EP4644634A1

EP4644634A1 - Staircase in kit with alternate tread

Info

Publication number: EP4644634A1
Application number: EP24173073.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fabrizio Amaducci
Original assignee: Fondazione Di' Persona
Current assignee: Fondazione Di' Persona
Priority date: 2024-04-29
Filing date: 2024-04-29
Publication date: 2025-11-05

Abstract

A staircase (1) in kit with alternate tread, comprising a plurality of steps (2, 3), of which a first plurality of steps with right tread (2), alternating with a second plurality of steps with left tread (3), and a plurality of main structures (4) supporting the steps (2, 3). Each of the steps (2, 3) is substantially shaped like an isosceles triangle or an isosceles trapezoid, so that each of the steps (2, 3) defines a tread section (5), on which the user can rest his foot when climbing or descent, and a vertex area (6), opposite each other, and in which the tread area (5) of each of the steps (2, 3) includes two opposite base corners (10, 11). The steps with right tread (2) and the steps with left tread (3) are identical to each other; furthermore, each of the main structures (4) has a height equal to two risers (A), and connects one of the base corners (10, 11) of the tread area (5) of at least one of the steps (2, 3) and the vertex area (6) of another of the steps (2, 3) immediately preceding or following in the sequence of steps (2, 3) of the staircase (1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a staircase in kit with alternate tread.
More in detail, the present invention concerns a staircase in kit with alternate tread made using C-shaped press-bent metal profiles, and trapezoidal metal steps having a press-bent edge.

BACKGROUND ART

Some types of staircases are known, typically, but not only, for internal environments, commonly known as staircases in kit, which are chosen, in particular, for their simplicity and installation speed.
Furthermore, these staircases are typically adjustable and adaptable during installation, and therefore they are easily customizable to different installation needs.
These staircases are, in fact, usually composed of a limited number of modular components, which can be assembled in different ways, mainly depending on the different laying and installation needs in terms, above all, of the height to be reached.
Some of these staircases are called alternate treads, and they are especially indicated in cases where the space available for their installation is rather limited compared to the height that must be reached.
The definition of alternate tread derives from the fact that the steps are shaped in such a way that the surface of each step intended for the support of the foot is provided, alternately, on the right and on the left with reference to the user who goes up or down, so as to reduce the overall dimensions of the staircase as much as possible.
An alternating tread staircase, in particular, due to its particular configuration, requires the use of at least two types of steps - at least for the straight sections of the staircase, and excluding any curves - i.e. right-hand steps and left-hand steps, which they are mirrored but not identical.
The need to therefore produce, store and transport at least two different types of steps to create a staircase with alternating treads obviously entails higher costs and complications of various types, not least those of installing the staircase itself.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The technical aim of the present invention is therefore to improve the state of the art in the sector of staircases in kit with alternate treads.
Within such technical aim, it is an object of the present invention to create a staircase in kit with alternate treads capable of overcoming the previously complained drawbacks.
Another object of the present invention is to develop a staircase kit with alternate treads which is simpler to produce and install than known solutions.
Still another object of the present invention is to create a staircase kit with alternate treads which is more economical to produce and install than known solutions. Another object of the present invention is to make available a staircase kit with alternate tread that can be created using a lower number of parts compared to known solutions.
This aim and these objects are achieved by the staircase in kit with alternate tread according to the attached claim 1.
The staircase comprises a plurality of steps, of which a first plurality of steps with right treads, alternating with a second plurality of steps with left treads.
The staircase also includes a plurality of main support structures for the aforementioned steps.
Each of the steps is substantially shaped like an isosceles triangle, or an isosceles trapezium, so that each of the steps defines a tread area, on which the user can rest his foot when ascending or descending, and a vertex area, opposite to each other. The tread area of each of the steps includes two opposing base corners.
According to the invention, the steps with right tread and the steps with left tread are identical to each other.
Furthermore, each of the main structures has a height equal to two risers, and it connects one of the base corners of the tread area of at least one of the steps and the vertex area of another of said steps immediately preceding or following in the sequence of steps of the staircase.
