stairway

Abstract

A stairway comprises a plurality of stairs extending between oppositely disposed first and second ends of the stairway. Each stair of the plurality of stairs is movably connected to at least one adjacent stair, in order that the stair move substantially vertically with respect to an adjacent stair, when the elevation of at least one end of the stairway is changed.

Description

[0001] STAIRWAY

[0002] CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This patent application is related to and claims priority from commonly owned US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 535,583, entitled: Stairway, filed on 31 August 2023, of which the disclosure is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present disclosed subject matter is directed to stairways and other access ways for accessing one location at a different elevation than the starting location.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] Stairways are constructed so that one can move between a starting point at one elevation to a completion point at another elevation. Common stairways, include portable stairs, escalators, and the like. In these stairways, the elevation of the stairway, and the number of stairs (or steps) of the stairway are fixed.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] The disclosed subject is directed to a stairway. The stairway comprises a plurality of stairs extending between oppositely disposed first and second ends of the stairway. Each stair of the plurality of stairs is movably connected to at least one adjacent stair, in order that the stair move substantially vertically with respect to an adjacent stair, when the elevation of at least one end of the stairway is changed. The stairway is such that the number of stairs inclined at any given time to meet a given elevation is variable, such that a portion of the stairs is inclined, and a portion of the stairs are flat.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Non-limiting examples of embodiments are described below with reference to figures attached hereto that are listed following this paragraph. Identical structures, elements or parts that appear in more than one figure are generally labeled with a same or similar numeral in all the figures in which they appear. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0012] In the drawings:

[0013] FIGs. 1A-1D are diagrams of the disclosed stairway in operation at various elevations of a structure from the ground;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stair of the disclosed stairway of FIGs. 1A-1D; and

[0015] FIGs. 3A-3C are perspective views of adjacent stairs during an elevation process, in accordance with the disclosed stairway.

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Throughout this document, terms of orientation, such as up, upward, down, downward, vertical, horizontal, lateral and derivatives thereof are used. The use of these terms is for explanation purposes and is not in any way limiting.

[0018] The present disclosed subject matter provides a stairway comprising a plurality of stairs extending between oppositely disposed first and second ends of the stairway. Each stair of the plurality of stairs is movably connected to at least one adjacent stair, in order that the stair move substantially vertically with respect to an adjacent stair, when the elevation of at least one end of the stairway is changed. The stairway is such that the number of stairs inclined at any given time to meet a given elevation is variable, such that a portion of the stairs is inclined, and a portion of the stairs are flat. Alternately, should the maximum elevation of the structure connected to the second end be reached, all of the stairs would be inclined. Still alternately, should there be little or no elevation difference between the structures attached to the respective first and second ends, all of the stairs would remain flat.

[0019] The present disclosed subject matter provides a stairway formed of adjacent steps, stairs, or units. Throughout this document, the terms “stairs”, steps” and “units” are used interchangeably. For example, the opposite ends of the stairway may be attached, so as to be fixed, to the ground and fixed to a moveable structure, which, for example, moves vertically or substantially vertically. Alternately, one end may be attached to the ground, fixed platform, movable platform, or the like and a second, oppositely disposed end, attached to a movable structure, for example, a vertically movable platform or point, structure which moves substantially vertically or vertically, to variable elevations, with respect to the ground or the horizontal. In other alternates, both ends of the stairway may be fixed to a fixed or to a movable structure. The stairs are movably connected to each other, so as to be instantly adjustable to accommodate changing elevations between a first end of the stairway and an opposite second end of the stairway.

[0020] The stairs of the stairway are collapsible so as to be flat, and typically define a plane substantially parallel or parallel to the horizontal (e.g., the ground). The stairs are connected to each other in a moveable manner, typically in a manner such that adjacent stairs are movable substantially vertically or vertically with respect to each other. When one end of the stairway is lifted or otherwise raised, to elevate upwards, the requisite number of successive stairs move upward in a successive or cascading manner, so as to be oriented at an increased elevation (height), from the previous adjacent stair (in the direction from the first end to the second end). As the elevation of the second end continues to increase, additional stairs are moved upward. This process may continue until all of the stairs have moved as far upward as each stair can travel with respect to its adjacent stair. As a certain number of stairs are lifted for each elevation of the structure, the angle of elevation of the inclines stairs of the stairway remains approximately constant or constant. Similarly, when the height or elevation of the stairway is lowered, the requisite number of stairs collapse, for example, in a cascading manner (one by one), into the flat or planar orientation.

