GB2435480A

GB2435480A - Connector between rail and support for deck balustrading

Info

Publication number: GB2435480A
Application number: GB0603638A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Jones; Paul Hughes
Original assignee: Richard Burbidge Ltd
Current assignee: Richard Burbidge Ltd
Priority date: 2006-02-23
Filing date: 2006-02-23
Publication date: 2007-08-29
Also published as: GB0603638D0

Abstract

A connector 1 has a body part 2 for connection to the outer surface of a rail 20 and an extension part 5 which is securable to a support 10 for connection of the rail and support. The body may be apertured 8 through which fixing means 30 may extend to secure the body to the rail, the extension preferably also has apertures 7 for securing the piece inside the support. The connector may comprise a length of twisted material. In use the extension of a first connector is preferably located inside a support such as a newel post, a second connector is then similarly positioned in a second support post. The outer surface of a length of handrail is then preferably engaged with the connectors.

Description

Agent ref: P5232GB

CONNECTORS

This invention relates to connectors and specifically to connectors for use with balustrading. In particular, although not exclusively, the connectors of the invention may find utility in the field of balustrading for decks or decking which are commonly used in gardens.

It is well known that decks may be installed in gardens and other outdoor areas to provide an area for use in congregation, displaying plants or flowers, or to provide a convenient entrance point. S... S. * * . . * S.

It is known that balustrading may be placed around such decks. * S * S * *. S.

In one conventional balustrading system a newel post is installed at an appropriate I... * S *...

location, a hole is drilled into the post and a tapped part is inserted into the hole. One end of a length of handrail is drilled to provide an aperture, the terminal end of which communicating with an access aperture drilled or bored into either the underside or one side of the rail. A balustrade bolt is secured into the tapped part located in the newel post and the protruding part of the bolt is inserted into the hole in the rail so that the free end of the bolt is visible through the access aperture. A nut and washer are inserted over the bolt to secure the assembly using a spanner which can work the nut through the access aperture.

Typical examples of such a system are shown in Figures 1A and lB where 100A and 100B are the newel posts, lOlA, B designate the tapped part, 102A, B designates the balustrade bolt, 103A, B designates the access aperture and 104A, B designates the rail.

As will be appreciated, because the bolt 102A, B extends into the rail 104A, B it is impossible to fit the rail 104A, B between two pre-installed and fixed newel posts 100A, B or other supports.

In this prior art example it is usual to fabricate a section, comprising a pair of newel posts 100A, B and at least one (though usually two) rails 104A, B, therebetween, on the ground and then lift the section into place. This is a cumbersome operation which can require more than one installer. Also the levelling of a section can be problematic. S...

Subsequent sections must be similarly fabricated on the ground although these sections will comprise a single newel post or other support, the section being fitted to one of the already installed posts 100A, B. *:.*.

For the sake of ease of installation and/or to at least partially mitigate one or more of the above-identified problems it is desirous to provide an alternative solution. The current invention provides such a solution.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a connector for the connection of a rail to a support, the connector having a body and an extension, the body having a surface to engage an outer surface of a rail and the extension being securable to, e.g. locatable within a, support for connecting the rail to said support.

A second aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts, the kit comprising a connector as previously described and securing means engageable with said extension to secure said extension within a support.

A further aspect of the invention provides a method of connecting a rail to a support, the method comprising locating an extension part of a connector in a support and engaging an outer surface of a rail with a surface of a body of a connector.

Preferably the surface of the connector is shaped, at least in part, to correspond to the outer surface of the rail.

The body of the connector may comprise through holes through which fixing means, e.g. screws, may extend to secure, in use, a rail to the body. * * S...

Preferably the extension may comprise an aperture through which fixing means may extend to secure the extension within a support. * S * S* I. $5

The surface of the body and the extension may have major surfaces which are anti 5..

parallel to one another. :;:; In one embodiment the connector may comprise a length of material which is twisted or bent at a position intermediate its two ends.

In another embodiment the body of the connector may comprise a channel section.

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1A and 1 B show prior art connecting arrangements.

Figure 2A is a perspective view of a first connector of the invention.

Figure 2B is plan view of the connector of Figure 2A.

Figure 20 is a side elevation of the connector of Figure 2A.

Figure 2D is an end elevation of the connector of Figure 2A.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an installation of the connector of Figure 2A.

Figure 4A is a perspective view of a second connector of the invention.

Figure 4B is plan view of the connector of Figure 4A.

Figure 4C is a side elevation of the connector of Figure 4A.

Figure 4D is an end elevation of the connector of Figure 4A.

Referring to Figures 1A and lB there is shown a known way of connecting a rail 104A, B to a newel post 100A, B, using a baluster bolt 102A, B which is screwed into a *1I* tapped part lOlA, B which has been previously secured in the newel post 100A, B. Turning to Figures 2A to 2D, there is shown a connector 1 having a body 2 providing a surface 3 for supporting a length of rail as will be described below. S... I...

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The connector 1 has an extension portion 5 which is joined to the body 2 by a twisted or bent part 6.

A series of countersunk holes 7 extend through the body 2 and a plain hole 8 extends through the extension portion 5.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a pair of connectors 1, a newel post 10, a length of rail 20, two grub screws 30 and a pair of cover caps 40.

To install a length of rail 20 and secure the same to a newel post 10, the post 10 is first installed in its intended location, which may be done by concreting the post 10 into place or otherwise securing it to a substrate, such as timber joists.

