GB2433437A

GB2433437A - Stair nosing

Info

Publication number: GB2433437A
Application number: GB0526373A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Tierney
Original assignee: Gradus Ltd
Current assignee: Gradus Ltd
Priority date: 2005-12-23
Filing date: 2005-12-23
Publication date: 2007-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-23
Also published as: GB0526373D0; GB2433437B

Abstract

A stair nosing comprising a tread portion 1 and a riser portion 2, the riser portion 2 having an outer wear side and an inner step facing side, a recess 7 being formed in the inner side of the riser portion 2, the recess 7 being adapted to accommodate a stair covering 10. At least one rib 8,9 may project into the recess 7 to engage the floor covering 10, which may be vinyl, linoleum, carpet or tiles. A slip resistant insert 17 may be provided.

Description

I

STAIR NOSING

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to stair nosings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stair nosings are frequently fitted to stairs to provide a wear and slip resistant surface on the edge of a stair tread, and generally comprise either a horizontal tread portion provided on an upper edge of each stair, or a horizontal tread portion integrally formed with a substantially vertical riser portion. The latter type of stair nosing extends over the edge of the stair and provides better stair edge protection. An example of a known type of stair nosing, comprising a horizontal riser portion integrally formed with a vertical riser portion, is disclosed in GB 2274055. The tread portion may be provided with a non-slip surface, but the riser portion has no special slip resistant properties.

This type of nosing is often fitted to stairs which are exposed to a large amount of foot traffic such as in public areas.

With an increasing desire to improve public safety on stairs, there are further demands to improve the slip resistance of such nosings, and to ensure that any covering provided adjacent the stair nosing is held reliably to the stair. If an edge of the stair covering is able to flap away from the stair, it will cause a serious trip hazard.

As mentioned above, a slip resistant surface has previously only been provided on the tread of the stair, so the portion of the stair nosing which is not slip resistant poses a potential hazard, particularly when the step is oily, greasy or wet.

When walking up and down stairs, the first contact between the shoe and the nosing is with the toes or sole of the shoe. The risk of slipping can be reduced if the nosing incorporates a material that has slip resistant properties at the point where contact is likely to be made. The slip resistant material should therefore continue at least until it reaches the vertical front face of the nosing.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a stair nosing comprising a tread portion and a riser portion, the riser portion having an outer wear side and an inner step facing side, a recess being formed in the inner side of the riser portion, the recess being adapted to accommodate an edge of a stair covering.

Preferably, the stair nosing further comprises one or more ribs which project from the inner side of the riser portion into the recess.

Preferably, the rib engages the floor covering.

Preferably, the stair nosing further comprises an insert, the insert engaging in a second recess formed in an outer surface of the tread portion and/or riser portion.

Preferably, the insert is releasably engaged in the second recess.

Preferably, the second recess extends from the tread portion into the riser portion.

Preferably, the insert and second recess are provided with cooperating formations, which are engageable to retain the insert in the recess.

Preferably, the cooperating formations comprise a tongue and groove arrangement.

Preferably, the outer surface of the insert is formed from or covered with slip resistant material.

Preferably, fixing openings are provided through a base of the second recess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 illustrates a stair nosing according to an embodiment of the present invention in a disassembled condition; Figure 2 illustrates the stair nosing of Figure 1 in an assembled condition; and Figure 3 illustrates a "bull nose" stair nosing according to another embodiment of the present invention.

PIAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. A stair nosing comprises a tread element 1 and a riser element 2.

The tread element 1 and the riser element 2 are integrally formed from aluminium, Upvc, rubber, bronze or any other suitable material. The tread element 1 has a lower surface 3 which is in contact with the tread 4 of a step and the riser element 2 has an inner stair facing side 5 which is partially in contact with the adjacent riser 6 of the step.

A first recess 7 is formed in the inner stair facing side 5 of the riser element 2. A pair of ribs 8, 9 project from the riser element 2 into the recess 7.