[0021] FIG. 1A shows a structure 100 on the ground 102, with the stairway 110 coplanar or substantially coplanar to the ground, as the structure 100 sits on the ground 102 at an elevation Ho (elevation corresponding to ground 102 level). The structure 100 is raised and lowered by a moveable piler 104, which, for example, changes the elevation (e.g., in a vertical or substantially vertical direction).

[0022] The stairway 110 is in a flat or planar orientation. The stairway 110 is formed of individual stairs 120, which lie flat with respect to each other, when in this flat or planar orientation. Each stair 120 is joined to an adjacent stair 120 in a moveable manner, so as to accommodate changes in elevation of the stairway 110. Anchor stairs 120-1, 120-2, at opposite ends of the stairway 110 are typically fixed to the ground 102 or fixed platform (stair 120-1) and to the movable structure 100 (stair 120-2). Alternately, the anchor stairs 120-1, 120-2 may be such that one anchor stair is fixed to the ground 102 or the structure 100, or temporarily fixed to the ground 102 or the structure 100 in a removably attachable manner.

[0023] FIG. IB shows the stairway 110 in a partially raised position, where the stairway portion 122 closest to the raised structure 100, has been raised off of the ground 102 (to an elevation Hi, which is greater than elevation Ho,). A variable number of stairs 120 are inclined, defining an inclined portion 122, to compensate for the raised elevation of the structure 100. In the incline, successive stair 120 are raised (i.e., moved vertically) in a cascading sequence, from the ground 102 to the raised height of the structure 100. The remaining portion of the stairs 123, closest to the lower side (i.e., the ground 102) is horizontally flattened, for example, to be flat or planar an orientation, coplanar or substantially co planar with the ground 102. Here, the anchor stair 120-1 serves as the origin as it is at ground level 102 and remains at ground level as the structure 100 moves vertically upward and the stairs 120 of the stairway 110 incline (at the angle 0).

[0024] FIG. 1C shows the stairway 110 at an almost complete incline to meet the raised height of the structure 100 (elevation H2, which is greater than elevation Hi). A portion 122 of the stairs 120 is inclined, with each stair 120 raised from each other (i.e., in a cascading manner), to accommodate the increased elevation. An anchor stair 120-1 and its adjacent stair 120 (forming flat stair portion 123) remain in the flat or planar orientation on the ground 102.

[0025] FIG. ID shows the stairway 110 with all stairs 120 raised to their maximum elevations, to accommodate the maximum elevation HMAX, which is greater than elevation Ho) of the structure 100.

[0026] In FIGs. 1A-1D, as a certain number of stairs 120 are lifted for each elevation (H) of the structure 100, the angle of elevation (0) remains approximately constant or constant.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows an individual stair 120, representative of the stairs 120 of a stairway 110. The stair 120 includes a platform or main portion 200. A first plate 202 attached to the platform 200 extends laterally from one side of the platform 200. The first plate 202 includes apertures 204 of a diameter and spaced apart to receive posts 210, extending from an adjacent stair 120b, in a moveable manner. The apertures 204 are of a diameter, which allows posts 210 on an adjacent stair 120 to move, such that the adjacent stair slides upward or downward, vertically, or substantially vertically, based on the movable elevation (e.g., upward or downward) of the stairway 110. The first plate 202 extends a distance so that a portion of the platform 200 of an adjacent stair 120 seats on the plate 202, such that the platforms 200 of the adjacent stairs 120 are coplanar, when the adjacent stairs are both in a flat position, substantially parallel to the ground 102 (as shown in FIG. 3A). The stairs 120 are similar except for one or both of the anchor stairs, 120-1, 120-2, serving as the end stairs of the stairway 110, where the platform 200 may be attached to the fixed or movable platform that sets the lower elevation of base of the stairway 110.

[0028] A second plate 208 may be embedded into the platform 200, or attached to the platform 200. Posts 210, extend from the second plate 208. Alternately, the posts 210 may attach to the platform 200 on its lower side. An attachable, e.g., removably attachable, third or base plate 212 attaches to the opposite (e.g., lower end) of the posts 210. This base plate 212 serves as a travel limit , i.e., upward travel limit, for the posts 210 and ultimately, the stair 120, with respect to its adjacent stair 120, with the platform 200 serving as a downward travel limit for the stair 120.

