CA2376692A1 - Railing apparatus with variable positionable rails - Google Patents
Railing apparatus with variable positionable rails Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2376692A1 CA2376692A1 CA002376692A CA2376692A CA2376692A1 CA 2376692 A1 CA2376692 A1 CA 2376692A1 CA 002376692 A CA002376692 A CA 002376692A CA 2376692 A CA2376692 A CA 2376692A CA 2376692 A1 CA2376692 A1 CA 2376692A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- rail
- post
- opening
- rails
- railing apparatus
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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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
- E04F11/1817—Connections therefor
- E04F11/1834—Connections therefor with adjustable angle, e.g. pivotal connections
-
- 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
- E04F11/1817—Connections therefor
-
- 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
- E04F11/1853—Glass 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
- E04F11/1817—Connections therefor
- E04F2011/1819—Connections therefor between balustrade posts and horizontal or sloping balustrade members
-
- 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
- E04F11/1817—Connections therefor
- E04F2011/1819—Connections therefor between balustrade posts and horizontal or sloping balustrade members
- E04F2011/1821—Connections therefor between balustrade posts and horizontal or sloping balustrade members between balustrade posts and handrails
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Bridges Or Land Bridges (AREA)
Abstract
An aluminum railing apparatus has a rail with an end. There is a post for supporting the rail. The post has a side and an opening in the side for receiving the end of the rail. The opening has a profile equivalent to a profile of the rail along a first plane.
The first plane is inclined with respect to a second plane. The second plane is transverse relative to the rail, whereby an end of the rail can be inserted through the opening so the rail is at an angle inclined with respect to a position of the rail perpendicular to the side of the post.
There is a securing device which secures the rail to the post at said angle.
The first plane is inclined with respect to a second plane. The second plane is transverse relative to the rail, whereby an end of the rail can be inserted through the opening so the rail is at an angle inclined with respect to a position of the rail perpendicular to the side of the post.
There is a securing device which secures the rail to the post at said angle.
Description
RAILING APPARATUS WITH VARIABLE POSITIONABLE RAILS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to railing apparatuses and, in particular, to railing apparatuses having rails which can be adjusted to different angular positions relative to the posts thereof.
The prior art reveals numerous different railing apparatuses for use in such applications as stairways, decks and balconies. Typically these apparatuses are shipped to a job site as a plurality of components which axe assembled and installed at the required location.
One factor which increases the cost of such railing systems is the necessity to accommodate different configurations of components. In some cases the number of separate components is multiplied because different components are required for different installation situations. For example, the most common installation is one where the rails are perpendicular to the posts and are aligned with each other in a common direction.
Alternatively corner posts receive rails at right angles to each other.
Different posts or different fittings are then required for rails used on stairs where the rails are angled with respect to the posts. Different posts or different fittings again are required for situations where the rails connect to the posts at non-perpendicular angles in a horizontal plane.
Meeting all of these requirements means a larger number of components have to be produced or customized for different installations.
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved railing apparatus where a reduced number of components can be utilized for different installation conditions.
It is also an object of the invention to provide an improved railing apparatus where a single type of post can receive rails projecting at different angles with respect to the post.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to railing apparatuses and, in particular, to railing apparatuses having rails which can be adjusted to different angular positions relative to the posts thereof.
The prior art reveals numerous different railing apparatuses for use in such applications as stairways, decks and balconies. Typically these apparatuses are shipped to a job site as a plurality of components which axe assembled and installed at the required location.
One factor which increases the cost of such railing systems is the necessity to accommodate different configurations of components. In some cases the number of separate components is multiplied because different components are required for different installation situations. For example, the most common installation is one where the rails are perpendicular to the posts and are aligned with each other in a common direction.
Alternatively corner posts receive rails at right angles to each other.
Different posts or different fittings are then required for rails used on stairs where the rails are angled with respect to the posts. Different posts or different fittings again are required for situations where the rails connect to the posts at non-perpendicular angles in a horizontal plane.
Meeting all of these requirements means a larger number of components have to be produced or customized for different installations.
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved railing apparatus where a reduced number of components can be utilized for different installation conditions.
It is also an object of the invention to provide an improved railing apparatus where a single type of post can receive rails projecting at different angles with respect to the post.
