party.

[0033] The adjustable staircase 1 will have gusseted fiat plate footings with friction fit rubber pads 30 on bottom of feet of each modular unit to create no slip on the mating surface (either timber or concrete).

[0034] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

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Claims (5)

1. A portable adjustable staircase, the staircase having: a pair of elongate side members; each side member having a ground end and an elevated end; each side member including a plurality of holes extending therethrough, the holes of a first side member being complimentary to the holes of a second side member when said members are located substantially parallel to each other; a plurality of support members; connecting means adapted in use to connect said support members to said side members by way of one or more of said holes; whereby in use, said support members can be configured with respect to said side members to permit the staircase to be adjustable between various elevations.

2. The adjustable staircase of claim 1, wherein the support members are stair treads.

3. The adjustable staircase of claim 1, wherein the connecting means includes attachment brackets positionable in use in said holes of said side members.

4. The adjustable staircase of claim 1, including one or more handrails having fastening means adapted in use to fasten to holes of said side members.

5. The adjustable staircase of claim 1, wherein the ground end includes a non-slip member and the elevated end includes a cut-away, said cutaway adapted in use to position about a floor beam elevated above a ground surface.