GB2544995A

GB2544995A - Handrail connector

Info

Publication number: GB2544995A
Application number: GB1521275.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cochrane Howard; Nyberg Steve
Original assignee: Handrail Design Ltd
Current assignee: Handrail Design Ltd
Priority date: 2015-12-02
Filing date: 2015-12-02
Publication date: 2017-06-07
Anticipated expiration: 2035-12-02
Also published as: GB201521275D0; GB2544995B

Abstract

The connector 100 has an inner tube 102 and an outer ring 101 with a radial space between them for receiving a tubular hand rail. Preferably the ring is shorter than the tube and may be double ended, extending in opposite directions from a thicker annular base (fig.3,320) which is bonded to the outer surface of the tube; the thickness of the ring wall may decrease towards the end of the ring. The tube and the ring may be separate components formed from the same or different materials. The tube may have a circular or rectangular cross section and at least one hole to allow connection to a mount 120 which can be attached to a wall. The handrail may be in contact with both the inner surface of the ring or the outer surface of the tube and be fixed in place using an adhesive.

Description

HANDRAIL CONNECTOR FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to mounting systems for handrails, particularly to components for connecting handrails.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Handrails provide an important functional role in structures as they offer a reliable means for support for pedestrians, particularly along stairs, walkways ramps and other pedestrian thoroughfares. As many people will interact with a handrail, in addition to the structural requirements, handrails should also be aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to the users.

[0003] As such, bespoke handrails with premium finishes and high quality designs are prepared by specialist handrail manufactures to a specification set out by a building designer. The specification for a handrail may be set months in advance of an intended installation date, and handrail manufacturers can often produce the handrails to within 1mm of the required specification.

[0004] However, it is often the case that by the time a handrail has arrived at a site, the specification has changed slightly due to changes during the area’s construction process, and so handrails need to be shortened or extended at the building site itself. Modifying the ends of a handrail at a construction site often disrupts the factory-applied coating, leaving an unsightly exposed end in the final product or an uncomfortable gap between handrails.

[0005] There is, therefore, a need for a handrail connection system that enables handrails to be installed in building sites with a high quality even when the handrails do not match the specification at the site.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In a first aspect of the present invention, the applicant makes available a handrail connector comprising: an inner tube extending along a longitudinal axis; and an outer ring positioned radially outward of the inner tube, the outer ring comprising a distal end extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein a radial space between the inner surface of the distal end and the outer surface of the inner tube defines a recess for receiving a tubular handrail.

[0007] By providing a recess defined by the radial space between the inner surface of the distal end and an outer surface of the inner tube, the handrail connector is able to receive a tubular handrail into the recess. The inner tube extending along a longitudinal axis can provide structural support to a tubular handrail engaging with the handrail connector. The proposed handrail connector is configured such that when the tubular handrail has been received in the recess, the distal end of the outer ring covers and conceals the edge of the tubular handrail.

[0008] Therefore, even if the handrail has had to be cut or extended at a building site, the unsightly edge, or an unsightly gap if the handrail is the wrong length, can be concealed by the distal end of the outer ring. As the structural support is provided by the inner tube, the distal end does not need to be structurally strong, and so can be thin enough to ensure a smooth transition between the handrail and handrail connector. As such, the proposed solution is aesthetically pleasing to look at, comfortable to use, and still sufficiently strong to satisfy the structural requirements of handrails.

[0009] In some example embodiments the distal end extends along the longitudinal axis a shorter distance than the inner tube extends along the longitudinal axis. As the distal ends extends over a shorter length than the underlying inner tube, this ensures that the inner tube carries a greater load than the distal end which may not be as strong.

[0010] In some example embodiments the outer ring further comprises a proximal end extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein a further radial space between the inner surface of the proximal end and the outer surface of the inner tubes defines a further recess for receiving another tubular handrail. By having a proximal end for receiving another tubular handrail, the proposed solution may connect together two different handrails. It should be clear to the skilled person that any discussion of the distal end of the outer ring and the distal handrail provided herein should apply equally to a corresponding proximal end of the outer ring and proximal handrail. The proposed solution may be further adapted to receive more than two handrails, for example at the intersection of three handrails.

