US3862671A

US3862671A - Step structure

Info

Publication number: US3862671A
Application number: US354478A
Authority: US
Inventors: Bud Parr
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-04-26
Filing date: 1973-04-26
Publication date: 1975-01-28
Anticipated expiration: 1992-01-28

Abstract

A step assembly of the type primarily designed to be portable or used in combination with a mobile home type structure wherein the assembly includes a support frame having pairs of frame rails extending upwardly from a base wherein at least two of the pairs have different longitudinal dimensions such that a plurality of step members may be arranged at different levels on the frame. Each step member is formed from a single piece of material, preferably steel, and includes two spaced apart tread portions, each of which are surrounded by solid sections wherein both the solid section and tread portions are integrally formed into the one piece of material. The tread portions are each defined by a plurality of apertures at least some of which are surrounded by grommets wherein the grommets may be configured to substantially surround an entire correspondingly located aperture or alternately partially surround successively spaced, alternating apertures which define the tread. Step member support means in the form of elongated one or more flat bars are arranged transversely and contiguous to the undersurface of the step and add support thereto.

Description

United States Patent u Parr 1 1 Jan. 28, 1975 STEP STRUCTURE portable or used in combination with a mobile home [76] Inventor: Bud Parr, Rt. 2, Box 433-A, Plant type Structure W the assembly. includes.a sup- City Fm 33566 port frame havmg palrs of frame rails extendmg u pwardly from a base wherem at least two of the pairs Filedl P 1973 have different longitudinal dimensions such that a plurality' of step members may be arranged at different [2]] Appl' NO" 354,478 levels on the frame. Each step member is formed from a single piece of material, preferably steel, and in- [52] U.S. CLM; 182/132, 182/228 eludes two paced apart tread portions each 0f which ['51] Int. Cl. E06C1/02 are urrounded by olid sections wherein both the Field of Search /1 1 solid section and tread portions are integrally formed into the one piece of material. The tread portions are each defined by a plurality of apertures at least some References Ciled of which are surrounded by grommets wherein the UNITED STATES PATENTS grommets may be configured to substantially surround 2.132.331 10/1938 Wanamaker 182/132 an'emire correspondingly located apenme alter" 2,741,513 4/1956 Dempsey nately partially surround successively spaced, alternat- 2,962,293 11/1960 Mammi ing apertures which define the tread. Step member 3,093,216 support means in the ,form of elongated one or more 6/1963' Dunham l82/222 Primary ExaminerReinaldo P .,Machado Arturney, Agent, or Firm-Stein and Orman [57] v ABSTRACT A step assembly of the type primarily designed to be flat bars are arranged transversely and contiguous to the undersurface of the step and add support thereto.

l5 Claims, 8 Drawing Figuresv PATETED M 18 24' FIG.4

FIGS

STEP STRUCTUR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a step assembly which may be used in a portable manner and includes a plurality of steps arranged at different levels wherein each step is formed from a single piece of material including a tread portion defined by specifically, predetermined shaped apertures disposed in predetermined relation to one another. 1

2 Background of the Invention Numerous devices designed primarily as ladders, stools, stairs, step assemblies, or various structures intended for the purpose of providing entrance and exit means to and from various structures such as mobile homes are commonly known in the prior art. These devices, of course, take many shapes and forms in order to meet the demands ofvarious applications. Due to the popularity and demand of devices of this nature, industry has made a conscientious attempt to simplify the structure as much as possible in orderto reduce their cost, increase their durability and efficiency and make them easier to handle, transport and manufacture. However, as is frequently the case, in an attempt to simplify any design structure, a number of prior art devices presently available are overly complicated or have inherent structural disadvantages which prohibit them from being manufactured and dispersed at a relatively low cost. Transportation, due to the bulky or heavy nature of the product itself, to the ultimate consumer, is also a problem and, in addition, many of these prior art devices are subject to maintenance problems after being put into use. v