It is a further object to the invention to provide an improved railing apparatus which is economical to produce and sell and provides a rugged and long-lasting installation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, there is provided an aluminum railing apparatus having a rail with an end. There is a post for supporting the rail, The post has a side and an opening in the side for receiving the end of the rail. The opening has a profile equivalent to a profile of the rail along a first plane. The first plane is inclined with respect to a second plane. The second plane is transverse relative to the rail, whereby an end of the rail can be inserted through the opening so the rail is at an angle inclined with respect to a position of the rail perpendicular to the side of the post. There is a securing device which secures the rail to the post at said angle.
In one embodiment, the rail is a top rail. The railing apparatus also includes a bottom rail. The side of the post includes a lower opening for receiving the end of the bottom rail. The lower opening has a profile the equivalent to a profile of the bottom rail along a second plane. The second plane is inclined with respect to a third plane. The third plane is transverse relative to the bottom rail. An end of the bottom rail can be inserted through the lower opening so the bottom rail is at said angle. There is a securing device which secures the end of the bottom rail to the post at said angle.
The invention offers significant advantages compared to the prior art. It allows a single type of post, rail and securing device to be utilized in different installation situations where the rail projects at different angles from the post. At the same time, the connection of the post to the rail is quite simple, whereby the rails fit in precut openings in the post, within a range of different angular positions, and are then secured by the securing device.
The manufacturer accordingly does not have to provide different types of posts, railings or securing devices for each of the different angular positions within this range. This means that the number of components to be stocked and shipped is significantly reduced.
For the manufacturer this reduces overhead and manufacturing costs. For the installer it means simplified ordering procedures since fewer customized components are required.
It is less likely that the job will be held up because of the shortage of certain types of components because components according to the invention are adaptable to a number of different installation situations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a railing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is exploded isometric view thereof;
Figure 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary exploded view of a center post therefor and portions of the rails and other components connected thereto;
Figure 4 is a top plan, diagrammatic view of the post thereof and rails connected to the post at different angular positions;
Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3 for an end post thereof;
Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 4 for the post of Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 3 for a post at the top of a stairway which connects two aligned horizontal rails;
Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 4 for the post of Figure 7;
Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 3 for a corner post;
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, there is provided an aluminum railing apparatus having a rail with an end. There is a post for supporting the rail, The post has a side and an opening in the side for receiving the end of the rail. The opening has a profile equivalent to a profile of the rail along a first plane. The first plane is inclined with respect to a second plane. The second plane is transverse relative to the rail, whereby an end of the rail can be inserted through the opening so the rail is at an angle inclined with respect to a position of the rail perpendicular to the side of the post. There is a securing device which secures the rail to the post at said angle.
In one embodiment, the rail is a top rail. The railing apparatus also includes a bottom rail. The side of the post includes a lower opening for receiving the end of the bottom rail. The lower opening has a profile the equivalent to a profile of the bottom rail along a second plane. The second plane is inclined with respect to a third plane. The third plane is transverse relative to the bottom rail. An end of the bottom rail can be inserted through the lower opening so the bottom rail is at said angle. There is a securing device which secures the end of the bottom rail to the post at said angle.
The invention offers significant advantages compared to the prior art. It allows a single type of post, rail and securing device to be utilized in different installation situations where the rail projects at different angles from the post. At the same time, the connection of the post to the rail is quite simple, whereby the rails fit in precut openings in the post, within a range of different angular positions, and are then secured by the securing device.
The manufacturer accordingly does not have to provide different types of posts, railings or securing devices for each of the different angular positions within this range. This means that the number of components to be stocked and shipped is significantly reduced.
For the manufacturer this reduces overhead and manufacturing costs. For the installer it means simplified ordering procedures since fewer customized components are required.
