Improvements in, or relating to, floor, stair and RAMP surfaces

Abstract

A non-slip tread surface 1 for a stairway, walkway or rampway. The surface has an extruded resilient material having a major axis 7 aligned with the extrusion direction, and a minor axis 8 substantially lateral to the major axis, the cross section having a plurality of parallel ridges 6, the ridges of regular cross section with varying height wherein at least some of the ridges have differing heights compared to at least some of the adjacent ridges, the ridges presenting longitudinal edges 9 to increase friction laterally. A plurality of height reductions 11 in the ridges form a reduced region 12 running across the ridges 6 parallel to the minor axis, with lateral edges 13 to increase friction longitudinally. The height reductions 12 are formed after the resilient material is extruded. The longitudinal edges and lateral edges forming an enhanced grip surface both laterally and longitudinally of the ridges.

Description

[0001] IMPROVEMENTS IN, OR RELATING TO, FLOOR, STAIR AND RAMP SURFACES

[0002] This application claims priority from Australian patent application number 2024216510 filed on 30 August 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to floor, stair and ramp surfaces.

[0005] In particular, though not solely, the present invention is directed to improved grip on floor, stair and ramp surfaces for walking and also wheeled devices.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] For existing stairs, floor or ramp surfaces there is often the need to improve the grip on the surface a user will move over, whether this is for a person walking on stairs, or a flat surface, whether horizontal or inclined as a ramp or threshold plate again for walking on, or for a wheeled or tracked vehicle to move over, for example a load cart or wheelchair.

[0008] The application of improved grip may be necessary when previous grip on that surface has worn away, the use case changes and different users are on the surface, or the environment changes and the surface can become more slippery than previous.

[0009] Further, for supply of a new surface, for example a new construction, there is also the need to improve grip where necessary. For example, a stock form stair may be provided for the construction, and in certain parts additional grip may be required. These parts may, for example, be that part of the surface that is exposed to the weather, whereas the same surface contained within the building, that is not exposed to the weather, may not need such enhanced grip.

[0010] In the case of a ramp or flat surface the enhanced grip may be achieved by applying it to an existing ramp or flat surface, or the entire ramp or surface itself may include inherently the enhanced grip surface.

[0011] Various solutions exist presently to improve the grip of such a surface. Typically this enhanced grip is only in one direction, for example in the forward, backward direction of movement and not in the lateral, or side to side direction. Products that have what initially appears to be enhanced sideways grip do not actually have enhanced sideways grip, but rather such features are present to enhance visibility. For example JP6034213B2 has enhanced visibility of the step by having a differing brightness over the surface corrugations of the non-slip member.

[0012] Another example of what appears to be enhanced sideways grip is that shown in CN203238902U. In this publication there is additional contouring provided for the purposes of water drainage only.

[0013] In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved or enhanced grip surface for a user to move over, or to overcome the above shortcomings or address the above desiderata, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-slip tread surface for a stairway, walkway or rampway comprising: an extruded resilient material of constant cross-section having a major axis aligned with the extrusion direction, and a minor axis substantially lateral to the major axis, the cross section having a plurality of parallel ridges running along the major axis, the ridges of regular cross section with varying height wherein at least some of the ridges have differing heights compared to at least some of the adjacent ridges, the ridges presenting longitudinal edges to increase friction laterally, a plurality of height reductions in the ridges, the height reductions forming a reduced region running across the ridges parallel to the minor axis, the height reductions presenting lateral edges to increase friction longitudinally, and the height reductions formed after the resilient material is extruded, the longitudinal edges and lateral edges forming an enhanced grip surface both laterally and longitudinally of the ridges.

[0017] In some embodiments, there is a series of the height reductions running parallel to each other along the minor axis.

[0018] Alternatively, the height reductions may create a pattern across the ridges, such as, but not limited to, geometric shapes, circular or curved shapes, images, logos or similar.

[0019] In some embodiments, the resilient material is a metallic material such as, but not limited to aluminium, or a plastics material.

[0020] In some embodiments, there is a plurality of troughs between groupings of the ridges, running parallel to the ridges.

[0021] In some embodiments, the regular cross-section is triangular, square, or other shape that presents an edge that runs parallel to the major axis.