A hole 11 is drilled through the post 10 from one face 12A to an opposite face 12B thereof. A pair of further apertures 1 3A, B are drilled into a further face 1 2C of the post to communicate with the hole 11.

The hole 11 is sized such that the extension portion 5 of the connector 1 can be inserted therein. Once the extension portion 5 of the connector 1 is located in the hole 11, grub screws 30 are screwed into the apertures 1 3A, B until they extend through the plain hole 8 of the extension portion 5 to secure the connector 1 to the post 10. The conical shape of each grub screw 30 ensures that the connector 1 is forced against a * facing surface of the newel post 10 to provide secure attachment. * *

The cover caps 40 are then fitted into the apertures 1 3A, B. *

... * *.* * I S I,..DTD: The connector 1 is secured to the newel post 10 such that the body 2 and its surface 3 protrude from the hole 11.

An end of the rail 20 can then be supported on the surface 3 and secured thereto by screwing screws, from below, through the countersunk holes 7.

It will be appreciated that the rail 40 has a surface 41 which is sized and shaped to correspond to the shape of the surfaces of the connector to facilitate installation.

Referring to Figures 4A to 4D, there is shown a further connector 51 which has a body 52 providing a surface 53 for supporting a length of rail.

The connector 51 has an extension portion 55 which is secured to the end wall 58 of the body 52.

The body 52 is of channel section form having a base wall 56, a pair of upstanding side walls 57 and an end wall 58 to provide an open channel section part.

The top surfaces of the side walls 57 describe a curve so that they reduce in height from a position proximate the end wall 58. * * ** *

The base wall 56 has a plurality (in this case three) countersunk holes 59 therein and: the extension portion 55 has a through hole 54. * S * * S

The connector 51 may be installed into a newel post in an identical fashion to that described in relation to Figure 3 for the support of a rail, with the end of the rail being retained in the channel section. Usually the rail will be of the form shown in Figure 1 B, although other shapes may be accommodated.

The connectors 1, 51 may be used to install a hand rail or a base rail or both.

Balusters or panels (not shown) may be secured to the rails.

The holes 11, 13A, B in the newel post 10 may be drilled before the newel post 10 is fixed into position. The connectors 1, 51 may be secured to the newel post 10 before the post is secured. In either case it will be appreciated that the connectors 1, 51 enable a length of rail 20 to be installed between two fixed points.

Levels will be used to ensure that the connectors 1, 51 are at an appropriate and desired height.

More or less countersunk holes 7, 59 may be provided.

The grub screws 30 preferably have a hexagonal aperture at their end for engagement of a hexagonal tool for screwing the screws 30 into an undersized hole 13A, B. The hole 11 need not be a through hole if it is desired to instafl rails 20 at different heights or from different sides of the newel post 10. The newel post 10 need not be square. e

The connectors 1, 51 are typically metal. Although they may be fabricated from other materials, galvanised or otherwise surfaceprotected steel (e.g. powder coated) is preferred for use in the garden or outdoors location. * S

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Other shapes of connector may be provided without departing from the scope of the *S..

invention.

The extension portion may be connectable to another surface of a post or support. For example, the extension portion may comprise a part to abut a post.

Other shapes of rail are securable, the condition being that the surface of the connector is shaped for engagement, preferably substantially flush engagement, with an outer surface of the rail.

As will be appreciated, and as distinct from the prior art of Figure 1A and B, there is no need to drill holes and bores in the handrail with the invention. Moreover, internal parts of the handrail are not exposed which can require that those exposed parts are treated for protection against weathering, or that caps are installed to blank-off' the bores.

It will further be appreciated that because the fixings are either within the post or are typically disposed underneath the handrail, they are not likely to be directly contacted by precipitation (rain, snow etc.). *I.. * S * S.. S. * * * S * *. * * * S * S. ** ass. * I S...

SISS * I S S. I

Claims

Claims 1. A connector for the connection of a rail to a support, the

connector having a body and an extension, the body having a surface to engage an outer surface of a rail and the extension being securable to a, support for connecting the rail to said support.

2. A connector according to Claim 1, wherein the surface of the connector is shaped, at least in part, to correspond to an outer surface of a rail. * * I...

3. A connector according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the body comprises through holes through which fixing means are extendable to secure, in use, a rail to the body. *:.*.

4. A connector according to any of Claims ito 3, wherein the extension comprises an aperture through which fixing means are extendable to secure the extension ** within a support.

5. A connector according to any preceding Claim, wherein the surface of the body and a major surface of the extension are anti parallel to one another.

6. A connector according to any preceding Claim, comprising a length of material which is twisted or bent at a position intermediate its two ends.

7. A connector according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the body of the connector comprises a channel section.

8. A connector according to Claim 7, wherein the surface forms at least a part of the base of the channel section.

9. A kit of parts, the kit comprising a connector as claimed in any preceding Claim and securing means engageable with said extension to secure said extension within a support.

10. A kit according to Claim 9, further comprising a length of rail. * **S. I. *

11. A kit according to Claim 9 or 10, wherein the surface of the connector is: shaped, at least in part, to correspond to at least a part of the or a rail. * * * * S

SS

12. A method of connecting a rail to a support, the method comprising locating an * S..

extension part of a connector in a support and engaging an outer surface of a..

rail with a surface of a body of a connector.

13. A method of installing a handrail for a decking balustrade between two fixed points, the method comprising, locating an extension part of a first connector in a support to provide a first fixed point, locating an extension part of a second connector in a further support to provide a second fixed point and engaging an outer surface of a length of a rail with a surface of the first connector and a surface of the second connector.