It is less likely that the job will be held up because of the shortage of certain types of components because components according to the invention are adaptable to a number of different installation situations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a railing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is exploded isometric view thereof;
Figure 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary exploded view of a center post therefor and portions of the rails and other components connected thereto;
Figure 4 is a top plan, diagrammatic view of the post thereof and rails connected to the post at different angular positions;
Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3 for an end post thereof;
Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 4 for the post of Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 3 for a post at the top of a stairway which connects two aligned horizontal rails;
Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 4 for the post of Figure 7;
Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 3 for a corner post;
Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 4 for the post of Figure 9;
Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 7 for a stand-alone post at the top of a stairway; and Figure 12 is a diagrammatic inside elevation showing the connection of a rail thereof to the post at different angles of inclination;
Figure 13 is enlarged, fragmentary sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 1 showing a picket assembly; and Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 13, showing the glass panel assembly;
Figure 15 is a front view of the cutout in the post for the top rail and the top rail of Figure 7;
Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure i 5 for a straight top post cutout and the top rail;
Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 16 for a 22.5 degree top post cutout and the top rail;
Figure 18 is a view similar to Figure 16 for a straight bottom post cutout and the bottom rail;
Figure 19 is a view similar to Figure 18 for a 22.5 degree bottom post cutout and the bottom rail;
Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure 15 showing the opening in the post only;
Figure 21 is a view similar to Figure 18, but showing the opening only for use on stairs as in Figure 7; and Figure 22 is a view similar to Figure 21, but showing the cutout only for a straight bottom post.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIlVIENTS
Referring to the drawings and first to Figure l, this shows a railing apparatus 20 according to an embodiment of the invention. The railing apparatus includes two end posts 22 and 24, a corner post 26, first top rail 28, a second top rail 30, first bottom rail 32 and a second bottom rail 34. A plurality of pickets 36 extend between the top rail 28 and bottom rail 32. The pickets could be of other sizes, shapes and configurations than those illustrated. A glass panel 40 extends between the top rail 30 and bottom rail 34.
Typically either pickets or similar panels would be used throughout the same installation, but for illustrative purposes this example has both a glass panel and pickets.
Each of the posts is equipped with a top cap 42 and a mounting plate 44 at the bottom thereof. Each of the mounting plates has a plurality of apertures 46 for securing the railing apparatus to a surface such as a wooden deck or a concrete pad. Typically screws, bolts or studs project through the apertures and are fitted with compatible nuts.
More of the details of the invention are apparent in Figure 2 which is an exploded view of the apparatus of Figure 1. The rails project through openings in each of the posts. For example, end 50 of top rail 30 projects through opening 52 of post 26.
Likewise end 54 of top rail 28 projects through opening 56 of the same post. End 60 of bottom rail 34 projects through opening 62 in the post and end 64 of bottom rail 32 projects through opening 66. It may be observed that the openings in the posts are shaped similar to the profiles of the rails as may be seen by comparing end 68 of rail 30 with opening 52 and comparing end 70 of rail 34 with opening 62. However, as will be explained in more detail below, the openings have increased dimensions to permit the rails to be positioned at different angles other than completely perpendicular to sides 72 and 74 of post 26 as illustrated. In brief, the opening in the post has a profile similar to the transverse exterior profile of the rail, but is enlarged relative to the profile of the rail so one end of the rail can be inserted through the opening and the rail is at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the post.
The posts are hollow in this example, having a space therein which is rectangular in section as may be observed by the hollow interior 80 of post 26. The term "rectangular"
is used herein in the broader sense to include a space which is square in section as may be observed in the illustrated embodiment. There is a device for securing the end of each rail to the appropriate post. For example, the securing device is in the form of a plate 82 which fits within post 26 and secures end 54 of rail 28 and end 50 of rail 30.
In this example the plate 82 is square in section and fits closely inside the post 26.
A plurality of screws 86 extend through apertures 88 in the plate and into the ends of the rails. U-shaped clips 90 are connected to the bottom rails by screws 92. They butt against raised edge 63 on the post to properly locate the bottom rails.
A variation of the invention shown in Figure 3 wherein like parts have like numbers as the previous embodiment with the additional designation ".1 ". In this case post 94 receives top rails 28.1 and 30:1 which are aligned in a linear manner. Bottom rails 32.1 and 34.1 are similarly aligned. However, as seen in Figure 4, the rails may be angled at different positions compared to the position 180 degrees apart as illustrated in Figure 3.
The minimum angle of 150 degrees is illustrated by the positions of the rails illustrated in broken lines at 96 and 98. The maximum angle of 210 degrees is illustrated in broken lines at 100 and 102.
