AU2015201556B2

AU2015201556B2 - A handrail connector system

Info

Publication number: AU2015201556B2
Application number: AU2015201556A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jason Robert Cerezo
Original assignee: Steelmore Holdingd Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Steelmore Holdingd Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-03-28
Filing date: 2015-03-25
Publication date: 2019-05-16
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-25
Also published as: AU2015201556A1

Abstract

A handrail connector for connecting to an elongate handrail section having a longitudinal channel defined by a portion thereof, the handrail connector 5 comprising: a body; and a connector skirt extending from the body, the connector skirt having an opening such that the connector skirt is adapted to be at least partially inserted into the elongate handrail section such that the opening accepts at least part of the portion of the handrail section defining the channel. 2240155v1 %/ w+ Fig. 1A

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is concerned with a handrail connector. The invention is concerned particularly, although not exclusively, with a handrail connector assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Handrails are used to provide support to a user in certain circumstances. For example handrails are used to provide support in situations where there is uneven ground or where there are stairs.

A problem with existing handrails and handrail systems is that they may not be easy to install.

Prior art solutions include welding handrail sections together to form customised handrail assemblies.

However, such handrail assemblies are typically labour intensive and expensive. Additionally, such handrail assemblies may provide extra difficulties in transporting the handrail assemblies to a site where they are to 20 be installed. Additional difficulties may be encountered if changes have to made to the handrail assemblies on site

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the

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2015201556 25 Mar 2015 purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above problems and/or provide the consumer with a useful or 10 commercial choice.

Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a handrail connector for connecting to an elongate handrail section having a longitudinal channel defined by a portion thereof, the handrail connector comprising:

a body; and a connector skirt extending from the body, the connector skirt having an opening such that the connector skirt is adapted to be at least partially inserted into the elongate handrail section such that the opening accepts at least part of the portion of the handrail section defining the channel.

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Preferably, the handrail section is hollow.

Preferably, the channel has a longitudinal opening having a width that is smaller than an internal width of the channel. More preferably the channel is partially defined by sidewalls that diverge towards the interior of the 5 handrail section.

Preferably a locking projection extends from the body of the handrail connector. Preferably the locking projection extends from the body of the handrail connector in a direction parallel to the connector skirt. Preferably, the locking projection is adapted to be at least partially inserted into the 10 channel of the handrail section. More preferably, the locking projection is adapted to be at least partially inserted into the channel of the handrail section when the connector skirt is sufficiently inserted into the elongate handrail section.

Preferably, the locking projection is adapted to operatively attach to a 15 locking member located within the channel of the handrail section. More preferably, the locking projection is adapted to operatively attach to a locking member located within the channel of the handrail section using a fastener such as a screw. Preferably the locking projection has an aperture adapted to accept a fastener.

Preferably the locking member is adapted to engage internal surfaces of the channel when operatively attached to the locking projection, such that the locking member retains the locking projection within the channel. More preferably, the locking member engages side walls of the channel that

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2015201556 25 Mar 2015 diverge toward the interior of the handrail section.

Preferably the locking member is adapted to operatively retain the locking projection within the channel when the locking projection is sufficiently attached to the locking member. Preferably the locking member 5 has an aperture to accept part of a fastener operatively attaching the locking projection to the locking member. For example, the locking member may have a threaded aperture to accept part of a fastener in the form of a screw or the like.

Preferably, the handrail connector has a second connector skirt extending from the body. In one embodiment, the second connector skirt extends from the body at an angle relative to the connector skirt. Preferably, the second connector skirt is adapted to operate in a manner similar to the connector skirt. Preferably, the handrail connector has a second locking projection extending in a direction parallel to the second connector skirt.

Preferably the second locking projection is adapted to operate in a manner similar to the locking projection.

Preferably, the body is a hollow body. More preferably, the body has an external diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the handrail section.

In one embodiment, the body may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the direction that the connector skirt extends. In another embodiment the body may extend in an arcuate manner such that a second connector skirt extends at an angle relative to the connector skirt extending

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2015201556 25 Mar 2015 from the body.

In one embodiment, the body may be a solid body. For example, the body may be a solid disc shaped body. A handrail connector having such a solid body may, for example, be used as an end cap.

In another embodiment, the body may comprise an aperture such that the body may be attached to a support. For example, by attaching the body to a support with a fastener such as a screw, bolt, pivot pin or the like.

In another form, the invention resides in a handrail assembly comprising:

an elongate handrail section having a longitudinal channel defined by a portion thereof; and a handrail connector having:

a body; and a connector skirt extending from the body, the connector skirt having an opening such that the connector skirt is adapted to be at least partially inserted into the elongate handrail section such that the opening accepts at least part of the portion of the handrail defining the channel.

