CA1307153C - Hand railing assembly - Google Patents
Hand railing assemblyInfo
- Publication number
- CA1307153C CA1307153C CA000579506A CA579506A CA1307153C CA 1307153 C CA1307153 C CA 1307153C CA 000579506 A CA000579506 A CA 000579506A CA 579506 A CA579506 A CA 579506A CA 1307153 C CA1307153 C CA 1307153C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- post
- members
- clamp members
- rail
- flange member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
- E04F11/18—Balustrades; Handrails
- E04F11/181—Balustrades
- E04F11/1851—Filling panels, e.g. concrete, sheet metal panels
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
- E04F11/18—Balustrades; Handrails
- E04F11/181—Balustrades
- E04F11/1812—Details of anchoring to the wall or floor
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Bridges Or Land Bridges (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Disclosed is a railing assembly having a minimum number of parts and providing for expeditious and non-destructive disassembly and adjustment. It comprises a plurality of posts disposed at intervals and a corresponding plurality of upper and lower posts clamps having inner wall surfaces which closely conform to corresponding outer surfaces of the posts The clamps are slidably mounted on the posts in an adjustable manner and secured thereto by friction means. The clamps include a horizontally extending tongue comprising ridges adjacent the top and bottom edges thereof. A top rail is provided which abuts against the upper ends of the posts. It includes a downwardly projecting flange member having an open channel extending the length thereof. The channel contains opposed upper and lower slotted tracks which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably engage the tongue of the upper post clamps. A bottom rail is provided, also having open channel with slotted tracks for slidable engagement with the tongues of the lower clamps. One or more panels, disposed between the rails, are supported and retained by panel supports comprising a downwardy facing slot extending the length of the top rail, an opposing upwardly facing slot In the bottom rail, and panel support clips in the slots of the rails. In another embodiment, each post is mounted to a vertical surface by mounting clamp members having outwardly extending flanges adapted to receive mounting fasteners.
Disclosed is a railing assembly having a minimum number of parts and providing for expeditious and non-destructive disassembly and adjustment. It comprises a plurality of posts disposed at intervals and a corresponding plurality of upper and lower posts clamps having inner wall surfaces which closely conform to corresponding outer surfaces of the posts The clamps are slidably mounted on the posts in an adjustable manner and secured thereto by friction means. The clamps include a horizontally extending tongue comprising ridges adjacent the top and bottom edges thereof. A top rail is provided which abuts against the upper ends of the posts. It includes a downwardly projecting flange member having an open channel extending the length thereof. The channel contains opposed upper and lower slotted tracks which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably engage the tongue of the upper post clamps. A bottom rail is provided, also having open channel with slotted tracks for slidable engagement with the tongues of the lower clamps. One or more panels, disposed between the rails, are supported and retained by panel supports comprising a downwardy facing slot extending the length of the top rail, an opposing upwardly facing slot In the bottom rail, and panel support clips in the slots of the rails. In another embodiment, each post is mounted to a vertical surface by mounting clamp members having outwardly extending flanges adapted to receive mounting fasteners.
Description
~3~ 1S~
HAND RAILING ASSEM~LY
The present invention relates to the field o~ hand or guard railings and more specifically to an improved railing assembly having a minimum number of component parts and providing for expeditious and non-destructive disassembly and adjustment thereof.
Presently, numerous railing assemblies are available on the market, some of which are formed from aluminium extruded sub-assemblies whi~h are normally associated with reduced fabricating, transportation and assembly costs ~hen compared to other traditional railings of the prior art. Such traditional railings require welding or brazing operations for assembly and generally must be transported to the field as bulky final assemblies owing to the use of specialized fabrication techniques calling for skilled labour. Nonetheless, despite their numerous advantages, many of the railing assemblies having extruded component parts are associated with complex designs which may incorporate a multiplicity of sub-assemblies, thereby increasing the attendant material and labour costs of such assemblies so as to partly or wholly defeat the very purpose of using component assembly. For instance, in some component railing assemblies, the rail members are formed from a number of aluminium sections which may additionally require cover portions or clips in order to secure the assembly thereof. The cover portions or clips may also serve to provide for a functional hand rail gripping surface or to cover and protect the exposed and open sections of the assembled rail . "~
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~3~
members. Furthermore, some of the existing railing assembly designs necessi~ate the working of post members or pickets, such as the provisioa of slots therein or the addition of connecting pins thereto in order for such posts to co-operably interconnect with the other component parts of these designs.
Existing component hand railing assemblies are also inflexible in that such assemblies may require apertures to be drilled or punched at predetermined locations along the length of rail members for the installation of posts, or may comprise post connectors which define and dictate the post-to- post distance of the final assembly. As such, the foregoing hand railing designs are poorly adaptable to even minor changes encountered at the installation site once the component parts have been prepared for a particular structural configuration.
Yet another disadvantage of the prior art in the field of hand railing assemblies is that in many cases, disassembly of the installed components, for purposes of repair or for height adjustment of the rail members, is both difficult and time consuming. In some cases, such disassembly cannot be undertaken without damaging of the component parts. Furthermore, most existing assemblies do not allow for the adjustment of the vertical spacing between top and bo~tom rails nor for height adjustment of such a rail member as measured from the supporting surface of the assembled and installed structure.
It is one aim of the present invention to provide a hand railing assembly which is of simple design having a minimal number of constituent components which are largely unitary constructions.
.... ~
. -- 3 It is a second aim of the subject invention to offer a railing structure which is more adapta~le to various configurations at the point of installation than previous designs. Yet another objective of the present invention is that of providing a railing which facili~ates partial or total disassembly and offers either a height adjustable top or bottom rail.