The profile of each of the openings is generally similar to the profiles of the rails. This may be observed by comparing the profiles of rails 28.1 and 32.1 with the openings 52.1 and 62.1. However the openings are actually wider than the rails to accommodate the angular displacements apparent in Figure 4. The actual width of each of the rails and the openings varies from top to bottom as may be observed. However Figure 4 shows a typical section. Opening 54.I has opposite sides 106 and 108. A first plane 110 through the rail is inclined with respect to a second plane 112 through the square end of the rail.
The second plane is accordingly transverse relative to the longitudinal direction of the _7_ rail. It may be seen that the width of the opening between sides 106 and 108 is substantially the same as the width of the rail taken along the first plane.
In fact the opening is slightly wider than the rail at this point to allow insertion of the rail through the opening, but the dimensions are substantially the same. Likewise the width of the opening is equivalent to the width of the rail, taken along plane 110 at different vertical positions along the rail and the opening. Thus the opening has a profile equivalent to a profile of the rail along the first plane 110 which allows the rail to be inserted at an inclined angle, as represented by the position shown in broken lines in Figure 4, relative to the position of the rail perpendicular to side 113 of the post. Although described above in relation to top rail 30.1, the same relationship applies between bottom rail 34.1 and opening 62.1 as well as the corresponding top and bottom rails and openings on the opposite side of the post.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate an end post 116 with openings 52.2 and 62,2. In this example the same numbers are used for similar components as in the previous embodiments with the additional designation ".2". The relationship between the profiles of rails 30.2 and 34.2 and the openings is the same as described above for the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4. However this is an end post so there is no opening on the side opposite openings 52.2 and 62.2. As illustrated in Figure 6, the rails are adjustable from 75 degrees to 105 degrees relative to side 113.2 of post 116.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a center post 120 which is generally similar to post 94 of Figure 3. In this example the same numbers are used for similar components as in the previous embodiments with the additional designation ".3". However, as illustrated in Figure 8, the post is configured to allow a wider degree of angular displacement of the rails in horizontal plane between 129 degrees and 23I degrees. This is accomplished by making the openings 52.3 and 62:3 wider at corresponding positions than the openings 52.1 and 62.1 in Figure 3.
However there is a further difference due to the fact that rails 30.3 and 34.3 are inclined downwardly from left to right, from the point of view of Figure 7, for use on a stairway _g_ for example with post 120 at the top of the stairway. Accordingly, in this example the first plane is represented by a plane through end 124 of the rail 30.3 which is inclined with respect to a second plane which is transverse relative to the rail as represented, for example, by the square end 126 of rail 20.3. Again the profile of opening 52.3 appears similar to the profile at end 126 of the rail 28.3, but is actually higher to accommodate the angular displacement of the rail. Correspondingly opening 62.3 is higher than the profile of rail 34.3 when viewed directly on the end thereof.
Figures 9 and 10 show on alternative corner post similar to post 26 of Figure 1. In this example the same numbers are used for similar components as in the previous embodiments with the additional designation ".4". The post 24.1 has openings 52.4 and 62.4 for rails 30.4 and 34:4. It also has openings 56.4 and 66.4 for rails 28.4 and 32.4. In this example, as seen in Figure 10, the openings are sufficiently wide to provide for an angular displacement of the rails 28.4 and 30.4, as well as the corresponding bottom rails, between 60 degrees and 120 degrees.
Figures 11 and 12 show a post 130 which is similar to the post 120 of Figures 7 and 8. In this example the same numbers are used for similar components as in the previous embodiments with the additional designation ".5". However in this example the post 130 is an end post and accordingly only has openings 52.4 and 62.4 for a pair of rails 30.5 and 34.5. Figure 12 illustrates how opening 52.4 is elongated vertically in order to accommodate rail 30.4 at angles between 35 degrees and 39 degrees to the horizontal as represented by line 134.
Referring back to Figure 2, it should be understood that in some embodiments the structure would be complete with only the top rails 28 and 30 and without the bottom rails 32 and 34 or the structures in between. However optionally, as illustrated in Figure 2, there are bottom rails 32 and 34 as well as pickets 36 and/or glass panel 40.
