TITLE : IMPROVED STAIR NOSING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a stair nosing, more particularly a stair nosing that can releasably carry advertising or other signage.

BACKGROUND

Sports stadiums, theatres, malls and other venues include stairways with many individual steps, each step potentially able to carry signs, advertising or other indicia.

One means of applying a sign to a step is to paint it on to the riser of the step. This paint on method is used in some venues to indicate seat numbers and exit locations. By painting the sign onto the step riser, it becomes relatively permanent and time consuming, thus often expensive, to change. To change a painted sign requires the removal of the old paint, preparation of the surface and application of the new sign. Multi-colour or highly graphical signs require a high degree of skill to paint thus tend to be expensive thus alternative methods are used. Painted signs cannot be used on certain types of steps, (for example, carpeted steps inside a theatre) and alternative methods must be used.

One alternative method used to display signs on steps is adhesive labels applied directly to the riser of the step. The adhesive used must hold the label in place under a variety of conditions, especially in outdoor locations, thus the label can be difficult to remove. Labels can require some skill to apply properly, especially if they form an image or sign across a number of steps. If the image is formed across a number of steps and one label is placed out of order the whole effect can be ruined and expensive to correct, requiring spare labels for those out of order.

The riser of steps in heavily trafficked areas become dirty and scuffed over time which means that any sign applied to the riser also becomes dirty or damaged over time. This damage at some stage will require the sign is, if possible, cleaned or, more likely, replaced. Cleaning the sign in place can be time consuming and therefore expensive, as can replacing the sign. To overcome this some signs have clear protective coatings applied to them to minimise the damage, this adds to the expense of the

indicia. Even coated indicia become damaged or dirty over time and therefore eventually require onsite cleaning or replacement.

Over time the steps' front edges can become worn and damaged, as can the treads; this can affect the aesthetics and safety of the steps.

Existing steps may not have the riser and tread at a right angle; this can make it difficult to retrofit a stair nosing to the steps. In fact, a retrofitted stair nosing may not be able to contact sufficient of the riser and/or tread surface to be safely used.

Many steps are cast of concrete as part of the construction process and the boxing or formers used for this may be worn or inaccurate. This inaccuracy can result in steps whose shape is not sufficiently precise for a stair nosing to fit properly; this can lead to safety problems or just an annoying rattle or wobble in the riser or tread of that step.

An object of the present invention is to provide a stair nosing that provides a means for displaying a sign whilst overcoming one or more of the disadvantages mentioned above.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a stair nosing including a window and an L-shaped member configured to display one or more signs protected by the window, the L- shaped member is configured to releasably retain the window; said L-shaped member includes a first section and a second section respectively configured to form all or part of the tread and the riser of a step once installed, such that the first section and second section are connected by at least one hinge that runs parallel to the length of the stair nosing, said hinge is configured to allow an interior angle formed between the sections to be varied over a preset range.

It is highly preferred that the preset range is between about 95 degrees and about 70 degrees.

Preferably the hinge extends the full length of the stair nosing.

Preferably the hinge includes a semi-circular channel and a matching semi-circular protrusion, such that said channel is configured to releasably engage with the protrusion.

Preferably the second section and window are configured to co-operatively retain the or each sign between them. In a further preferred form one or more sign is directly applied to a back face of the window.

Preferably there is one sign behind the window. In a further preferred form the sign consists of two or more part signs. In a highly preferred form the or each part sign includes one or more of the following features a glow strip, arrows, markings, safety advice, sponsors logos, other advertising or a combination of the preceding features.

Preferably the stair nosing is dimensioned and configured to firmly retain the or each sign. Preferably the stair nosing is configured to prevent the sign moving.

Preferably the window is configured to be releasably attached to or retained by the second section. It is further preferred that the window is releasably attached by one or more of the following means:- clipped, magnetic fittings, screws, deformable pins, adhesive suction devices, profiled edges or similar. In a highly preferred form the second section includes one or more primary engagement means and the window includes one or more secondary engagement means, said engagement means being configured to act co-operatively to releasably attach the window.

Preferably the or each secondary engagement means is configured to hold the sign during assembly of the stair nosing. In a highly preferred form the sign is dimensioned to fit between at least two secondary engagement means or one primary and one secondary engagement means. In a highly preferred form the or each secondary engagement means extend at least partially along the length of the window.

In a preferred form the second section includes a primary groove that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stair nosing, such that the peripheral edges of said primary groove overhang and form the or each primary engagement means. It is highly preferred that the or each secondary engagement means extend perpendicular from a primary surface of the window. Preferably the or each secondary engagement means includes one or more engagement tabs.

In a highly preferred form the distal engagement tabs are expanded sections of the respective secondary engagement means. In this form, during assembly, the or each secondary engagement means is configured to deflect allowing the distal engagement tab to pass the respective primary engagement means, the or each secondary engagement means then returns to its original shape trapping a section of the distal engagement tab behind the respective primary engagement means.

In a preferred form the window overhangs, and is supported by, at least one of the peripheral edges.