This particular assembly configuration of the sequence of steps of the staircase allows the use of identical steps mounted, in an alternating manner, with the respective tread areas facing left and right.
The result is a staircase in kit that takes up very little space and can be made with a minimum number of identical pieces.
The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The characteristics of the invention will be better understood by any person skilled in the art from the following description and the attached drawings, given as a non-limiting example, in which:

figure 1 is an axonometric view of the staircase according to the invention;
figure 2 is a side view of the staircase;
figure 3 is a rear view of the staircase;
figure 4 is a plan view of the staircase;
figure 5 is a detailed, exploded axonometric view of the entrance area of the staircase;
figure 6 is a detailed front view of the staircase, at its entrance area;
figure 7 is a detailed, exploded axonometric view of two intermediate steps of the staircase;
figure 8 is a detailed front view of the staircase, at some intermediate steps thereof;
figure 9 is a detail of figure 7;
figure 10 is a detailed, exploded axonometric view of the exit area of the staircase;
figure 11 is a detail of figure 3, at the exit area of the staircase.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the attached figure 1, number 1 generally indicates a staircase in kit with alternate tread according to the present invention.
The staircase 1 includes a plurality of steps 2, 3, of which a first plurality of steps with right tread 2, alternating with a second plurality of steps with left tread 3.
In the remainder of this description, the distinction between steps with right tread 2 and steps with left tread 3 is made with reference to the direction of climb of the staircase 1 (evidently, the distinction of the aforementioned steps would be the reverse one if the direction of descent of the same staircase 1 was considered).
The staircase 1 also includes a plurality of main structures 4, supporting the two plurality of steps 2, 3.
According to one aspect of the invention, the main structures 4 have a height equal to that of two risers A of the staircase 1, for reasons better clarified below. According to another aspect of the invention, the steps with right tread 2 and the steps with left tread 3 are identical to each other.
In other words, from a step with right tread 2, a step with left tread 3 can be simply obtained by rotating it 180° on a horizontal plane.
As it will be better clarified later, thanks to the particular and innovative method and configuration of mutual connection between the steps 2, 3, through the main support structures 4 of the same, which have a double riser, it is possible to obtain a staircase 1 with alternating tread of small size with a minimum number of components, with notable production, economic and installation advantages. According to another aspect of the invention, each of the steps 2, 3 (of the first and second plurality) is flat, and has a substantially triangular or trapezoidal shape, and more particularly is substantially shaped like an isosceles triangle, or an isosceles trapezium.
In the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, which is of particular practical interest, each step 2, 3 has a substantially trapezoidal shape; more in detail, each step 2, 3 is substantially shaped like an isosceles trapezium.
Each of the steps 2, 3, therefore, defines a tread area 5 and a vertex area 6, which are opposite to each other.
The tread area 5 is the one - with the largest width - on which the user can place his foot when ascending or descending.
The major base 7 of the aforementioned isosceles trapezoid is therefore positioned at the aforementioned tread area 5, while the minor base 8 of the isosceles trapezoid is positioned at the vertex area 6.
The vertex area 6 of each of the steps 2, 3 includes a folded end 9.
In particular, the folded end 9 lies on a plane perpendicular to the plane of the respective step 2, 3.
Consequently, evidently, the steps with right tread 2 are mounted with the respective major base 7 facing to the right (with reference to the direction of climbing of the staircase 1), while the steps with left tread 3 (alternating with the right tread ones 2) are mounted with the respective major base 7 facing to the left (always with reference to the direction of climbing of the staircase 1).
Each tread area 5 of each step 2, 3 includes two adjacent base corners 10, 11, and in particular a first base corner 10 and a second base corner 11.
Each step 2, 3, by way of non-limiting example only, has a useful fixed tread width of approximately 210 mm in the widest part (i.e., at the major base 7), and a fixed ramp width of approximately 670 mm.
