Boltless Metal Stair Step System for Indoor/Outdoor Staircase Installation

Abstract

The invention is a boltless metal stair step system that provides a simple way to install an indoor/outdoor metal staircase. The result is a structurally sound, lightweight, fire retardant staircase that can ultimately be finished with various materials such as stone, brick, wood, etc. Ordinarily a staircase is constructed using wood, concrete, etc., and in most cases a skilled person is needed to repair or install a new staircase. This invention comes ready to assemble and no staircase building experience is necessary; and because of the unique interlocking or “snap in” connections and the minimal use of parts and screws, it eliminates the need for intricate measuring, cutting and special tools. Also, the specially designed “snap in” connections and the method of installing the steps makes the replacement of staircase parts simple and convenient.

1 . A boltless metal stair step system for indoor/outdoor staircase installation in which the stringers are secured to the floor and to the supporting structure (i.e. a building, a platform, etc) and the steps are placed one at a time, over and between the stringers from the bottom up beginning with the starter riser; the specially constructed steps are designed to interlock or “snap” into place at specific areas along the stringers, resulting in a staircase that can then be reinforced with self drilling tapping screws or pop rivets and covered with various materials. 
   
   
       2 . The boltless metal stair step system of  claim 1 , comprising: two stringers; a starter riser; steps; and reinforcement hardware. 
   
   
       3 . The boltless metal stair step system of  claim 1 , wherein said stringers can be secured to the floor and supporting structure using anchor bolts, screws, machine bolts or by welding. 
   
   
       4 . The boltless metal stair step system of  claim 1 , wherein said starter riser is placed at the bottom of the staircase and said steps are then placed consecutively over and between the stringers. 
   
   
       5 . The boltless metal stair step system of  claim 1 , wherein said steps are designed to interlock or “snap” into place at specific areas along the stringers. 
   
   
       6 . The boltless metal stair step system of  claim 5 , wherein the interlocking lips on the steps and stringers can be hammered down on each side for permanent staircase installation. 
   
   
       7 . The boltless metal stair step system of  claim 5 , wherein the interlocking lips on the steps and stringers can be left open for temporary staircase installation and subsequent disassembly. 
   
   
       8 . The boltless metal stair step system of  claim 2 , wherein said steps can be constructed to accommodate cladding with masonry or wood, or to have anti-slip step properties, by varying the fold, width and tread of the step. 
   
   
       9 . The boltless metal stair step system of  claim 8 , wherein said steps are designed to interlock or “snap” into place at specific areas along the stringers regardless of fold, width, and stair tread design. 
   
   
       10 . The boltless metal stair step system of  claim 2 , wherein said steps include predrilled holes for reinforcement and cladding. 
   
   
       11 . The boltless metal stair step system of  claim 2 , wherein said reinforcement hardware (self drilling tapping screws or pop rivets recommended) can be used to reinforce the resulting staircase. 
   
   
       12 . The boltless metal stair step system of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforced staircase can then be covered with various materials for custom cladding. 
   
   
       13 . The boltless metal stair step system of  claim 1 , wherein the system can be placed over an existing staircase of similar dimensions for the purpose of remodeling the staircase. 
   
   
       14 . The boltless metal stair step system of  claim 2 , wherein the mentioned components are constructed from steel for fire resistance and increased strength. 
   
   
       15 . The boltless metal stair step system of  claim 2 , wherein the mentioned components can be galvanized or chemically coated for weather resistance.