[0011] In some example embodiments the distal end extends from an annular base portion of the outer ring, the base portion having a greater thickness than the distal end. As the base portion has a greater thickness than the distal end, the base portion provides a surface for the tubular handrail to abut when being received at the recess, thereby preventing the tubular handrail from moving too far into the recess. Furthermore, a greater thickness base portion ensures that the overall strength of the outer ring is maintained, even with a thin distal end.

[0012] In some example embodiments the base portion is bonded to the outer surface of the inner tube. The base portion may provide a large area contacting the inner tube, and may therefore provide a suitable surface for bonding to the inner tube, ensuring a strong coupling of the inner tube and outer ring.

[0013] In some example embodiments the inner tube and outer ring are two separate components coupled together. By forming the handrail connector from two separate components, the overall shape of the handrail connector may be easier to manufacture. Furthermore, the outer ring and inner tube may be made to different specifications in line with their required role.

[0014] In some example embodiments the outer ring is formed from a different type of material to the inner tube. As the outer ring performs a different function to the inner tube, it may be beneficial to use different types of materials for the two components. For example, the outer ring may be chosen to be made from the same material as the handrail to ensure a smooth transition between handrail and handrail connector. Furthermore, the outer ring may be provided with a high quality finish as it is accessible to the user, whereas the inner tube is not revealed to the user so may not require such a finish.

[0015] In some example embodiments the inner tube and outer ring are part of a same material. By manufacturing the handrail connector out of the same material, the overall structural integrity of the handrail connector may be improved.

[0016] In some example embodiments the inner tube is hollow. By providing a hollow inner tube, costs may be reduced and wiring may be passed freely through the handrail connector and handrails.

[0017] In some example embodiments the inner tube has a circular cross section. A circular cross section may be beneficial as it may be simpler to manufacture and may closely match the cross section of the corresponding handrail.

[0018] In some example embodiments the inner tube has a rectangular cross section. A rectangular cross section may be beneficial as it may closely match the cross section of the corresponding handrail, or may be easier to work with, particularly when attaching to mounts.

[0019] In some example embodiments the distal end has a thickness that decreases distally along the longitudinal axis.

[0020] In some example embodiments the inner tube has at least one hole for receiving a connection means to a mount. By providing a hole in the inner tube, the handrail connector may be securely attached to a mount be a mechanical fixing means, such as a threaded bolt.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a handrail connection system comprises: the handrail as disclosed above; and the tubular handrail, the tubular handrail being configured to slide into the recess.

[0022] The proposed handrail system is capable of securely attaching a handrail to a handrail connector while concealing any unsightly edges of the handrail and providing margin of error in the lengths of handrail used.

[0023] In some example embodiments the tubular handrail has a circular cross section. A circular cross section may be beneficial as it may be simpler to manufacture and may closely match the cross section of the corresponding inner tube.

[0024] In some example embodiments when the recess has received the tubular handrail, an outer surface of the tubular handrail is in contact with an inner surface of the distal end. By ensuring contact with the surfaces of the distal end and the handrail, the transition between the handrail and handrail connector can be smooth. Furthermore, the contact permits bonding by structural adhesive and/or a restriction of movement of the handrail by friction.

[0025] In some example embodiments when the recess has received the tubular handrail, an inner surface of the tubular handrail is in contact with an outer surface of the inner tube. By ensuring contact with the surfaces of the inner tube and the handrail, a strong support structure is provided to the handrail, as support can be provided when load is applied from any angle. Furthermore, the contact permits bonding by structural adhesive and/or a restriction of movement of the handrail by friction.

[0026] In some example embodiments the handrail system further comprising: a mount connected to the handrail connector, the mount being fixed to a support structure. By connecting the handrail connector to a mount fixed to a support structure, the handrail connector can provide support to the handrails.

[0027] In some example embodiments the mount is a wall mount and the support structure is a wall.

