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.

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.

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 stair stringer includes a pair of joists each including an upper wall, a first lateral wall extending from the upper wall, and a second lateral wall extending from the upper wall. At least one stair step support bracket includes a tray support wall, a first side wall extending from the tray support wall, a second side wall extending from the tray support wall, and a front wall extending between the first side wall and the second side wall. The at least one stair step support bracket is configured to set on the upper wall of one of the pair of joists and the first side wall extending downward beyond the upper wall of the one joist in position to receive a first fastener through the first side wall and into the first lateral wall of the one joist, and the second side wall extending downward beyond the upper wall of the one joist in position to receive a second fastener through the second side wall and into the second lateral wall of the one joist, wherein the tray support wall is level.

The invention relates to a system for assisted ascent or descent, comprising: —a staircase comprising at least one instrumented mobile step, equipped with at least one sensor for measuring the centre of pressure of a user and at least one lifting actuator designed to raise or lower the step according to a degree of vertical freedom; —a calculation unit connected to the sensor for measuring the centre of pressure and to the lifting actuator, the calculation unit being configured to calculate at least the position, the speed of movement and the acceleration of the user from the centre of pressure measured by the sensor and, depending on the values calculated, control the lifting actuator.

Prefabricated stair components and stair tread finish systems are disclosed. Methods of making and using prefabricated stair components and stair tread finish systems are also disclosed.

A stair tread cover suitable for covering at least one step in a staircase. The stair tread cover includes at least a front portion and a back portion. The front and back portion each have a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one friction region is optionally positioned on the bottom surface of the front portion of the stair tread cover, and at least one gripping region is optionally positioned on the top surface of the front portion of the stair tread cover.

A stair tread cover suitable for covering at least one step in a staircase. The stair tread cover includes at least a front portion and a back portion. The front and back portion each have a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one friction region is optionally positioned on the bottom surface of the front portion of the stair tread cover, and at least one gripping region is optionally positioned on the top surface of the front portion of the stair tread cover.

In a mechanism for recycling energy from stairs (200), a step platform (210) is moveable between an upper and lower position. An energy storage device (220), coupled to the platform (210), stores energy when a downward force is applied thereto, causing the step platform (210) to move to the lower position. The energy storage device (220) also releases stored energy as the step platform (210) moves from to the upper position. A controllable locking mechanism (240) locks the step platform (210) in the lower position when the downward force has caused the step platform (210) to move into the lower position. A sensor (250) determines when a downward force has been applied to the next higher step platform (250). A controller (300) signals the controllable locking mechanism (242) to unlock the step platform (250) when the step platform (250) is in the lower position and when the downward force has been applied to the next higher step platform (250).

In a mechanism for recycling energy from stairs (200), a step platform (210) is moveable between an upper and lower position. An energy storage device (220), coupled to the platform (210), stores energy when a downward force is applied thereto, causing the step platform (210) to move to the lower position. The energy storage device (220) also releases stored energy as the step platform (210) moves from to the upper position. A controllable locking mechanism (240) locks the step platform (210) in the lower position when the downward force has caused the step platform (210) to move into the lower position. A sensor (250) determines when a downward force has been applied to the next higher step platform (250). A controller (300) signals the controllable locking mechanism (242) to unlock the step platform (250) when the step platform (250) is in the lower position and when the downward force has been applied to the next higher step platform (250).