In the preferred embodiment, the tread element I and the upper part of riser element 2 are shaped to conform to the shape of the step. In this embodiment, the riser element 2 is substantially perpendicular to the tread element 1.

The stair nosing fits over the edge of the step such that the lower surface 3 of the tread element 1 lies on the tread of the step and the upper part of the inner side 5 of the riser element 2 rests against the riser 6 of the step which ensures that the profile is strengthened from downward pressure applied from foot traffic. An edge of a stair covering 10 such as vinyl, linoleum, carpet or tiles is trapped in the recess 7 between the ribs 8, 9 and the riser 6 of the step. The length of the ribs 8, 9 is set such that various alternative stair coverings 10 can be used with the same stair nosing, whilst ensuring that each type of stair covering 10 is held tightly. This is achieved without causing the riser portion 2 to be deflected away from the riser 6 of the step, thereby avoiding a significant trip hazard. A stair nosing having a different number of ribs 8, 9 or ribs 8, 9 of a different length could be provided, to accommodate a stair covering of a different type or thickness.

The rib 9 is positioned at the end of the riser element 2, SO that by contacting the stair covering 10 it seals off the recess 7 and avoids a sharp edge where the stair nosing meets the stair covering 10.

When used with a hard stair covering such as vinyl or linoleum the ribs 8, 9 ensure that the riser portion 2 is properly supported. In addition, the ribs 8, 9 can deflect or compress elastically to absorb impact damage.

The stair nosing may be fixed to the step by any conventional fixing technique such as by using adhesive or screws.

The tread element 1 further includes a slip resistant insert 17, which may be formed from a one piece flexible PVC extrusion or may be moulded or otherwise formed from any other suitable material. The insert 17 is fitted within a complementary second recess in the form of a channel 18 within the stair nosing such that an outer surface 19 of the insert 17 forms a substantially continuous surface with outer surfaces of the step element 1 and riser element 2. Opposite ends of the channel 18 are closed off with edge profiles or stringers (not shown).

An edge 11 of the insert 17 at the point where the tread element I and the riser element 2 meet, is curved, to eliminate a sharp edge to the step which improves the flow of foot traffic on the downward motion of the stair and minimises the risk of injury when falling backwards of forwards on the stair. Removal of the traditional sharp edge also assists on the flow of wheel traffic when being pulled upwards on the stair. The flush joint between the insert 17 and the channel 18 produces a feature line and a tight joint which minimises the risk of dirt build up.

The stair nosing can be fitted to the step by screws (not shown) passing through holes (not shown) drilled in the insert 17 and the base of the channel 18, the heads of the screws being covered over by blanking plugs to improve the appearance of the stair nosing. Alternatively, the stair nosing can be fitted to the step by screws passing through a base only of the channel 18 into the tread of the step beneath. The insert 17 is then placed within the channel 18, thereby hiding the screw heads and providing a continuous surface without any potential tripping hazards caused by protruding screw heads etc. The outer surface 19 of the insert 17 may be covered with a continuous layer of slip resistant material. Alternatively, the non-slip surface may be provided by any conventional means, such as by making the stair nosing and/or insert entirely from slip resistant material, or roughening exposed surfaces of the insert 17, tread element I and/or riser element 2 with a surface finish, such as a plurality of grooves or ridges.

The insert 17 may be removable so that this part of the tread element can be replaced if worn or to allow access to the screws to replace the complete stair nosing. However, in order to prevent the insert 17 from moving relative to the stair nosing, and to ensure that the edges of the insert 17 do not separate from the tread surface 15 of the tread element 1 of the stair nosing, the insert 17 is preferably held firmly within the channel 18 by adhesive, such as hot melt adhesive. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 17 is held even more securely in the channel 18 by engagement of the ends 21, 22 of the insert in cooperating grooves 23, 24 formed in the material of the stair nosing at opposite ends of the channel 18. This arrangement ensures that the insert 17 cannot separate from the channel 18 from any upward movement of foot traffic dragging on an outer face of the stair nosing. The insert 17 meets the outer face of the stair nosing as a flush joint, further reducing any risk of tripping on upward movement on the stair.