[0029] In some embodiments for the stairway 110, the first anchor stair 120-1, at one end of the stairway 110, attaches to the ground 102 or fixed platform via the plate 212. The second anchor stair 120- 2, at the other or opposite end of the stairway 110, attaches to the movable structure 100 (or platform thereof), via the plate 202.

[0030] FIGs. 3A-3C show the cooperating movement of two adjacent stairs 120, for example, between the anchor stairs 120-1, 120-2 (FIGs. 1A-1D), which in these drawing figures have element numbers 120a and 120b, for explanation purposes. Stair 120a is a leading stair, closest to the anchor stair 120-2 attached to the structure 100, while stair 120b is a lagging stair, closest to the anchor stair 120-1, attached to the ground 102.

[0031] In FIG. 3 A the stairs 120a, 120b are on the ground and not inclined. The leading stair 120a and lagging stair 120b lie flat with respect to each other, such that the platforms 200 of the adjacent stairs 120 are coplanar, when the adjacent stars 120a, 120b are both in a flat position, substantially parallel to the ground 102.

[0032] As the structure 100 is raised, the leading stair 120a initially inclines with respect to the lagging stair 120b, as shown in FIG. 3B. In FIG. 3B the leading stair 120a moves upward (as a result of the structure 100 being increased in elevation) with respect to the lagging stair 120b, as the posts 210, which move upward, slide through apertures 204 of the plate 202. The sliding and upward movement of the posts 210 continues, until the limit of travel is reached for the posts 210, as the base plate 212 contacts the head plate 202 of the lagging stair 120b. The stairs 120a, 120b have reached the orientation shown in FIG. 3C.

[0033] Should a decline occur in the elevation of the structure 100, as the structure 100 is moved downward, toward the ground 102 from a higher elevation, the orientation of the stairs shown in FIGs. 3A-3C is reversed.

[0034] In other alternatives, should a deeper decline occur towards the ground 102 or underground, in order to enable the structure 100 to reach an elevation below the ground level, the head plate 202 is constructed to slide downward until contacting the base plate 212.

[0035] In other alternatives, the stairway 110 may be oriented such that one end elevates vertically upward or downward, and the opposite end elevates vertically upwards or downwards, for example, in an orientation opposite that of the stairway of FIGs. 1A-1D. This stairway is such that the stairs 120 can adjust to a flat configuration, as well as inclined or declined configurations, as needed.

[0036] Still other alternatives include the stairway 110 formed of a plurality of N stairs 120. The stairway 110 is extendable at an incline corresponding to a height H from ground level 102. The N stairs 120 are, for example, sequentially numbered 1<KN, such that the stair number I is vertically movable to a maximum height of I*h (h being the vertical height of each stair, such that h is substantially the same or the same vertical height of each stair.

[0037] Examples of the disclosed subject matter include a stairway. The stairway comprises: a plurality of stairs extending between oppositely disposed first and second ends of the stairway; and, each stair of the plurality of stairs being movably connected to at least one adjacent stair to move substantially vertically with respect to an adjacent stair, when the elevation of at least one end of the stairway is changed.

[0038] Optionally, the stairway is such that the plurality of stairs are collapsible into a substantially planar orientation, and movable from the substantially planar orientation to: 1) a partially planar, partially inclined orientation, or 2) a fully inclined orientation, wherein the angle of elevation of the elevated stairs remains approximately constant. Optionally, the stairway is such that the first end is in communication with a fixed surface and the second end is in communication with a substantially vertically moveable surface.

[0039] Optionally, the stairway is such that each stair moves substantially vertically in a cascading manner, when the elevation of the one end of the stairway is changed.

[0040] Optionally, the stairway is such that the plurality of stairs includes N stairs, such that when the stairway is inclined, n stairs move to positions to accommodate the incline and N-n stairs remain in a flat position, where n is an integer number of 1 or more.

[0041] Optionally, the stairway is such that the plurality of stairs includes N stairs extendable at incline corresponding to a height H from ground level, the N stairs sequentially numbered 1 <KN, such that the stair number I is vertically movable to a maximum height of I*h (h being the vertical height of each stair, such that h is substantially the same or the same vertical height of each stair.

[0042] Optionally, the stairway is such that the plurality of stairs includes a first anchor stair at the first end of the stairway and a second anchor stair at the second end of the stairway.