According to a broad aspect of the invention there ls provided an improved railing assembly comprlsing:
a plurality of supporting post members disposed at spaced apart in~ervals along ~he railing assembly;
a corresponding plurality of upper and lower post clamp members, which members provide a clamping portion having inner wall ~urfaces which closely conform to corresponding outer surfaces of said post members, said post clamp members being slidably mounted on said posts in an adjustable slip-fit manner and secured thereto by friction means, said post clamp members further providlng a horizontally extending tongue portion comprising ridges disposed adjacent the entire top and bottom longitudinal edges thereof;
an extended top rail, having an undersurface which abuts against the upper terminal ends of said post members, said top rail including a downwardly projecting flange member incorporating an open channel extending lengthwise the entire length thereof, which channel contains opposed upper and lower slo~ted tracks which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably and slidably engage said tongue portions o~ the upper post clamp members;
..' ''' ~
a companion bottom rail, likewise incorpora~ing an open channel extending lengthwise the en~ire length thereof and containing opposed upper and lower slotted tracks ~7hich provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably and slidably enyaye the respective ridges located on the tongue portions of the lower post clamp members;
panel support means, comprising a downwardly facing slot extending longitudinally the entire length of said top rail, which slot is opposed to a corresponding upwardly facing slot disposed in like manner in said bottom rail;
one or more panel sections, disposed be~ween the top and bottom rail, which are supported and retained by the said panel support means.
According to another broad aspect of the invention there is provided an improved railing assembly comprising:
a plurality of supporting post members disposed at spaced apart intervals along ~he railing assembly;
a corresponding plurality of upper and lower post clamp members, which members provide a clampiny portion having inner wall surfaces which closely conform to corresponding outer surfa~es of said post members, said post clamp members being slidably mounted on said posts in an adjustable slip-fit manner and secured thereto by friction means, said post clamp members iurther providing a horizontally extending tongue portion comprising ridges disposed adjacent the entire top and bottom longitudinal edges thereof;
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.
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' . ~, ' ' - :13~ 3 a corresponding plurality of mounting clamp members, which memhers provide a clampiny portion having inner wall surfaces which closely conform to corresponding outer surfaces of said post members, said mounting clamp members bein~ slidably mounted on said posts in an adjustable slip-fit manner and secured thereto by friction means, said mounting clamp members further providing a horizontally extending flange portion which is adapted to receive fastening means for mounting of said post members to a vertical surface;
an extended top rail, having an undersurface which abuts against the upper terminal ends of said post members, said top rail including a downwardly projecting flange member incorporating an open channel extending lengthwise the entire length thereof, which channel contains opposed upper and lower slotted tracks which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably and slidably engage said tongue portions of the upper post clamp members.
a companion bottom rail, likewise incorporating an open channel extending lengthwise the entire length thereof and containing opposed upper and lower slotted tracks which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably and slidably engage the respective ridges located on the tongue portions of the lower post clamp members;
panel support means, comprising a downwardly facing slot extending longitudinally the entire length of said top rail, which : slot is opposed to a corresponding upwardly facing slot disposed in like manner in said bottom rail;
~3~ 3 , one or more panel seckions, disposed between the top and bottom rail, which are supported and retained by the said panel support means.
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of ~he invention.
FIGURE 1 is an isometric partially sectioned view of one embodiment of a railing assembly according to the present invention;
~ IGURE 2 is an end view of the railiny assembly shown in FIGURE 1, FIGURE 3 is an isometric view of a post clamp member to be used in accordance with the railing assembly shown in FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 4 is an end view of another embodiment of a railing assembly according to the present invention; and FIGURE 5, on the second sheet of drawings, is a top plan view of a mounting clamp to be used in accordance with the railing assembly shown in FIGURE 4.
Referring now to the drawings, FIGURES 1, 2 and 3 illustrate one preferred embodiment of the present invention consisting of an extended top rail 1 disposed horizontally and substantially parallel to a companion bottom rail 2, both of which are formed preferably of drawn or extruded aluminum, or any other structurally suitable material. The top and bottom rails 1,2 are supported by a plurality of vertically disposed post members 3, preferably of rectangular cross~section and with squared upper and lower terminal ends, which post members are secured at the lower terminal ends ~0 thereof to a supporting surface 6 by suitable attachment means 5 well known to those skilled in this art.
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~L3V7~S~
Top and bottom rails 1,2 are provided with lon~itudinally disposed channels 8,9, respectively, ex~ending the entire leng~h of the rails, which channels have slotted tracks 10,11 in the upper and lower portions thereof for slidably receiving tongue members 25 of post clamp members 7 as described hereinafter. In addi~ion, said rails 1,2 respectively contain slots 12,14 which in final assembly are opposed for supporting and retaining the top and bottom edges, respectively, o~ a vertically disposed plate section 4 which may be formed of tempered glass or any other suitable plate or sheet material such as that commonly known under the trade mark PLEXIGLAS. Slots 12,14 may contain, for the latter purpose, support clips 13,15 for securely retaining said panel section. Panel section 4 may be either continuous or can extend in a number of separate sections with spaces therebetween.
A plurality of paired post clamp members 7 are also provided, two of which are slidably mounted onto each post member 3 and include means for retaining and supporting the respective top and bottom rails 1,2 by slidable engagement of their tongue portions 25 with the slotted tracks 10,11 of the extended channels 8,9 of the top and bottom rails. Details of the raillng assembly will be described hereinafter.
As illustrated more particularly in FIGURE 2, post clamp members 7 each comprise a clamping portion 21 which may be of square or rectangular cross-sectional configuration and whose inner walled surfaces 22 closely conform to the outer wall surfaces of post members 3 so as to be slldably mounted thereon in :
:
~(3~71~i3 , an intimate slip-fi~ manner. The rear wall 23 of clamping portion 21 is provided with a suitable number of drilled holes 16 which may be tapped and fitted with appropriate set screws (not shown) for securing, by friction means well known to those skilled in this art, the post clamp memhers 7 to post members 3.