Preferably the handrail connector is a handrail connector as described in this specification.

Preferably, the elongate handrail section is hollow.

Preferably the handrail assembly comprises a plurality of handrail connectors. Additionally or alternatively, the handrail assembly may comprise a plurality of elongate handrail sections.

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Preferably, the channel has a longitudinal opening having a width that is smaller than an internal width of the channel. More preferably the channel is partially defined by sidewalls that diverge towards the interior of the handrail section.

Preferably the handrail assembly further comprises a locking member adapted to be located within the channel of the handrail section. Preferably the locking member is a locking member as described in this specification. The handrail assembly may comprise a plurality of locking members.

Preferably the handrail assembly further comprises a cover member.

Preferably a first portion of the cover member is adapted to cover at least a portion of the handrail connector and a second portion of the cover member is adapted to cover at least a portion of the handrail section. Preferably the cover member has an internal diameter that is larger than an external diameter of part of the handrail connector. Preferably, the cover member has 15 an internal diameter that is larger than an external diameter of the handrail section. The handrail assembly may comprise a plurality of cover members.

Preferably the handrail assembly further comprises a mounting bracket. Preferably the mounting bracket is adapted to support the handrail section relative to a surface. Preferably the mounting bracket has a locking 20 member that is adapted to be inserted into the channel of the handrail section. Preferably the mounting bracket has an attachment member that is adapted to be operatively attached to a surface. For example, the attachment member may be attached to a wall using bolts. Preferably the

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2015201556 25 Mar 2015 mounting bracket has a cover to cover the attachment member. Preferably a support arm extends between the locking member and the attachment member.

In one embodiment, the attachment member of the mounting bracket may be attached to a post. More preferably, the attachment member of the mounting bracket may be adjustably attached to a post. Preferably the post is adapted to be attached to a surface such as a floor or a wall or the like.

In another form, the invention resides in a method of providing a handrail assembly, the method including the steps of:

determining a length of one or more handrail section required;

determining a number of handrail connectors required;

providing the determined length of the one or more handrail sections, each handrail section being elongate, having a longitudinal channel defined by a portion thereof; and providing the determined number of handrail connectors, each handrail connector having a body and a connector skirt extending from the body, the connector skirt having an opening such that the connector skirt is adapted to be at least partially inserted into one of the one or more handrail section such that the opening accepts at least part of the portion of the corresponding handrail defining the channel.

Preferably, the handrail section is hollow.

Preferably the step of determining a length of one or more handrail section required involves providing measurements of a site where the

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2015201556 25 Mar 2015 handrail assembly is to be installed. Preferably the step of determining a length of one or more handrail section required is performed on a computer.

Preferably the step of determining a number of handrail connectors required involves determining the number of the one or more handrail 5 sections that are required to be joined together. Preferably the step of determining a number of handrail connectors required is performed on a computer.

Preferably the method includes the step of determining the type of handrail connectors required. Preferably the step of determining the type of 10 handrail connectors required involves determining the orientation of adjacent handrail sections to be joined, relative to one another. For example, a parallel handrail section that is to be joined to an inclined handrail section may require a handrail connector that has a connector skirt angled to a second connector skirt at an angle corresponding to the angle between the 15 handrail sections. Preferably the step of determining the type of handrail connectors required is performed on a computer.

Preferably the method includes the step of determining a number of mounting brackets required. Preferably the method includes the step of providing the determined number of mounting brackets. Preferably the step 20 of determining a number of mounting brackets required is performed on a computer.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the step of providing the determined length of the one or more handrail sections may

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2015201556 25 Mar 2015 include providing length of the one or more handrail sections that are substantially the same as the determined length of the one or more handrail sections. For example, lengths of handrail sections may be cut to within acceptable tolerances of determined lengths of handrail sections.

Preferably the handrail connectors are handrail connectors as described in this specification.

Preferably the one or more handrail sections are handrail sections as described in this specification.

Preferably, the method further includes sliding the connector skirt into the handrail section. Preferably, the connector skirt is slid into the handrail section such that it sits adjacent an internal surface of the handrail section.

Preferably, the method further includes inserting a locking projection into the channel. Preferably, the step of inserting the projection into the channel includes aligning an aperture within the locking projection with an 15 aperture of a locking member.

