US Patent 8360336 Rack and method of forming the same

A method of forming a rack (45) (e.g. of the type used in a geared system such as a rack and pinion), suitable for use in a stairlift rail, comprises providing a plurality (30) of elongate strips (10) and securing the plurality of strips together as a stack of strips to form the rack. The strips may be profiled to provide a profile to the rack. Preferably the profile provides a toothed rack on which a gear or roller of a stairlift carriage may be driven. The rack may be formed in a continuous process. The rack may be straight or curved. A rack comprising a plurality of elongate strips secured together as a stack of strips is also described.