GB2408305A

GB2408305A - Mounting block for handrails

Info

Publication number: GB2408305A
Application number: GB0327121A
Authority: GB
Inventors: George Thomas Burnham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-11-21
Filing date: 2003-11-21
Publication date: 2005-05-25
Anticipated expiration: 2023-11-21
Also published as: GB2408305B; GB0327121D0

Abstract

A mounting block comprises a plastics block having holes through which fasteners such as screws, bolts or nails may pass to, in use, fix a handrail to a post. The mounting block may connect the handrail to the post at right angles or may be cut so that the handrail is fixed to the post at another angle.

Description

Handrail mount This invention relates to a handrail mount.

Handrails are an essential part of staircases, garden decking and bridges. Handrails are designed to support, guide and assist the user as well as to define boundaries of a footway and protect from falls. It is therefore essential that they are securely fixed in such a way as to have a surface free from damage and projections that might cause injury and decay.

Traditional methods of fixing handrails use nails or screws driven through the handrail into the post. These methods of fixing damage the exposed surfaces of the handrail and can cause decay and splitting.

Metal brackets, bolts, studs, washers and nuts are also used to fasten handrails to posts but these methods require complex drilling and cutting of the wood and work to conceal the fixings and protect the joints from the weather.

Wood joints and adhesives are used in some construction but are time consuming and expensive and do not allow for disassembly.

According to the present invention there is provided a handrail mount comprising a rectangular plastic block that is designed to fit into the spindle groove on the underside of proprietary handrail, one end of which can be cut at an angle if required, with preformed countersunk holes for screws to be driven into the underside of the handrail and the post.

This invention as supplied, can be used to join handrails fixed at right angles to the fixing post or it can be cut to allow rails to be joined to posts at any reasonable angle.

Several specified embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective the handrail mount which comprises a rectangular plastic block with countersunk screw holes both horizontal and vertical. The vertical screw holes are toward the countersunk end of the invention so that end B can be cut off at the required angle if required. The width and thickness of the mount allows it to fit within the groove that is machined in the underside of proprietary handrail.

Figure 2 illustrates a horizontal handrail being fixed at right angles to a vertical post.

Note the vertical screws are fixed first so the joint between handrail and post is closed as the horizontal screws are finally tightened.

Figure 3 illustrates a handrail being fixed at an angle to the horizontal as might be used on a staircase or steps. The angle of cut and length is marked on the handrail.

The handrail mount is then screwed into the groove of the handrail so that both the handrail and handrail mount are cut at the required angle. The mount can then be unscrewed from the handrail and used to guide the screws into the vertical post. Then the handrail can be screwed to the handrail mount and the screws into the post tightened to close the joint.

Fig 4 shows a handrail mount after it has been cut at a compound angle. In this application the handrail will be fixed at an angle in both the vertical and horizontal planes with reference to the posts.

Claims

Claims.

1 A handrail mount comprising a rectangular plastic block that is designed to fit into the spindle groove on the underside of the handrail, with preformed countersunk holes for screws to be driven into the underside of the handrail and post and can be used to mount handrails fixed at right angles to the fixing post or it can be cut at one end to allow rails to be mounted to posts at any reasonable angle.

2 A handrail mount as claimed in Claim 1 can be used to accurately position and guide the screws as they are driven into the post and handrail without the need for pilot holes to be drilled in the wood.

3 A handrail mount as claimed claim 1 and 2 can also be supported on the handrail whilst the handrail is being marked before being cut to length.

4 A handrail mount as claimed in Claim I or Claim 2 wherein the handrail mount can be screwed to the underside of the handrail and cut with the handrail at the required angle so that the handrail can be securely fixed at any reasonable simple or compound angle to the fixing post.

A handrail mount as described in any preceding claim, allows the user to easily dismantle the assembly for maintenance, repairs or alterations.

6 The handrail mount as described in any preceding claim enables handrails to be securely fixed to posts with no visible holes or fixings on the upper surface or sides of the handrail or post.

7 The handrail mount as described in any preceding claim enables the end of the rail to be drawn toward the post to ensure a close joint to exclude rain and dirt.

8 A handrail mount substantially as described herein with reference to figures I - 4 of the accompanying drawing.