Adjustable-width flexible stair barrier

Abstract

An adjustable-width barricade for removable installation at the bottom of a staircase includes a flexible, frameless, planar, and generally-rectangular barrier member that extends between two posts on either side of the staircase. The barrier member is installed in a banister-to-banister configuration, a wall-to-banister configuration, or a wall-to-wall configuration. The barrier member has a front and back surface that forms an interior space therebetween. The adjustable-width barricade further includes a plurality of fasteners extending from one or both sides of the barrier member for tensioning engagement between one or both posts that maintains the lateral or horizontal integrity of the barricade. A plurality of rigid, structural support members are removably insertable in vertical channels within the interior space of the barrier member to provide vertical structural support when the barricade is installed across the bottom of the staircase or, alternatively, when the barricade in in a rolled-up stowed configuration.

Claims

1. An adjustable-width barricade for removable installation at a bottom of a staircase, the staircase having a plurality of steps and at least one banister positioned on one side of the staircase, the banister including a handrail and a plurality of support posts each extending between a bottom surface of the handrail and a top surface of a respective one of the plurality of steps, comprising: a flexible, frameless, planar, and generally-rectangular barrier member having a fixed width main portion and at least one adjustable width side portion, the fixed width main portion having a mounting side edge and an opposed side edge connected to the at least one adjustable width side portion and forming a vertical junction line therebetween, the barrier member having a front surface and a back surface stitched together at least along a top edge and a bottom edge of the barrier member, the front and back surfaces defining an interior space therebetween, the barrier member having a fixed vertical height extending between the top edge and the bottom edge; a plurality of fasteners vertically spaced along the fixed vertical height of the barrier member, each of the plurality of fasteners having a pair of straps extending from a side edge of the at least one adjustable width side portion of the barrier member, distal ends of each of the pair of straps configured to engage each other in releasable locking manner, a proximal end of one of the pair of straps connected to the side edge of the at least one adjustable width side portion, a proximal end of the other of the pair of straps extending laterally within the interior space and connected to the barrier member along the vertical junction line between the fixed width main portion and the at least one adjustable width side portion, the other of the pair of straps having an adjustable length; and a plurality of rigid, structural support members, each structural support member inserted within a respective one of a plurality of vertical channels, the respective vertical channels extending within the interior space and each having an opening near the top edge of the barrier member and a closed end near the bottom edge of the barrier member, each of the vertical channels laterally spaced along the fixed width main portion of the barrier member, wherein the height of the barrier member is rigidly maintained in non-compressible form along the width of the barrier member by the plurality of structural support members inserted within the respective vertical channels; wherein, when the distal ends of each of the pair of straps are engaged with each other in releasable locking manner around at least one of the plurality of support posts and when the mounting side edge of the barrier member is installed on a post disposed laterally across the stairwell from the at least one of the plurality of support posts, the width of the barrier member is contracted or cinched to match the horizontal distance between the respective posts while simultaneously applying and maintaining lateral tension to the barrier member between the respective posts by tightening and adjusting the length of at least one of the plurality of fasteners engaged around the at least one of the plurality of support posts.

2. The adjustable-width barricade of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the plurality of support posts has a vertical height defined as the distance between the bottom surface of the handrail and the top surface of the respective one of the plurality of steps and wherein the fixed vertical height of the barrier member is substantially equal to or less than the vertical height of the at least one of the plurality of support posts.

3. The adjustable-width barricade of claim 2, wherein the barrier member is maintained in lateral tension between the respective posts by tightening and adjusting the length of two or more of the plurality of fasteners.

4. The adjustable-width barricade of claim 3, wherein a circumference of the at least one of the plurality of support posts varies along its vertical height and wherein the length of the two or more of the plurality of fasteners varies based on the respective circumference at locations at which each of the two or more of the plurality of fasteners engages the support post.

5. The adjustable-width barricade of claim 1, wherein a width of the barrier member is contracted or cinched within the at least one adjustable width side portion of the barrier member.

6. The adjustable-width barricade of claim 5, wherein the at least one adjustable width side portion of the barrier member is contracted or cinched based on the tension applied between the proximal end of one of the pair of straps connected to the side edge of the at least one adjustable width side portion and the proximal end of the other of the pair of straps connected to the barrier member along the vertical junction line of the barrier member.

7. The adjustable-width barricade of claim 1, wherein the mounting side edge of the barrier member includes a channel formed within the interior space of the barrier member, the channel receiving the post disposed laterally across the stairwell from the at least one of the plurality of support posts.