Post clamp member 7 further comprises a horizontally extending tonyue portion 25 which may be integrally attached to flank walls 24 of clamping portion 21, ~he flank walls 24 being asymmetrically tapered æo as to form, at the outer surfaces thereof, connecting shoulders 26 which provide a somewhat smooth-surfaced fillet connection of relatively large radius between flank walls 24 and tongue member 25.
Tongue portion 25 preferably has rounded vertlcal edges 28 at the terminal ends thereo~ and squared top and bottom longitudinal edges 29 for facilitating the slidable interconnection with rail channels 8,9 as afore~aid. Ridges 17 : are formed along the entire top and bot~om longitudinal edges 29 of tongue 25 by providing longitudinally disposed notches 31 adjacent the rear edges thereof, the notches ex~ending into connecting shoulders 26 and into the front wall 27 of clamping portion 21 therein defining inner step portions 32 on each of the top and bottom surfaces of said wall adjacent thç inner wall surfaces 22 of clamping portion 21. Longitudinally disposed ridges 17 and notches 31 of tongue member 25 collectively match ` the upper and lower slotted track profiles of open rail channels 8,9 so as to permit the slidable interconnection of rails 1,2 and post clamp members 7.
( ..... , ,.~ - .
~3(1~ 3 ~ 9 _ Locking means may be provided for securiny the assembly of post clamp members 7 and top and bottom rails 1,2. For instance, in the preferred embodiments, tapped holes 30 are provided in tongue portion 25, on each side of the flank walls 24 to contain a set screw 30a to lock the pos~ clamp member 7 to the channels 8 and 9 as shown in FIG~RE 3.
As shown more fully in FIGURE 3, rail 1 is of generally asymmetrical and inverted U-shaped configuration, having a double walled web member 33 with curved upper surface 33a and planar undersurface 33b, which undersurface closely conforms to the correspondingly squared terminal ends 34 of post members 3 so that they may securely abut thereagainst. Parallel and downwardly projecting flange members 35,35 extend adjacent the front and rear longitudinal edges of web portion 33, rear flange 36 being of shorter length than front flange 35 so as not to interfere with reax wall 23 of upper post clamp assembly 7a. The lower terminal end of rear flange 36 is further provided with a horizontal lip 37 extending inwardly close to the squared rear surfaces of post members 3.
Front flange member 35 has a planar outer sur~ace 35a and an open rail channel 8 which extends longitudinally the entire length of the flange member 35. The channel includes oppo~ed upper and lower slotted tracks 10 which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably receive the upper and lower ridges 17 on tongue portion 25 of upper post clamp members 7a.
The open rail channel 8 may also receive an angled bracket (not shown), e.g. bent at 90, permitting mitered free terminal ends of two non-aligned rails to closely and ,securely abut, as in a corner configuration.
The lowermost edge of fronk flange member 35 is provided with a downwardly facing slot 14 which extends longitudinally the entire length thereof and is adapted to retain the upper terminal edge of panel section 4 as aforesaid. The rear surfaces 35b of ~he front flange member 35 are in flush con~act with the squared front surfaces 38 of pos~ members 3 and, in conjunction with planar undersurface 33b of web member 33 and inwardly extending horizontal lip 37 of rear flange member 36, provides for the secure lateral bracing of top rail 1 by the squared terminal ends 3~ of post members 3.
Companion bottom rail 2 is generally of rectangular cross-sectional profile and disposed in opposition with the front flange 35 of top rail 1. Bottom rail 2, similarly to top rail 1, provides an open rail channel 9 extending longitudinally the entire length thereof, which open rail channel includes opposed upper and lower slotted tracks 1~ which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably receive as aforesaid the lower post clamp assemblies 7b in an intimate slip-fit manner. Open channel 9 may also slidably receive an angled bracket for use in corner configurations as previously discussed.
The uppermost edge of bottom rail 2 is provided with an upwardly facing slot 12 which extends longitudinally the entire length thereof and retains the lower terminal edge of panel ~` section 4 as discussed hereinabove. The planar rear surfaces 39 of bottom rail 2 are in flush contact with the squared front ;' ~ ' ~a3~ 3 surfaces 38 of post members 3 50 as to provide a secure bracing of the bottom rail 2 against pos~ members 3.
Contrarily to top rail 1 which is fixed in position upon assembly, bottom rail 2 is continuously adjustable as to height along the length of post members 3. Once assembled by slip-fit engagement with lower pos~ clamp mem~ers 7b, height adjustment of bottom rail 2 is easily accomplished by loosening set screws (not shown) ~itted lnto drilled and tapped holes 1~ located on rear walls 23 of lower post clamp members 7b, slidably raising or lowering to the desired position ~he installed bo~tom rail 2 and lower post clamp members 7b attached thereto, and tightening the set screws to then secure bottom rail 2 in its desired position.
The latter height adjustment capability may be especially useful in that it permits the easy replacement or repair of panel sections 4 without costly and inexpedient disassembly or removal of the rail assembly from its installed location.
The double-walled web member 33 of the top rail 1 provides a space 33c between the upper surface 33a and the undersurface 33b which is shaped to hold a rectangular cross sectioned member 33d. This member 33d may be used to join two top rails together and also an angle may be made to fit into two rails 1 which are cut at an angle to form a corner. Set screws (not shown) are fitted in tapped holes (not shown) through the undersurface 33b to clamp the member 33d in place.