[0043] Optionally, the stairway is such that the plurality of stairs includes at least one adjacent stair between the first anchor stair and the second anchor stair.

[0044] Optionally, the stairway is such that the first anchor stair is in communication with a fixed surface and the second anchor stair is in communication with a substantially vertically moveable surface.

[0045] Examples of the disclosed subject matter include a method for accessing an elevated structure. The method comprises: providing a plurality of stairs extending between oppositely disposed first and second ends of the stairway, and each stair of the plurality of stairs being movably connected to at least one adjacent stair to move substantially vertically with respect to an adjacent stair, when the elevation of at least one end of the stairway is changed; placing the first end of the stairway in communication with an anchoring structure; placing the second .end of the stairway in communication with an elevatable structure; and moving the elevatable structure to an elevation where one or more of the stairs move in the direction of the elevation at an incline.

[0046] Optionally, the method is such that the stairway includes a first anchor stair at a first end of the stairway and a second anchor stair at the second end of the stairway. Optionally, the method is such that the placing the first end of the stairway in communication with an anchoring structure includes connecting the first anchor stair to the anchor structure, and the placing the second .end of the stairway in communication with an elevatable structure includes connecting the second anchor stair to the elevatable structure.

[0047] Optionally, the method is such that the anchor structure includes one of a ground surface or a structure substantially coplanar to the ground surface.

[0048] Optionally, the method is such that the elevatable structure may elevate the stairway to an elevation above the anchoring structure or to an elevation below the anchoring structure.

[0049] Although the disclosed subject matter has been described in conjunction with embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A. stairway comprising: a plurality of stairs extending between oppositely disposed first and second ends of the stairway; and each stair of the plurality of stairs being movably connected to at least one adjacent stair to move substantially vertically with respect to an adjacent stair, when the elevation of at least one end of the stairway is changed.

2. The stairway of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of stairs are collapsible into a substantially planar orientation, and movable from the substantially planar orientation to: 1) a partially planar, partially inclined orientation, or 2) a fully inclined orientation, wherein the angle of elevation of the elevated stairs remains approximately constant.

3. The stairway of claim 1, wherein the first end is in communication with a fixed surface and the second end is in communication with a substantially vertically moveable surface.

4. The stairway of claim 1, wherein said each stair moves substantially vertically in a cascading manner, when the elevation of the one end of the stairway is changed.

5. The stairway of claim 1, wherein the plurality of stairs includes N stairs, such that when the stairway is inclined, n stairs move to positions to accommodate the incline and N-n stairs remain in a flat position, where n is an integer number of 1 or more.

6. The stairway of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of stairs includes N stairs extendable at incline corresponding to a height H from a ground level, the N stairs sequentially numbered 1 <KN, such that the stair number I is vertically movable to a maximum height of I*h, such that h is substantially the same vertical height of each stair.

7. The stairway of claim 1, wherein the plurality of stairs includes a first anchor stair at the first end of the stairway and a second anchor stair at the second end of the stairway.

8. The stairway of claim 7, wherein the plurality of stairs includes at least one adjacent stair between the first anchor stair and the second anchor stair.

9. The stairway of claim 8, wherein the first anchor stair is in communication with a fixed surface and the second anchor stair is in communication with a substantially vertically moveable surface.

10. A method for accessing an elevated structure comprising: providing a plurality of stairs extending between oppositely disposed first and second ends of the stairway, and each stair of the plurality of stairs being movably connected to at least one adjacent stair to move substantially vertically with respect to an adjacent stair, when the elevation of at least one end of the stairway is changed; placing the first end of the stairway in communication with an anchoring structure; placing the second .end of the stairway in communication with an elevatable structure; and moving the elevatable structure to an elevation where one or more of the stairs move in the direction of the elevation at an incline.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the stairway includes a first anchor stair at a first end of the stairway and a second anchor stair at the second end of the stairway.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the placing the first end of the stairway in communication with an anchoring structure includes connecting the first anchor stair to the anchor structure, and the placing the second .end of the stairway in communication with an elevatable structure includes connecting the second anchor stair to the elevatable structure.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the anchor structure includes one of a ground surface or a structure substantially coplanar to the ground surface.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the elevatable structure may elevate the stairway to an elevation above the anchoring structure or to an elevation below the anchoring structure.

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