8. The adjustable-width barricade of claim 1, wherein the mounting side edge of the barrier member is connected to a second adjustable width side portion and forms a second vertical junction line therebetween and wherein the adjustable-width barricade further comprises a second plurality of fasteners vertically spaced along the fixed vertical height of the barrier member, each of the second plurality of fasteners having a pair of straps extending from a side edge of the second adjustable width side portion of the barrier member, distal ends of each of the pair of straps configured to engage each other in releasable locking manner, a proximal end of one of the pair of straps connected to the side edge of the second adjustable width side portion, a proximal end of the other of the pair of straps extending laterally within the interior space and connected to the barrier member along connected along the second vertical junction line between the fixed width main portion and the second adjustable width side portion, the other of the pair of straps having an adjustable length.

9. The adjustable-width barricade of claim 8, wherein a width of the barrier member is contracted or cinched within the second adjustable width side portion of the barrier member.

10. The adjustable-width barricade of claim 9, wherein the second adjustable width side portion of the barrier member is contracted or cinched based on the tension applied between the proximal end of one of the pair of straps connected to the side edge of the second adjustable width side portion and the proximal end of the other of the pair of straps connected to the barrier member along the second vertical junction line of the barrier member.

11. The adjustable-width barricade of claim 1, wherein the post disposed laterally across the stairwell from the at least one of the plurality of support posts is a wall-mounted rod and wherein the barricade is a wall-to-banister barricade.

12. The adjustable-width barricade of claim 1, wherein the post disposed laterally across the stairwell from the at least one of the plurality of support posts is a post of a second banister positioned on the other side of the staircase and wherein the barricade is a banister-to-banister barricade.

13. The adjustable-width barricade of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rigid, structural support members are accessible and removable through a slot on the back surface of the barrier member.

14. The adjustable-width barricade of claim 13, wherein the opening of each respective vertical channel is disposed below the slot on the back surface of the barrier member.

15. An adjustable-width barricade for removable installation at a bottom of a staircase, the staircase having a plurality of steps and at least one banister positioned on one side of the staircase, the banister including a handrail and a plurality of support posts each extending between a bottom surface of the handrail and a top surface of a respective one of the plurality of steps, comprising: a flexible, frameless, planar, and generally-rectangular barrier member having a fixed width main portion and at least one adjustable width side portion, the fixed width main portion having a mounting side edge and an opposed side edge connected to the at least one adjustable width side portion and forming a vertical junction line therebetween, the barrier member having a front surface and a back surface joined together at least along a top edge and a bottom edge of the barrier member, the front and back surfaces defining an interior space therebetween, the barrier member having a fixed vertical height extending between the top edge and the bottom edge; a plurality of fasteners vertically spaced along the fixed vertical height of the barrier member, each of the plurality of fasteners having a pair of straps extending from a side edge of the at least one adjustable width side portion of the barrier member, distal ends of each of the pair of straps configured to engage each other in releasable locking manner, a proximal end of one of the pair of straps connected to the side edge of the at least one adjustable width side portion, a proximal end of the other of the pair of straps extending laterally within the interior space and connected to the barrier member along the vertical junction line between the fixed width main portion and the at least one adjustable width side portion, the other of the pair of straps having an adjustable length; and a plurality of rigid, structural support members, each structural support member inserted within a respective one of a plurality of vertical channels, the respective vertical channels extending within the interior space and each having an opening near the top edge of the barrier member and a closed end near the bottom edge of the barrier member, each of the vertical channels laterally spaced along the fixed width main portion of the barrier member, wherein the height of the barrier member is rigidly maintained in non-compressible form along the width of the barrier member by the plurality of structural support members inserted within the respective vertical channels; wherein the mounting side edge of the barrier member is installed on a post disposed laterally across the stairwell from a first post of the plurality of support posts, a portion of the barrier member wraps around at least a second post of the plurality of support posts, and the distal ends of each of the pair of straps are engaged with each other in releasable locking manner around at least a third post of the plurality of support posts, and wherein the barrier member is maintained in lateral tension across the stairwell by tightening and adjusting the length of at least one of the plurality of fasteners engaged around the further respective one or more of the plurality of support posts.

16. The adjustable-width barricade of claim 15, wherein the post disposed laterally across the stairwell from the first post of the plurality of support posts is a wall-mounted rod and wherein the barricade is a wall-to-banister barricade.

17. The adjustable-width barricade of claim 15, wherein the post disposed laterally across the stairwell from the first post of the plurality of support posts is a post of a second banister positioned on the other side of the staircase and wherein the barricade is a banister-to-banister barricade.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention, as defined in the claims, can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components within the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale relative to each other. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Like numerals denote like features throughout the specification and drawing.