In this example each of the pickets 36 has a top 150 and a bottom 152. The tops are connected to a top elongated member 154, while the bottoms are connected to a bottom elongated member 156. These are shown better in Figure 13. The top rails have a downwardly facing channel 160 including slots 162 and 164. The top elongated member 154 has flanges 166 and 168, shown in Figure 2, which fit into the slots of the downwardly facing channel. The member 154 also has a pair of shorter flanges 155 and 157 located inwardly with respect to flanges 166 and 168. These flanges each have a groove 159 which engages lip 161ofthe rail. Similarly the bottom elongated member fits within slots 170 and 172 in the upwardly facing channel 174 of the bottom rail and connects to the bottom rail in the same way as the member 154 engages the top rail.
There is a support 173 having a base 175, flange 177 and a top channel 179 which connects to the bottom of the bottom rail midway between posts. The channel 179 is similar to the top elongated member 154 described above and has flanges 181 which lock onto lips 183 of the bottom rail on each side thereof.
Glass panel 40 fits within channels 174 and 176 of top elongated member 178 and bottom elongated member 180 as shown in Figures 2 and 9, In this embodiment these are vinyl extrusions and are shown better in Figure 14. Blade-like members 181 are of rubber in this example. Resilient spacers 182, of compressed rubber in this example, are fitted between the bottom of the panel and the channel 176 of member 180.
Details of the openings in various posts are shown in Figures 15-22. In all cases clearances are provided between the profile of the rail, as it intersects the post, and the opening in the post. In the preferred embodiments this clearance is 3/64"
although it could vary in alternative embodiments.
It will be understood by someone skilled in the art that many of the details provided above are by way of example only and can be deleted or modified without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 7 for a stand-alone post at the top of a stairway; and Figure 12 is a diagrammatic inside elevation showing the connection of a rail thereof to the post at different angles of inclination;
Figure 13 is enlarged, fragmentary sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 1 showing a picket assembly; and Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 13, showing the glass panel assembly;
Figure 15 is a front view of the cutout in the post for the top rail and the top rail of Figure 7;
Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure i 5 for a straight top post cutout and the top rail;
Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 16 for a 22.5 degree top post cutout and the top rail;
Figure 18 is a view similar to Figure 16 for a straight bottom post cutout and the bottom rail;
Figure 19 is a view similar to Figure 18 for a 22.5 degree bottom post cutout and the bottom rail;
Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure 15 showing the opening in the post only;
Figure 21 is a view similar to Figure 18, but showing the opening only for use on stairs as in Figure 7; and Figure 22 is a view similar to Figure 21, but showing the cutout only for a straight bottom post.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIlVIENTS
Referring to the drawings and first to Figure l, this shows a railing apparatus 20 according to an embodiment of the invention. The railing apparatus includes two end posts 22 and 24, a corner post 26, first top rail 28, a second top rail 30, first bottom rail 32 and a second bottom rail 34. A plurality of pickets 36 extend between the top rail 28 and bottom rail 32. The pickets could be of other sizes, shapes and configurations than those illustrated. A glass panel 40 extends between the top rail 30 and bottom rail 34.
Typically either pickets or similar panels would be used throughout the same installation, but for illustrative purposes this example has both a glass panel and pickets.
Each of the posts is equipped with a top cap 42 and a mounting plate 44 at the bottom thereof. Each of the mounting plates has a plurality of apertures 46 for securing the railing apparatus to a surface such as a wooden deck or a concrete pad. Typically screws, bolts or studs project through the apertures and are fitted with compatible nuts.
More of the details of the invention are apparent in Figure 2 which is an exploded view of the apparatus of Figure 1. The rails project through openings in each of the posts. For example, end 50 of top rail 30 projects through opening 52 of post 26.
Likewise end 54 of top rail 28 projects through opening 56 of the same post. End 60 of bottom rail 34 projects through opening 62 in the post and end 64 of bottom rail 32 projects through opening 66. It may be observed that the openings in the posts are shaped similar to the profiles of the rails as may be seen by comparing end 68 of rail 30 with opening 52 and comparing end 70 of rail 34 with opening 62. However, as will be explained in more detail below, the openings have increased dimensions to permit the rails to be positioned at different angles other than completely perpendicular to sides 72 and 74 of post 26 as illustrated. In brief, the opening in the post has a profile similar to the transverse exterior profile of the rail, but is enlarged relative to the profile of the rail so one end of the rail can be inserted through the opening and the rail is at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the post.
