GB2570982A

GB2570982A - Illuminable stair

Info

Publication number: GB2570982A
Application number: GB1819997.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cheeseman Guy; Cheeseman Pam
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-12-08
Filing date: 2018-12-07
Publication date: 2019-08-14
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-07
Also published as: GB201720549D0; GB201819997D0; GB2570982B

Abstract

An illuminable stair or step having a tread and optionally also a riser, the tread or riser having a forward side and a rearward side, the forward side being visible during normal use of the stair, an aperture 3 extending from the forward side to the rearward side of at least one of the tread and if it is present the riser, the aperture is at least partially filled with a previously liquid, non-opaque substance, e.g. a resin 7, set in situ, a light source 10 is located at or near the rearward side of the aperture. There may be a reinforcement 8 located beneath the stair. The light 10 may be located on or in a recess in an insert 12. A method for producing an illuminable stair, either with the light on the tread or the riser is also disclosed. The light source may be installed by inserting it through the aperture onto the reinforcement. There may be control means, such as a manual switch, a motion controlled switch or using a smart device.

Description

This disclosure relates to illuminable stairs and methods for making illuminable stairs. In particular, it relates to illuminable stairs that are more aesthetically pleasing than previous stairs, while still providing safety benefits.

It is well known that stairs provide a number of safety hazards to users, including the risk of tripping and falling. These risks are exacerbated when stairs are poorly lit. Commercial buildings sometimes provide some type of lighting near to stairs, or a reflective surface at the edges of stairs, however, these systems tend not to be aesthetically pleasing, and therefore homeowners, hotel owners or anyone else for whom aesthetics is major concern will be reluctant to install such systems. There is therefore a need for lighting to improve safety that is attractive enough that homeowners or similar will actually wish to install it.

The present disclosure has arisen from work seeking to reduce the above problems.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided: an illuminable stair, the stair comprising a riser and a tread, each riser and each tread having a forward side and a rearward side, the forward sides being visible during normal use of the stair, the stair further comprising an aperture extending from the forward side to the rearward side of at least one of the riser and the tread, the aperture being at least partially filled with a previously liquid, non-opaque substance, set in situ, and the stair further comprising: a light source at or near the rearward side of the aperture.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided: an illuminable stair, the stair comprising a tread, the tread not being connected to any solid riser, the tread having a forward side and a rearward side, the forward side being visible during normal use of the stair, the stair further comprising an aperture extending from the forward side to the rearward side of the tread, the aperture being at least partially filled with a previously liquid, non-opaque substance, set in situ, and the stair further comprising: a light source at or near the rearward side of the aperture.

Preferred arrangements have one or more of the following features: the non-opaque substance is a resin, preferably a translucent resin. Where the stair has both a riser and a tread, the aperture may be formed at the join between the riser and the tread, and so effectively extend from the rearward to the forward side of both riser and tread. There is a reinforcement on the rearward side of the stair, at or near the rearward side of the aperture. The non-opaque substance is supported by the reinforcement. The light source is positioned within the aperture. Alternatively, the light source may be mounted on or near the rear face of the riser or tread, and the non-opaque substance optionally fills the aperture. The light source may be mounted on or near the rear face of the riser or tread by a support mounted to the rear of the riser or tread by coupling means such as screws. The support may be inset into the rear face of the riser or tread. The light source is positioned within an insert, the insert being located at or near the rearward side of the aperture. The insert is positioned within the aperture. The insert provides a guide for the light source. The insert diffuses the light from the light source. The guide includes channels. The light source is flexible. One or more light sources are provided on or in a flexible support. Access to the insert is provided through an opening on the rearward side of the insert. Access to the insert is provided through an opening not on the rearward side of the insert. The or each light source is insertable and removable from the insert through the opening in the insert. The insert has a plug providing structural support within or adjacent to the opening in the insert. The reinforcement has an opening permitting access to the opening on the rearward side of the insert. The reinforcement and or the stair has an opening permitting access to the opening not on the rearward side of the insert.

In accordance with a third and further alternative aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a method for producing an illuminable stair, the stair comprising a riser and a tread, each riser and each tread having a forward side and a rearward side, the forward sides being visible during normal use of the stair, the method comprising: providing an aperture extending from the forward side to the rearward side of at least one of the riser and the tread; at least partially filling the aperture with a liquid, non-opaque substance, which then sets in situ; and providing a light source at or near the rearward side of the aperture.

In accordance with a fourth and further alternative aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a method for producing an illuminable stair, the stair comprising a tread, the tread not being connected to any solid riser, the tread having a forward side and a rearward side, the forward sides being visible during normal use of the stair, the method comprising: providing an aperture extending from the forward side to the rearward side of the tread; at least partially filling the aperture with a liquid, non-opaque substance, which then sets in situ; and providing a light source at or near the rearward side of the aperture .