[0028] In some example embodiments when the recess has received the tubular handrail, the tubular handrail is fixed to the handrail connector by a structural adhesive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS

[0029] Examples of the present proposed apparatus will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a handrail connecting system exploded out; [0031] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the assembled handrail connecting system; [0032] Figure 3 is a sectional side view of a handrail connector prior to engagement with two handrails; [0033] Figure 4 is a sectional side view of a handrail connector engaged with two handrails; [0034] Figure 5 is a sectional side and end view of an outer ring of a handrail connector; [0035] Figure 6 is a sectional side and end view of an inner tube of a handrail connector; [0036] Figure 7 is a sectional side view of a handrail connector with one stem hole; [0037] Figure 8 is a sectional side view of a handrail connector attached to a stem; [0038] Figure 9 is a sectional side view of a handrail connector with two stem holes; and [0039] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an assembled handrail connector system with an alternative wall bracket to the handrail connector system of Figure 2.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

[0040] Reference will now be made to Figure 1 which is a perspective view of a handrail connecting system exploded out. One embodiment of a handrail connector 100 is shown comprising an inner tube 102 and an outer ring 101. Recesses are defined by the radial space between the inner tube 102 and outer ring 101, and handrails 131 and 132 may slide into the recesses. The handrail connector 100 may be connected to a wall mount 120 by a bolt 111 and stem 110.

[0041] The inner tube 102 extends along a longitudinal axis, and is configured to slide into the inside of a hollow handrail 132, thereby providing support for the handrail 132. In the present embodiment the inner tube 102 extends in a distal direction for coupling with a distal handrail 132 and also extends in a proximal direction for coupling with a proximal handrail 131.

[0042] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the inner tube 102 is cylindrical with an outer surface matching the inner surface of the cylindrical handrail 132. It is preferable for the shape of the outer surface of the inner tubing 102 to match the shape of the inner surface of the handrail 132 so that a load from the handrail 132 may be evenly spread across the surfaces.

[0043] It is also within the scope of the claimed solution for the shape of the inner tube 102 to be different to the shape of the handrail 132. For example the inner tube may have a square cross section and may contact and support a cylindrical handrail at the four corners of the square cross section.

[0044] Structural support is important in the context of handrail design, as handrails are required to support a great deal of force from users. For example, standard BS6180:2011 defines the load-bearing requirements of certain handrails, and different standards and uses will require different degrees of load-bearing support.

[0045] With an inner tube 102 extending into a handrail 132, structural support may be provided to the handrail 132. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, where the inner tube 102 contacts the entire inner surface of the handrail 132, support is provided from every angle. Therefore, if a user pulls or pushes the handrail 132 from any angle, the inner tube 102 will offer structural support. The further the inner tube 102 extends along a longitudinal axis into the handrail 132, the greater the support provided. Furthermore, the thicker the inner tube 102 and the stronger the material, the greater the support provided.

[0046] While the inner tube 102 provides support to the handrails 131 and 132, the outer ring 101 offers other benefits. The outer ring 101 surrounds the inner tube 102 and a gap is formed between an end of the outer ring 101 and the inner tube 102. This gap defines a recess into which a handrail 132 may slide into.

[0047] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the inner surface of the end of the outer ring matches the outer surface of the handrail 132, and the outer surface of the inner tube 102 matches the inner surface of the handrail 132. As such, the inner surface of the end of the outer ring 101 and the outer surface of the inner tube 102 defines a recess that allows a close fit of the handrail 132. A recess at the distal end of the outer ring 101 receives a distal handrail 132, while a recess at the proximal end of the outer ring 101 receives a proximal handrail 131.

[0048] When a handrail 132 slides into a recess of the handrail connector 100, the inner tube 102 provides structural support to the handrail 132, and the outer ring 101 conceals the edge of the handrail 132. Concealing the edge of the handrail 132 allows the handrail system to have a margin of error in the lengths of the manufactured handrails 131 and 132, as smooth transitions between handrails are possible without the need for exact lengths. The depth of the recess defines the margin of error provided to the handrail lengths.

[0049] The outer ring 101 may provide some structural support to handrail 132 when engaged with the recess, however, in most embodiments of the proposed solution the majority of the structural support is provided by the inner tube 102. The ends of the outer ring 101 are preferably thin so that the transition between the outer surface of the outer ring 101 and the outer surface of the handrail 132 is as smooth as possible. The thinner the end of the outer ring 101, the less support the outer ring 101 can provide, but also the smoother the transition. The strong support provided by the inner tube 102 allows the ends of the outer ring 101 to be chosen to be thin enough to provide a smooth transition as the support can be provided primarily from the inner tube 102.