Preferably the first section includes one or more first grooves formed into its exposed surface. It is preferred that the or each first groove is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stair nosing. Preferably the or each first groove has a friction modifying material applied to it, this friction modifying compound could be selected from: sand paper, grit paper, grit filled epoxy or a similar material.

In a preferred form all or part of one or more first groove retains a highly visible material. In a highly preferred form the highly visible material is selected from the group consisting of: a luminescent material, a self luminescent material, a prismatic material, a highly coloured material, a light emitting material and a combination of one or more of these.

Preferably the second section includes one or more sign supports configured to support the sign. In a highly preferred form the or each sign support is in a primary groove formed into the second section, the or each said sign support and said primary groove are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stair nosing.

Preferably the L-shaped member and/or each section is an extrusion. In a preferred from the or each extrusion is made of a polymeric material or metal. In a highly preferred form the or each extrusion is made of aluminium.

In a further embodiment the stair nosing includes a base plate, said base plate being configured to be cast or formed into a step during construction; the first section is configured to releasably attach to the base plate. In a preferred form of this embodiment the base plate includes a first surface which is left exposed during the

construction of the step, said first section being configured to releasably attach to the base plate. In a highly preferred form the base plate includes one or more extended sections that extend from the second surface, where the second surface is opposite the first surface, and are configured to retain the base plate in the step; the or each extended section may be L shaped, arrow shaped, T- shaped or similar. It is preferred the base plate is an extrusion.

One preferred method of using the stair nosing is to use one on each of two or more successive steps; each stair nosing retains a sign to which part of an image is applied the whole image being seen if all of the successive steps are visible.

In a further preferred form the window includes one or more locating means configured to locate the window in the second section. In a highly preferred form the or each locating means is a tab that releasably engages with a corresponding socket in the second section.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

By way of example only a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a short section of the stair nosing.

Figure 2 is an isometric view of a short section of the stair nosing with a cast in base plate.

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of the stair nosing.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the L-shaped member of the second embodiment of the stair nosing showing the range of movement of the hinge.

With reference to the drawings a stair nosing (1) is shown, said stair nosing (1) includes an L-shaped member (2) and a window (3). The L-shaped member (2) includes a first section (4) and a second section (5).

The first section (4) and second section (5) are connected along a longitudinal first edge (10) which lies along the vertex of the L-shaped member (2). The first section (4) is a flat plate with three separate first grooves (11,12,13) cut into a first surface (14) which, when the stair nosing (1) is in use, forms all or part of the exposed surface of the tread of a step (not shown). Each of the first grooves (11 ,12,13) is parallel to the first edge (10). The base (14) of one or more of the first grooves (11 ,12,13) may have a friction modifying material (15) such as sand paper or grit laden epoxy applied to it to improve grip.

The second section (5) is configured to form all or part of the riser of a step (not shown) thus lies on a plane approximately perpendicular to the first section (4). The second section (5) includes a primary groove (20) which is parallel to the first edge (10). The primary groove (20) includes two raised sections (21,22) which rise from the floor (23) of the primary groove (20). A flat exposed surface of each raised section (21,22) forms a sign support (24,25). Each of the sign supports (24,25) lie parallel to the plane of the second section (5).

The peripheral edges (26,27) of the primary groove (20) overhang and form primary engagement means (28,29).

The window (3) includes two secondary engagement means (30,31) which extend perpendicular to, and outwards from, a primary surface (36) of the window (3). Each of the secondary engagement means (30,31) includes an engagement tab (37,38) at its distal end. Each secondary engagement means (30,31) runs parallel to, but is inset from, the respective longitudinal edge (40,41) of the window (3) and extends along the majority of the length of window (3).

When the window (3) and L-shaped member (2) are fitted together, each of the secondary engagement means (30,31) deflect to allow the engagement tabs (37,38) to pass inside the peripheral edges (26,27). Once an engagement tab (37,38) passes the peripheral edge (26,27) the respective secondary engagement means (30,31) springs back to its original shape; such that the respective primary and secondary engagement means (28,29,30,31) engage to releasably retain the window (3).

The stair nosing (1 ) is configured to releasably retain a sign (50) between the primary surface (36) and the sign supports (24). Therefore the gap (51) between the primary

surface (36) and the sign supports (24,25) is dimensioned such that, when the window (3) is attached to the L-shaped section (2), the sign (50) is firmly held between them. In use the sign (50) is held against the primary surface (36) sufficiently closely to allow the sign's surface to be clearly visible through the window (3).

The window (3) is expected to be made from a transparent white material but could be made from a coloured or white transparent or translucent material with a plain or textured surface. The longitudinal edge (41) of the window, when the window (3) is attached to the L-shaped member (2), overhangs the distal secondary engagement means (31). This allows part of the primary surface (36) to seal against the distal peripheral edge (27).

The first edge (10) may be rounded in cross section or otherwise profiled.

Referring to figure 2 the stair nosing (1) is shown with a base plate (60) which is dimensioned and configured to be cast into a step (not shown), when the step is made. The base plate (60) includes two extended sections (61 ,62), one with an arrow shaped cross section the other with an Pi-shape cross section, configured to extend into the material of the step and rigidly connect the base plate (60) to the step. The base plate includes a first surface (63) which, once the base plate (60) is cast into the step, lies parallel to the surface of the tread of the step. It should be noted that the base plate (60) can be used with other forms of stair nosing.