FIGUR~S 4 and 5 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention whereln each po~t member 3 of the railing ; assembly is mounted to a vertical surface 19, for lnstance such as ~3~ 3 that of a short concrete wall defining the leading edye of a balcony. Such mountiny is accomplished by providing a mounting clamp 18 having substantially the same cross-sectional configuration as upper post clamp 7a with the exception that tongue member 25 need not be provided with ridges 17 nor notches 31 adjacent ~he kop and bottom longitudinal edges thereof.
Furthermore, instead of the locking means described hereinabove, mounting clamp 18 contains two holes 41 disposed in vertical configuration on both sides of clamp portion ~3 thereof and drilled through the thickness o~ flange portion 42 for receiving suitable fastening means such as mounting bolts 44 wall known to those skilled in this art.
In this latter embodiment, height adjustment of top rail 1 may be effected by loosening set screws (not shown) fitted into drilled and tapped holes 20 of mounting clamps 18, slidably raising or lowerir.g to the desired position the installed post members 3 and top rail 1 attached thereto, and tightening the set screws to then secure top rail 1 in its desired position.
Various changes may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the invention which is limited only by the following claims. Eor instance, suitable modifications to the embodiments described hereinabove will be apparent to those skilled in this art for providing railing assemblies according to the present invention and having different angles of incllnation.
.
HAND RAILING ASSEM~LY
The present invention relates to the field o~ hand or guard railings and more specifically to an improved railing assembly having a minimum number of component parts and providing for expeditious and non-destructive disassembly and adjustment thereof.
Presently, numerous railing assemblies are available on the market, some of which are formed from aluminium extruded sub-assemblies whi~h are normally associated with reduced fabricating, transportation and assembly costs ~hen compared to other traditional railings of the prior art. Such traditional railings require welding or brazing operations for assembly and generally must be transported to the field as bulky final assemblies owing to the use of specialized fabrication techniques calling for skilled labour. Nonetheless, despite their numerous advantages, many of the railing assemblies having extruded component parts are associated with complex designs which may incorporate a multiplicity of sub-assemblies, thereby increasing the attendant material and labour costs of such assemblies so as to partly or wholly defeat the very purpose of using component assembly. For instance, in some component railing assemblies, the rail members are formed from a number of aluminium sections which may additionally require cover portions or clips in order to secure the assembly thereof. The cover portions or clips may also serve to provide for a functional hand rail gripping surface or to cover and protect the exposed and open sections of the assembled rail . "~
.
~3~
members. Furthermore, some of the existing railing assembly designs necessi~ate the working of post members or pickets, such as the provisioa of slots therein or the addition of connecting pins thereto in order for such posts to co-operably interconnect with the other component parts of these designs.
Existing component hand railing assemblies are also inflexible in that such assemblies may require apertures to be drilled or punched at predetermined locations along the length of rail members for the installation of posts, or may comprise post connectors which define and dictate the post-to- post distance of the final assembly. As such, the foregoing hand railing designs are poorly adaptable to even minor changes encountered at the installation site once the component parts have been prepared for a particular structural configuration.
Yet another disadvantage of the prior art in the field of hand railing assemblies is that in many cases, disassembly of the installed components, for purposes of repair or for height adjustment of the rail members, is both difficult and time consuming. In some cases, such disassembly cannot be undertaken without damaging of the component parts. Furthermore, most existing assemblies do not allow for the adjustment of the vertical spacing between top and bo~tom rails nor for height adjustment of such a rail member as measured from the supporting surface of the assembled and installed structure.
It is one aim of the present invention to provide a hand railing assembly which is of simple design having a minimal number of constituent components which are largely unitary constructions.
.... ~
. -- 3 It is a second aim of the subject invention to offer a railing structure which is more adapta~le to various configurations at the point of installation than previous designs. Yet another objective of the present invention is that of providing a railing which facili~ates partial or total disassembly and offers either a height adjustable top or bottom rail.
According to a broad aspect of the invention there ls provided an improved railing assembly comprlsing:
a plurality of supporting post members disposed at spaced apart in~ervals along ~he railing assembly;
a corresponding plurality of upper and lower post clamp members, which members provide a clamping portion having inner wall ~urfaces which closely conform to corresponding outer surfaces of said post members, said post clamp members being slidably mounted on said posts in an adjustable slip-fit manner and secured thereto by friction means, said post clamp members further providlng a horizontally extending tongue portion comprising ridges disposed adjacent the entire top and bottom longitudinal edges thereof;
an extended top rail, having an undersurface which abuts against the upper terminal ends of said post members, said top rail including a downwardly projecting flange member incorporating an open channel extending lengthwise the entire length thereof, which channel contains opposed upper and lower slo~ted tracks which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably and slidably engage said tongue portions o~ the upper post clamp members;
..' ''' ~
a companion bottom rail, likewise incorpora~ing an open channel extending lengthwise the en~ire length thereof and containing opposed upper and lower slotted tracks ~7hich provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably and slidably enyaye the respective ridges located on the tongue portions of the lower post clamp members;
panel support means, comprising a downwardly facing slot extending longitudinally the entire length of said top rail, which slot is opposed to a corresponding upwardly facing slot disposed in like manner in said bottom rail;
one or more panel sections, disposed be~ween the top and bottom rail, which are supported and retained by the said panel support means.
According to another broad aspect of the invention there is provided an improved railing assembly comprising:
a plurality of supporting post members disposed at spaced apart intervals along ~he railing assembly;
a corresponding plurality of upper and lower post clamp members, which members provide a clampiny portion having inner wall surfaces which closely conform to corresponding outer surfa~es of said post members, said post clamp members being slidably mounted on said posts in an adjustable slip-fit manner and secured thereto by friction means, said post clamp members iurther providing a horizontally extending tongue portion comprising ridges disposed adjacent the entire top and bottom longitudinal edges thereof;
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.
