Attic step

Abstract

A step for installation into an attic that is easily installed on the existing beams within a typical attic to provide a safer and easier means to maneuver within a home's attic space. The step is produced using a single piece of sheet metal. In addition, the step is installed into the attic by securing teeth on the bendable tabs of the step to the existing beams using a hammer with the optional use of additional fasteners.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A step for an attic, comprising:
 a base;   a plurality of flanges extending from at least one side of said base, wherein the flanges are spaced apart to approximately 1½ inches;   a plurality of tabs extending from said base; and   a plurality of teeth extending from said tabs.   
     
     
         2 . A step for an attic as set forth in  claim 1 , including a plurality of flanges extending from the side of the base that is opposite said at least one side of the base, wherein the flanges are spaced apart to approximately 1½ inches. 
     
     
         3 . A step for an attic as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said plurality of flanges on opposing sides of the base comprises two flanges on each side. 
     
     
         4 . A step for an attic as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tabs includes a single tab extending from said at least one side of the base and a single tab extending from the opposite side of the base. 
     
     
         5 . A step for an attic as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein the tab extends upwardly and outwardly from the base. 
     
     
         6 . A step for an attic as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the tabs are bendable at the point where the tabs connect to the base. 
     
     
         7 . A step for an attic as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein two or more teeth extend outwardly from the distal end of the tab. 
     
     
         8 . A step for an attic as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said base, said plurality of flanges, said plurality of tabs, and said plurality of teeth are integrally formed from a single piece of metal. 
     
     
         9 . A step for an attic as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the base includes a textured surface. 
     
     
         10 . A step for an attic as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the textured surface comprises a plurality of protrusions. 
     
     
         11 . A step for an attic as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein a rubberized surface is added to the base. 
     
     
         12 . A method for installing steps in an attic comprising:
 forming a step from a single piece of metal, said step including a base, two flanges extending from the left and right sides of the base spaced apart to create a gap between the flange, and a tab extending from the left and right sides of the base;   placing the step over a truss such that at least one beam of the truss is closely received in said gap between said flanges on either the left or right sides of the base; and   bending a tab to closely engage said at least one beam.   
     
     
         13 . The method for installing steps in an attic as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the forming step includes forming a plurality of teeth extending from each tab. 
     
     
         14 . The method for installing steps in an attic as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the bending step includes inserting the plurality of teeth of said tab into said at least one beam. 
     
     
         15 . The method for installing steps in an attic as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the forming step includes forming one or more fastener apertures in one or more of the tabs. 
     
     
         16 . The method for installing steps in an attic as set forth in  claim 15 , including securing the tabs to the at least one beam by installation of a fastener into one or more fastener apertures to secure the tab to said at least one beam. 
     
     
         17 . The method for installing steps in an attic as set forth in  claim 12 , including installing multiple steps in an attic to create a path to walk from truss to truss in the attic. 
     
     
         18 . The method for installing steps in an attic as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the placing step includes placing the step over a truss such that a truss beam is closely received in the tabs between said flanges on both the right and left sides of the base. 
     
     
         19 . A method of manufacturing an attic step comprising:
 selecting a piece of metal stock;   forming said piece of metal stock into an attic step having a base, two flanges extending from the left and right sides of the base, a tab extending from the left and right sides of the base, and a plurality of teeth extend from each tab.   
     
     
         20 . A method of manufacturing an attic step as set forth in  claim 19 , wherein the base is formed with a textured surface.