[0022] In some embodiments, the extruded material is surface treated, for example, but not limited to anodising, powder coating, painting or similar, prior to, or after any subsequent forming or machining.

[0023] In some embodiments, the height reductions of the ridges are subsequently formed by machining, cold forming, stamping or similar after the resilient material is extruded.

[0024] Alternatively, the ridges may be formed by casting or moulding and the height reductions are formed afterward by machining, cold forming, embossing or similar after the resilient material is formed.

[0025] In some embodiments, the extruded resilient material is applied to an existing surface to enhance the grip, or the extruded resilient material forms the surface such as a stair, horizontal or inclined surface.

[0026] In some embodiments, the height reductions of adjacent ridges are at the same longitudinal position along the ridges.

[0027] In some embodiments, adjacent ridges alternate in height.

[0028] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming an enhanced grip surface for a user to move over, comprising the steps of: extruding a resilient material with a constant cross-section having a major axis and a minor axis substantially lateral to the major axis, the cross section having a plurality of parallel ridges running along the major axis, the ridges of regular cross section with varying height wherein at least some of the ridges have differing heights compared to at least some of the adjacent ridges, the ridges presenting longitudinal edges to increase friction laterally, forming a plurality of height reductions in the ridges, the height reductions forming a reduced region running across the ridges parallel to the minor axis, the height reductions presenting lateral edges to increase friction longitudinally, and the height reductions formed after the resilient material is extruded, the longitudinal edges and lateral edges forming an enhanced grip surface both laterally and longitudinally of the ridges.

[0029] In some embodiments, there is a series of the height reductions running parallel to each other along the minor axis.

[0030] Alternatively, the height reductions create a pattern across the ridges, such as, but not limited to, geometric shapes, circular or curved shapes, images, logos or similar.

[0031] In some embodiments, the resilient material is a metallic material such as, but not limited to aluminium, or a plastics material.

[0032] In some embodiments, there is a plurality of troughs between groupings of the ridges, running parallel to the ridges.

[0033] In some embodiments, the regular cross-section is triangular, square, or other shape that presents an edge that runs parallel to the major axis.

[0034] In some embodiments, the extruded material is surface treated, for example, but not limited to anodising, powder coating, painting or similar, prior to, or after, any subsequent forming or machining.

[0035] In some embodiments, the height reductions of the ridges are subsequently formed by machining, cold forming, stamping or similar after the resilient material is extruded.

[0036] Alternatively, the ridges may be formed by casting or moulding and the height reductions are formed afterward by machining, cold forming, embossing or similar after the resilient material is formed. In some embodiments, the extruded resilient material is applied to an existing surface to enhance the grip, or the extruded resilient material forms the surface such as a stair, horizontal or inclined surface.

[0037] In some embodiments, the height reductions of adjacent ridges are at the same longitudinal position along the ridges.

[0038] In some embodiments, adjacent ridges alternate in height.

[0039] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a surface produced by the method outlined above.

[0040] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-slip tread surface as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

[0041] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of forming an enhanced grip surface as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

[0042] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an enhanced grip or non-slip tread surface comprising: an initial form of constant cross-section having a major axis and a minor axis substantially lateral to the major axis, the cross section having a plurality of parallel ridges running along the major axis, the ridges of regular cross section with varying height wherein at least some of the ridges have differing heights compared to at least some of the adjacent ridges, the ridges presenting longitudinal edges to increase friction laterally, a plurality of height reductions in the ridges, the height reductions forming a reduced region running across the ridges parallel to the minor axis, the height reductions presenting lateral edges to increase friction longitudinally, and the height reductions formed after the initial form is formed, the longitudinal edges and lateral edges forming an enhanced grip surface both laterally and longitudinally of the ridges.

[0043] In some embodiments the initial form with ridges may be formed by extrusion and the height reductions of the ridges are subsequently formed by machining, cold forming, stamping or similar after the resilient material is extruded.

[0044] In some embodiments the initial form with ridges may be formed by casting or moulding and the height reductions are formed afterward by machining, cold forming, embossing or similar after the resilient material is formed.

[0045] The surface of this aspect may comprise any one or more of the features outlined above or herein for the surface of any other aspect.