.
' . ~, ' ' - :13~ 3 a corresponding plurality of mounting clamp members, which memhers provide a clampiny portion having inner wall surfaces which closely conform to corresponding outer surfaces of said post members, said mounting clamp members bein~ slidably mounted on said posts in an adjustable slip-fit manner and secured thereto by friction means, said mounting clamp members further providing a horizontally extending flange portion which is adapted to receive fastening means for mounting of said post members to a vertical surface;
an extended top rail, having an undersurface which abuts against the upper terminal ends of said post members, said top rail including a downwardly projecting flange member incorporating an open channel extending lengthwise the entire length thereof, which channel contains opposed upper and lower slotted tracks which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably and slidably engage said tongue portions of the upper post clamp members.
a companion bottom rail, likewise incorporating an open channel extending lengthwise the entire length thereof and containing opposed upper and lower slotted tracks which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably and slidably engage the respective ridges located on the tongue portions of the lower post clamp members;
panel support means, comprising a downwardly facing slot extending longitudinally the entire length of said top rail, which : slot is opposed to a corresponding upwardly facing slot disposed in like manner in said bottom rail;
~3~ 3 , one or more panel seckions, disposed between the top and bottom rail, which are supported and retained by the said panel support means.
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of ~he invention.
FIGURE 1 is an isometric partially sectioned view of one embodiment of a railing assembly according to the present invention;
~ IGURE 2 is an end view of the railiny assembly shown in FIGURE 1, FIGURE 3 is an isometric view of a post clamp member to be used in accordance with the railing assembly shown in FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 4 is an end view of another embodiment of a railing assembly according to the present invention; and FIGURE 5, on the second sheet of drawings, is a top plan view of a mounting clamp to be used in accordance with the railing assembly shown in FIGURE 4.
Referring now to the drawings, FIGURES 1, 2 and 3 illustrate one preferred embodiment of the present invention consisting of an extended top rail 1 disposed horizontally and substantially parallel to a companion bottom rail 2, both of which are formed preferably of drawn or extruded aluminum, or any other structurally suitable material. The top and bottom rails 1,2 are supported by a plurality of vertically disposed post members 3, preferably of rectangular cross~section and with squared upper and lower terminal ends, which post members are secured at the lower terminal ends ~0 thereof to a supporting surface 6 by suitable attachment means 5 well known to those skilled in this art.
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~L3V7~S~
Top and bottom rails 1,2 are provided with lon~itudinally disposed channels 8,9, respectively, ex~ending the entire leng~h of the rails, which channels have slotted tracks 10,11 in the upper and lower portions thereof for slidably receiving tongue members 25 of post clamp members 7 as described hereinafter. In addi~ion, said rails 1,2 respectively contain slots 12,14 which in final assembly are opposed for supporting and retaining the top and bottom edges, respectively, o~ a vertically disposed plate section 4 which may be formed of tempered glass or any other suitable plate or sheet material such as that commonly known under the trade mark PLEXIGLAS. Slots 12,14 may contain, for the latter purpose, support clips 13,15 for securely retaining said panel section. Panel section 4 may be either continuous or can extend in a number of separate sections with spaces therebetween.
A plurality of paired post clamp members 7 are also provided, two of which are slidably mounted onto each post member 3 and include means for retaining and supporting the respective top and bottom rails 1,2 by slidable engagement of their tongue portions 25 with the slotted tracks 10,11 of the extended channels 8,9 of the top and bottom rails. Details of the raillng assembly will be described hereinafter.
As illustrated more particularly in FIGURE 2, post clamp members 7 each comprise a clamping portion 21 which may be of square or rectangular cross-sectional configuration and whose inner walled surfaces 22 closely conform to the outer wall surfaces of post members 3 so as to be slldably mounted thereon in :
:
~(3~71~i3 , an intimate slip-fi~ manner. The rear wall 23 of clamping portion 21 is provided with a suitable number of drilled holes 16 which may be tapped and fitted with appropriate set screws (not shown) for securing, by friction means well known to those skilled in this art, the post clamp memhers 7 to post members 3.
Post clamp member 7 further comprises a horizontally extending tonyue portion 25 which may be integrally attached to flank walls 24 of clamping portion 21, ~he flank walls 24 being asymmetrically tapered æo as to form, at the outer surfaces thereof, connecting shoulders 26 which provide a somewhat smooth-surfaced fillet connection of relatively large radius between flank walls 24 and tongue member 25.
Tongue portion 25 preferably has rounded vertlcal edges 28 at the terminal ends thereo~ and squared top and bottom longitudinal edges 29 for facilitating the slidable interconnection with rail channels 8,9 as afore~aid. Ridges 17 : are formed along the entire top and bot~om longitudinal edges 29 of tongue 25 by providing longitudinally disposed notches 31 adjacent the rear edges thereof, the notches ex~ending into connecting shoulders 26 and into the front wall 27 of clamping portion 21 therein defining inner step portions 32 on each of the top and bottom surfaces of said wall adjacent thç inner wall surfaces 22 of clamping portion 21. Longitudinally disposed ridges 17 and notches 31 of tongue member 25 collectively match ` the upper and lower slotted track profiles of open rail channels 8,9 so as to permit the slidable interconnection of rails 1,2 and post clamp members 7.
( ..... , ,.~ - .
~3(1~ 3 ~ 9 _ Locking means may be provided for securiny the assembly of post clamp members 7 and top and bottom rails 1,2. For instance, in the preferred embodiments, tapped holes 30 are provided in tongue portion 25, on each side of the flank walls 24 to contain a set screw 30a to lock the pos~ clamp member 7 to the channels 8 and 9 as shown in FIG~RE 3.
