GB2518225A

GB2518225A - Newel post connector

Info

Publication number: GB2518225A
Application number: GB1316454.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Chapman; Darren Chapman; Peter Chapman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-16
Filing date: 2013-09-16
Publication date: 2015-03-18
Also published as: GB201316454D0

Abstract

A newel post connector 10 for securing a newel post 11 to a surface 12, the newel post connector 10 comprising a base plate 13 for securing to the surface 12, a peg 14 extends from the base plate 13 to engage in an opening formed in the base 29 of the newel post 11. Preferably the peg is cylindrical and extends perpendicularly to the base plate. The connector is preferably manufactured from nylon and is formed from a single piece. The connector is preferably secured to the post via one or more securing members, for example screws that enter holes in the post and the peg (Fig 5). The peg may also be resilient and held in via frictional engagement with the hole in the pole. The base may be square, the peg may be cylindrical. The connector is for securing newel (stair banister or handrail) posts in place. Also claimed is a method of installation and a post assembly comprising the connector and the post.

Description

NEWEL POST CONNECTOR

This invention relates to newel post assemblies and to a connector for securing a newel post to a surface. This invention also extends to a method of installing a newel post using such a connector.

A "newel post" is the term used for the principal support post of a staircase which post supports the handrail of a stair banister. Such posts usually comprise a base part and an upper part which extends from the base part and which often has a decorative appearance. Newel posts primarily serve a structural purpose and are typically formed from solid wood so as to be robust.

This invention is concerned with the installation of the base part of a newel post in a structurally stable and secure manner. Simply securing a newel post to a floor surface using conventional fittings is not adequate in terms of structural stability and thus safety. Proper connection, in order to ensure that the posts are structurally secure, requires the post to be connected to the floor joists. This is usually achieved by installing the post through the floor and bolting it to the floor joists or by sinking the post into a concrete composition applied to an opening formed through the floor. Such installation is cumbersome and can be difficult for non-professionals to perform.

Furthermore, particularly for a novice, installation which involves the precise formation of openings or cuttings in the floor can, if carried out incorrectly, cause damage to the floor. This is particularly problematic where such damage is visible following eventual installation.

It is a principal aim of the present invention to provide a newel post connector and method for installing a newel post using the connector, which seek to address, at least partly, the above problems and which simplify the process of installation by enabling the post to be secured to a floor surface without compromising structural integrity.

According to one embodiment of this invention, there is provided a newel post connector for securing a newel post to a surface, the post connector comprising: -a base plate configured for securing to a surface; and -a peg extending from the base plate to engage in an opening formed in the base of a newel post.

The term "newel post" as used herein is intended to refer to the main support post of a staircase and specifically the part of that post which interfaces a floor surface. Similarly, the term "surface" should be interpreted as any surface on which a newel post is to be connected including a floor which is readily visible and to which an installed newel post appears to interface. Such a surface may include a raised step or other generally planar platform. Such a surface need not be horizontal and the peg may extend at an angle appropriate to support the newel post as required.

In a second but closely related embodiment there is provided a newel post assembly comprising: -a newel post having an opening formed in the base thereof; and -a connector comprising a base plate and a peg extending from the base plate which is engaged in the opening of the newel post, the base plate being secured to a surface.

The invention also extends, in a third closely related embodiment, to a method of installing a newel post using a connector comprising a base plate configured for securing to a surface and a peg extending from the base plate, the newel post having an opening formed in the base thereof, the method comprising the steps of: -securing the base plate to a surface; -engaging the newel post with the connector by locating the peg engages in the opening in the base of the newel post; and -fixing the newel post to the connector.

A particularly important aspect of this invention is the peg being configured for insertion into the interior of the post. This internal relationship ensures a strong and structurally stable arrangement between the connector and the post. This relationship may also significantly simplify the installation method since the step of securing of the connector to a surface is distinct from the step of securing the post the connector.

It will be appreciated that a newel post may require adaptation before installation, depending on whether the post is a conventional newel post or a post specifically designed for use with the connector. Where a conventional newel post is used, such adaptation may include the removal of the part of the post which is usually inserted into the floor. In either arrangement, the method may further comprise a pre-step of forming an opening in the base of the newel post for entry of the peg.

Preferably, the opening formed in the newel post of an assembly of this invention is configured also to accommodate the base plate of the connector. In this way, the connector will not be visible once the newel post is installed.

Preferably, the peg is complementary in shape to the opening in the newel post. This may be useful in installing the post over the peg and may also serve to retain the peg therein, particularly if the opening and peg form a tight fit. The peg may be configured for resilient engagement in the opening so that it is frictionally held therein. The peg may have any suitable shape but it may be particularly advantageous for the peg to have a substantially cylindrical outer profile. This is because areas of weakness are less likely to develop where there are no perceptible edges.