Although the illustrated embodiments use a "tongue and groove" arrangement, any other interlocking arrangement could be used to lock the insert 17 in position. Also, the channel 18 and insert 17 may extend along a part only of the tread element 1, or more than one channel 18 and more than one insert 17 may be provided on the tread element 1 and/or riser element 2.

Another embodiment of stair nosing 30 is illustrated in Figure 3. The stair nosing 30 has a straight tread element 31 and a riser element 32 which curves inwardly, such that the nosing 30 can fit on a step having a curved riser. A surface of the tread element 31 and a portion of a wear surface of the riser element 32 are covered with a slip resistant insert 35 which extends over an edge 36 of the stair nosing 30.

As in the previous embodiment, a recess 33 is provided in the underside of the riser element 32. A stair covering (not Shown) is accommodated in the recess 33 when the stair nosing is installed on a step.

The alternative stair nosing shown in Figure 3 illustrates only one of many step profiles to which stair nosings in accordance with the present invention can be fitted. The illustrated embodiments are not intended to be a limitation of the variations of the types of stair nosings of the invention, but are merely illustrative of some of the possible alternatives.

As mentioned above, the insert 17 may be formed in one piece from a slip resistant material. For example the insert 17 may be an extruded or moulded component.

Alternatively, the insert 17 may be formed from a base material or former onto which is applied a layer of slip resistant material, which may be formed in any known manner.

In one method, the slip resistant material may be formed on an extruded pre-formed plastic profile or former which may form the insert of the stair nosing or form all or part of the star nosing itself. The plastic former is coated with a first layer of liquid adhesive or encapsulant. A fine mineral inclusion is evenly distributed over the surface of the liquid adhesive, such that these mineral particulates are semi-encapsulated in the liquid adhesive layer. This composite layer is then thermally fused until fusion of the liquid to the plastic former stabilises the first layer and the mineral inclusion so that a second layer of liquid adhesive or encapsulant may be applied without disturbing or removing of the first layer and mineral inclusion. The second layer is intended to completely cover the first layer in such a way that the mineral inclusion is completely encapsulated. However, the second layer is applied in such a manner and at such a coating weight and distribution that the surface topography is not obliterated. The structure is then heated to achieve complete fusion. Complete fusion is where maximum adhesion of the first and second layers to the plastic former is achieved and the maximum internal cohesive strength of the composite layers is achieved.

This structure can then be inserted into the stair nosing, or form an integral part of the stair nosing as required, to greatly reduce the slip hazard, particularly when the stair nosing is wet.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the forgoing detailed description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous variations and modifications without departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A stair nosing comprising a tread portion and a riser portion, the riser portion having an outer wear side and an inner step facing side, a recess being formed in the inner side of the riser portion, the recess being adapted to accommodate a stair covering.

2. A stair nosing as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a rib which projects from the inner side of the riser portion into the recess.

3. A stair nosing as claimed in claim 2, in which the rib engages the floor covering.

4. A stair nosing as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an insert, the insert engaging in a second recess formed in an outer surface of the tread portion and/or riser portion.

5. A stair nosing as claimed in claim 4, in which the insert is releasably engaged in the second recess.

6. A stair nosing as claimed in claim 5, in which the second recess extends from the tread portion into the riser portion.

7. A stair nosing as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 6, in which the insert and second recess are provided with cooperating formations, which are engageable to retain the insert in the recess.

8. A stair nosing as claimed in claim 7, in which the cooperating formations comprise a tongue and groove arrangement.

9. A stair nosing as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the outer surface of the insert is formed from or covered with slip resistant material.

10. A stair nosing as claimed in any preceding claim, in which fixing openings are provided through a base of the second recess.

11. A stair nosing substantially as described herein, with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.