As shown more fully in FIGURE 3, rail 1 is of generally asymmetrical and inverted U-shaped configuration, having a double walled web member 33 with curved upper surface 33a and planar undersurface 33b, which undersurface closely conforms to the correspondingly squared terminal ends 34 of post members 3 so that they may securely abut thereagainst. Parallel and downwardly projecting flange members 35,35 extend adjacent the front and rear longitudinal edges of web portion 33, rear flange 36 being of shorter length than front flange 35 so as not to interfere with reax wall 23 of upper post clamp assembly 7a. The lower terminal end of rear flange 36 is further provided with a horizontal lip 37 extending inwardly close to the squared rear surfaces of post members 3.
Front flange member 35 has a planar outer sur~ace 35a and an open rail channel 8 which extends longitudinally the entire length of the flange member 35. The channel includes oppo~ed upper and lower slotted tracks 10 which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably receive the upper and lower ridges 17 on tongue portion 25 of upper post clamp members 7a.
The open rail channel 8 may also receive an angled bracket (not shown), e.g. bent at 90, permitting mitered free terminal ends of two non-aligned rails to closely and ,securely abut, as in a corner configuration.
The lowermost edge of fronk flange member 35 is provided with a downwardly facing slot 14 which extends longitudinally the entire length thereof and is adapted to retain the upper terminal edge of panel section 4 as aforesaid. The rear surfaces 35b of ~he front flange member 35 are in flush con~act with the squared front surfaces 38 of pos~ members 3 and, in conjunction with planar undersurface 33b of web member 33 and inwardly extending horizontal lip 37 of rear flange member 36, provides for the secure lateral bracing of top rail 1 by the squared terminal ends 3~ of post members 3.
Companion bottom rail 2 is generally of rectangular cross-sectional profile and disposed in opposition with the front flange 35 of top rail 1. Bottom rail 2, similarly to top rail 1, provides an open rail channel 9 extending longitudinally the entire length thereof, which open rail channel includes opposed upper and lower slotted tracks 1~ which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably receive as aforesaid the lower post clamp assemblies 7b in an intimate slip-fit manner. Open channel 9 may also slidably receive an angled bracket for use in corner configurations as previously discussed.
The uppermost edge of bottom rail 2 is provided with an upwardly facing slot 12 which extends longitudinally the entire length thereof and retains the lower terminal edge of panel ~` section 4 as discussed hereinabove. The planar rear surfaces 39 of bottom rail 2 are in flush contact with the squared front ;' ~ ' ~a3~ 3 surfaces 38 of post members 3 50 as to provide a secure bracing of the bottom rail 2 against pos~ members 3.
Contrarily to top rail 1 which is fixed in position upon assembly, bottom rail 2 is continuously adjustable as to height along the length of post members 3. Once assembled by slip-fit engagement with lower pos~ clamp mem~ers 7b, height adjustment of bottom rail 2 is easily accomplished by loosening set screws (not shown) ~itted lnto drilled and tapped holes 1~ located on rear walls 23 of lower post clamp members 7b, slidably raising or lowering to the desired position ~he installed bo~tom rail 2 and lower post clamp members 7b attached thereto, and tightening the set screws to then secure bottom rail 2 in its desired position.
The latter height adjustment capability may be especially useful in that it permits the easy replacement or repair of panel sections 4 without costly and inexpedient disassembly or removal of the rail assembly from its installed location.
The double-walled web member 33 of the top rail 1 provides a space 33c between the upper surface 33a and the undersurface 33b which is shaped to hold a rectangular cross sectioned member 33d. This member 33d may be used to join two top rails together and also an angle may be made to fit into two rails 1 which are cut at an angle to form a corner. Set screws (not shown) are fitted in tapped holes (not shown) through the undersurface 33b to clamp the member 33d in place.
FIGUR~S 4 and 5 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention whereln each po~t member 3 of the railing ; assembly is mounted to a vertical surface 19, for lnstance such as ~3~ 3 that of a short concrete wall defining the leading edye of a balcony. Such mountiny is accomplished by providing a mounting clamp 18 having substantially the same cross-sectional configuration as upper post clamp 7a with the exception that tongue member 25 need not be provided with ridges 17 nor notches 31 adjacent ~he kop and bottom longitudinal edges thereof.
Furthermore, instead of the locking means described hereinabove, mounting clamp 18 contains two holes 41 disposed in vertical configuration on both sides of clamp portion ~3 thereof and drilled through the thickness o~ flange portion 42 for receiving suitable fastening means such as mounting bolts 44 wall known to those skilled in this art.
In this latter embodiment, height adjustment of top rail 1 may be effected by loosening set screws (not shown) fitted into drilled and tapped holes 20 of mounting clamps 18, slidably raising or lowerir.g to the desired position the installed post members 3 and top rail 1 attached thereto, and tightening the set screws to then secure top rail 1 in its desired position.
Various changes may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the invention which is limited only by the following claims. Eor instance, suitable modifications to the embodiments described hereinabove will be apparent to those skilled in this art for providing railing assemblies according to the present invention and having different angles of incllnation.
.