With the recent increased popularity of mobile homes, a number of these step structures have been produced in great numbers and have been utilized in actual conditions over a relatively prolonged period of time. The result of this use have been various problems relating to the breaking or durability of these step as-. sembly structures. More particular]y,*the more popular prior art step assemblies are normally made from a metallic material such as steel and have a plurality of steps arranged atdifferent levels wherein each step includes some sort of tread portion. The step itself is usually made from a plurality of component parts and the tread is designed to have a stretched or expanded grid-like configuration. Design of structures of this type have been primarily produced to eliminate excess weight and use of material while at the same time attempting to provide a workable structure. However, continued use of these structures have resulted in failure of the material and a particular breaking down of the tread portions of the step members of the assembly. This, of course, produces a safety hazard since it has been known for users of step assemblies of this type to actually step through or fall from the step assemblies because of a failure in the structural material being used.

in an attempt to overcome these problems, step 'assemblies of this type have been constructed from heavier gauge material or have utilized support means which adds both to the cost and weight of the assembly thereby making the more complex structure. less economically desirable, both from a producer and consumer standpoint.

Accordingly, it can be seen that there is a great need in the step industry for an assembly structure which is lightweight, extremelydurable under continued use and capable of being manufactured and/or assembled with a minimum of time. The design and structural complexities of such a structure should be such that a minimum gauge material is usable to accomplish safe use and operation of .the assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a step assembly which may be used for a mobile home or any other application wherein the step assembly is or may be portably positioned or located relative to an entrance to a structure or vehicle.

The step assembly itself comprises a support frame including two substantially parallel base bars arranged in spaced relation to one another and disposed to engage a supporting surface, such as the ground, in such a fashion as to support the remainder of the base and step assembly, as will be described.

A plurality of side rails are connected in spaced relation along the length of-each base rail. Two or more of these rails on each base rail are dimensioned to have tioned in corresponding relation to one another so as to form pairs wherein each rail of each pair has the sa n e logi itudinal dimension. Byyiltue of this specific dimen sioning tif fie ca'respcfiidingly positioned side rails, each step member is arranged at a successively greater height in the conventional fashion so that access to and exiting from any vehicle structure can be easily accomplished.

Each stepmember is integrally formed from a single piece of material, preferably steel or like material being sufficiently rigid or strong to maintain adequate amounts of weight thereon. The step assembly itself includes one or more tread portions wherein each tread portion is substantially surrounded by a solid section of the step member. When two tread portions are formed in the same step member, each are substantially configured the same and are arranged in substantially spaced relation to one another by means'of an elongated solid section or portion extending substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the step member.

Each step member further includes at least one of its longitudinal edges and the solid portion of the step immediately contiguous thereto defining a flange arranged at an angular relation to the plane of the remainder of the step member. Ideally, both of the oppositely disposed longitudinal edges are defined in this angle flange. These flanges are formed by bending the longitudinal edges so as to dispose them substantially perpendicular to the plane of the step member.

Each tread portion is integrally formed in the single 3 piece of material and each is defined by a plurality of apertures arranged in predetermined relation to one another. Grommet means are provided contiguous to predetermined, correspondingly positioned apertures so as to provide a secure footing and also to remove dirt, etc, from the feet of anyone passing over or utilizing the step assembly. The grommet may be configured to substantially surround predetermined apertures, preferably alternately spaced apertures relative to one another. A second modification or embodiment of the tread portion would comprises a partial grommet or a grommet member surrounding only a portion of a correspondingly positioned aperture. In this embodiment the partial grommets would be positioned about successively arranged apertures as will be described hereinafter.

In order to give each of the step members sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand continued use, step member support means in the form of one or more elongated flat bars are arranged on the undersurface of each step member contiguous to a predetermined portion thereof. More specifically, at least one support bar is arranged on the undersurface of a solid portion which separates the two tread portions or sections from one another as described above. In addition, a support bar may be arranged at opposite ends of each step member and disposed substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis thereof. Attachment of thesupport bars may be accomplished by welding or any applicable means of attachment.