The L-shaped section (2) is rigidly, but releasably, attached to the step (not shown) or cast in base plate (60) by screws,, bolts, adhesives (thermal or chemical) or other known means.

One method of using the stair nosing (1) is to fit one stair nosing (1) to each of two or more successive steps, each stair nosing (1) retaining a separate sign, such that the signs combine to form a single larger image.

Referring to figure 3, a second embodiment of the stair nosing (1) is shown. In this second embodiment the first section (4) includes a semi-circular channel (64) which engages with a matching semi circular protrusion (65) at a first end (66) of the second section (5) to form a hinge (67). The first end (66) is the end of the second section (5) closest to the first section (4).

As shown in figure 4 the hinge (67), in use, allows the second section (5) to be moved in relation to the first section (4) thus more closely match the profile of the step to which is to be attached. It has been found that allowing the interior angle (68) of the L- shaped section (2) to vary between about 95 degrees (shown in dashed lines and labelled A in Figure 3) and about 70 degrees (shown in dashed lines and labelled B in Figure 3) allows the stair nosing (1) to fit most steps.

Though only one form of hinge (67) is shown any known type of hinge that limits the range of interior angle (68) could be used.

It should be noted that the hinge (67) may consist of more than one short hinges that extend only partway along the length of the L-shaped member (2) and still perform the same function. If this is the case then the or each hinge (67) may be a ball and socket hinge and the channel (64) is then a semi-spherical socket and the protrusion (65) is ball shaped.

In a further embodiment all or part of the sign (50) is directly applied to the primary surface (36) of the window (3). The sign can be directly applied by painting, screen printing, molded/formed into the surface or applied as a decal or any other similar means.

In the second embodiment an alternative form of the window (3) shown, in this embodiment the window (3) is a plain flat rectangular sheet of transparent or translucent material. The window (3) in this form is dimensioned and configured such that, in use, each longitudinal edge (40,41) fits behind, and is retained by, the respective primary engagement means (28,29). When the window (3) is inserted it is flexed, bowed widthwise, to reduce its width until it can be inserted between the primary engagement means (28,29). Once in place the window (3) is allowed to return to its original shape thus trapping the window (3) behind the primary engagement means (28,29).

As an alternative method of inserting the window (3) in the second embodiment a first longitudinal edge (40) is slid up behind a first primary engagement means (28) until the second longitudinal edge (41) can clear the second primary engagement means (29).

The window (3) is then slid into place trapping both longitudinal edges (40,41) behind their respective primary engagement means (28,29).

In a further embodiment the first groove (11) which is closest to the first edge (10) is partially filled with a marking strip (70). The marking strip (70) consists of a material that is highly visible and draws attention to the first edge (10) of the step, this marking strip (70) may be made of a photo-luminescent material, a prismatic material, be highly coloured or have similar properties to increase its visibility.

In a further embodiment the or each engagement means (28,29,30,31) is configured to support the sign (50) during installation of the window (3).

In a further embodiment the window (3) may have temporary or permanent markings applied to, or features cast/formed into, it. In this embodiment all, or part, of the sign (50) can be directly applied to the primary surface (36) of the window (3). The sign (50) in this form can be printed, applied as a decal or similar.

In a still further embodiment the sign (50) is made up of one or more smaller part signs. These smaller signs can include glow strips, arrows, numbering, safety information, smaller advertisements, sponsors logos or similar.

In a further embodiment (not shown), the second groove (20) includes one or more light sources configured to illuminate the sign. The or each of these light sources could be powered or self luminescent and white or coloured. In addition the sign may incorporate features that glow when exposed to infra red or ultra violet light.

In a further embodiment (not shown) the secondary engagement means (30,31) are one of the following: reusable adhesive, suction devices, magnets, rotating clips, tapered pins or barbed tapered pins and the primary engagement means (28,29) are the requisite matching fitting to allow the engagement means (28,28,30,31) to releasably retain the window (3) in the correct position.

In a further embodiment the secondary engagement means (30,31) are short tabs, each one only extending a short distance along the length of the window.

In a further embodiment the secondary engagement means (30,31) are configured to co-operate with the respective primary engagement means (28,29) to align the window (3) in the primary groove (20). In this embodiment the window (3) can be modified so that one of the secondary engagement means (30,31) does not have an engagement tab (37,38). The window (3) is instead fixed back to the second section (5) by alternative means such as releasable adhesive, screws, bolts, magnetic strips, magnets or similar.

In a further embodiment either the peripheral edge of the window (3), or a similar feature, on the or each secondary engagement means (30,31) is configured to engage with the primary engagement means (28,29). The window (3) may need to be flexed to reduce its width to achieve this.

In a further embodiment the window (3) is slid into the second section (5) then held in place by one or more fixings of known type, for example screws or bolts.

In a further embodiment (not shown) the window (3) includes one or more locating tabs. Note that one or more of the secondary engagement means (30,31) may also act as a locating tab. Said locating tabs may be configured to engage with one or more corresponding locator slots formed into the surface of the second section (5).