Preferably, the method further comprises temporarily fixing a blank to the rearward side of the aperture, pouring the non-opaque substance into the aperture, and removing the blank once the non-opaque substance has set solid. Preferably, the method further comprises providing a reinforcement on the rearward side of the stair, at or near the rearward side of the aperture.

In one embodiment of the above method, the method may be used to convert an existing stair, in situ, into an illuminable stair.

In an alternative embodiment of the above method, the method may be used to prefabricate an illuminable stair which is installable in a desired location, or to fabricate an illuminable stair in situ in a desired location.

Preferred embodiments of an illuminable stair in accordance with our teachings are described hereinbelow by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a top down view of a stair in which the aperture is in a tread;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view through a stair in which the aperture is in a tread, and the reinforcement on the rearward side of the tread is wood;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view through a stair in which the aperture is in a tread, and the reinforcement on the rearward side of the tread is a metal I-beam;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view along line B-B in Fig 3;

Fig. 5 is a view from the rearward side of an insert, showing an opening on the rearward side of the insert;

Fig. 6 is a view from the rearward side of the insert of Fig. 5, with the opening covered by a hinged flap;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view through line 5-5 of Fig.6;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view through line 3-3 of Fig.6;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view through line 2-2 of Fig.6;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view through line 1-1 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 11 is a sectional view through a tread, the section being taken through the opening of the insert;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view through a tread, the section not being taken through the opening of the insert;

Fig. 13 is a sectional view through a tread in an alternative embodiment;

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. 13 for a variation of that embodiment; and

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Figs. 13 and 14 for a further variation.

Fig. 1 shows a top down view of an illuminable stair 1 including a tread 2, the tread having an aperture 3 extending through from the forward side 4 to the rearward side 5 (not shown in Fig. 1) of the tread 2. Aperture 3 is filled with a non-opaque substance 6, in this embodiment, translucent resin 7. It will be appreciated, however, that other nonopaque substances could be used to obtain the same effect in aperture 3. In particular, coloured resins may be used. In Fig. 1, the aperture has a rectangular cross section and it extends across substantially the whole length of the stair. Alternatively, the substance 6 could be clear. Clearly, each stair according to the present invention could be part of a flight of stairs.

An aperture could be provided that extends across the whole width of the stair. It will also be understood that the aperture could be of any shape, and that it does not need to have a regular cross section. For example, a stair tread or riser could be formed from two pieces of wood, the two or more pieces of wood optionally still having raw or waney edges, and the two pieces being arranged so that they have a gap between their respective edges, that gap forming the aperture. Alternatively, an aperture or a series of apertures could be formed in a decorative pattern, or forming letters.

Where necessary, the filled aperture may be provided with additional strengthening reinforcement. Figs. 2 to 4 show illuminable stairs with two alternative reinforcements 8. In Fig. 2 there is a reinforcement 8, which is a wooden strengthening member 9 which is attached to the rearward side 5 of tread 2 of stair 1, near to light source 10. Wooden strengthening member 9 is glued to the rearward side 5 of tread 2 and is additionally screwed to tread 2. If found suitable, a support member could be fixed to the rearward side 5 of tread 2 in any manner that enables the stair to bear the weight that it is required to, keeping in mind the intended purpose and location of the stair and any safety or building regulations that may apply. As shown in Fig. 2, light source 10 is positioned near to the rearward side of aperture 3. In use, light from light source 10 will be transmitted through aperture 3 through the resin 7, illuminating part of the forward side of the tread 2.

In Fig. 3 and 4, there is a reinforcement 8, which is a metal strengthening member 11 which is attached to the rearward side 5 of tread 2 of stair 1, near to light source 10. As shown in Fig. 3, light source 10 is positioned near to the rearward side of aperture 3. In use, light from light source 10 will be transmitted through aperture 3 through the resin 7, illuminating part of the forward side of the tread 2. In Fig. 3 metal strengthening member 11 is an I-shaped support member, positioned around an additional wooden reinforcement member 12. It will be appreciated that other shapes or combinations of structural members could be used, and that support members could be fixed to the rearward side 5 of tread 2 in any manner that enables the stair to bear the weight that it is required to, keeping in mind the intended purpose and location of the stair and any safety or building regulations that may apply.