The invention accordingly comprises an article of manufacture possessing the features, properties and the relation of elements which will be exemplified in the article hereinafter described, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

[BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the follow ing detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. lis a top, partial cutaway view of the step assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the step assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top view wherein angle irons are used for the side rails of the support frame.

FIG. 5 is an end view of the structure shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along lines 66 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the tread portion of thesubject invention.

FIG. 8 is sectional view taken along line 88 of FIG.- 7 showing the details of the particular grommet structure.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts 1 throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, the step assembly, generally indicated as 10 includes a support frame having at least two

base rails

12 and 14 disposed in spaced, substantially parallel relation to one another and positioned to engage a supporting surface such as the ground orthe like 16 suchthatthe remainder of the assembly, 28, 30 and 32 at different heights to provide easy access to and exit from the intended structure or vehicle.

. With regard to FIGS. 3 and 6, the side rails can be configuredin the shape of a conventional angle bar as 5 shown in FIG. 3 and represented as 18 which is attached to a depending flange 34, which will be described hereinafter in relation to the specific structural features of the

step members

28, 30 and 32. Alternately,'the side rails may form angle member 18 which may be disposed relative to a support bar 38 which serves as a step member support means which will also be described hereinafter.

The step structure itself is formed from a single piece of metallic or like material, preferably steel, and includes one or more, preferably toothed,

tread portions

40 and 42 arranged in spaced relation to one another and separated by a solid section 44 also integrally formed in the single piece of material from which the step member is structured. The tread portions are each surrounded about at least a major portion of their periphery by solid sections 46. Each tread portion is defined by a plurality of apertures 48 arranged in predetermined spaced relation to one another as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Grommet means in the form of raised, upwardly extending lips 51 are disposed in contiguous relation to a predetermined number of these plurality of apertures 48. More specifically one embodiment of the present invention comprises a full grommet configuration wherein the grommet 51 substantially surrounds the entire periphery of the aperture 48 and these full grommet structures are provided on alternating spaced apertures.

Anotherembodiment of the present invention provides the grommet surrounding only a portion of the periphery and also extending upwardly from the plane of the upper surface 52 of the remainder of the step member. In this embodiment the partial grommet may be arranged contiguous to either each of the successively arranged spaced apart apertures 48 or the alternately spaced apart apertures.

Step member support means are mounted on the step assembly and more particularly connected to each of the step members themselves in supporting relation thereto. The step member support means comprises an elongated flat bar connected to the undersurface of each step and arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis thereof at various points. On one step member, one or more support bars may be mounted as shown in the 50 Figs. to the drawing. More specifically, a support bar 50 is connected to the undersurface of solid section 44 and arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis as shown. In addition, support bars 52 and 53 shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 respectively may be placed in spaced relation to the end of each step as shown in FIG. 3 or immediately adjacent to the end of each step as shown in FIG. 6. When disposed in the position of FIG. 6, the side rail 18 is attached directly thereto. The number and placement of these support bars is dependent upon the strength and rigidity required of the step members themselves and accordingly the precise positioning of these members may be dependend upon its specific application for which the entire step assembly is designed.

It will thus be seen that the objects made apparent from the preceeding description, are efficiently obtained and, since certain changes may be made in the above article without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intendedthat all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Now that the invention has been described. what is claimed is:

l. A step assembly of the type primarily designed for providing access to a mobile home or like structure, said step assembly comprising: a support frame comprising step mounting means, step members mounted on said step mounting means. said step mounting means dimensioned to position said step members at different heights relative to a supporting surface; each of said step members integrally formed from a single piece of material and each including at least two tread portions integrally formed in said single piece of material, said tread portions disposed in spaced relation to one another by means of a solid step section integrally formed on said step member between said tread portions, each of said tread portions defined by a plurality of apertures formed in said step member and disposed in predetermined relation to one another.

2. A step assembly as in claim 1 further comprising grommet means formed contiguous to at least some of said apertures in at least one of said two tread portions, said grommet means configured and disposed to extend from the surface of said step member in which said tread portion is formed.

