GB2447270A - A stair covering securing clamp - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable securing clamp for holding a protective sheet or covering in place on a set of stairs. The device comprises an extendable rod 1 which may be fitted tightly between the two side surfaces at the junction of the tread and the riser. At each end of the rod is an adjustable rubber pad 5. The rod is adjusted by means of an internal threaded bar which is controlled by an adjusting handle 3. The adjustment may also be effected by a ratchet device. Fitted near each of the ends of the rod is a tread clamp 4. Mounted substantially at right angles to the bar and flee to rotate about it, the clamp serves to keep the stair covering flat and taught. It has an adjustable member 6 allowing it to effectively fit the depth of the tread.

Description

Protective stair sheet clamp This invention relates to a device for

holding protective sheets in place whilst they are being used on stairs.

When people need to protect the floor covering on stairs, for example during building, decorating or any other activity which may cause mess or damage, it is common practice to use a dust sheet or similar on the stairs.

However, the use of such articles may cause problems for the users of the stairs as the sheets tend to move as people walk up and down the stairs. This could lead to a health and safety risk due to the possibility of slips, trips or falls. Generally, the sheets are folded onto the stairs and smoothed out by hand to make them flat.

This invention proposes to overcome the problem of sheets moving by using a clamp to hold the sheet in position.

The invention consists of an expanding tube, which may be provided as part of a clamp set. The expanding tube, which may be constructed from metal or plastic, is positioned at the intersection of the tread and riser. Attached to the tube, at each end, are further adjustable clamps which have a 90 degree bend at one end. This clamp sits on the step and overhangs the end, locking tight against the riser. The tubes are expandable by using a quick action locking mechanism, for example a ratchet type or screw threaded rod (as shown). At each end of the rod there are also adjustable rubber protective pads or feet. These press against the strings (sides) or balustrades and hold the device in situ in an unobtrusive manner.

The invention is ideally stored in a suitable carry-case as it will be used as part of a set to enable the full length of' the stairs to be protected. The carry-case will also permit the invention to be transported from location to location easily. Individual clamps, of varying lengths, may also be used, for example at the turn of the landing.

The invention will be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a plan view of one complete unit of the device.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the device in the extended position Figure 3 shows a side elevation view.

Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the device in situ on stairs.

in Figure 1, an extendible tube number 1, has an internal threaded rod 2, which extends or retracts when the adjusting handle number 3 is turned. The threaded rod passes through one end of the tread clamp number 4, where it is attached to a rubber pad number 5. When the adjusting handle number 3 is turned as far as it will go, the rubber pads number 5 will be placed tightly between the strings or sides of the stair, at the intersection of the tread and riser. The tread clamp number 4 also has an adjusting mechanism number 6 which allows it to be fitted securely.

In Figure 2 there are the same components as figure 1, however it is now shown in its extended position and the internal threaded rod number 2 can clearly be seen.

Figure 3 shows a side elevation view. Number 4 is the tread clamp which is connected to the adjusting mechanism number 6. This in turn is connected to a tube with a 90 degree bend which wraps over the front of the tread I riser intersection. The end of the tube may be fitted with a protective cap number 8. The complete tread clamp is free to rotate from where the internal rod number 2 passes through it.

Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the device in position. The extendible tube number I, is forcing the pads number 5 against the strings or sides of the stair (these have not been shown for clarity). The tread clamp number 4 is shown in position which chables the device to keep the sheet remain taught. Number 9 is showing a bare riser and number 10 is showing a bare tread.

Claims (6)

1. Claims 1. A protective stair sheet device which safely holds protective

   sheets or coverings on stairs by using a variety of adjustable securing devices, which are attached, have the ability to rotate, are unobtrusive and are assembled / disassembled easily and quickly.
2. 2. A protective stair sheet clamp which, according to claim 1, uses an adjustable mechanism for extending and retracting a tube, or similar,which enables the tube to be fitted tightly between two surfaces, at the intersection of the tread and riser.
3. 3. A protective stair sheet clamp, which according to claim 2 consists of adjustable rubber pads at the extremities of the tube at the intersection of the tread and riser in order to protect the surface it is placed against.
4. 4. A protective stair sheet clamp according to claim 1 which has a further tube which rotates from the tube described in claims 2 and 3 and rests on the tread, overlaps the riser and secures the sheet tightly.
5. 5. A protective stair sheet clamp according to claim 4 in which the tube which rotates has an adjustable mechanism for extending and tetracting the tube to enalMe a tight fit.
6. 6. A protective stair sheet clamp according to claim 4 which has a protective cap on the open end of tube.