Stair tread protection system

Abstract

A protector device for protecting a stair tread has a base portion adapted to cover at least a portion of a stair tread and upon which a user can step. The base portion has a forward edge adapted to be generally aligned with a forward edge of the stair tread. The device further includes a clip portion extending from the forward edge of the base portion and adapted to secure the protector device to the stair tread.

1 . A protector device for protecting a stair tread, comprising: 
 a) a base portion adapted to cover at least a portion of a stair tread and upon which a user can step, the base portion having a forward protector edge adapted to be generally aligned with a forward tread edge of the stair tread; and    b) a clip portion extending from the forward protector edge of the base portion and adapted to releasably secure the protector device to a stair tread.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the clip portion comprises an offset arm extending from the forward protector edge of the base portion, and a retaining member extending from the offset arm, opposite the base portion.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the retaining member is movable between open and closed positions, wherein in the closed position, the retaining member is adapted to bear against the underside surface of the tread such that the clip portion exerts a clamping force across the thickness of the tread.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the retaining member is biased toward the closed position.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 4  wherein the clip portion is made of a flexibly resilient material, the retaining member being urged apart from the base portion to move the retaining member to the open position.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the clip portion comprises a tread connection element for providing releasable locking engagement with a stair tread.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 6  wherein the tread connection element comprises a barb protruding from the retaining member towards the base portion.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the clip portion has a generally C-shaped configuration.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the clip portion extends generally continuously along the forward protector edge of the base portion.  
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device is of one-piece, contiguous extruded plastic construction.  
   
   
       11 . In combination, a stair tread and a tread protector device for protecting the stair tread, the stair tread having a forward tread edge, and the tread protector device including a base portion adapted to cover at least a portion of the stair tread and upon which a user can step, the base portion having a forward protector edge adapted to be generally aligned with the forward tread edge of the stair tread, and the protector device having a clip portion extending from the forward protector edge of the base portion and adapted to releasably secure the protector device to the stair tread.  
   
   
       12 . The combination of  claim 11  wherein the clip portion comprises an offset arm extending from the forward protector edge of the base portion, and a retaining member extending from the offset arm, opposite the base portion.  
   
   
       13 . The combination of  claim 12  wherein the protector device comprises a tread connection element for providing releasable locking engagement with the stair tread.  
   
   
       14 . The combination of  claim 13  wherein the stair tread comprises a protector device connection element for inter-engaging with the tread connection element of the protector device.  
   
   
       15 . The combination of  claim 14  wherein the stair tread has an upper surface covered by the base portion of the protector device, and an underside surface opposite the upper surface, and wherein the protector device connection element comprises a groove provided in the underside surface of the stair tread and the tread connection element comprises a barb for engaging the groove.  
   
   
       16 . A protector device for protecting a stair tread, comprising: 
 a) a base portion adapted to cover at least a portion of a stair tread and upon which a user can step, the base portion having a forward protector edge adapted to be generally aligned with a forward tread edge of the stair tread; and    b) a template portion extending marginally of the base portion for facilitating installation of balusters to a stair tread.    
   
   
       17 . The protector device of  claim 16  wherein the template portion comprises at least one target element to visibly identify a mounting location for a baluster on a stair tread.  
   
   
       18 . The protector device of  claim 17  further comprising a clip portion extending from the forward protector edge of the base portion and adapted to secure the protector device to a stair tread.  
   
   
       19 . The device of  claim 18  wherein the clip portion comprises an offset arm extending from the forward protector edge of the base portion, and a retaining member extending from the offset arm, opposite the base portion.