According to another aspect of the invention, each of the main structures 4, with double riser, connects a base corner 10, 11 of the tread area 5 of at least one of the steps 2, 3 and the vertex area 6 of another step 2, 3 immediately preceding, or following, in the sequence of steps 2, 3 of scale 1.
This particular, and innovative, assembly configuration allows the use of identical steps 2, 3 mounted, in an alternating manner, with the respective tread areas 5 facing left and right.
According to a further aspect of the invention, each of the main structures 4 of scale 1 is substantially shaped like a "C".
Each of the main structures 4 includes a first end portion 12 and a second end portion 13, opposite the first end portion 12.
The first end portion 12 and the second end portion 13 are, in practice, constituted by two folded ends of the main structure 4 (in particular, two ends folded at 90°, on the same side).
Furthermore, each of the main structures 4 includes a median portion 14, placed between the first end portion 12 and the second end portion 13.
The first end portion 12 and the second end portion 13 of each of the main structures 4 therefore define respective flat coupling/support surfaces of the steps 2, 3.
The staircase 1 includes an entrance area 15 and an exit area 16, opposite each other, and conventionally defined with reference to the direction of climb thereof.
As better clarified below - with the exception of the entrance area 15 and the exit area 16 of the staircase 1, with reference to the direction of the climb thereof - each of the main structures 4 of the staircase 1 connects the base corners 10, 11 of the tread zones 5 of two consecutive steps with right tread 2, or left tread 3, and the vertex zone 6 of a step with left tread 3, or right tread 2, interposed between the two aforementioned consecutive steps 2, 3 (a right tread 2 one or left tread 3 one). In other words - and always with the exception of the entrance area 15 and the exit area 16 of the staircase 1, with reference to the direction of the climb thereof - each of the main structures 4 connects three respective areas of three different consecutive steps 2, 3 (both with right tread 2 and left tread 3), thanks to the fact that, as mentioned, it has a height equal to two risers A.
More specifically, each of the main structures 4 connects - with the respective first terminal portion 12 and second terminal portion 13 - the area of the first base corner 10 of each step with right tread 2, or left tread 3, with the area of the second base corner 11 of the step with right tread 2, or left tread 3, immediately preceding or following, that is, as mentioned, it connects two consecutive steps 2, 3 with right tread 2, or left tread 3; furthermore, the same main structure 4 is connected - at its median portion 14 - also to the vertex area 6 of the step with left tread 3 or of the step with right tread 2, interposed between the two aforementioned, consecutive, steps with right 2 or left 3 tread.
It is therefore observed that, according to the invention, the assembly sequence of the steps with right tread 2 is repeated identically for the steps with left tread 3, at a riser A distance in the vertical direction.
As mentioned, therefore, each of the main structures 4 has a height equal to two risers A, with the exception of the entrance area 15 and the exit area 16 of the staircase 1, with reference, conventionally, to the direction of climb of the same.
As further clarified below, special terminal structures 17 are provided in the entrance area 15 and in the exit area 16, which have a height equal to a single riser A (and therefore equal to half that of the main structures 4).
The terminal structures 17 are also substantially "C" shaped, and each include a first terminal portion 12 and a second terminal portion 13, and an intermediate portion 14 placed between them.
According to another aspect of the invention, each of the steps 2, 3, each of the main structures 4 and each of the terminal structures 17 is provided with respective pairs of holes 18, for the insertion of bolts 19 for assembling the staircase 1.
More in detail, each of the steps 2, 3 (see for example figures 5, 7, 9) includes at least three pairs of holes 18 provided, respectively, at the first base corner 10, at the second base corner 11 and at the folded end 9.
Furthermore, each of the main structures 4 equally includes three pairs of holes 18 provided, respectively, at the first end portion 12, at the second end portion 13 and at the median portion 14.
Each of the terminal structures 17 includes, however, two pairs of holes 18, provided, respectively, at the first terminal portion 12 and at the second terminal portion 13.
According to another aspect of the invention, the staircase 1 includes a plurality of height compensators 20, placed between the end portions 12, 13 of the main structures 4 and the steps 2, 3.