Figs. 5 and 6 show the rearward side of a suitable insert 12 within which a light source 10 may be positioned. Insert 12 is a plastics insert, which preferably diffuses the light from light source 10. Insert 12 has an opening 13 on the rearward side of insert 12, through which a light source 10 may be inserted and removed. Opening 13 is provided at one end of insert 12, opening 13 preferably being positioned at one side of the stair or riser in which the aperture to be lit is provided. Opening 13 has a hinged cover 14 hinged at point 15 to occlude opening 13 when the light source 10 is not being removed or inserted. Hinge 14 could be a living hinge created by scoring a line at point 15, or it could be a two part hinge. Additionally, any cover provided over an opening permitting access to the insert does not have to be hinged. If a cover is used, it could be affixed in any suitable manner. In the preferred insert shown in Figs. 5-10, the insert is a generally hollow cuboid, however, it will be appreciated that other cross sections would be suitable for the insert. Insert 12 is reinforced adjacent to the opening 13 by a plug 16. Plug 16 is provided with screw holes 17, and with voids 18 allowing electrical wiring for the light source 10 to be fed through.

Fig. 7 shows a cross-section through insert 12 at line 5-5 when a light source 10 is in position within insert 12. In Fig. 7, light source 10 comprises a plurality of LED’s 19 affixed to a flexible plastic backing tape 20. Insert 12 has abutments 21 which, together with the rearward wall 22 of insert 12, provide a guide for light source 10. In insert 12, the guide comprises two channels 23 formed by abutments 21 and wall 22, as also shown in Fig. 8 (cross section of insert when light source 10 is not positioned within the insert 12).

It will be appreciated that light source 10 does not have to comprise LEDs on a flexible backing or tape, although it is preferred that the light source and any supporting components of the light source be flexible. This allows more convenient insertion and removal of the light source, even around an angle. This in turn allows simpler replacement of the light source. In alternative embodiments, one or more light sources could be inserted into the insert 12 using a flexible guide wire which is then removed. Alternatively, a light source that is itself flexible could be used, such as one or more optical fibres, or an edge illuminated LED tape. The insert may have a guide and an opening in a different orientation to that shown in the figures. When an insert is provided with its access opening on a face other than its rearward face, the light source can be inserted and removed in exactly the same manner, provided that there is still access to the opening of the insert. Providing the access opening of the insert through a face other than its rearward face is particularly useful when the light source used has a preferred direction of flexibility or is only flexible in certain directions.

It should be understood that the directions “forward” and “rearward” through the present Application are always defined in relation to the “forward” and “rearward” sides of the tread or riser in which the aperture is provided. For clarity, the forward and rearward directions of the treads are indicated with arrows labelled F_t and R_t respectively in Fig. 2, and the forward and rearward directions of the risers are indicated with arrows labelled F_rand R_r respectively in Fig. 2.

As is clear from Fig. 2, the forward side of each tread or each riser is defined as the side visible during normal use of the stair. The forward direction relative to each stair or riser is defined by the forward and rearward sides of that tread or riser.

The cross section of Fig.9 shows the voids 18 for receipt of electrical wiring for the light source 10. The cross section of Fig. 10 shows a cross section through plug 16.

It is preferable that the light source can be replaced without requiring removal of the reinforcement. As best shown in Figs. 11 and 12, this can be achieved by providing the insert at or near the rearward side of the aperture, and by providing the reinforcement with an opening or cutout 24 permitting access to the opening 13 in the insert 12. It will be understood that although Figs. 11 and 12 show insert 12 located outside the aperture 3 and behind the rearward side of the aperture 3 and tread 2, the insert could instead be located within or partially within the aperture itself. There could also be a gap between the aperture 3 and the insert 12 or light source 10.

Preferably, and as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the aperture and the non-opaque material are wider than the insert and the light source, allowing the non-opaque material to be supported by the reinforcement, rather than having the non-opaque material supported by the insert. Applicant has found that providing contact between the non-opaque material and the reinforcement allows for a more sturdy construction of a stair.

The light source can be controlled by any suitable means, including but not limited to: a manual switch; a timer controlled switch; a motion controlled switch; control remotely via an app or in any other way related to smart control of homes; or any other suitable control means.

When an illuminable stair is made by converting an existing stair, in situ, into an illuminable stair, the aperture will usually be provided by cutting the required aperture into the tread or the riser of the stair, preferably with a router.