Claims (12)
1. An improved railing assembly comprising:
a plurality of supporting post members disposed at spaced apart intervals along the railing assembly;
a corresponding plurality of upper and lower post clamp members, which members provide a clamping portion having inner wall surfaces which closely conform to corresponding outer surfaces of said post members, said post clamp members being slidably mounted on said posts in an adjustable slip-fit manner and secured thereto by friction means, said post clamp members further providing a horizontally extending tongue portion comprising ridges disposed adjacent the entire top and bottom longitudinal edges thereof;
an extended top rail, having an undersurface which abuts against the upper terminal ends of said post members, said top rail including a downwardly projecting flange member incorporating an open channel extending lengthwise the entire length thereof, which channel contains opposed upper and lower slotted tracks which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably and slidably engage said tongue portions of the upper post clamp members;
a companion bottom rail, likewise incorporating an open channel extending lengthwise the entire length thereof and containing opposed upper and lower slotted tracks which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably and slidably engage the respective ridges located on the tongue portions of the lower post clamp members;
panel support means, comprising a downwardly facing slot extending longitudinally the entire length of said top rail, which slot is opposed to a corresponding upwardly facing slot disposed in like manner in said bottom rail;
one or more panel sections, disposed between the top and bottom rail, which are supported and retained by the said panel support means.
a plurality of supporting post members disposed at spaced apart intervals along the railing assembly;
a corresponding plurality of upper and lower post clamp members, which members provide a clamping portion having inner wall surfaces which closely conform to corresponding outer surfaces of said post members, said post clamp members being slidably mounted on said posts in an adjustable slip-fit manner and secured thereto by friction means, said post clamp members further providing a horizontally extending tongue portion comprising ridges disposed adjacent the entire top and bottom longitudinal edges thereof;
an extended top rail, having an undersurface which abuts against the upper terminal ends of said post members, said top rail including a downwardly projecting flange member incorporating an open channel extending lengthwise the entire length thereof, which channel contains opposed upper and lower slotted tracks which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably and slidably engage said tongue portions of the upper post clamp members;
a companion bottom rail, likewise incorporating an open channel extending lengthwise the entire length thereof and containing opposed upper and lower slotted tracks which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably and slidably engage the respective ridges located on the tongue portions of the lower post clamp members;
panel support means, comprising a downwardly facing slot extending longitudinally the entire length of said top rail, which slot is opposed to a corresponding upwardly facing slot disposed in like manner in said bottom rail;
one or more panel sections, disposed between the top and bottom rail, which are supported and retained by the said panel support means.
2. An improved railing assembly according to claim 1 wherein the top rail has a generally asymmetrical and inverted U-shaped configuration providing:
a double-walled web portion with a curved upper surface and a planar undersurface;
a downwardly projecting front flange member extending adjacent the front longitudinal edge of said web portion, having a planar outer surface, which front flange member provides the said open channel and said panel support means, the rear surfaces thereof being in flush contact with the front surfaces of said post members;
a downwardly projecting rear flange member of shorter length than said front flange member and substantially parallel thereto, extending adjacent the rear longitudinal edge of said web portion, the lower terminal end of said rear flange member providing a horizontal lip extending inwardly close to the rear surfaces of said post members.
a double-walled web portion with a curved upper surface and a planar undersurface;
a downwardly projecting front flange member extending adjacent the front longitudinal edge of said web portion, having a planar outer surface, which front flange member provides the said open channel and said panel support means, the rear surfaces thereof being in flush contact with the front surfaces of said post members;
a downwardly projecting rear flange member of shorter length than said front flange member and substantially parallel thereto, extending adjacent the rear longitudinal edge of said web portion, the lower terminal end of said rear flange member providing a horizontal lip extending inwardly close to the rear surfaces of said post members.
3. An improved railing assembly according to claim 1 wherein the bottom rail has a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile and is substantially co-planar with the front flange member of the top rail, said bottom rail providing an open channel and panel support means as aforesaid, the rear surfaces thereof being in flush contact with the front surfaces of said post members.
4. An improved railing assembly according to claim 1 wherein the post members have a square or rectangular cross-sectional profile and the post clamp members provide a clamping portion of square or rectangular cross-sectional configuration.
5. An improved railing assembly according to any one of claims 2, 3 or 4 wherein the top rail, companion bottom rail, post clamp members and post members are in the form of one-piece aluminium extrusions.
6. An improved railing assembly according to any one of claims 2, 3 or 4 wherein the tongue portions of post clamp members provide locking means for securing the assembly of said post clamp members to the top and bottom rails.
7. An improved railing assembly comprising:
a plurality of supporting post members disposed at spaced apart intervals along the railing assembly;
a corresponding plurality of upper and lower post clamp members, which members provide a clamping portion having inner wall surfaces which closely conform to corresponding outer surfaces of said post members, said post clamp members being slidably mounted on said posts in an adjustable slip-fit manner and secured thereto by friction means, said post clamp members further providing an outwardly extending tongue portion comprising ridges disposed adjacent the entire top and bottom longitudinal edges thereof;
a corresponding plurality of mounting clamp members, which members provide a clamping portion having inner wall surfaces which closely conform to corresponding outer surfaces of said post members, said mounting clamp members being slidably mounted on said posts in an adjustable slip-fit manner and secured thereto by friction means, said mounting clamp members further providing a horizontally extending flange portion which is adapted to receive fastening means for mounting of said post members to a vertical surface;
an extended top rail, having an undersurface which abuts against the upper terminal ends of said post members, said top rail including a downwardly projecting flange member incorporating an open channel extending lengthwise the entire length thereof, which channel contains opposed upper and lower slotted tracks which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably and slidably engage said tongue portions of the upper post clamp members;
a companion bottom rail, likewise incorporating an open channel extending lengthwise the entire length thereof and containing opposed upper and lower slotted tracks which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably and slidably engage the respective ridges located on the tongue portions of the lower post clamp members;
panel support means, comprising a downwardly facing slot extending longitudinally the entire length of said top rail, which slot is opposed to a corresponding upwardly facing slot disposed in like manner in said bottom rail;
one or more panel sections, disposed between the top and bottom rail, which are supported and retained by the said panel support means.