As clarified further below, the compensators 20 allow the final height of the assembled staircase 1 to be adjusted very precisely, in relation to the specific installation needs.
Each of the compensators 20 includes a plate 21 (see in particular figure 9).
The plate 21 has, roughly, the same external shape as the first terminal portion 12 and the second terminal portion 13 of the main structures 4 and the terminal structures 17, so that, once the compensator 20 has been installed, it does not protrude from the bulk of the aforementioned terminal portions 12, 13.
The plate 21 is affected by two openings 22, which are intended to be positioned coaxial to the holes 18 provided in the steps 2, 3 and in the first, second terminal portions 12, 13 of the main structures 4 or of the terminal structures 17.
The number of compensators 20 provided in a given staircase 1 can be any, in relation to the specific installation needs (i.e., in practice, depending on the final height to be reached).
In an embodiment of the invention of particular practical interest, each plate 21 has a thickness of 5 mm.
Furthermore, in an embodiment of the invention of particular practical interest, each plate 21 is made of nylon with glass fiber.
For reasons of uniformity of the height of the risers of each step 2, 3, the number of compensators 20 is the same for each connection between the steps 2, 3 and the main structures 4 (or the terminal structures 17).
By way of example only, for each connection between steps 2, 3 and structures 4, 17, the compensators 20 can be from one to five in number.
The entrance area 15 (with reference to the direction of climb) of the staircase 1 includes two terminal structures 17 (of a height equal to a riser A) fixed below the first step 2, 3 of the staircase 1, in particular below its tread zone 5.
The first step 2, 3 of the staircase 1 can obviously be, depending on the design or installation choice, a step with right tread 2 or a step with left tread 3.
In the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the first step 2, 3 of the staircase 1 is a step with right tread 2.
Therefore, in this case the two terminal structures 17 are fixed below the tread area 5, i.e. below the two base corners 10, 11, of the first step with right tread 2.
The two terminal structures 17, therefore, are designed to guarantee support on the floor together with a first main structure 4 (with a height equal to two risers A) connected, at its median portion 14, to the vertex area 6 of the same first step with right tread 2.
The compensators 20 are also fixed below the two terminal structures 17 and the first main structure 4 (in a number equal to that of the compensators 20 interposed between the various steps 2, 3 and between the main structures 4).
The installation sequence of the subsequent steps 2, 3 then, proceeds, from the aforementioned first step with right tread 2, in the manner previously described, with alternation of steps with right tread 2 and steps with left tread 3.
The exit area 16 (always with reference, conventionally, to the upward direction) includes an upper step 23, which has a different shape compared to the other steps 2, 3 of the staircase 1.
In particular, the upper step 23 does not include any folded portion 9, and is wider than the other steps 2, 3, since it is intended to be connected directly to the attic reached by the staircase 1.
In more detail, the upper step 23 is also shaped like an isosceles trapezium, however with a minor base 8 of greater length than the minor base 8 of the other steps 2, 3.
The upper step 23 is, therefore, supported by the last of the main structures 4 (with two risers) of the sequence and by a terminal structure 17 (with single A riser) fixed at two adjacent corners, and also adjacent to the major base 7 and at the minor base 8 of the upper step 23 itself; furthermore, the upper step 23 is fixed to the attic by means of L-shaped brackets 24 (for example, two L-shaped brackets 24).
The upper step 23 is, therefore, supported by the last of the main structures 4 (with two risers) of the sequence and by a terminal structure 17 (with single A riser) fixed at two adjacent corners, and also adjacent to the major base 7 and at the minor base 8 of the upper step 23 itself; furthermore, the upper step 23 is fixed to the attic by means of L-shaped brackets 24 (for example, two L-shaped brackets 24).
The two L-shaped brackets 24 are positioned at the ends of the upper step 23, adjacent to the pairs of holes 18 for fixing the main structures 4 or the terminal structures 17.
Furthermore, near the central recess 25, a further central hole 26 is provided for fixing the respective central L-shaped bracket 24.
