Toddler Stair Safety System

Abstract

A heavy net is used with an optimally sized mesh that provides an easy gripping surface for the toddler's hands with no choking or entrapment hazards. A net is fastened to an existing banister by the use of hook and loop fasteners.

1 . A safety system for attachment to a stair railing for aiding toddlers, comprising:
 a mesh net, the mesh net having a first edge and a second edge, the mesh net having a first portion comprising the first edge, the first portion defining a plurality of first openings, the first portion being constructed and arranged to be grasped by a toddler; and   a plurality of connectors, each connector being constructed and arranged to engage the first edge of the mesh net and the stair railing wherein the second edge is free from engagement.   
   
   
       2 . The safety system of  claim 1 , further comprising a second portion, the first portion being engaged to the second portion, the second portion comprising the second edge, the second portion defining a plurality of second openings, the first openings being larger than the second openings. 
   
   
       3 . The safety system of  claim 2 , further comprising a plurality of stair grippers, each gripper having a vertical engagement surface and a horizontal engagement surface, the stair grippers being attached to the second portion. 
   
   
       4 . The safety system of  claim 3  wherein the vertical engagement surface of the stair grippers comprises at least one of double sided adhesive, screws, and deep machined hooks. 
   
   
       5 . The safety system of  claim 3 , wherein the horizontal engagement surface of the stair grippers comprises at least one of double sided adhesive, screws, and deep machined hooks. 
   
   
       6 . The safety system of  claim 1 , wherein at least some of the first openings have a dimension between about 0.75-3 inches. 
   
   
       7 . The safety system of  claim 2 , wherein at least some of the second openings have a dimension between about 0.125-0.5 inches. 
   
   
       8 . The safety system of  claim 1 , wherein the connectors comprise hook and loop material. 
   
   
       9 . The safety system of  claim 1 , wherein the first edge is substantially parallel to the second edge. 
   
   
       10 . The safety system of  claim 1 , wherein the connectors are cable ties. 
   
   
       11 . A safety system for attachment to a stair railing and stairs for aiding toddlers, comprising:
 a mesh net with a first edge and a second edge, the mesh net being constructed and arranged to be grasped by a toddler;   a plurality of stair grippers, each gripper having a vertical engagement surface and a horizontal engagement surface;   a plurality of connectors, each connector being constructed and arranged to engage the first edge and the stair railing; and   a plurality of straps, each strap being attached to the mesh net and a stair gripper, wherein the stair railing and stairs are separated by a distance d, the mesh net extending from the stair railing between 20-60% of the distance d.   
   
   
       12 . The safety system of  claim 11 , wherein the first edge is substantially parallel to the second edge. 
   
   
       13 . The safety system of  claim 11 , wherein there is a distance of 10.8-18 inches between the first edge to the second edge of the mesh net. 
   
   
       14 . The safety system of  claim 11 , wherein there is a distance of 14.4-28.8 inches between the second edge of the mesh net to the stairs. 
   
   
       15 . The safety system of  claim 11 , wherein the mesh net defines a plurality of openings, and wherein at least some of the openings have a dimension between about 1-2 inches. 
   
   
       16 . The safety system of  claim 11 , wherein the net comprises a cord, the cord having a diameter between 1-5 millimeters. 
   
   
       17 . A method of building and using a toddler stair safety system for attachment to a stair railing and stairs for aiding toddlers, comprising:
 providing a stair railing and stairs being separated by a distance d;   providing a mesh net being constructed and arranged to be grasped by a toddler, the mesh net having a first edge and a second edge;   providing a plurality of stair grippers having a vertical engagement surface and a horizontal engagement surface;   providing a plurality of straps;   attaching the straps to the mesh net;   attaching the stair grippers to the straps;   attaching the first edge of the mesh net to the stair railing with fasteners; and   attaching the stair grippers to the stairs, wherein the mesh net extends from the stair railing between 20-60% of the distance d.   
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein there is a distance of between 7.2-21.6 inches between the first edge and the second edge. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising leaving the second edge of the mesh net between 14.4-28.8 inches above the stairs. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein attaching the first edge of the mesh net to the stair railing is performed with a hook and loop material. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein attaching the first edge of the mesh net to the stair railing is performed with a plurality of cable ties.