Wraparound Step Cover With Split Ends And Tie Wraps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing step covers are either permanently attached, making replacement difficult due to wear or damage, or are removable but prone to puckering and safety hazards, and they do not accommodate steps supported by a riser, limiting their use and attachment options.
Innovation Solution
A detachable wraparound step cover with split ends that extend along the bottom of the step on either side of a riser, using rods within sleeves and tie wraps to apply a uniform force for secure attachment, preventing sliding and allowing easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a step cover is permanently attached using mastic, brads, or nails, then the cover is securely fixed to the step, but replacement becomes difficult due to wear, damage, or discoloration
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into removable components: the cover with integrated loops, separate cords with eyes, and distinct attachment points. This allows the cover to be securely attached during use but easily removed by simply pulling the cords, enabling replacement without damaging the step or the cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic removable connection. The cords can be tensioned to provide secure attachment during operation, then easily released for replacement, adapting the attachment state from fixed to movable as needed.
2Ease of operation
If a removable step cover uses cords to latch opposing ends, then the cover is easily removed and replaced, but the non-uniform pulling forces cause the cover to pucker, creating unsightly appearance and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The single cord attachment is segmented into multiple cords (typically three or more) distributed around the perimeter of the cover. This distributes the pulling forces across multiple attachment points, ensuring uniform tension and preventing localized puckering while maintaining ease of removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cords are combined to work together as a unified attachment system, distributing the latching function across several equally-loaded elements rather than relying on a single cord, thereby achieving uniform force distribution.
3Strength
If a step cover wraps around the front and back edges to attach to the bottom of the step, then the cover is securely attached, but the presence of a riser at the midpoint precludes this wrapping attachment method
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous wraparound attachment path is segmented to go around the riser obstruction. The cords are routed along the sides of the step, passing the riser on either side to reach attachment points on the bottom edge, creating multiple segments of the attachment path that collectively achieve secure fastening despite the riser's presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system uses three-dimensional routing of cords around the riser structure, moving from a simple planar wraparound to a spatial path that navigates around the vertical obstruction, enabling attachment on riser-supported steps.
4Ease of manufacture
If a step cover is attached only to the top surface of the step, then attachment is simple, but the cover lacks secure retention and may slide or become detached
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system extends from the two-dimensional top surface to the three-dimensional space around and beneath the step. Cords wrap around the front and back edges and attach to the bottom edge, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions to create a secure retained connection that prevents sliding while maintaining reasonable simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a secure, uniform attachment that prevents sliding and puckering, enabling easy replacement and accommodating steps with risers, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
By tightening the tie wraps, sufficient friction exists between the cover and the step to prevent sliding movement of the cover along the step
Implementation Method 2
The front and rear edges of the cover are drawn toward one another to secure the cover in place by conventional plastic tie wraps engaging pairs of holes in the opposing ends of the cover. The tie wraps bear against the respective rods and thereby exert a pulling force along the full length of each corresponding opposed end.
Data Source
AI summary
A wraparound cover for a step or a seat includes rods on opposed ends beneath the step and tie wraps engaging the rods through holes in the opposed ends to secure the cover to the step. Each opposed end may be bifurcated into two parts to accommodate a riser supporting the step. In such configuration, a rod and holes are formed at each of the parts to accommodate tie wraps for drawing the rods in opposed parts of the opposed ends toward one another to secure the wraparound cover about the step or the seat.