The posts are hollow in this example, having a space therein which is rectangular in section as may be observed by the hollow interior 80 of post 26. The term "rectangular"
is used herein in the broader sense to include a space which is square in section as may be observed in the illustrated embodiment. There is a device for securing the end of each rail to the appropriate post. For example, the securing device is in the form of a plate 82 which fits within post 26 and secures end 54 of rail 28 and end 50 of rail 30.
In this example the plate 82 is square in section and fits closely inside the post 26.
A plurality of screws 86 extend through apertures 88 in the plate and into the ends of the rails. U-shaped clips 90 are connected to the bottom rails by screws 92. They butt against raised edge 63 on the post to properly locate the bottom rails.
A variation of the invention shown in Figure 3 wherein like parts have like numbers as the previous embodiment with the additional designation ".1 ". In this case post 94 receives top rails 28.1 and 30:1 which are aligned in a linear manner. Bottom rails 32.1 and 34.1 are similarly aligned. However, as seen in Figure 4, the rails may be angled at different positions compared to the position 180 degrees apart as illustrated in Figure 3.
The minimum angle of 150 degrees is illustrated by the positions of the rails illustrated in broken lines at 96 and 98. The maximum angle of 210 degrees is illustrated in broken lines at 100 and 102.
The profile of each of the openings is generally similar to the profiles of the rails. This may be observed by comparing the profiles of rails 28.1 and 32.1 with the openings 52.1 and 62.1. However the openings are actually wider than the rails to accommodate the angular displacements apparent in Figure 4. The actual width of each of the rails and the openings varies from top to bottom as may be observed. However Figure 4 shows a typical section. Opening 54.I has opposite sides 106 and 108. A first plane 110 through the rail is inclined with respect to a second plane 112 through the square end of the rail.
The second plane is accordingly transverse relative to the longitudinal direction of the _7_ rail. It may be seen that the width of the opening between sides 106 and 108 is substantially the same as the width of the rail taken along the first plane.
In fact the opening is slightly wider than the rail at this point to allow insertion of the rail through the opening, but the dimensions are substantially the same. Likewise the width of the opening is equivalent to the width of the rail, taken along plane 110 at different vertical positions along the rail and the opening. Thus the opening has a profile equivalent to a profile of the rail along the first plane 110 which allows the rail to be inserted at an inclined angle, as represented by the position shown in broken lines in Figure 4, relative to the position of the rail perpendicular to side 113 of the post. Although described above in relation to top rail 30.1, the same relationship applies between bottom rail 34.1 and opening 62.1 as well as the corresponding top and bottom rails and openings on the opposite side of the post.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate an end post 116 with openings 52.2 and 62,2. In this example the same numbers are used for similar components as in the previous embodiments with the additional designation ".2". The relationship between the profiles of rails 30.2 and 34.2 and the openings is the same as described above for the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4. However this is an end post so there is no opening on the side opposite openings 52.2 and 62.2. As illustrated in Figure 6, the rails are adjustable from 75 degrees to 105 degrees relative to side 113.2 of post 116.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a center post 120 which is generally similar to post 94 of Figure 3. In this example the same numbers are used for similar components as in the previous embodiments with the additional designation ".3". However, as illustrated in Figure 8, the post is configured to allow a wider degree of angular displacement of the rails in horizontal plane between 129 degrees and 23I degrees. This is accomplished by making the openings 52.3 and 62:3 wider at corresponding positions than the openings 52.1 and 62.1 in Figure 3.
However there is a further difference due to the fact that rails 30.3 and 34.3 are inclined downwardly from left to right, from the point of view of Figure 7, for use on a stairway _g_ for example with post 120 at the top of the stairway. Accordingly, in this example the first plane is represented by a plane through end 124 of the rail 30.3 which is inclined with respect to a second plane which is transverse relative to the rail as represented, for example, by the square end 126 of rail 20.3. Again the profile of opening 52.3 appears similar to the profile at end 126 of the rail 28.3, but is actually higher to accommodate the angular displacement of the rail. Correspondingly opening 62.3 is higher than the profile of rail 34.3 when viewed directly on the end thereof.