[0046] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of forming an enhanced grip or non-slip tread surface, comprising the steps of: forming an initial form with a constant cross-section having a major axis and a minor axis substantially lateral to the major axis, the cross section having a plurality of parallel ridges running along the major axis, the ridges of regular cross section with varying height wherein at least some of the ridges have differing heights compared to at least some of the adjacent ridges, the ridges presenting longitudinal edges to increase friction laterally, forming a plurality of height reductions in the ridges, the height reductions forming a reduced region running across the ridges parallel to the minor axis, the height reductions presenting lateral edges to increase friction longitudinally, and the height reductions formed after the initial form is formed, the longitudinal edges and lateral edges forming an enhanced grip surface both laterally and longitudinally of the ridges.

[0047] In some embodiments the initial form with ridges may be formed by extrusion and the height reductions of the ridges are subsequently formed by machining, cold forming, stamping or similar after the resilient material is extruded.

[0048] In some embodiments the initial form with ridges may be formed by casting or moulding and the height reductions are formed afterward by machining, cold forming, embossing or similar after the resilient material is formed.

[0049] The method of this aspect may comprise any one or more of the features outlined above or herein for the method or surface of any other aspect.

[0050] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an enhanced grip or non-slip tread surface comprising: a form of constant cross-section having a major axis and a minor axis substantially lateral to the major axis, the cross section having a plurality of parallel ridges running along the major axis, the ridges of regular cross section with varying height wherein at least some of the ridges have differing heights compared to at least some of the adjacent ridges, the ridges presenting longitudinal edges to increase friction laterally, a plurality of height reductions in the ridges, the height reductions forming a reduced region running across the ridges parallel to the minor axis, the height reductions presenting lateral edges to increase friction longitudinally, wherein the longitudinal edges and lateral edges forming an enhanced grip surface both laterally and longitudinally of the ridges.

[0051] The surface of this aspect may comprise any one or more of the features outlined above or herein for the method or surface of any other aspect.

[0052] As used herein the term “and / or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

[0053] As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and / or singular forms of the noun.

[0054] The term “comprising” as used in this specification means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting statements in this specification which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present, but other features can also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprised” are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0055] It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1 , 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7).

[0056] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0057] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements and features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0058] Reference may be made in the description to subject matter which is not in the scope of the appended claims. That subject matter should be readily identifiable by a person skilled in the art and may assist putting into practice the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0059] Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0062] Figure 1 Shows a ramp or threshold plate with the enhanced grip surface in isometric view;

[0063] Figure 2 Shows the ramp or threshold plate of Figure 1 in a front view;

[0064] Figure 3 Shows a close up of the grip enhanced surface with three varying depths of height reduction of the longitudinal ridges, forming the lateral edges;

[0065] Figure 4 Shows a side view of the ramp, threshold plate of Figure 1 showing the varying height ridges, in this instance of triangular cross-section and also shows several troughs to aid water runoff and contain contaminants that might otherwise reduce grip;

[0066] Figure 5 Shows a side view of an extrusion that may be applied to a surface to enhance its grip;

[0067] Figure 6 Shows the first step of the method, the extruded resilient material in plan form, prior to reduction in the height of the ridges;

[0068] Figure 7 Shows an isometric view of the extrusion of Figure 5 after the height reduction of the ridges has been performed;

[0069] Figure 8 Shows a similar view to that of Figure 5, but for an extrusion that can be applied to a stair as a tread to enhance grip; Figure 9 Shows an end view of an embodiment of the present invention for a stair edging for carpet; and

[0070] Figure 10 Shows an isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 9.

[0071] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0072] Preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to Figures 1 through 10.

[0073] An enhanced grip surface or non-slip tread surface 1 is shown for example in Figure 1, in this case on an inclined surface integrally formed as part of a ramp 2 also referred to as a threshold plate. The surface 1 is the user presenting surface which is typically the upwardly presenting surface in use.

[0074] The enhanced grip surface 1 consists of a plurality of ridges 6 running parallel to a major axis 7.

[0075] In some embodiments, the ridges are of approximately the same height, even if they are of optionally different cross section (as seen in Figure 4), and may have troughs 14 to facilitate water runoff, or dirt and debris collection. As seen in the inset to Figure 4, some of the ridges 6 may vary in height compared to some of the adjacent ridges 6.