a plurality of supporting post members disposed at spaced apart intervals along the railing assembly;
a corresponding plurality of upper and lower post clamp members, which members provide a clamping portion having inner wall surfaces which closely conform to corresponding outer surfaces of said post members, said post clamp members being slidably mounted on said posts in an adjustable slip-fit manner and secured thereto by friction means, said post clamp members further providing an outwardly extending tongue portion comprising ridges disposed adjacent the entire top and bottom longitudinal edges thereof;
a corresponding plurality of mounting clamp members, which members provide a clamping portion having inner wall surfaces which closely conform to corresponding outer surfaces of said post members, said mounting clamp members being slidably mounted on said posts in an adjustable slip-fit manner and secured thereto by friction means, said mounting clamp members further providing a horizontally extending flange portion which is adapted to receive fastening means for mounting of said post members to a vertical surface;
an extended top rail, having an undersurface which abuts against the upper terminal ends of said post members, said top rail including a downwardly projecting flange member incorporating an open channel extending lengthwise the entire length thereof, which channel contains opposed upper and lower slotted tracks which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably and slidably engage said tongue portions of the upper post clamp members;
a companion bottom rail, likewise incorporating an open channel extending lengthwise the entire length thereof and containing opposed upper and lower slotted tracks which provide a continuous slideway arranged to co-operably and slidably engage the respective ridges located on the tongue portions of the lower post clamp members;
panel support means, comprising a downwardly facing slot extending longitudinally the entire length of said top rail, which slot is opposed to a corresponding upwardly facing slot disposed in like manner in said bottom rail;
one or more panel sections, disposed between the top and bottom rail, which are supported and retained by the said panel support means.
8. An improved railing assembly according to claim 7 wherein the top rail has a generally asymmetrical and inverted U-shaped configuration providing:
a double-walled web portion with a curved upper surface and a planar undersurface;
a downwardly projecting front flange member extending adjacent the front longitudinal edge of said web portion, having a planar outer surface, which front flange member provides the said open channel, the rear surfaces thereof being in flush contact with the front surfaces of said post members;
a downwardly projecting rear flange member of shorter length than said front flange member and substantially parallel thereto, extending adjacent the rear longitudinal edge of said web portion, the lower terminal end of said-rear flange member providing a horizontal lip extending inwardly close to the rear surfaces of said post members.
a double-walled web portion with a curved upper surface and a planar undersurface;
a downwardly projecting front flange member extending adjacent the front longitudinal edge of said web portion, having a planar outer surface, which front flange member provides the said open channel, the rear surfaces thereof being in flush contact with the front surfaces of said post members;
a downwardly projecting rear flange member of shorter length than said front flange member and substantially parallel thereto, extending adjacent the rear longitudinal edge of said web portion, the lower terminal end of said-rear flange member providing a horizontal lip extending inwardly close to the rear surfaces of said post members.
9. An improved railing assembly according to claim 7 wherein the bottom rail has a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile and is substantially co-planar with the front flange member of the top rail, said bottom rail providing an open channel and panel support means as aforesaid, the rear surfaces thereof being in flush contact with the front surfaces of said post members.
10. An improved railing assembly according to claim 7 wherein the post members have a square or rectangular cross-sectional profile, and the post clamp members and lower mounting clamp members provide a clamping portion of square or rectangular cross-sectional configuration.
11. An improved railing assembly according to any one of claims 8, 9 or 10 wherein the top rail, companion bottom rail, post clamp members, mounting clamp members and post members are in the form of one-piece aluminium extrusions.
12. An improved railing assembly according to any one of claims 8, 9 or 10 wherein the tongue portions of post clamp members provide locking means for securing the assembly of said post clamp members to the top and bottom rails.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000579506A CA1307153C (en) | 1988-10-06 | 1988-10-06 | Hand railing assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000579506A CA1307153C (en) | 1988-10-06 | 1988-10-06 | Hand railing assembly |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1307153C true CA1307153C (en) | 1992-09-08 |
Family
ID=4138865
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000579506A Expired - Lifetime CA1307153C (en) | 1988-10-06 | 1988-10-06 | Hand railing assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1307153C (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2939461A1 (en) * | 2008-12-10 | 2010-06-11 | Lr Etanco Atel | Supporting base plate for railing system to secure terrace roof i.e. acroterion, of construction building, has two half-base plates functionally assembled according to junction surface i.e. longitudinal plane |
| EP2787144A1 (en) * | 2013-04-02 | 2014-10-08 | Alutec Oy | Lower profile for balcony railing |
| CN112502063A (en) * | 2020-12-09 | 2021-03-16 | 河南省予卓信息科技有限公司 | Convenient warning roadblock of setting up and stabilizing |
| FR3116291A1 (en) * | 2020-11-16 | 2022-05-20 | Dani Alu | Railing comprising a device for closing off a free space |
-
1988
- 1988-10-06 CA CA000579506A patent/CA1307153C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2939461A1 (en) * | 2008-12-10 | 2010-06-11 | Lr Etanco Atel | Supporting base plate for railing system to secure terrace roof i.e. acroterion, of construction building, has two half-base plates functionally assembled according to junction surface i.e. longitudinal plane |
| FR2939463A1 (en) * | 2008-12-10 | 2010-06-11 | Lr Etanco Atel | IMPROVED DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING A GUARD RAIL |
| EP2787144A1 (en) * | 2013-04-02 | 2014-10-08 | Alutec Oy | Lower profile for balcony railing |
| FR3116291A1 (en) * | 2020-11-16 | 2022-05-20 | Dani Alu | Railing comprising a device for closing off a free space |
| CN112502063A (en) * | 2020-12-09 | 2021-03-16 | 河南省予卓信息科技有限公司 | Convenient warning roadblock of setting up and stabilizing |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |