Apparatus for documenting stair dimensional uniformity
View Patent ↗An apparatus for documenting stair dimensional uniformity which measures variations in riser heights and tread depths in a constructed stair. Improved rule stops are attachable to a carpenter's square at positions corresponding to required step dimensions. In operation, the apparatus is self-standing while being supported by and spanning between the upper and lower nosing of a step. A tread variance indicator and riser variance indicator display the amount of variance from required dimensions. A stable nosing locator identifies the portion of a rounded or beveled nosing that may be included in a tread depth measurement. The variance indicators and stable nosing locator are positioned to facilitate photographic documentation.
1 . An apparatus for documenting dimensional uniformity in a constructed stair comprising:
a horizontal rule stop comprising:
a horizontal slot,
a means of fixing position,
a riser variance indicator comprising at least one means of determining slope,
a pivot spacer,
at least one tread variance indicator,
wherein:
the horizontal slot is sufficiently sized for a secure connection to a longer square member,
the means of determining slope comprises a graduated spirit level, spirit level, inclinometer, digital level, and/or other type of digital sensor,
the pivot spacer is preferably ¼ in. (6.4 mm) to 4 in. (102 mm) tall, more preferably 1 in. (25.4 mm) to 3 in. tall, and most preferably 1 in. (25.4 mm) or 2 in. (50.8 mm) tall,
whereby:
upon fixing the horizontal rule stop along the length of the longer square member at a position relative to the required tread depth, the means of determining slope is aligned substantially parallel to the longer square member,
upon placing the horizontal rule stop on a lower nosing and the shorter square member against an upper nosing in a substantially vertical orientation and at a height determined by the required and measured riser height, any variations between the required and actual step dimensions are displayed via the riser variance indicator and tread variance indicators.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a stable nosing locator,
wherein:
the stable nosing locator comprises a finger slidably attachable to the bottom of the horizontal rule stop,
the finger projects from the bottom surface of the horizontal rule stop or at least ¼ in. (6.4 mm),
whereby:
upon sliding the finger against the leading edge of a lower nosing the position of the finger can be read along the length of the tread variance indicator.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a stable nosing locator,
wherein:
the stable nosing locator comprises a linear member rotatably attached on one end to the horizontal rule stop at a position relative to the tread variance indicator,
the opposite end of the linear member extends past a lower nosing,
whereby the stable nosing locator can be rotated until it touches an upper surface of a lower nosing at a point indicating the extent of a tread depth which can be documented via the adjacent tread variance indicator.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein one or more tread variance indicators comprise indicia.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the horizontal rule stop further comprises a horizontal extension.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a vertical rule stop comprising a vertical slot, a pivot hanger, and means of fixing position.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a vertical rule stop comprising a vertical slot, a pivot hanger, and means of fixing position.
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a vertical rule stop comprising a vertical slot, a pivot hanger, and means of fixing position.
9 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a vertical rule stop comprising a vertical slot, a pivot hanger, and means of fixing position.
10 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a vertical rule stop comprising a vertical slot, a pivot hanger, and means of fixing position.
11 . An apparatus for documenting dimensional uniformity in a constructed stair comprising:
a horizontal rule stop comprising:
a horizontal slot,
a means of fixing position,
a riser variance indicator comprising:
a means of mounting,
a means of determining slope,
a pivot spacer,
at least one tread variance indicator,
wherein:
the horizontal slot is sufficiently sized for a secure connection to a longer square member,
the means of determining slope comprises a graduated spirit level, spirit level, inclinometer, digital level, or other type of digital sensor,
the means of mounting consists of one or more of one or more of a flat non-slippery or ferrous top surface, hook and loop, elastic cords, rubber bands, or adhesive,
the pivot spacer is preferably ¼ in. (6.4 mm) to 4 in. (102 mm) tall, more preferably 1 in. (25.4 mm) to 3 in. tall, and most preferably 1 in. (25.4 mm) or 2 in. (50.8 mm) tall,
whereby:
upon fixing the horizontal rule stop along the length of a longer square member at a position relative to the required tread depth, the means of determining slope is aligned substantially parallel to the longer square member,
upon placing the horizontal rule stop on a lower nosing and the shorter square member against an upper nosing in a substantially vertical orientation and at a height determined by the required riser height any variations between the required and actual step dimensions are displayed via the riser variance indicator and tread variance indicator.
12 . The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a stable nosing locator,
wherein:
the stable nosing locator comprises a finger slidably attachable to the bottom of the pivot spacer,
the finger projects from the bottom surface of the pivot spacer at least ¼ in. (6.4 mm),
the finger is removable,
whereby:
upon sliding the finger against the leading edge of a lower nosing the position of the finger can be read along the length of the tread variance indicator.
13 . The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a stable nosing locator,
wherein:
the stable nosing locator comprises a linear member rotatably attached on one end to the horizontal rule stop at a position relative to the tread variance indicator,
the opposite end of the linear member extends past a lower nosing,
whereby the stable nosing locator can be rotated until it touches an upper surface of a lower nosing at a point indicating the extent of a tread depth which can be documented via the adjacent tread variance indicator.
14 . The apparatus of claim 11 wherein one or more tread variance indicators comprise indicia.
15 . The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the horizontal rule stop further comprises a horizontal extension.
16 . The apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising a vertical rule stop comprising a vertical slot, a pivot hanger, and means of fixing position.
17 . The apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising a vertical rule stop comprising a vertical slot, a pivot hanger, and means of fixing position.
18 . The apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising a vertical rule stop comprising a vertical slot, a pivot hanger, and means of fixing position.
19 . The apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising a vertical rule stop comprising a vertical slot, a pivot hanger, and means of fixing position.
20 . The apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising a vertical rule stop comprising a vertical slot, a pivot hanger, and means of fixing position.