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an improved adjustable-width stairwell barricade according to the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a front, plan view of the improved adjustable-width stairwell barricade shown in FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a rear, plan view of the improved adjustable-width stairwell barricade shown in FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the improved adjustable-width stairwell barricade shown in FIG. 1 with the lateral, internal structural support shown in dashed lines;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the improved adjustable-width stairwell barricade shown in FIG. 1 with the vertical, internal structural support shown in dotted lines;

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a cutaway, perspective view of vertical supports illustrated in FIG. 5;

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate installation of the improved adjustable-width stairwell barricade of FIG. 1;

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another alternate installation of the improved adjustable-width stairwell barricade of FIG. 1;

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of an improved adjustable-width stairwell barricade according to the present invention;

(11) FIGS. 10-11 illustrate close-up perspective views of portions of the improved adjustable-width stairwell barricade of FIG. 9; and

(12) FIGS. 12-13 illustrate perspective views of the improved adjustable-width stairwell barricade of FIGS. 1 and 9, respectively, when installed in a stowed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(13) Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected. Rather, it is to be understood that the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

(14) The preceding merely illustrates the principles of the invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and conditional language recited herein are primarily intended only to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

(15) Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of one exemplary adjustable-width barrier or gate member 100 removably installed between opposed banisters 20 of a stairwell or staircase 50 is illustrated. A typical stairwell or staircase 50 includes banisters 20, spindles or balusters 25, hand rails 30 (if the staircase is open on both sides; and/or a wall rail (not shown) if the staircase has a wall on one or both sides and the rail is mounted directly to the wall rather than on the spindles/balusters 25), and stairs. The stairs are generally made up of a plurality of treads or steps 40 and risers 45.

(16) As used herein, a banister 20 is generally used to describe the larger, usually more-decorative post at the bottom (or top) of the staircase that provides substantial support to one end of the hand rail 30. The spindles or balusters 25 generally describe the plurality of less-decorative posts, usually between the banister 20 at the bottom of the stairwell and the banister at the top of the stairs (not shown), which provide some support along the length of the hand rail 30 and provide some safety benefits along the open side(s) of the staircase. The term banister can also be used to describe the entire hand rail system that includes the handrail, each banister post, and all of the spindles. For this reason, the term post or post of a banister will be used generally herein to refer to any of the banisters, spindles, or balusters associated with a hand rail used in a stair case or stairwell. Each post has a vertical height that is defined as the distance extending from the location at which the post intersects with or extends out of the bottom surface of the hand rail 30 to the location at which the base of the post is mounted to or intersects with the surface of the stair tread 40 or the floor. For purposes of this disclosure and the appended claims, the floor is deemed to be the bottommost step or tread 40.

(17) Typically, if the staircase is open on both sides, each post under one hand rail will have a corresponding post disposed at the same symmetrical location under the other hand rail. Each pair of corresponding posts will be disposed a horizontal distance across the stairwell from each other, although the distance may vary from one pair of posts to the nextparticularly at the bottom of higher-end staircases in which the posts and hand rails tend to flair out further apart than the posts along the main and upper portions of the staircase. If the staircase has a wall on one side, each post under the hand rail side of the stair case will be disposed a horizontal distance from the wall and, usually, a slightly lesser distance at the bottom of the post relative to the stairwell molding.

(18) Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the adjustable-width barrier 100 is preferably a planar, frameless, flexible, and generally-rectangular gate member having a width w extending between each side edge 112, 114 of the gate member and a height h extending between a top edge 114 and a bottom edge 116 of the gate member, the width w, when fully expanded, being substantially equal to or greater than the horizontal distance between the respective posts to which the barrier 100 is mounted, installed, or otherwise attached. The height h of the barrier 100 is substantially equal to or less than the vertical height of the respective posts, or at least the height of the posts below the intersection of the posts with the hand rails 30, if the posts extend above the hand rails 30, as shown by the posts 20 in FIG. 1.

(19) A first plurality of fasteners 110 are vertically spaced along and extending from one side edge 112 of the gate member 100, each fastener having two straps adapted to engage in locking manner around one of the posts. A second plurality of fasteners 120 are vertically spaced along and extending from the other side edge 122 of the gate member 100, each fastener having two straps adapted to engage in locking manner around the corresponding post on the opposite side of the stairwell.

