Modular Stair Tread Overlay

Abstract

A modular stair tread overlay including a tread and a front nosing attached to a front edge of the tread cover is disclosed. The front nosing is attached to a front edge by a securing means such as a tongue and groove joint to providing a strong mechanical joint between the nosing portions and the tread cover. Adhesive may be applied at the tongue and groove joint to enhance the strength of the joint. The front nosing of the modular stair tread is hollow thereby allowing the installation of the stair tread overlay over the original stairs without the requirement of removing or trimming the nose of the original stair treads. The stair tread and the nosing can also be unitary and be made of material such as metal, plastic or composite. A method for remodeling stair sets is also disclosed.

1 . A modular stair tread overlay system for giving a finished or decorative appearance to a set of existing stairs steps, the modular stair tread overlay system comprising:
 a. a stair tread overlay comprising an elongated, substantially planar top tread portion for fitting over a top planar portion of the existing stair step; and   b. a nose capping member extending from an edge of the top tread portion for fitting over the nose of the stair step tread;    wherein the nose capping member comprises a first nose capping piece and a second nose capping piece.   
     
     
         2 . A modular stair tread overlay system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first and second nose capping portion are interconnected using a tongue and groove mechanism and wherein the first nose capping portion and the stair tread overlay are interconnected using a tongue and groove mechanism. 
     
     
         3 . A modular stair tread overlay system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the modular stair tread overlay system further comprises a riser cover having the second nose capping member secured thereto. 
     
     
         4 . A modular stair tread overlay system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first nose capping piece is removably secured to the stair tread overlay and to the second nose capping piece. 
     
     
         5 . A modular stair tread overlay system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the stair tread overlay and the nose capping member are made from wood of different species. 
     
     
         6 . A modular stair tread overlay system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first nose capping piece is substantially larger than twice the width of the nose of an existing tread. 
     
     
         7 . A modular stair tread overlay system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the tongue and groove provide an interlocking mechanism. 
     
     
         8 . A modular stair tread overlay system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the modular stair tread overlay system further comprises an interchangeable first capping portion. 
     
     
         9 . A modular stair tread overlay system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first nose capping portion has a reinforced design; and wherein the inside of the first nose capping portion is configured to match the shape of the tread nose. 
     
     
         10 . A modular stair tread overlay system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the modular stair tread overlay system further comprises at least one side cap to cover an exposed side of a stair tread and wherein the side cap is secured to the stair treat overlay and to the nose capping member. 
     
     
         11 . A modular stair tread overlay system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first nose capping portion of the modular stair tread overlay system has a rounded outer surface. 
     
     
         12 . A modular stair tread overlay system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the modular stair tread overlay system is made from composite material. 
     
     
         13 . A method for remodeling a stair set using a the modular stair tread overlay system comprising a stair tread overlay comprising an elongated, substantially planar top tread portion for fitting over a top planar portion of the existing stair step and a nose capping member extending from an edge of the top tread portion for fitting over the nose of the stair step tread wherein the nose capping member comprises a first nose capping piece and a second nose capping piece, the method comprising the step of:
 a. securing the stair tread cover over the existing stair tread;   b. securing the first nose capping piece to the second nose capping piece;   c. securing one side of the secured first and second nose capping piece to the stair tread cover; and   d. securing the second side of the secured first and second nose capping piece to the riser of the stair.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the modular stair tread overlay system further comprises a riser cover and wherein the method further comprises the steps to:
 a. securing the riser cover to the riser of the stair; 
 b. securing the second nose member to the riser cover. 
 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the first capping portion is interchangeable and wherein the method further comprises the steps to:
 a. removing the secured first capping portion; 
 b. securing the interchangeable first capping portion. 
 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the modular stair tread overlay system further comprises at least one side cap to cover an exposed side of the stair tread and wherein the method further comprises the step to secure the the side cap to the stair tread overlay and to the nose capping.