[0076] The heights of the ridges 6 may be selected depending on the application. In one exemplary configuration, the heights of the ridges 6 (from an underside of the tread surface 1) may be between about 2.5 mm and about 7 mm.

[0077] In some embodiments, the ridges 6 vary in height. Height variations in the ridges 6 may improve the non-slip properties of the tread surface by providing more contact with the user (e.g. a shoe or wheel of a vehicle) in the lateral direction, allowing for better grip. Figures 3-5 and 8-10 show embodiments in which adjacent ridges 6 alternate in height. Other height variations are also possible, including a regular repeating pattern or an irregular pattern of ridge heights. Examples include a repeating pattern of one tall ridge and two short ridges, or one tall ridge and three short ridges, or one tall ridge and four short ridges, etc. The plurality of ridges 6 may vary between more than two heights. The height differences between the ridges may be selected depending on the application and heights of the ridges themselves. In one exemplary configuration, the height differences between adjacent ridges may be between about 0.2 mm and about 5 mm.

[0078] In an embodiment where the ridges 6 have a triangular cross-section or other crosssection that has non-parallel walls, each ridge 6 may vary in width. For example, the base of the ridge 6 may be wider than the tip of the ridge 6.

[0079] Irrespective of the shape of the ridges 6, in an embodiment where the ridges vary in height, adjacent ridges may have the same width or may vary in width.

[0080] In the embodiment of Figure 5, the included angle A between the walls of the taller ridge may be a smaller angle such as about 70 degrees for example, and the included angle B between the walls of the shorter ridge may be a larger angle such as about 86 degrees for example. It will be appreciated that these are just exemplary angles and may vary.

[0081] The ridges define longitudinal edges 9 at or near the peak of the ridge. This edge 9 when engaged by a surface by an item, such as the foot wear of a user, or the wheel of a wheel chair, or other movement device will be deform the item and increase grip in the item in the direction of the minor axis 8.

[0082] The enhanced grip surface 1 has a minor axis 8, which in the preferred form is in the same plane as the major axis 7 but runs orthogonally thereto. However, in other forms this may be off axis as will be described further later.

[0083] The ridges 6 have a plurality of reduced regions 12 and are shaped in such a way that they form lateral edges 13. These lateral edges 13 increase grip of an item on the surface 1 in the direction of the major axis 7.

[0084] A plurality of height reductions 11 in the ridges 6 form the reduced regions 12.

[0085] The height reductions 11 in the ridges 6 may be selected depending on the application and heights of the ridges 6 themselves. In an exemplary configuration, the height reductions 11 in the ridges may be between about 0.5 mm and about 1.5 mm.

[0086] The widths of the height reductions 11 in the ridges 6 may be selected depending on the application. The height reductions 11 in smaller ridges may have a smaller width than the height reductions 11 in the taller ridges.

[0087] The lengths of the height reductions 11 in the ridges 6 may be selected depending on the application. In an exemplary configuration, the lengths of the height reductions 11 may be between about 2 mm and about 20 mm in the direction of the major axis 7.

[0088] The height reductions 11 in smaller ridges may have the same length as the height reductions 11 in the taller ridges, or may have a different length.

[0089] The surface may be made from any resilient material, such as plastic, or metal, and a preferred material is aluminium due to its price, ease of forming, weight, and hard wearing. The resilient material may be or comprise a composite material, such as fibre glass, or extruded Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), or similar fibrous compounds such as those used in decking planks or similar.

[0090] The resilient material may be rigid or substantially rigid under normal loads in use. Alternatively, the resilient material may resiliently deform while still resisting load in use.