(20) The adjustable-width barrier 100 is preferably made or fabricated out of a durable resilient material, such as lightweight meshed netting and reinforced nylon, with an attractive, washable woven cloth or woven fabric used as the material for the exterior surface of the adjustable-width barrier 100. The attractive washable woven cloth or woven fabric, used as the material for the exterior surface, can be of various aesthetically pleasing, decorative, ornamental designs and colors. As shown in FIG. 2, custom words (e.g., Welcome) or a design (e.g., team athletic logo) can be prominently displayed on one or both sides of the barrier 100. In addition, stitching 132, 134, 136 can be used both for aesthetic and structural reinforcement purposes. On the back side of the barrier 100, a slot 138 provides access to the interior of the barrier between the front and back surfaces of the barrier 100. The slot 138 can be closed with a zipper or Velcro type fastener. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, access to the interior enables insertion or removal of a plurality of struts that, when inserted within channels running vertically along the inside of the barrier, provide vertical rigidity along the height of the barrier 100.

(21) Turning now to FIG. 4, the lateral or horizontal structural support for the barrier 100 is described. Specifically, the configuration of the first and second plurality of fasteners 110, 120 is illustrated and described hereinafter. Preferably, each of the plurality of fasteners includes two mating straps extending away from a respective edge 112, 122 of the barrier 100, the two mating straps being configured to fasten, engage, or connect with each other after being wrapped and tightened around one of the respective posts of the stairwell. Preferably, the length of at least one of the straps is adjustable to provide lateral tension to the barrier 100.

(22) In a preferred embodiment, the fasteners are side-release, three-point buckles; however, the fasteners can be one of many different types within the scope of the invention including, but not limited to, loop type fasteners, snap type fasteners, hook and eye type fasteners, and the like. Preferably, one of the mating straps is connected (e.g., stitched) to the edge 112, 122 of the barrier 100. The other mating strap is preferably connected (e.g., stitched) a fixed distance x within the interior of the barrier 100. The connection location is designated generally by stitch lines 132, 142. Furthermore, the other mating strap of fastener 110 is not connected to the interior of the barrier 100 between the stitch line 132 and the edge of the barrier 112, which defines a cinch or selectively-compressible portion 135 of the barrier. Similarly, the other mating strap of fastener 120, on the other side of the barrier 100, is not connected to the interior of the barrier 100 between the stitch line 142 and the edge of the barrier 122, which defines a cinch or selectively-compressible portion 145 of the barrier. To provide structural integrity and lateral tension across the barrier 100, the other mating strap of fastener 110 is connected with the other mating strap of fastener 120 and connected (e.g., stitched) substantially, continuously between stitch lines 132 and 142, which define the main body portion 150 of the barrier 100. Because the length of the other mating straps, which are stitched at connections points 132, 142 and which extend out from each side of the barrier 100, are adjustable, the barrier 100 is able to be tightened around the posts 20 so that the middle portion 150 of the barrier 100 remains taut when the mating straps are adjusted and tightened appropriately. The two side portions 135 and 145 of the barrier 100 are able to contract, cinch, or compress, as necessary, which enables the barrier 100 to be installed between posts 20 that are spaced apart a distance that is less than the width w of the barrier 100.

(23) Preferably, the mating strap of each of the first plurality of fasteners 110 extending from one side edge 112 of the barrier 100 is connected with a corresponding mating strap of the second plurality of fasteners 120 disposed at the same vertical location and extending from the other side edge 122 of the barrier 100. The connected mating straps each define an adjustable length strap that extends laterally within the interior of the barrier 100. The plurality of fasteners 110, 120 include, at a minimum, an upper fastener that is located inside and just below the top edge 114 of the barrier and a lower fastener that is located inside and just above the bottom edge 116 of the barrier 100. Preferably, the fasteners also include one or two middle fasteners disposed between the upper and lower fasteners. Because each fastener can be independently tightened and adjusted for length, the barrier 100 is able to be installed snugly and tightly onto most any type of post or combination of posts, including decorative or ornate posts 20 that have different shapes or circumferences at different points along the height of such posts.

(24) Preferably, a portion of each respective fastener includes a surface for non-slip and/or non-damaging engagement with the respective post of the stairwell.

(25) Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the longitudinal or vertical structural support for the barrier 100 is described. Specifically, a plurality of vertical channels 160 extend generally between the top edge 114 and the bottom edge 116 of the barrier 100. Each of the vertical channels 160 are transversely spaced along the width of the barrier 100. Preferably, the vertical channels 160 only extend up to the slot 138 on the back side of the barrier 100. As stated previously, the slot 138 provides access to the interior between the front and back surfaces of the barrier 100. A rigid support bar or strut 170 is inserted into the top opening of each vertical channel 160, whereby the plurality of struts 170 act as structural vertical support members for the entire barrier 100. Although each vertical channel 160 only extends between the slot 138 and the bottom edge 116 of the barrier, each strut 170 preferably extends fully between the top edge 114 and the bottom edge 116 of the barrier 100. Preferably, there are two or more vertical channels 160 that extend relatively equidistantly from each edge of the barrier and from each otherwith the number of vertical channel being determined based on the width of the barrier 100. In this manner, the height of the barrier 100 is rigidly maintained in non-compressible form across the entire width of the barrier 100.