The structures 4, 17 are made using C-shaped press-bent metal profiles.
The folded ends 9 of the steps 2, 3, 23 are also made by press bending. Furthermore, the structures 4, 17 and the steps 2, 3, 23 are preferably powder coated.
The method of assembly and use of staircase 1 according to the invention is, in light of what has been described, completely simple and intuitive.
In practice, it has been demonstrated that with the use of only five different components, in respective appropriately chosen numbers (steps 2, 3, main structures 4, terminal structures 17, upper step 23, compensators 20), in addition, obviously, to the bolts 19, it is possible to create and install staircases of customized height configured according to specific needs, and precisely adjustable. Furthermore, the use of the compensators 20, to regulate the height of the staircase 1, is optimized thanks to the fact that the main structures 4 are made with double risers.
In fact, by varying the number of compensators 20 (which must be the same for all the connections between the structures 4, 17 and the steps 2, 3, 23), the overall height of the staircase 1 is modified, and also the riser A varies accordingly.
In fact, as shown, for example, in figures 6, 8, 11, the insertion of a certain number of compensators 20 (for example two in number, in these figures) does not influence the position of the step 2, 3 fixed to the median portion 14 of each main structure 4.
What varies is only the position of the two steps 2, 3 immediately adjacent to the latter (i.e., the one immediately higher and the one immediately lower), which can be moved further away or closer by a certain distance D, thus modifying, consequently, the riser A of staircase 1.
During the installation phase, therefore, to reach the desired height of the staircase 1, it is possible to vary the overall number of steps 2, 3, or the number of compensators 20 at each connection between steps 2, 3, 23 and structures 4, 17.
It has thus been seen how the invention achieves the proposed aims.
The solution proposed with the present invention allows the creation of staircases 1 with alternating treads, easily customizable and adjustable according to needs, using a minimum number of components, decidedly lower than that of the stairs, belonging to the same product range, currently present on the market.
In fact, a notable advantage, from multiple points of view (production, logistic, and installation) is the fact of being able to use steps 2, 3 identical to each other both to create the right tread and the left tread.
Another important advantage is obtained thanks to the solution of using main structures 4 with a height equal to two risers A (with the exception of the entrance area 15 and the exit area 16) so that, to obtain a staircase 1 of a given overall height, a number of main structures 4, equal to half of those used in other known solutions, is used.
The plan size of the staircase 1 is very small, as shown, for example, in figures 2 and 4.
Finally, all the components of the staircase 1 are manufactured with particularly simple and economical technologies, since the staircase 1 according to the invention is intended to be commercially positioned in a range of highly economical products.
The present invention has been described according to preferred embodiments, but equivalent variations can be conceived without departing from the scope of protection offered by the following claims.

Claims

Staircase (1) in kit with alternate tread, comprising a plurality of steps (2, 3), of which a first plurality of steps with right tread (2), alternating with a second plurality of steps with left tread (3), and a plurality of main structures (4) supporting said steps (2, 3), in which each of said steps (2, 3) is substantially shaped like an isosceles triangle or an isosceles trapezoid, so that each of said steps (2 , 3) defines a tread area (5), on which the user can rest his foot when ascending or descending, and a vertex area (6), opposite to each other, and in which said tread area (5) of each of said steps (2, 3) includes two opposing base corners (10, 11), characterized in that said steps with right tread (2) and said steps with left tread (3) are identical to each other, and in that each of said main structures (4) has a height equal to two risers (A), and connects one of said base corners (10, 11) of said tread area (5) of at least one of said steps (2, 3) and said vertex area (6) of another of said steps (2, 3) immediately preceding or following in the sequence of steps (2, 3) of the staircase (1).
Staircase (1) according to claim 1, wherein, with the exception of the entrance area (15) and the exit area (16) of the staircase (1), with reference to the direction of climb thereof, each of said main structures (4) connects the base corners (10, 11) of the tread areas (5) of two consecutive steps with right tread (2) or steps with left tread (3), and the vertex area (6) of a step with left tread (3), or of a step with right tread (2), placed between the two consecutive steps with right tread (2), or with left tread (3).