3. A step assembly as'in claim 1 wherein said support frame further comprises base means connected to said support frame in supporting relation to a surface on which the step assembly is positioned, a plurality of pairs of side rails, each pair of side rails arranged in spaced. substantially parallel relation to an adjacently positioned side rail, at least two of said pairs of side rails having successively different longitudinal dimensions, whereby said step members are mounted at different heights relative to a surface on which the assembly is positioned.

' 4. A step assembly as in claim 1 wherein each of said two tread portions are substantially surrounded about their periphery by substantially solid portions of said step, both said tread portions and said solid portions integrally formed in said one piece of material.

5. A step assembly as in claim 1 further comprising flanges arranged in angular relation to the plane of the remaining major portion of each step member, each flange defined by opposite longitudinal edges of said step member.

6. A step assembly as in claim 1 wherein said support frame comprises base means connected to said frame in supporting relation to a surface on which the assembly is positioned, a plurality of pairs of side rails, each pair arranged is spaced, substantially parallel relation to one another, at least two of said pairs having successively different longitudinal dimensions, whereby said step members are mounted at different heights relative to the supporting surface.

7. A step assembly as in claim 1 further comprising grommet means formed contiguous to at least some of said apertures in each of said tread portions, said grommet means configured and disposed'to extend from the outer surface of said step, whereby a secure footing is defined by the arrangement and configuration of said grommet means.

8. A step assembly as in claim 7 wherein said grommet means at least partially surrounds a correspondingly positioned aperture in said tread.

9. A step assembly as in claim 8 wherein said grommet means is formed about successively arranged, correspondingly positioned apertures.

10. A step assembly as in claim 7 wherein said grommet means are configured to substantially surround a correspondingly positioned aperture of said tread.

11. A step assembly as in claim 10 wherein said grommet means are formed on alternating, spaced apertures defining said tread means.

12. A step assembly as in claim 1 further comprising step member support means connected to said one piece of material on the undersurface of said step member adjacent to said tread portion.

13. A step assembly as in claim 12 wherein said sup port means comprises at least one elongated bar arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the step member and attached to the under surface thereof contiguous to a solid portion of said step member.

14. A step assembly as in claim 12 wherein said support means for said step members comprises a plurality of elongated bars arranged contiguous to the undersurface of said step member in spaced relation to one another.

15. A step assembly as in claim 13 wherein at least one of said support bars is arranged adjacent each end of said step member and disposed in substantially transverse relation to the longitudinal axis thereof.

Claims

1. A step assembly of the type primarily designed for providing access to a mobile home or like structure, said step assembly comprising: a support frame comprising step mounting means, step members mounted on said step mounting means, said step mounting means dimensioned to position said step members at different heights relative to a supporting surface; each of said step members integrally formed from a single piece of material and each including at least two tread portions integrally formed in said single piece of material, said tread portions disposed in spaced relation to one another by means of a solid step section integrally formed on said step member between said tread portions, each of said tread portions defIned by a plurality of apertures formed in said step member and disposed in predetermined relation to one another.

3. A step assembly as in claim 1 wherein said support frame further comprises base means connected to said support frame in supporting relation to a surface on which the step assembly is positioned, a plurality of pairs of side rails, each pair of side rails arranged in spaced, substantially parallel relation to an adjacently positioned side rail, at least two of said pairs of side rails having successively different longitudinal dimensions, whereby said step members are mounted at different heights relative to a surface on which the assembly is positioned.

4. A step assembly as in claim 1 wherein each of said two tread portions are substantially surrounded about their periphery by substantially solid portions of said step, both said tread portions and said solid portions integrally formed in said one piece of material.

7. A step assembly as in claim 1 further comprising grommet means formed contiguous to at least some of said apertures in each of said tread portions, said grommet means configured and disposed to extend from the outer surface of said step, whereby a secure footing is defined by the arrangement and configuration of said grommet means.

13. A step assembly as in claim 12 wherein said support means comprises at least one elongated bar arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the step member and attached to the under surface thereof contiguous to a solid portion of said step member.