Salem, N.J.—Mannington Mills was awarded a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for its SimpleStairs product line. The patent covers the production method and equipment utilized to produce SimpleStairs in the United States. According to the company, SimpleStairs is an exact match stair tread that features the same gloss, texture and performance of the select Mannington LVT collections that they are designed to complement.
“In addition to providing the same visual as the floor, SimpleStairs provides the same scratch, wear, and fade resistance of our Realta SPC and Glue Down collections. It’s also waterproof,” said David Sheehan, vice president of residential hard surface, Mannington.
According to the company, the product provides retailers with an upgraded stair tread solution and a trade-up opportunity to provide a better looking, better performing and faster installation. “It’s an incremental profit generator for our retail partners,” Sheehan added.
Built on a concept originated by Bob Pitman, retired president of Burke Flooring, inventors credited with the patent are Mannington associates Keith Bodendorf, project engineer; Dennis Bradway, product and standards manager; and Joe Finlaw retired installation manager. “This patent is another example of our associates’ innovative spirit and dedication to customer satisfaction,” said Zack Zehner, president of residential business. “SimpleStairs provides an add-on opportunity for retail salespeople, as well as a design solution for consumers.”
Mannington said it plans to extend SimpleStairs to its award-winning Adura Selling Solution offering in 2023.