Figures 9 and 10 show on alternative corner post similar to post 26 of Figure 1. In this example the same numbers are used for similar components as in the previous embodiments with the additional designation ".4". The post 24.1 has openings 52.4 and 62.4 for rails 30.4 and 34:4. It also has openings 56.4 and 66.4 for rails 28.4 and 32.4. In this example, as seen in Figure 10, the openings are sufficiently wide to provide for an angular displacement of the rails 28.4 and 30.4, as well as the corresponding bottom rails, between 60 degrees and 120 degrees.
Figures 11 and 12 show a post 130 which is similar to the post 120 of Figures 7 and 8. In this example the same numbers are used for similar components as in the previous embodiments with the additional designation ".5". However in this example the post 130 is an end post and accordingly only has openings 52.4 and 62.4 for a pair of rails 30.5 and 34.5. Figure 12 illustrates how opening 52.4 is elongated vertically in order to accommodate rail 30.4 at angles between 35 degrees and 39 degrees to the horizontal as represented by line 134.
Referring back to Figure 2, it should be understood that in some embodiments the structure would be complete with only the top rails 28 and 30 and without the bottom rails 32 and 34 or the structures in between. However optionally, as illustrated in Figure 2, there are bottom rails 32 and 34 as well as pickets 36 and/or glass panel 40.
In this example each of the pickets 36 has a top 150 and a bottom 152. The tops are connected to a top elongated member 154, while the bottoms are connected to a bottom elongated member 156. These are shown better in Figure 13. The top rails have a downwardly facing channel 160 including slots 162 and 164. The top elongated member 154 has flanges 166 and 168, shown in Figure 2, which fit into the slots of the downwardly facing channel. The member 154 also has a pair of shorter flanges 155 and 157 located inwardly with respect to flanges 166 and 168. These flanges each have a groove 159 which engages lip 161ofthe rail. Similarly the bottom elongated member fits within slots 170 and 172 in the upwardly facing channel 174 of the bottom rail and connects to the bottom rail in the same way as the member 154 engages the top rail.
There is a support 173 having a base 175, flange 177 and a top channel 179 which connects to the bottom of the bottom rail midway between posts. The channel 179 is similar to the top elongated member 154 described above and has flanges 181 which lock onto lips 183 of the bottom rail on each side thereof.
Glass panel 40 fits within channels 174 and 176 of top elongated member 178 and bottom elongated member 180 as shown in Figures 2 and 9, In this embodiment these are vinyl extrusions and are shown better in Figure 14. Blade-like members 181 are of rubber in this example. Resilient spacers 182, of compressed rubber in this example, are fitted between the bottom of the panel and the channel 176 of member 180.
Details of the openings in various posts are shown in Figures 15-22. In all cases clearances are provided between the profile of the rail, as it intersects the post, and the opening in the post. In the preferred embodiments this clearance is 3/64"
although it could vary in alternative embodiments.
It will be understood by someone skilled in the art that many of the details provided above are by way of example only and can be deleted or modified without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
Claims (16)
1. An aluminum railing apparatus comprising:
a rail having an end;
a post for supporting the rail, the post having a side and an opening in the side for receiving the end of the rail, the opening having a profile equivalent to a profile of the rail along a first plane, the first plane being inclined with respect to a second plane, the second plane being transverse relative to the rail, whereby an end of the rail can be inserted through the opening so the rail is at an angle inclined with respect to a position of the rail perpendicular to the side of the post; and a securing device which secures said end of the rail to the post at said angle.
a rail having an end;
a post for supporting the rail, the post having a side and an opening in the side for receiving the end of the rail, the opening having a profile equivalent to a profile of the rail along a first plane, the first plane being inclined with respect to a second plane, the second plane being transverse relative to the rail, whereby an end of the rail can be inserted through the opening so the rail is at an angle inclined with respect to a position of the rail perpendicular to the side of the post; and a securing device which secures said end of the rail to the post at said angle.
2. The railing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rail can be secured by the securing device through a range of angles which are inclined with respect to said position of the rail perpendicular to the post.
3. The railing apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the post has a hollow interior and the securing device includes a member receivable in the hollow interior and a fastener for securing the member to the rail.
4. The railing apparatus has claimed in claim 3, wherein the hollow interior has a rectangular cross-section and the member is rectangular and closely fits the hollow interior.