The orientation of the peg relative to the base plate depends primarily on the orientation of the surface to which the connector is to be secured and the desired angle of the assembled newel post. An installed newel post normally extends in a substantially vertical direction and so the peg of the connector in a newel post assembly preferably also extends in a substantially vertical orientation but this does not have to be so. In the majority of cases, the surface will be generally horizontal and as such it is preferred that the peg extends generally perpendicular to the base plate. More than one connector may be available with pegs which extend from the base plate at a range of angles to account for variations in a surface, such as an incline. In this way, an appropriate connector may be selected and tailored to the specific assembly.

The fixing of the newel post to the connector may simply be by frictional engagement of the peg into the opening. Connection may be enhanced by the use of adhesive.

Alternatively or additionally, the post assembly may further comprise one or more securing member. In this arrangement, the newel post may be fixed to the connector by driving the one or more securing members into the post to extend through the post and at least part-way into the peg. The one or more securing members may be any suitable fixings such as one or more screws which are driven into the post and peg.

The base plate may have one or more (preferably at least two) holes formed therethough, each hole being configured for securing the base plate to a surface. Four such holes may be formed through the base plate for securing it to a surface. Preferably, the base plate is generally square. In such an arrangement a hole may be formed through the base plate adjacent each corner thereof for securing the base plate to a surface. Newel posts are available in many forms but the base part of the posts typically has a square outer profile. As such, a generally square base plate may be desirable in order to provide a stable platform for the post.

The base plate may be substantially the same size and shape as the outer profile of the post so that when the connector is engaged in the opening the respective sides are adjacent and flush. Alternatively, the base plate may be smaller than the base of the newel post and the opening in the base plate may be such that the base plate is accommodated therein, as discussed above.

In this arrangement the size and configuration of the opening preferably corresponds to that of the connector so that the connector may be held securely within the post.

In a preferred arrangement, the base plate and peg are integrally formed as a single-piece. An integral single-piece connector ensures that the connector is not weakened by any joins or other potential areas of weakness and thus reduces the likelihood of breakage.

The newel post connector may be formed from any suitable material. In order to provide the required structural stability to the overall newel post assembly the connector may be formed from nylon, preferably heavy duty nylon. The peg may be completely solid, or may be defined by walls having a uniform thickness defining a hollow interior. In such an arrangement a wooden dowel or other insert may be located in the gap if additional strength is required.

The present invention provides a means for installing a newel post which is not only cost effective but is easy to use and is highly efficient. The connector facilitates the securing of the newel post to a surface without compromising the quality of the installation, thus ensuring a safe and stable fitting.

By way of example only, one specific embodiment of a newel post connecter and a newel post assembly of this invention will now be described in detail, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view through line A-A of the connector of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a view of the top of the connector of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross sectional view through a newel post as a component of the newel post assembly of the present invention; Figure 4a is a cross sectional view through the base of an alternative embodiment of newel post; Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the installation of a newel post to form the newel post assembly of the present invention; and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the newel post assembly of the present invention.

Referring initially to Figures 1 to 3 there is shown a newel post connector for securing a newel post 11 to a surface 12. The connector 10 comprises a base plate 13 and a peg 14 which extends from the base plate 13.

The base plate 13 has a square planar top face 15 and a square planar bottom face 16. The square profile of the base plate 13 is defined by four rectangular side walls 17 which form four corners 18 on each face 15, 16.

The peg 14 has a cylindrical profile and extends perpendicularly from top face 15 of the base plate 13. The extent of extension of the peg 14 from the base plate 13 is not restricted as this factor may be varied depending on the nature of the newel post 11 to be installed. For example, an extension of the peg 14 from the base plate 13 by around 85 mm should, in the majority of cases, be a suitable length.

The base plate 13 and peg 14 are integrally formed so that there are no perceptible joins. The thickness of the connector 10 is consistent and the peg 14 is essentially hollow, there being an opening 21 through the centre of the base plate 13 which leads to the interior 22 of the peg 14. The thickness of the connector 10 may be approximately 9mm. The corners 18 of the base plate 13 and all edges of the connector 10 are curved so that the connector 10 has no sharp points which could otherwise form natural weaknesses.

Four holes 23 are formed through the base plate 13 adjacent each of the corners 18. As best seen in Figures 2 and 3, the holes 23 are countersunk 24 to receive an appropriate fixing, such as a screw 25, nail or bolt.

