US1879996A

US1879996A - Sectional portable step

Info

Publication number: US1879996A
Application number: US535032A
Authority: US
Inventors: Sherwood Walter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1931-05-04
Filing date: 1931-05-04
Publication date: 1932-09-27
Anticipated expiration: 1949-09-27

Description

Sept. 27, 1932. w. SHERWOOD SECTIONAL PORTABLE STEP Fil May 4, 1931 1 7 gwuenioz Wa/fzr 55 6/14 00 0 Patented Sept. 27, 1932 WALTER snnnwoon, or BOLIVAR, NEW YORK sEcrIoNAL PORTABLE s'rnr Application filed May 4, 1931. Serial No. 535,032.

This invention relates to sectional and portable steps or stairs adapted to be produced of concrete or like cementitious or moldable material. A principal object of the invention is to provide a construction of steps or stairs formed of sectional elements that are adapted to be separately molded in suitable forms and then assembled to form a. unit of the requisite number of steps that may be easily set up in any desired location as a strong and rigid structure having all the advantages of an integrally produced step structure and presenting an appearance that is more finished in detail and hence more attractive. A further object is to provide a construction of the kind stated that requires a minimum number of sectional elements that are equipped with provision for mutual interlooking so as to involve minimum requirements in the way of additional bonding members to hold the structure assembled. The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing and the distinctive features of novelty will be thereafter pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the drawing, Figure 1 is a side elevation showing a preferred form of step construction embodying the invention. Figure 2 is a plan view thereof. Figure 3 is a transverse vertical section taken on line 8-3 of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a detail elevation showing one of the sectional elements before assemblage. Figure 5 is a similar detail view showing in plan the element of F igure 4: and showing also'portions of the sectional elements which are adapted to be interlocked therewith. Figure 6 is a fragmentary bottom plan view showing one end portion of one of the steps, and Figure 7 is a sectional detail illustrative of the base setting of the steps, taken on line 77 of Figure 1.

1010a indicates end rest members presenting vertically spaced surfaces in stepped relation to provide end rest areas for the respective steps, illustratively shown as three in number indicated at 11, 12, 13. These end rest members are of a requisite thickness and crete or like material and their seating areas which receive the end portions of the steps have outwardly flaring

dovetailed recesses

14, 15, 16. The end portions of the steps are provided on their undersides with correspondingly shaped dove-tailed projections, 17, which are adapted to interfit with, and seat into,therespective recesses, 14, 15, 16. the end rest members 1010a are provided with a plurality of outwardly countersunk holes, 18, therethrough, illustratively shown as three in number andspaced apart vertically and widthwise of the steps. Through these holes are passed tie-rods 19, which extend lengthwise through the steps with their heads fitting into the countersinks of one of said end members and nuts on the ends thereof fitting into the countersinks in the other end member. These rods are thus adapted to hold the parts in assembled relation as the parts are put together. Upon the finishing of the steps these rods may be left in place if desired and the countersunk holes at the end may be pointed up and obliterated with cement or mortar the same as used in making the steps. It will be noted, however, that since the cement elements of the steps are completely and effectively interlocked by the placing of the step membersin position with the described fitting of the projections 17 into the dove-tailed recesses therefor, there is no real need of these tie-rods, and hence they may be removed entirely when the steps are assembled and the holes 18 obliterated with cement. The end rest members 1010a are provided on their inner sides with seating formations adapted to interlock with the ends of riser members 20. This interlocking provision may be embodied in different forms but as herein illustratively shown the end rest members have vertically undercut recesses 20 produced on their inner sides into which fit corresponding beveled extremities 21a of the risers 20. Thus the risers 20' are held securely in place as the

steps

11, 12, 13'are fitted in place since thereby the end rest members are held against outward displacement.

Suitable means may be provided for afford.

'ing support for the individual steps intermediate of the length thereof. Such means may be embodied in various forms within the contemplation of the invention. One suitable form of such supports is provided by producing brackets extending inwardly from the risers 20, there being two of such brackets indicated at 22 formed on each riser suitably spaced apart. It will be understood that the tops of these brackets afiord a supporting area on which the stepsset and rest, thus substantially strengthening and reinforcing the formation. It is within the contemplation of the invention either to produce all of the steps alike, or to modify the lower step so as to enhance the attractiveness of the construction. As herein shown the lower step is made longer and for this purpose the end rest members are formed with outwardly extendmg curved pro ections 23 to provlde seating areas for correspondingly extended and rounded extremities 13a of the lowermost step 13. I have found that from the standpoint of permanence and stabillity, it is also desirable to provide a flexible and accommodating base seat for the end rest members. For this purpose 24 indicates a base provided with seating recesses 24a adapted to receive the bottoms of the end rest members 10l0a. In accordance with my invention, this. seating recess is lined with a suitable'thic'kness of flexible yielding material 25, such as roofing paper or the like. WVith the parts thus assembled all joints and seams may be easily pointed up and obliterated with cement or motor, so that the finished construction presents the appearance and advantages of an integral unit.

I am aware that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and I therefore desire the present construction to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being had to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A sectional cement step construction comprising end rest members having seating areas in stepped relation, each of said areas presenting an outwardly flaring recess, steps fitted to said seating areas with dove-tail projections engaging and fitting said recesses, and risers alsofitted to said end rest members, said end rest members having undercut seat formations receiving correspondingly shaped extremities of said risers.

2. A sectional cement step construction comprising end rest members having seating areas in stepped relation, steps fitting said areas, and risers also fitted to said end rest members, said risers and said end rest mempresenting dovetail projections fitted to said seating areas and interengaging with said recesses, risers presenting beveled extremities fitting undercut seats formed in said end rest members, and tie-rods engaging said end rest members, said members having countersunk apertures in which the heads of said rods are seated.

In witness whereof I have affixed my name to this specification.

. WALTER SHERWOOD.