Preferably, the method further includes biasing the locking member such that side walls of the locking member engage with sidewalls of the channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with

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2015201556 25 Mar 2015 reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG 1A shows an exploded view of a handrail connector assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG 1B shows an assembled view of the handrail connector assembly 5 ofFIGIA;

FIG 2 shows an isometric view of a handrail section;

FIGs 3A-3C show a handrail connector according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGs 4A-4C show a handrail connector according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGs 5A-5B show a handrail connector according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG 6 shows an isometric view of a handrail connector according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGs 7A-7B show a handrail connector according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG 8 shows an isometric view of a mounting bracket;

FIGs 9A-9B show a mounting bracket attached to a post;

FIG 10 shows a selection screen providing different site options;

FIG 11 shows an input screen for inputting site measurements;

FIG 12 shows an example of site measurements entered on the input screen of FIG 11;

FIG 13 shows a schematic handrail assembly according to the

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2015201556 25 Mar 2015 measurements of FIG 12; and

FIG 14 shows a parts list for a handrail assembly of FIG 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1A and 1B show a handrail assembly 10. In Figure 1A the handrail assembly 10 is shown in an exploded view and in Figure 1B the handrail assembly is shown in a partially assembled view. The handrail assembly 10 has a handrail connector 20, a handrail section 50, a locking member 70 and a cover member 80.

The handrail connector 20 has a body 22 and a connector skirt 24 extending from the body 22. The connector skirt 24 has an opening in the form of a slot 26, the function of which will be explained in more detail below. A locking projection in the form of a tab 28 extends from the body 22 in a direction parallel to the connector skirt 24. As can be seen in Figure 1 A, the slot 26 partially defines the tab 28. The tab 28 has an aperture 30, the function of which will be explained in more detail below.

A second connector skirt 32 extends from the body 22. The second connector skirt 32 has an opening in the form of a slot 34. A second locking projection in the form of a tab 36 extends from the body 22 in a direction parallel to the second connector skirt 32. The tab 36 has an aperture 38.

The handrail section 50 has an outer surface 52 and an inner surface

54. The handrail section 50 defines a channel 56 extending along the handrail section 50. The channel 56 has side walls 58 that diverge towards

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2015201556 25 Mar 2015 the interior of the handrail section 50. The channel also has a bottom wall 60.

The locking member 70 has angled walls 72. The locking member 70 also has apertures 74.

The cover member 80 has an inner wall 82 that has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the body 22 of the handrail connector 20 and an internal diameter that is larger than a diameter of the outer surface 52 of the handrail section.

When assembled, as seen in Figure 1B, the locking member 70 is slid into the channel 56 of the handrail section 50. The cover member 80 is 10 positioned partially over an end of the handrail section 50.

The connector skirt 24 is slid into the handrail section 50 such that it sits adjacent to the internal surface 54 of the handrail section 50. The slot 26 allows the connector skirt 24 to be inserted into the handrail section 50 without being obstructed by the channel 56.

The tab 28 is inserted into the channel 56. The locking member 70 is positioned such that one of the apertures 74 aligns with the aperture 30 of the tab 28. A fastener in the form of a screw 90 attaches the tab 28 to the locking member 70. As the screw 90 is tightened, the locking member 70 is biased towards the tab 28 such that the side walls 72 of the locking member

70 engage with the sidewalls 58 of the channel, holding the locking member in place relative to the handrail section and thus securing the handrail connector 20 to the handrail section 50.

In the assembled position, part of the cover member 80 covers a

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2015201556 25 Mar 2015 portion of the body 22 of the handrail connector 20, thus covering the join between the handrail section 50 and the handrail connector 20. A benefit of covering the join between the handrail section 50 and the handrail connector 20 is that in addition to creating a more visually appealing join, the cover member 80 also covers any sharp edges that can occur when the handrail section 50 is cut to size.

It will be appreciated that a further handrail section (not shown) may be connected to the handrail connector 20 at the second connector skirt 32 end in a similar manner.

Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the handrail section 50 as seen in figures 1A and 1B. The sidewalls 58 that diverge towards the interior of the handrail section 50 create an opening of the channel 56 that has a width 62 that is smaller than a width of the channel 56 closer to the bottom wall 60.

A benefit of this is that a locking member (not shown) is able to slide relatively unobstructed in the channel 56 and, when biased towards the outer part of channel 56 will engage with the sidewalls 58 to lock the locking member (not shown) in position.

Figures 3A to 3C show a handrail connector 20. The body 22 of the handrail connector 20 is arcuate such that the connector skirt 24 and tab 28 20 extend from the body 22 at an angle relative to the second connector skirt 32 and tab 36. The handrail connector 20 can be used to connect a handrail section (not shown) orientated parallel to a handrail section (not shown) inclined downwardly relative to the parallel handrail section (not shown).