A newel post 11 is shown in figure 4 in cross-section and this comprises a base part 29 and an upper part 30. The upper part 30 of the newel post 11 has a decorative configuration 31. The base part 29 has a square outer profile, defined by four side faces 32 (only two faces shown) as best seen in figure 5.

An opening 35 is formed through the bottom of the newel post 11 into the base part 29 and, in a first embodiment shown in Figure 4, this opening 35 is configured to complement the size and shape of the connector 10. Thus, the opening 35 defines a substantially cylindrical region 36 for accommodating the peg 14 of the connector 10 and also a generally square region 37 for receiving the base plate 13. In this arrangement, the connector 10 will be hidden from view when the newel post 11 is installed.

In an alternative embodiment, as seen in Figure 4a, the opening 40 in the base part 29 of the newel post 11 is not formed to receive the base plate 13 of the connector 10, but instead is configured only to receive the cylindrical peg 14. In this arrangement, the side walls 17 of the base plate 13 will be visible when the newel post 11 is installed and the connector 10 may be configured such that these side walls 17 are flush with the side faces 32 of the base part 29 of the newel post 11.

The newel posts 11 may be manufactured with the opening 35, 40 formed therein or may require adaptation to form the required opening.

The connection between a newel post 11 and a surface 12 using the connector 10 is shown in the newel post assembly 41 of Figure 6. A screw 25 extends through each hole 23 (only two shown) in the base plate 13 to secure the connector 10 to the surface 12. The connector 10 is received wholly within the opening 35 formed in the base part 29 of the newel post 11. The side faces 32 of the newel post 11 extend over the side walls 17 of the base plate 13 so that the connector 10 is not visible. Securing screws 42 extend through the side faces 32 of the newel post 11 and into the peg 14 to secure the newel post 11 to the connector 10.

A method of installing a newel post 11 using the connector 10 will now be described. Firstly, the newel post 11 is adapted for installation by forming an opening 35 in the base part 29, the opening 35 complementing the size and shape of the connector 10. The connector 10 is secured to the surface 12 by fixing screws 25 through the holes 23 in the base plate 13. The newel post 11 is then placed over the connector 10 so that the peg 14 engages in the cylindrical region of the opening 36 and the base plate engages in the square region 37 of the opening 36. The newel post 11 is then fixed to the connector by driving one or more screw 42 (two shown) through the newel post 11 and into the peg 14.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A newel post connector for securing a newel post to a surface, the post connector comprising: -a base plate configured for securing to a surface; and -a peg extending from the base plate to engage in an opening formed in the base of a newel post.
2. A newel post connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base plate has at least two holes formed therethough, each hole being configured for securing the base plate to a surface.
3. A newel post connector as claimed in claim 2, wherein the base plate has four holes formed therethough for securing the base plate.
4. A newel post connector as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the peg has a substantially cylindrical outer profile.
5. A newel post connector as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the peg extends generally perpendicular to the base plate.
6. A newel post connector as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate is generally square.
7. A newel post connector as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate and peg are integrally formed as a single-piece.
8. A newel post connector as claimed in any of the preceding claims formed from nylon.
9. A newel post connector as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
10. A method of installing a newel post using a connector comprising a base plate and a peg extending from the base plate, the newel post having an opening formed in the base thereof, the method comprising the steps of: -securing the base plate to a surface; -engaging the newel post with the connector by locating the peg in the opening in the base of the newel post; and -fixing the newel post to the connector.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the newel post is fixed to the connector by driving one or more securing members into the post and at least part-way into the peg.
12. A method as claimed in claim 11 wherein the one or more securing members is one or more screws which are driven into the post and peg.
13. A method as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12, further comprising a pre-step of forming an opening in the base of the newel post for entry of the peg.
14. A newel post assembly comprising: -a newel post having an opening formed in the base thereof; and -a connector comprising a base plate and a peg extending from the base plate which is engaged in the opening of the newel post, the base plate being secured to a surface.
15. A newel post assembly as claimed in claim 14, further comprising one or more securing member extending through the post and at least part-way into the peg to secure the newel post to the connector.
16. A newel post assembly as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the peg is complementary in shape to the opening.
17. A newel post assembly as claimed in any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the peg is resiliently engaged in the opening.
18. A newel post assembly as claimed in any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the peg has a substantially cylindrical outer profile.
19. A newel post assembly as claimed in any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the peg extends in a substantially vertical orientation.
A newel post assembly as claimed in any of claims 14 to 19, wherein the base plate is generally square.
21. A newel post assembly as claimed in any of claims 14 to 20, wherein the base plate and peg are integrally formed.

22 A newel post assembly as claimed in claim 14 and substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.