5. The railing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the post has a longitudinal axis and the opening and the rail each have a width, the width of the opening being greater than the width of the rail, whereby the rail can be positioned at different rotational positions about the axis of the post.
6. The railing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the post has a longitudinal axis and the post and the rail each have a height, the height of the opening being greater than the height of the rail, whereby the rail can be positioned at angles non-perpendicular to the axis of the post.
7. The railing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rail is a top rail, the railing apparatus including a bottom rail with an end, the side of the post including a lower opening for receiving the end of the bottom rail, the lower opening having a profile equivalent to a profile of the bottom rail along a second plane, the second plane being inclined with respect to a third plane, the third plane being transverse relative to the bottom rail, whereby an end of the bottom rail can be inserted through the lower opening so the bottom rail is at said angle, and a securing device which secures the end of the bottom rail to the post at said angle.
8. The railing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the rails can be secured by the securing device through a range of angles which are inclined with respect to said position of the rails perpendicular to the post.
9. The railing apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the post has a hollow interior and the securing device includes a member receivable in the hollow interior and a fastener for securing the member to the top rail.
10. The railing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the post has a longitudinal axis and the openings and the rails each have a width, the width of the opening being greater than the width of the rails, whereby the rails can be positioned at different rotational positions about the axis of the post.
11. The railing apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the post has a longitudinal axis and the post and the rails each have a height, the height of the opening being greater than the height of the rails, whereby the rails can be positioned at angles non-perpendicular to the axis of the post.
12. The railing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, including at least one vertically extending member fitted between the top rail and the bottom rail.
13. The railing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, including a panel extending vertically between the top rail and the bottom rail, the top rail having a downwardly facing channel for receiving the panel and the bottom rail having an upwardly facing channel for receiving the panel.
14. The railing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, including a plurality of pickets extending between the top rail and the bottom rail, the top rail having a downwardly facing channel for receiving the pickets and the bottom rail having an upwardly facing channel for receiving the pickets.
15. The railing apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the pickets have tops and bottoms, the tops of the pickets being connected to a top elongated member and the bottoms of the pickets being connected to a bottom elongated member, the top elongated member fitting in the downwardly facing channel and the bottom elongated member fitting in the upwardly facing channel.
16. An aluminum railing apparatus comprising:
a rail having an end, the rail having a transverse exterior profile;
a post for supporting the rail, the post having a side and an opening in the side for receiving the end of the rail, the opening having a profile similar to the profile of the rail, but being enlarged relative to the profile of the rail, whereby an end of the rail can be inserted through the opening so the rail is at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the post; and a securing device which secures said end of the rail to the post at said angle.
a rail having an end, the rail having a transverse exterior profile;
a post for supporting the rail, the post having a side and an opening in the side for receiving the end of the rail, the opening having a profile similar to the profile of the rail, but being enlarged relative to the profile of the rail, whereby an end of the rail can be inserted through the opening so the rail is at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the post; and a securing device which secures said end of the rail to the post at said angle.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002376692A CA2376692A1 (en) | 2002-03-13 | 2002-03-13 | Railing apparatus with variable positionable rails |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002376692A CA2376692A1 (en) | 2002-03-13 | 2002-03-13 | Railing apparatus with variable positionable rails |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2376692A1 true CA2376692A1 (en) | 2003-09-13 |
Family
ID=27810577
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002376692A Abandoned CA2376692A1 (en) | 2002-03-13 | 2002-03-13 | Railing apparatus with variable positionable rails |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2376692A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11180921B2 (en) * | 2018-03-02 | 2021-11-23 | eGlass, LLC | Hidden fastener railing system |
| US20220220764A1 (en) * | 2019-04-23 | 2022-07-14 | Raily S.R.L. | Modular railing suitable for variable installation slopes |
-
2002
- 2002-03-13 CA CA002376692A patent/CA2376692A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11180921B2 (en) * | 2018-03-02 | 2021-11-23 | eGlass, LLC | Hidden fastener railing system |
| US20220220764A1 (en) * | 2019-04-23 | 2022-07-14 | Raily S.R.L. | Modular railing suitable for variable installation slopes |
| US11851905B2 (en) * | 2019-04-23 | 2023-12-26 | Raily S.R.L. | Modular railing suitable for variable installation slopes |
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