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Figures 4A to 4C show a handrail connector 20. The body 22 of the handrail connector 20 is arcuate such that the connector skirt 24 and tab 28 extend from the body 22 at an angle relative to the second connector skirt 32 and tab 36. The handrail connector 20 can be used to connect a handrail section (not shown) orientated parallel to a handrail section (not shown) inclined upwardly relative to the parallel handrail section (not shown).

Figures 5A and 5b show a handrail connector 20. The body 22 of the handrail connector 20 is arcuate such that the connector skirt 24 and tab 28 extend from the body 22 at an angle relative to the second connector skirt 32 and tab 36. In this case, the connector skirt 24 and tab 28 extend at 90 degrees relative to the second connector skirt 32 and tab 36. The handrail connector 20 can be used to connect handrail sections (not shown) in a corner.

Figure 6 shows a handrail connector 20 having a body 22 and a connector skirt 24 extending from the body. A tab 28 extends from the body in a direction parallel to the connector skirt 24. The tab 28 has an aperture 30 such that the tab can be attached to a locking member (not shown).

The body 22 is pivotably connected by a pivot pin 110 to a connecting member 102 of a support 100. The support 100 has a base member 104.

The base member 104 has apertures 106 and is adapted to be attached to a surface (not shown).

A benefit of having such a handrail connector 20 is that a handrail section (not shown) can be attached to a surface (not shown) at a wide

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2015201556 25 Mar 2015 range of angles (between the handrail section and the surface).

Figures 7A and 7B show a handrail connector 20 having a disc shaped body 22. A connector skirt 24 and a tab 28 extend from one side of the body 22. . The tab 28 has an aperture 30 such that the tab can be 5 attached to a locking member (not shown).

A benefit of having a disc shaped body 22 is that the handrail connector can be used as an end cap for a handrail section (not shown).

Figure 8 shows a mounting bracket 120. The mounting bracket 120 has a locking member 122 attached to a support arm 124. The support arm 10 124 is attached to an attachment member 126 (not visible). A cover 128 is adapted to cover the attachment member 126. The attachment member 126 is adapted to be attached to a surface such as a wall (not shown).

The locking member 122 is adapted to slide into a channel of a handrail section (not shown). Threaded apertures 130 are adapted to receive 15 a fastener (not shown). A benefit of providing a locking member 122 on the mounting bracked 20 is that the mounting bracket 120 can be easily positioned at a desired location of a handrail section (not shown) by sliding the locking member 122 of the locking bracket 120 within a channel of the handrail section (not shown). Once the mounting bracket 120 is in the 20 desired location, a screw (not shown) can secure the locking member 120 to the handrail section (not shown).

Figures 9A and 9b show a mounting bracket 120 adjustably attached to a post 140. A fastener 132 operatively engages with the post 140 via a slot

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142 to adjustably secure the attachment member 126 to the post 140. A benefit of having the mounting bracket 120 adjustably attached to the post 140 is that a desired height can be set on site when a handrail assembly (not shown) is installed.

Figures 10 to 14 show how a length of one or more handrail section required is determined and how a number of handrail connectors required is determined, using for example a software program on a computer.

Figure 10 shows a selection of different site types 210, 220,230,240. Typically, a user would select a site type corresponding to an actual site 10 where a handrail assembly is to be installed.

Figure 11 shows an input screen for the site type 220 of figure 10. By selecting check boxes 222, a user can select which parts of the site 220 require a handrail. Dimensions 224 can be specified by a user to correspond to an actual site where a handrail assembly is to be installed.

Figure 12 shows an example where dimensions 224 of the site 220 have been specified and an upper part 226 and a right part 228 of the site 220 (when looking from above) require a handrail.

Using geometric equations, which are known in the art and will not be explained in detail in this specification, (and taking into account the lengths 20 of handrail connectors) the required lengths of handrail sections are determined. Additionally, taking into account the angles between adjacent handrail sections, the required number and type of handrail connectors are determined.

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Figure 13 shows a schematic view of a handrail assembly 10 determined for the site 220 based on the measurements and selections as shown in Figure 12.

It will be appreciated that a user may make additional changes to the determined lengths of handrail sections 50 and/or the required number and/or type of handrail connectors 20. For example, a user may include a desired number of mounting brackets (not shown) to support the determined lengths of handrail sections 50. A user may also change the type of handrail connectors 20 required, for example the handrail connectors 20 at either end 10 of the handrail assembly 10 may be changed to handrail connectors that act as end caps.

Figure 14 shows a listing 300 of the determined required lengths of handrail sections 302 and the determined handrail connectors 304. Additionally, the listing 300 indicates the desired number of mounting 15 brackets 306.

