In a method for recycling energy from stairs, a step platform is moveable between an upper and lower position. An energy storage device, coupled to the platform, stores energy when a downward force is applied thereto, causing the step platform to move to the lower position. The energy storage device (also releases stored energy as the step platform moves from to the upper position. A controllable locking mechanism (locks the step platform in the lower position when the downward force has caused the step platform to move into the lower position. A sensor determines when a downward force has been applied to the next higher step platform. A controller signals the controllable locking mechanism to unlock the step platform when the step platform is in the lower position, and when the downward force has been applied to the next higher step platform.

A deck apparatus for assembly with a pair of opposing brace frames interconnected by a pair opposing connector bases and a deck board top frame having a plurality of deck boards disposed thereon, the connector bases having opposing posts for being received in openings in a lower end of the opposing brace frames ends and the deck board top frame having posts for being received in an upper end of the opposing brace frames, and optionally attaching a stairs riser having a plurality of spaced-apart treads or a ramp riser for extending from a deck surface at a height to a vertically lower support surface.

A deck apparatus for assembly with a pair of opposing brace frames interconnected by a pair opposing connector bases and a deck board top frame having a plurality of deck boards disposed thereon, the connector bases having opposing posts for being received in openings in a lower end of the opposing brace frames ends and the deck board top frame having posts for being received in an upper end of the opposing brace frames, and optionally attaching a stairs riser having a plurality of spaced-apart treads or a ramp riser for extending from a deck surface at a height to a vertically lower support surface.

An angle adjustable tread holding bracket comprising a first bracket member having a first triangular shaped body member including a first opening; and a second bracket member rotationally attached to the first bracket member via a pin hinge member, wherein the second bracket member includes a second triangular shaped body member having a U-shaped slot allowing the first triangular shaped body member of the first bracket member to be inserted into the U-shaped slot enabling the angle of the tread holding bracket to be adjusted, wherein the second triangular shaped body member includes an arcuate groove and a second opening.

A method for bending a vinyl floor plank to form a stair nose plank. A first bending gap and a second bending gap are established. Heat is applied to a vinyl floor plank along a first bend location. The vinyl floor plank is then placed into the first bend gap. A user presses downward on the vinyl floor plank to form a first right angle bend. Heat is applied to a vinyl floor plank along a second bend location. The vinyl floor plank is then placed into the second bend gap. The user presses downward on the vinyl floor plank to form a second right angle bend. The first right angle bend and the second right angle bend combine to form a U-shaped bend to form a stair nose plank. In a preferred embodiment the stair nose plank includes a locking mechanism along its edges. In a preferred embodiment, the first bending gap is established between two blending blocks and the second bend gap is established between two second bending blocks. In a preferred embodiment heat is applied by utilization of an acrylic bending machine.

A stair tread overlay for installation on the stair steps of an existing stairway construction. The overlay includes a stair tread member having a top planar tread surface, a bottom surface for positioning on top of an existing stair step, and a front edge extending along the stair tread member and forming a nosing for receiving the weight of a user. A face strip member extends along the front of the stair tread member and projects downwardly from the bottom surface thereof. The face strip member is positioned beneath the nosing of the stair tread member and, thereby, is protected thereby. The stair tread member is fabricated of a more dense material for withstanding wear and tear on the overlay, and the face strip member is fabricated of a less dense material for facilitating shaping or machining of the face strip member.

Described herein are systems and methods of manufacturing a spiral staircase assembly for custom projects. A method may include coupling a plurality of stairs to a center column such that distances between adjacent stairs of the plurality of stairs deviates less than ½″ to meet code. A method may further include cutting the center column after coupling the plurality of stairs to the center column to form a first center column and a second center column. A method may further include welding a female column coupling to a first end of the first center column and welding a male column coupling to a first end of the second center column. The male column coupling is configured to couple to the female column coupling such that when the male column coupling is coupled to the female column coupling, distances between adjacent stairs of the plurality of stairs deviates less than ½″.

Described herein are systems and methods of manufacturing a spiral staircase assembly for custom projects. A method may include coupling a plurality of stairs to a center column such that distances between adjacent stairs of the plurality of stairs deviates less than ½″ to meet code. A method may further include cutting the center column after coupling the plurality of stairs to the center column to form a first center column and a second center column. A method may further include welding a female column coupling to a first end of the first center column and welding a male column coupling to a first end of the second center column. The male column coupling is configured to couple to the female column coupling such that when the male column coupling is coupled to the female column coupling, distances between adjacent stairs of the plurality of stairs deviates less than ½″.

A kit of parts for securing a plurality of fixtures to an elongate support member is described. The kit of parts comprises a plurality of attachment members. Each attachment member comprises an aperture for receiving the elongate support member and a fixing detail adapted to attach a fixture to the attachment member. The aperture is larger than a lateral dimension of the elongate support member to provide a gap between the attachment member and elongate support member when received in the aperture. The kit of parts also comprises a plurality of locking elements. Each locking element is adapted to be received in the aperture in the gap between the attachment member and the elongate support member to secure the attachment member to the elongate support member by friction. Further, each attachment member is adapted to engage an adjacent attachment member when secured to the elongate support member by at least one said locking element to form a hollow column secured around the elongate support member for supporting a plurality of fixtures.

A stair case (10) having one or more stringers (12), treads (14), and risers (16), with the treads and/or risers being supported on the stringers. The stair case has first connecting elements, and each tread has at least one of the first connecting elements (18) provided at an under surface that tread. The stair case also has second connecting elements (20) that are each provided to a respective one of the risers. The first and second connecting elements are interconnected to secure each tread to one of the risers, and at least one of the first and second connecting elements is integrally formed in the respective treads and risers.