Multipurpose metal traction device

Abstract

The present invention is a multipurpose metal traction device and a method of making the same. The invented traction device is made of metal, preferably {fraction (1/16)}″ to ⅛″ thick, preferably with decorative steel chromium alloys, such as stainless steel, or a non-ferrous metal such as aluminum or titanium. The present invention is created by taking a plate of the metal and applying a double-sided adhesive, preferably a high strength tape, to one of the surfaces of the plate or sheet and then cutting through one of the surfaces of the plate or sheet, said markings denoting a decoration. Said adhesive could be placed on the metal plate after the cutting of said plate. A computer could be used to guide the cutting equipment by following a preprogrammed template or path, and as such markings upon one of the surfaces of the plate or sheet would not necessarily be necessary. A plasma cutting torch, laser torch, water jet, punch and die or other cutting equipment is then used to make cuts along the markings made on the surface of the plate or sheet. Cutting the plate or sheet in such a manner results in the creation of openings through the plate, such openings when viewed together forming a decorative pattern and increasing the perimeter length and amount and number of edges available for the sole of the footwear to grip. Patterns that can be created using this method include lettering, silhouettes, and decorative artwork in general. The traction devices themselves can be mounted on any smooth surface providing an artistic decorative non-slip surface that does not require hardware to keep in place.

1 . A multipurpose traction device comprising in combination: 
 A planar metal plate,    said plate cut in a decorative pattern,    said plate having edges defining a perimeter or perimeters of said plate,    said perimeter=s including both inside contours and outside contours, such that the length of said perimeter=s is increased, thereby increasing the effective amount of edge or edges available to grip the sole of the users footwear; and    a fastener to couple said plate to a surface selected to have its traction enhanced.    
   
   
       2 . The multipurpose traction device of  claim 1 , wherein said external edges including both inside contours and outside contours such that a length of said perimeter=s is increased to more than 25 inches in length.  
   
   
       3 . The multipurpose traction device of  claim 2 , wherein said inside and outside contours include inside corners.  
   
   
       4 . The multipurpose traction device of  claim 3 , wherein said inside corners include inside curves.  
   
   
       5 . The multipurpose traction device of  claim 4 , wherein said inside curves include circular curves with a constant radius of curvature.  
   
   
       6 . The multipurpose traction device of  claim 4 , wherein said inside curves include irregular curves with a variable radius of curvature.  
   
   
       7 . The multipurpose traction device of  claim 1 , wherein one surface of the traction device is attached to a foot platform or any smooth surface.  
   
   
       8 . The multipurpose traction device of  claim 1 , comprising a plurality of traction devices, 
 said plurality of tractions devices having more than 25 inches of perimeter=s length.    
   
   
       9 . The multipurpose traction device of  claim 1 , wherein one surface of the traction device is attached by adhesive or tape, rivet, screw, bolt, glue, or nail.  
   
   
       10 . A sports board traction device, comprising: 
 A board having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface being adapted for movement over a surface; and    a single or plurality of traction devices disposed on the top surface of the board, wherein each traction device comprises a planar metal plate, said plate cut in a decorative pattern, said plate having edges defining a perimeter of said plate, said perimeter=s including both inside contours and outside contours, such that the length of said perimeter=s is increased, thereby increasing the effective amount of edge or edges to 25 inches or more available to grip the sole of the users footwear; and a fastener to couple said plate to a surface selected to have its traction enhanced    
   
   
       11 . The sports board traction device of  claim 10 , wherein the board is constructed and configured for movement over snow.  
   
   
       12 . The sports board traction device of  claim 10 , wherein the board is constructed and configured for movement over a hard surface.  
   
   
       13 . The sports board traction device of  claim 10 , wherein the board is constructed and configured for movement over water.  
   
   
       14 . The multipurpose traction device mounted on surfaces not requiring traction for the purpose of artistic expression or advertisement.  
   
   
       15 . A method of making a metal multipurpose traction device comprising the steps of: 
 Taking a plate of metal having at least one planar face;    Attaching adhesive to one of the surfaces of the metal plate or sheet;    marking said face of said plate with marks denoting a pattern;    cutting through said plate along said marks to form openings in the shape of said pattern.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein adhesive is attached to the plate or sheet prior to cutting said plate or sheet with a computer controlled laser cutter.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein adhesive is attached to the plate or sheet prior to cutting said plate or sheet with a computer controlled water jet.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein adhesive is attached to the plate or sheet prior to cutting said plate or sheet with a computer controlled plasma torch.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein adhesive is attached to the plate or sheet prior to cutting said plate or sheet with a punch and die.