[0050] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the handrail connector 100 connects two handrails 131 and 132 together, although it should be clear that the proposed solution may also be used in a terminal handrail connector for receiving only one handrail.

[0051] The outer ring 101 and inner tube 102 may be two separate components connected together to form the handrail component 100. This connection may be made by any means available to the skilled person, for example, by adhesion between the upper surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer ring, or by welding, or by fixing together with screws or nails.

[0052] The outer ring 101 may be formed from a different material to the inner tube 102. For example, the outer ring may be made of the same material as the handrail 131, while the inner tube 102 may be made from a stronger material than outer ring 101 to provide improved structural support. The outer ring 101 and inner tube 102 may be formed from the same type of material, and the outer ring 101 may be coated with the same coating as the handrail 131. The handrail connector 100 may be made from any material, and preferably from a metal (such as aluminium) or metal alloy (such as stainless steel). Preferably, grade 300 series stainless steel is used, such as grade 304 or 316 stainless steel.

[0053] Several means are available to the skilled person for fixing the handrail connector 100 to a wall or structural surface. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, a wall mount 120 is shown fixed to a wall and the handrail connector 100 may be mounted to the wall mount 120 by a bolt 111 and stem 110. The bolt 111 may be threaded at one end for engagement with a threaded hole in the handrail connector 100. The threaded hole in the handrail connector may pass through the outer ring 101 as well as the inner tube 102. The stem 110 may provide structural support to the handrail connector 100 and ensure a fixed distance between the wall mount 120 and the handrail connector 100.

[0054] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the handrail connecting system of Figure 1 in an assembled form. The proximal 131 and distal 132 handrails are shown engaged with the handrail connector 100. The handrail connector 100 is connected to the wall mount 120 by stem 110 and bolt (not shown) within the stem 110.

[0055] Only the outer ring of the handrail connector 100 is visible in the assembled form, and the outer ring conceals the edges of the handrails 131 and 132. The outer ring is preferably thin so that the transition between proximal handrail 131, handrail connector 100 and distal handrail 132 is smooth. The ends of the outer ring may have a smaller thickness than the central regions of the outer ring so that a smooth transition is provided at the edges and improved strength is provided at the central regions.

[0056] When the handrails 131 and 132 are engaged with the handrail connector 100, a structural adhesive may be used to bond the handrails 131 and 132 and the handrail connector 100. The structural adhesive may be applied to any one or more of the inner surface of the handrail 132, the outer surface of the inner tube 102, the inner surface of the end of the outer ring 101 or the outer surface of the handrail 132. Alternatively, no structural adhesive is used and the handrails 131 and 132 maintain their position in the handrail connector 100 by friction.

[0057] The thickness of the recess may decrease the further into the outer ring the recess goes. This may be advantageous as it ensures that the fit with the handrail becomes tighter as the handrail is slid into the recess. Alternatively, the handrail may have a thickness that increase, thereby providing the same effect when pushed into the recess.

[0058] Figure 2 shows only the connection between two handrails by a single handrail connector. The handrail system of the proposed solution is envisioned to be able to connect many handrails together. For example, a terminal handrail connector may be mounted at the bottom of a stairway and connected to a single handrail. That handrail may be connected to another handrail by a two-way handrail connector as illustrated in Figure 2. Handrails may continue up a flight of stairs with the handrail connectors of the proposed solution indefinitely, and more be terminated by another terminal handrail connector. When the handrail connector is used in this modular way, the individual each handrail connector may be referred to as ‘node’ of the modular structure, defining the points of connection with lengths of handrails.

[0059] The hand rails may be 1,2m in length of shorter or much longer. The shorter the handrails, the shorter the distance between handrail connectors which can also provide points of support. The longer the handrails, the fewer handrail connectors required.

[0060] Figure 3 is a sectional side view of a handrail connector 100 prior to engagement with two handrails 131 and 132, and corresponds substantially to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1.