When a new illuminable stair is to be prefabricated and then installed, or is being made and installed onsite there are a number of suitable ways in which the aperture can be formed, including but not limited to: cutting the required aperture extending from the forward side to the rearward side into the tread or the riser of the stair, preferably with a router or with a saw; forming an aperture by constructing a tread or riser with gaps in it, the gaps extending from the forward side to the rearward side; forming a stair tread or riser from two or more pieces of wood, the two pieces of wood optionally still having raw or waney edges, and the pieces being arranged so that they have a gap between their respective edges, that gap forming the or each aperture. Alternatively, an aperture or a series of apertures could be formed in a decorative pattern, or forming letters. The treads or risers can be formed from any suitable material, and the material that forms the treads or risers will determine which methods of providing an aperture are suitable. The light source, preferably within an insert, may be provided as described above. The exact method of installation will depend on the materials used, and on the providing a light source at or near the rearward side of the aperture.

The method preferably further comprises; temporarily fixing a blank to the rearward side of the aperture, pouring the non-opaque substance into the aperture, and removing the blank once the non-opaque substance has set solid. The blank can be temporarily fixed to the rearward side of the aperture using any appropriate means. The light source and the reinforcement are then provided as discussed above.

Turning now to Figs. 13 to 15, in these embodiments a light source 10 is mounted in 5 a recess 25 (Fig. 13) or on the face 26 of a mount 27 (Figs. 14 and 15). The mount may simply be coupled to the rear of the riser or tread by coupling means such as screws 28. Alternatively, it may be mounted in a recess 29 formed in the rear face of the riser or tread, again using suitable coupling means, as shown in Fig. 15.

Claims

1. An illuminable stair, the stair comprising a riser and a tread, each riser and each tread having a forward side and a rearward side, the forward sides being visible during normal use of the stair, the stair further comprising an aperture extending from the forward side to the rearward side of at least one of the riser and the tread, the aperture being at least partially filled with a previously liquid, non-opaque substance, set in situ, and the stair further comprising: a light source at or near the rearward side of the aperture.

2. An illuminable stair according to Claim 1, wherein the aperture is provided at the join between riser and tread to extend from the forward side to the rearward side of both riser and tread.

3. An illuminable stair, the stair comprising a tread, the tread not being connected to any solid riser, the tread having a forward side and a rearward side, the forward side being visible during normal use of the stair, the stair further comprising an aperture extending from the forward side to the rearward side of the tread, the aperture being at least partially filled with a previously liquid, non-opaque substance, set in situ, and the stair further comprising: a light source at or near the rearward side of the aperture.

4. An illuminable stair according to any preceding Claim, wherein the non-opaque substance is a resin, preferably a translucent resin.

5. An illuminable stair according to any preceding Claim, wherein reinforcement for the stair is provided on its rearward side, at or near the rearward side of the aperture, the reinforcement optionally supporting the non-opaque substance.

6. An illuminable stair according to any preceding Claim, wherein the light source is positioned within the aperture.

7. An illuminable stair according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the light source is mounted on or near the rear face of the stair, and the non-opaque substance optionally fills the aperture.

8. An illuminable stair according to Claim 7, wherein the light source is mounted on a support which, in turn is mounted on or near the rear face of the stair.

9. An illuminable stair according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the light source is positioned within an insert, optionally serving as a diffuser, the insert being located at or near the rearward side of the aperture or within the aperture.

10. An illuminable stair according to Claim 9, wherein the or each light source is insertable and removable from the insert through an opening.

11. An illuminable stair according to Claim 10, wherein the opening is provided in the insert, access to the light source is provided through an opening on the rearward side of the insert.

12. An illuminable stair according to both Claim 5 and Claim 10, wherin the opening is provided in the reinforcement.

13. A staircase comprising a plurality of stairs according to any of the preceding Claims.

14. A method for producing an illuminable stair, the stair comprising a riser and a tread, each riser and each tread having a forward side and a rearward side, the forward sides being visible during normal use of the stair, the method comprising: providing an aperture extending from the forward side to the rearward side of at least one of the riser and the tread; at least partially filling the aperture with a liquid, non-opaque substance, which then sets in situ; and providing a light source at or near the rearward side of the aperture.

15. A method according to Claim 14, wherein the aperture is provided at the join between riser and tread to extend from the forward side to the rearward side of both riser and tread.

16. A method for producing an illuminable stair, the stair comprising a tread, the tread not being connected to any solid riser, the tread having a forward side and a rearward side, the forward sides being visible during normal use of the stair, the method comprising: providing an aperture extending from the forward side to the rearward side of the tread; at least partially filling the aperture with a liquid, nonopaque substance, which then sets in situ; and providing a light source at or near the rearward side of the aperture .

17. A method according to any of Claims 14, 15 or 16, comprising the steps of: temporarily fixing a blank to the rearward side of the aperture, pouring the nonopaque substance into the aperture, and removing the blank once the non-opaque substance has set solid.

5

18. A method according to Claim 17, further comprising providing a reinforcement on the rearward side of the stair, at or near the rearward side of the aperture.