(26) Turning now to FIG. 7, an alternate installation 700 of the barrier 100 is illustrated. In contrast with the installation of the barrier 100 shown in FIG. 1, in which the fasteners 110, 120 are wrapped solely around the banisters 20, the alternate installation 700 illustrates that the main body of the barrier 100 can wrap around the banisters 20 but then the fasteners 110, 120 are engaged with the spindles or balusters 25.

(27) Turning now to FIG. 8, yet another alternate installation 800 of the barrier 100 is illustrated. In contrast with the installation of the barrier 700 shown in FIG. 7, in which it is shown that the main body of the barrier 100 can be wrapped first around the banisters 20 and then attached by engaging the fasteners 110, 120 around the spindles or balusters 25, the alternate installation 800 illustrates that the fasteners 110, 120 can be wrapped solely around a pair of spindles or balusters 25 without engaging the larger posts or banisters 20.

(28) The various installation options shown in FIGS. 1, 7, and 8 illustrate that the adjustable-width barrier 100 disclosed herein can have a wide range of widths and can be installed across stairwells of varying widths and structural designs, shapes, and styles as well.

(29) FIGS. 9-11 illustrate yet a further embodiment of the present invention in which the adjustable-width barrier 100a is installed between a banister 20 and a wall 75, in a wall-to-banister configuration. As with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the adjustable width barrier 100a could be wrapped around the banister 20 and then connected using fasteners 110 to a spindle/baluster 25 or could be connected directly to the spindle/baluster 25 without wrapping around the banister 20.

(30) In contrast with the adjustable-width barrier 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, which included a second plurality of fasteners 120, the adjustable-width barrier 100a has an interior channel 170 through which a rod 930 is inserted. The rod 930 is part of a wall-mounting kit 950 that also includes a bottom support bracket 910 and a top support bracket 920. With this embodiment, the adjustable-width barrier 100a is mounted onto the rod 930, but the width and lateral tension maintained across the barrier 100a is controlled by the plurality of fasteners 110 as mounted on the relevant post(s) 20, 25. Although not shown, it will be understood by those of skilled in the art that the adjustable-width barrier 100, having a second set of fasteners 120, could also be used in conjunction with the wall mounting kit 950, rather than using the adjustable-width barrier 100a with the interior channel 170. In such an arrangement, the second set of fasteners would be installed around the rod 930 in the same manner as they would be installed around one or more posts 20, 25.

(31) The bottom support bracket 910 is preferably mounted onto the stairwell molding 970 just above the floor or stair tread 40, as shown in FIG. 10. The bottom support bracket 910 includes a face plate 912 that is mounted to the stairwell molding 970 in conventional manner using screws or nails 914. The bottom support bracket 910 also includes a rod cap 916 for receiving one end of the rod 930.

(32) The top support bracket 920 is preferably mounted onto wall 75 perpendicularly relative to the floor of stair tread 40, as shown in FIG. 11. The top support bracket 920 includes a face plate 922 that is mounted to the wall 75 in conventional manner using screws or nails 924. One to four spacer plates 928 may be inserted between the face plate 922 and the wall 75 to the extent necessary to match the thickness of the stairwell molding 970. The top support bracket 920 also includes a rod cap 926 for receiving the other end of the rod 930.

(33) Turning now to FIGS. 12 and 13, it is shown that the adjustable-width barriers 100, 100a can be rolled up to one side or the other when not in use across the stairwell. The fasteners 110, 120 enable the adjustable-width barrier to roll easily and compactly to one side of the stairwell or the other. In the meantime, the struts 170 enable the adjustable-width barrier to maintain its vertical rigidity and form even when in the rolled-up position.

(34) This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the figures of the accompanying drawing, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as lower, upper, horizontal, vertical, above, below, up, down, top, and bottom as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., horizontally, downwardly, upwardly, etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as connected and interconnected, refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

(35) The above-described preferred embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit its scope thereto. The described preferred embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without fundamentally deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention, as illustrated in the above-described preferred embodiments.

(36) It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to embodiments of the present invention, as set forth above, without departing substantially from the principles of the present invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present invention, as defined in the claims that follow.