DEVICE IN A WINDING STAIRCASE

Abstract: Winding staircase having a plurality of step elements (12) connected to a central carrier. Each step element is connected to the central carrier with a tongue (15) extending into an indent in the central carrier. The central carrier comprises a plurality of support elements (13) arranged side by side.

Description: DEVICE IN A WINDING STAIRCASE The invention relates to a winding staircase according to the introductory part of patent claim 1. Background There is a need to be able to manufacture in series elements for winding staircases, to permit the construction of staircases to suit rooms of different and unknown heights, or different distances between the room separators. It is required that the elements make it possible to adjust the height of the steps in situ, thereby making it possible to form the staircases with a total height of arbitrary dimensions. It is known to provide carriers for the outer ends of steps which enable adjustment of the steps within a range of options of adjustment. Satisfying solutions to the central step suspension have not been devised. Some solutions provide fixed step heights, while other solutions have required craftsmanlike adjustment at the building site. This solution has not been satisfactory since high skill and time consuming work are required. At the same time, there is a risk of an inferior result compared to staircases manufactured in factories and according to required measurement. Another problem with known staircases is that of creaking. Object The main object of the invention is to produce a winding staircase which is easy to adjust according to different heights of room by means of simple standard elements. The staircases must be easy to instal and must meet estethical demands as well as fullfil ordinary requirements of usage. It must not creak. Most users find creaking to be unacceptable. The invention The invention is described in the characterizing part of patent claim 1. Further advantageous features of the invention are described in the subsidiary claims. By using the system of support elements as described, one will gain flexibility with simple standard elements. One kind of support element may be used to build staircases of all heights. This provides great savings in manufacturing and storage while also simplifying installation. The shape of the upper edge and the supporting element system can be supplemented by sloping elements and elements enabling adjustment, for instance elastic bannister elements making the upper edge easier to grab. Example The invention is described in further detail with reference to the drawings, wherein Fig. 1 shows a plan sketch of the inner part of a left orientated 270° - winding staircase, Fig. 2 is an outer elevational sketch of a segment of the central carrier of the staircase in Fig. 1, showing four support elements, Fig. 3 is a side view of a support element according to the invention, and Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view through two adjacent support elements installed with an intermediate guiding spring. Figure 1 shows several steps with a lower, floor-mounted step 11A and several tapering step elements 12A, 12L extending out from an inner, curved carrier 13. At the outer edge the step elements 12 A-L can be attached to carriers in a known manner, or can be directly connected to a carrying wall. One example of a possible form of these carriers is given in Swedish Patent Publication No. 7805306-3. The carrier 13 has the form of a curved wall being erected from several separate elements 13A-13L, as described later in this text, both concerning the form and the composition. Fig. 2 shows a part of the carrier 13 with four support elements 13a-D. Each support element has an indent 14 in it's lower part meant for the introduction of a tongue 15 (Fig. l) extending from the inner, narrow end of each step element 12 A- L. It is further shown how the support elements can be connected to each other by means of two screws 16A-B located through a countersunk hole from one support element into the adjoining element. The support elements 13 form a lower edge og a stairs-set forme and a similar upper edge forming grip elements or bannister. Fig. 4 shows a cross view through two adjacent support elements 13 A,B. The support elements 13A,B have a tapering cross with an angle of 11,25 ° . Perpendicularly inward from each of the supporting face is a milled groove 17 which is centrally located on each side. As shown in Fig. 3, this groove extends for a substantial part of each support element over the indent 14. For each two adjacent support elements, the grooves 17 will be placed opposite one or more locating lugs 18 which serves as a localizing element in the transverse direction, allowing a longitudinal movement between two supporting elements. When building the stairs, one commences with the lower support element 13 A. After placing the locating lug 18, the next support element 13B is mounted and adjusted to the correct height. The longitudinal movement between two neighbouring support elements 13 is decided by the room height and the number of step elements. According to this system, it is possible to accurately adjust the intervals between the steps for each room, without having to determine the dimensions in advance. After adjusting the correct position of the second support element 13B, and applying glue to the surfaces in contact, the two elements can be locked together with a suitable number of screws 16 as described above. The mounting of the central carrier 13 continues by adding further support elements 13B-L. The main advantage of this staircase is that all elements can be produced in series and as standard forms yet, and be used to provide different types of staircases in rooms of different heights. This results in rationalised production, storage and transportation. Flexibility on the building sites and less risk of making wrong measurements in connection with known stair systems are an advantage of the present invention. The elements may be produced from wood as known. It is also possible to extrude the support elements from plastic and to mount a grip element covering the shape of the step at the upper edge. A column may be placed at the lower carrier 13A in a modified example of the form. Fig. 3 shows how to avoid creaking or noise by placing a U-shaped profile 19 made of PVC or similar onto the tongue 15. Further a form 20 with a slider 21 is shown linked to a scale (not shown) and a marking hole 22, to mark the correct position for the drilling of holes for the screws. By calculating the correct height of the steps,and adjusting this by means of the form 20, an accurate positioning of the support elements 13 A-L relative to one another is achieved to provide the correct overall dimension.

Claims: Patent claims: 1. Device in connection with winding staircases having several step elements (12) connected to a central carrier, each step element being connected to the central carrier with a tongue (15), preferably extending from the step element, characterized in that the central carrier comprises a plurality of vertical support elements (13) placed side by side. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support elements (13) have a tapering cross section with an angle between the side faces of 11 ,25 * . 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the support elements (13) have a groove (17) centrally located at each side such that one groove faces that of an adjacent support element, the grooves of adjacent support elements being connected by one or more locating elements (18). 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the position of adjacent support elements (13) can be adjusted, to adjust an arbitrary height of the steps. 5. Device according to anyone of claims 1-4, characterized in that the tongue of the step element is covered with a U- shaped plastic element (19) to avoid creaking of the staircase. 6. Device according to anyone of claims 1-5, characterized in that the lower supporting element are connected to a pillar. AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 22 March 1994 (22.03.94); original claims 1-6 replaced by amended claims 1-4 ( 1 page ) ] 1. Device in connection with winding staircases having several step elements (12) connected to a central carrier, each step element being connected to the central carrier with a tongue (15), preferably extending from the step element, the central carrier comprising a plurality of vertical support elements (13) placed side by side, characterized in that the support elements (13) have longitudinally extending guiding means (17) located at each side, allowing arbitrary adjusting of the vertical support elements (13) on mounting. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support elements (13) have a tapering cross section with an angle between the side faces of 11,25° . 3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support elements (13) have a transverse indent (14) facing the step elements (12). 4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the guiding means (17) is a groove centrally in the adjoining faces, the grooves of two adjacent support elements (13) are connected by one or more locating lugs (18).

Inventors: NOGVA OLAV, NOGVA, OLAV
Applicants: NOGVA OLAV, NOGVA, OLAV
Application year: 1993
Main classification: E04F11
IPC codes: E04F11