[0091] In an exemplary method of forming an enhanced grip surface for a user to move over, the method comprises or including the steps of: extruding a resilient material with a constant cross-section having a major axis 7 and a minor axis 8 substantially lateral to the major axis 7, the cross section having a plurality of parallel ridges 6 running along the major axis 7, the ridges 6 of regular cross section with varying height and width wherein at least some of the ridges 6 have differing heights compared to at least some of the adjacent ridges 6, the ridges 6 presenting longitudinal edges 9 to increase friction laterally, forming a plurality of height reductions 11 in the ridges 6, the height reductions 11 forming a reduced region 12 running across the ridges 6 parallel to the minor axis 8, the height reductions 11 presenting lateral edges 13 to increase friction longitudinally, and the height reductions 11 formed after the resilient material is extruded, the longitudinal edges 9 and lateral edges 13 forming an enhanced grip surface both laterally and longitudinally of the ridges 6.

[0092] In one preferred form the initial form of the material is extruded in lengths. In another preferred form the initial form of the material may be from moulding, stamping or casting. In the preferred form the initial form has a surface coating applied such as, but not limited to anodising, powder coating, painting or similar. The surface coating may be applied prior to the subsequent forming, or may be applied after the subsequent forming. An advantage of applying after the subsequent forming is a universal finish is presented and any marks or similar are covered, or coloured.

[0093] In the initial forming as shown in Figures 5 and 6 the extrusion or moulding 5 is formed with the longitudinal parallel ridges 6.

[0094] The initial form 5, for example the extrusion, then undergoes a secondary forming process such as, but not limited to cold forming, such as stamping, or machining, such as milling, to form the reduced regions 12 in the ridges 6, and hence the lateral edges. The result being the enhanced grip or tread 1 that has enhanced grip in both the major axis 7 and the minor axis 8.

[0095] In the method of forming the enhanced grip surface or non-slip tread surface, forming the reduced regions 12 along the minor axis after the extrusion of the ridges provides manufacturing advantages. For example, the initial form 5 can be prepared via a single extrusion process, and a stamp used to subsequently form the height reductions 11 and thereby the reduced regions 12. That enables easier forming of varying lengths of the enhanced grip surface 1 than if a mould is used.

[0096] The height reductions 11 may, for example, be formed by cold stamping if a metallic material is used, or may be formed by hot stamping if a plastic material is used.

[0097] In the embodiments shown the reduced regions 12 run in parallel rows along the minor axis 8. However, in other forms (not shown), the reduced regions 12 may be at an angle to the minor axis 7 or major axis 8, and may also form patterns, circular shapes, images, logos or similar, while still having the lateral edges 13 for enhanced grip.

[0098] The portions of the ridges 6 between the reduced regions 12 may vary in spacing, length, or a combination thereof.

[0099] In some embodiments, the height reductions 11 of the reduced regions 12 of adjacent ridges 6 are at the same longitudinal position along the ridges 6. This effectively forms a channel along the minor axis 8 across all of the ridges. Forming the height reductions 11 of the reduced regions 12 at the same longitudinal position across adjacent channels has manufacturing advantages because the height reductions can be formed in the same step, for example using a long stamp extending across the entire width of the extrusion.

[0100] The initial form 5 may take the form of an insert 15 which can then be connected to a base member, to form a threshold plate 2, stair tread 3 or walkway tread, for example by using adhesive 16 or similar.

[0101] In other forms the initial form 5 is the base member also, such as for example as shown in Figure 1 where the extrusion includes the features of a threshold plate 2, and the initial form is then secondary processed to add the lateral edges.

[0102] In other forms the initial operation may also form the longitudinal edges 9 and lateral edges 13, for example in moulding, casting or stamping.

[0103] The tread surface may comprise a user-facing side that comprises the plurality of ridges 6, and an underside that is substantially flat. A flat underside allows the tread surface to sit flush with flat base member (e.g. stairway, walkway or rampway) in use. This improves stability and durability of the tread surface by reducing rocking or creaking compared to a rough or bumpy underside, and allows the tread surface to adhere to the base member more effectively.

[0104] In some embodiments the tread surface 1 may be formed using a flat platen. In the method of forming the enhanced grip surface or non-slip tread surface, the extruded initial form 5 may be placed on a flat platen (shown in broken lines in Figure 5, for example) while the height reductions of the reduced region s12 in the ridges 6 are formed, during stamping. In this way, the underside of the tread surface 1 is flat during forming of the ridges 6 rather than becoming deformed, providing a flat underside as discussed above.