Staircase (1) according to claim 2, wherein, with the exception of said entrance area (15) and said exit area (16) of the staircase (1), with reference to the direction of climb thereof, each of said main structures (4) connects three respective areas of three different consecutive steps (2, 3).
Staircase (1) according to one of the previous claims, wherein each of said main structures (4) is substantially C-shaped, and it includes a first terminal portion (12), a second terminal portion (13) and a median portion (14), interposed between said first terminal portion (12) and said second terminal portion (13).
Staircase (1) according to claim 4, wherein, with the exception of said entrance area (15) and said exit area (16) of the staircase (1), and with reference to the direction of climb thereof, each of said main structures (4) connects, with the respective first terminal portion (12) and second terminal portion (13), the area of the first base corner (10) of each step with right tread (2), or step with left tread (3), with the area of the second base corner (11) of the step with right tread (2), or step with left tread (3), immediately preceding or following, and in which each of said main structures (4) is connected, at its median portion (14), also to the vertex area (6) of the step with left tread (3), or step with right tread (2), placed between said two, consecutive, step with right tread (2) or step with left tread (3).
Staircase (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said first terminal portion (12) and said second terminal portion (13) are constituted by two ends of said main structure (4) folded at 90°, so that said first terminal portion (12) and second terminal portion (13) of each of said main structures (4) define respective flat coupling/support surfaces of said steps (2, 3).
Staircase (1) according to one of the previous claims, wherein said vertex area (6) of each of said steps (2, 3) includes a folded end (9), which lies on a plane perpendicular to the plane of the respective step (2, 3).
Staircase (1) according to one of claims 2-7, wherein terminal structures (17) are provided in said entrance area (15) and in said exit area (16), having a height equal to a riser.
Staircase (1) according to claim 8, wherein each of said steps (2, 3), each of said main structures (4) and each of said terminal structures (17) is provided with respective pairs of holes (18), for the insertion of bolts (19) for assembling the staircase (1).
Staircase (1) according to claim 9, wherein each of said steps (2, 3) includes at least three pairs of holes (18) provided, respectively, at said first base corner (10), at said second base corner (11) and at said folded end (9), and wherein each of said main structures (4) equally includes three pairs of holes (18) provided, respectively, at said first terminal portion (12), at said second terminal portion (13) and at said median portion (14).
Staircase (1) according to one of claims 8-10, comprising a plurality of height compensators (20), interposed between said end portions (12, 13) of said main structures (4) and said steps (2, 3), which allow to adjust the final height of the assembled staircase (1), in relation to the specific installation needs.
Staircase (1) according to claim 11, wherein each of said compensators (20) includes a plate (21), having roughly the same external shape as said first terminal portion (12) and said second terminal portion (13) of said main structures (4) and said terminal structures (17), said plate (21) being affected by two openings (22) intended to be positioned coaxial to said holes (18) provided in said steps (2, 3) and in said first, second terminal portions (12, 13) of said main structures (4) and of said terminal structures (17).
Staircase (1) according to one of claims 2-12, wherein said entrance area (15), with reference to the direction of climb of the staircase (1), includes two terminal structures (17), of a height equal to a riser, fixed below the first step (2, 3) of the staircase (1) below its tread area (5), said terminal structures (17) being suitable for ensuring support on the floor together with a connected first main structure (4), at its median portion (14), to the vertex area (6) of said first step (2, 3).
Staircase (1) according to one of claims 2-13, in which said exit area (16), with reference to the direction of climb of the staircase (1), includes an upper step (23) wider than said steps (2, 3), being intended to be connected directly to the attic reached by the staircase (1), said upper step (23) being supported by the last of the main structures (4) of the staircase (1) sequence and by a terminal structure (17), fixed at two corners adjacent to each other, and also adjacent to the major base (7) and to the minor base (8) of said upper step (23), said upper step (23) being furthermore fixable to the attic by means of L-shaped brackets (24).