It will be appreciated that once the length of one or more handrail section required, and the number of handrail connectors required is determined, the required length of one or more handrail sections and the required number of handrail connectors will be provided to a user.

Additionally, any other determined items such as mounting brackets will also be provided to the user.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific

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2015201556 25 Mar 2015 collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention. For example, individual features from one embodiment may be combined with another embodiment.

It will be appreciated that various other changes and modifications may be made to the embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Throughout this specification the word comprise, or variations such as comprises or comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a 10 stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

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Claims

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The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A handrail connector for connecting to an elongate handrail section having a longitudinal channel defined by a portion thereof, the handrail

5 connector comprising:

a body; and a connector skirt extending from the body, the connector skirt having an opening such that the connector skirt is adapted to be at least partially inserted into the elongate handrail section such that the opening accepts at 10 least part of the portion of the handrail section defining the channel, wherein a locking projection extends from the body of the handrail connector and is adapted to operatively attach to a locking member located within the channel of the handrail section, and wherein an external diameter of the body of the handrail connector is

15 greater than an internal diameter of the handrail section, wherein the channel of the handrail section has a longitudinal opening and sidewalls that are configured to engage with the locking member.
2. The handrail connector of claim 1, wherein the locking projection

20 extends from the body of the handrail connector in a direction parallel to the connector skirt.
3. The handrail connector of claim 1, wherein the locking member is adapted to engage internal surfaces of the channel when operatively

2015201556 25 Mar 2019 attached to the locking projection, such that the locking member retains the locking projection within the channel.
4. The handrail connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein
5 the sidewalls diverge towards the interior of the handrail section.

5. The handrail connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a second connector skirt extends from the body.

10
6. The handrail connector of claim 5, wherein the second connector skirt extends from the body at an angle relative to the connector skirt.
7. The handrail connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is a hollow body and the handrail section is hollow.
8. The handrail connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises an aperture such that the body may be attached to a support.

20
9. A handrail assembly comprising:

an elongate handrail section having a longitudinal channel defined by a portion thereof; and a handrail connector having:

a body; and

2015201556 25 Mar 2019 a connector skirt extending from the body, the connector skirt having an opening such that the connector skirt is adapted to be at least partially inserted into the elongate handrail section such that the opening accepts at least part of the portion of the handrail defining the channel,

5 wherein a locking projection extends from the body of the handrail connector and is adapted to operatively attach to a locking member located within the channel of the handrail section, and wherein an external diameter of the body of the handrail connector is greater than an internal diameter of the handrail section,
10 wherein the channel of the handrail section has a longitudinal opening and sidewalls that are configured to engage with the locking member.

10. The handrail assembly of claim 9, wherein the assembly further comprises a cover member having:

15 a first portion that is adapted to cover at least a portion of the handrail connector; and a second portion that is adapted to cover at least a portion of the handrail section.

20
11. The handrail assembly of claims 9 or 10, wherein the assembly further comprises a mounting bracket adapted to support the handrail section relative to a surface.
12. A method of providing a handrail assembly, the method including the

2015201556 25 Mar 2019 steps of:

determining a length of one or more handrail section required;

determining a number of handrail connectors required;

providing the determined length of the one or more handrail sections,

5 each handrail section being elongate, having a longitudinal channel defined by a portion thereof; and providing the determined number of handrail connectors, each handrail connector having a body and a connector skirt extending from the body, the connector skirt having an opening such that the connector skirt is 10 adapted to be at least partially inserted into one of the one or more handrail section such that the opening accepts at least part of the portion of the corresponding handrail defining the channel, wherein a locking projection extends from the body of each handrail connector and is adapted to operatively attach to a locking member located 15 within the channel of the corresponding handrail section, and wherein an external diameter of the body of each handrail connector is greater than an internal diameter of the corresponding handrail section, wherein the channel of each handrail section has a longitudinal opening and sidewalls that are configured to engage with the locking 20 member.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of determining a length of one or more handrail section required involves providing measurements of a site where the handrail assembly is to be installed.

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14. The method of claims 12 or 13, wherein the method includes the step of determining the type of handrail connectors required by establishing the orientation of adjacent handrail sections to be joined, relative to one another.
15. The method of any one of claims 12 to 14, the method further includes sliding the connector skirt into the handrail section.
16. The method of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the method further

10 includes inserting the locking projection into the channel and aligning an aperture within the locking projection with an aperture ofthe locking member.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the method further includes biasing

15 the locking member such that side walls of the locking member engage with the sidewalls of the channel.

1/15

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