[0105] In the method of forming the enhanced grip surface or non-slip tread surface, the tread surface 1 may be formed using a stepwise advance process comprising a sequence of advance and stamping to form the height reductions 11 of the reduced height regions 12. This is important to get the deformation that is needed to form the reductions and may enhance efficiency and reduce cost.

[0106] Alternatively, the tread surface 1 may be formed by extruding the initial form, cutting the initial form to a desired length, then forming the height reductions 11 of the reduced height regions 12. The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A non-slip tread surface for a stairway, walkway or rampway comprising or including: an extruded resilient material of constant cross-section having a major axis aligned with the extrusion direction, and a minor axis substantially lateral to the major axis, the cross section having a plurality of parallel ridges running along the major axis, the ridges of regular cross section with varying height wherein at least some of the ridges have differing heights compared to at least some of the adjacent ridges, the ridges presenting longitudinal edges to increase friction laterally, a plurality of height reductions in the ridges, the height reductions forming a reduced region running across the ridges parallel to the minor axis, the height reductions presenting lateral edges to increase friction longitudinally, and the height reductions formed after the resilient material is extruded, the longitudinal edges and lateral edges forming an enhanced grip surface both laterally and longitudinally of the ridges.

2. A surface as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is a series of the height reductions running parallel to each other along the minor axis.

3. A surface as claimed in claim 1 wherein the height reductions create a pattern across the ridges, such as, but not limited to, geometric shapes, circular or curved shapes, images, logos or similar.

4. A surface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the resilient material is a metallic material such as, but not limited to aluminium, or a plastics material.

5. A surface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein there is a plurality of troughs between groupings of the ridges, running parallel to the ridges.

6. A surface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the regular cross-section is triangular, square, or other shape that presents an edge that runs parallel to the major axis.

7. A surface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the extruded material is surface treated, for example, but not limited to anodising, powder coating, painting or similar, prior to, or after, any subsequent forming or machining.

8. A surface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the height reductions of theridges are subsequently formed by machining, cold forming, stamping, or similar after the resilient material is extruded.

9. A surface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the extruded resilient material is applied to an existing surface to enhance the grip, or the extruded resilient material forms the surface such as a stair, horizontal or inclined surface.

10. A surface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the height reductions of adjacent ridges are at the same longitudinal position along the ridges.

11. A surface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein adjacent ridges alternate in height.

12. A method of forming an enhanced grip surface for a user to move over, comprising or including the steps of: extruding a resilient material with a constant cross-section having a major axis and a minor axis substantially lateral to the major axis, the cross section having a plurality of parallel ridges running along the major axis, the ridges of regular cross section with varying height wherein at least some of the ridges have differing heights compared to at least some of the adjacent ridges, the ridges presenting longitudinal edges to increase friction laterally, forming a plurality of height reductions in the ridges, the height reductions forming a reduced region running across the ridges parallel to the minor axis, the height reductions presenting lateral edges to increase friction longitudinally, and the height reductions formed after the resilient material is extruded, the longitudinal edges and lateral edges forming an enhanced grip surface both laterally and longitudinally of the ridges.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12 wherein there is a series of the height reductions running parallel to each other along the minor axis.

14. A method as claimed in claim 12 wherein the height reductions create a pattern across the ridges, such as, but not limited to, geometric shapes, circular or curved shapes, images, logos or similar.

15. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein the resilient material is a metallic material such as, but not limited to aluminium, or a plastics material.

16. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein there is a plurality of troughs between groupings of the ridges, running parallel to the ridges.

17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16 wherein the regular cross-section is triangular, square, or other shape that presents an edge that runs parallel to the major axis.

18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17 wherein the extruded material is surface treated, for example, but not limited to anodising, powder coating, painting or similar, prior to, or after, any subsequent forming or machining.

19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 18 wherein the height reductions of the ridges are subsequently formed by machining, cold forming, stamping or similar after the resilient material is extruded.

20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 19 wherein the extruded resilient material is applied to an existing surface to enhance the grip, or the extruded resilient material forms the surface such as a stair, horizontal or inclined surface.

21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the height reductions of adjacent ridges are at the same longitudinal position along the ridges.

22. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 21, wherein adjacent ridges alternate in height.

23. A surface produced by the method of any one of claims 12 to 22.

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