[0061] The inner tube 102 extends along a longitudinal axis for engagement with the inner surface of handrails 131 and 132. The inner tube 102 is shown to be hollow with a certain thickness. A hollow inner tube 102 allows for wires to pass through the handrails and reduces material costs. In the example illustrated in Figure 3, the inner tube 102 has a thickness of about 4mm, but any thicknesses are envisioned. Greater thicknesses may be used to provide greater structural support, and smaller thicknesses may be used for reduced material costs or increased flexibility, for example.

[0062] The inner tube 102 of the proposed solution is not limited to being hollow, and a non-hollow inner tube may provide greater structural support. The inner tube 102 may be formed of more than one material, for example, the outer layer of the inner tube may have a surface with a high coefficient of friction or be particularly suitable for bonding via structural adhesive, while an inner layer of the inner tube may be formed of a material chosen for its strength.

[0063] The outer ring 101 surrounds the inner tube 102 and a radial gap is formed between an end 310 of the outer ring 101 and the inner tube 102. This radial gap defines a recess 320 into which a handrail 132 may slide into. The term radial gap means that the gap substantially surrounds the inner tube, but is not specifically limited to a circular shape. For example, embodiments where the inner tube and outer ring have a square cross section, the radial gap would also be square shaped, but radially surrounding the inner tube.

[0064] In the example illustrated in Figure 3, the handrail connector 100 is configured to receive two handrails 131 and 132, and as such there is a recess 320 at the distal end of the outer ring 101 for receiving a distal handrail 132, and a recess at the proximal end of the outer ring 101 for receiving a proximal handrail 131.

[0065] An inner surface of the distal end 310 of the outer ring 101 may engage with an outer surface of the distal handrail 132, while the outer surface of the inner tube 102 may engage with an inner surface of the distal handrail 132.

[0066] The distal end 310 of the outer ring 101 extends out from a base portion of the outer ring 101. The base portion of length 330 contacts with the inner tube 102 and may be fixed to the inner tube 102 by any means available to the skilled person, such as structural adhesive, welding, or mechanical means. Examples of structural adhesive include Loctite™ 648 and Penloc 1-1. The base portion may also have an edge defining part of the recess 320 upon which a proximal edge of a distal handrail 132 would abut if the distal handrail is slid too far into the recess.

[0067] The ends of the outer ring 101 extend along the longitudinal axis by a length 340, whereas the base portion extends by a shorter length 330. The difference in length determines the depth of the recess 320.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the inner tube 102 extends along the longitudinal axis by a length greater than the length 340 of the outer ring 101. As such, the inner tube 102 may offer greater structural support to the handrail 132 than the outer ring 101.

[0069] Figure 4 is a sectional side view of a handrail connector 100 of Figure 3 engaged with two handrails 131 and 132.

[0070] The proximal end of distal handrail 132 is shown to have engaged with the recess at the distal end 310 of the outer ring 101. In the configuration illustrated in Figure 4, the distal handrail 132 abuts the edge of the recess as defined by the base portion of the outer ring 101.

[0071] In alternative configurations, the distal handrail 132 may have been cut shorter than expected and there would be a gap between the edge of the distal handrail 132 and the base portion, but this gap would be concealed by the distal end 310 of the outer ring 101. As such, the end of the outer ring offers a margin of error in the length of the handrails connected to the handrail connector 100.

[0072] While the distal end 310 of the outer ring 101 is shown to have a relatively small thickness, it serves the role of concealing the proximal edge of the distal handrail 132, and it is the inner tube 102 that provides the majority of the structural support to the distal handrail 132.

[0073] Similarly, proximal handrail 131 is shown to have engaged with the recess at the proximal end of the outer ring 101.

[0074] Figure 5 is a sectional side view and end view 550 of an outer ring 101 of a handrail connector 100. The outer ring 101 illustrated in Figure 5 substantially corresponds to the outer ring 101 of Figure 1.

[0075] The outer ring 101 has a base portion extending along a longitudinal axis by length 532, and ends extending from the base portion giving an overall length of 531. In the present example the base portion length 532 is 29.3mm, while the overall length 531 is 39.3mm, thereby providing recess depths of 5mm on each end of the outer ring 101. In this example, the thickness of the ends extending from the base portion is 0.8mm all around, whereas the thickness of the base portion is much thicker at 3.9mm.

[0076] The diameter 521 and 551 defined by the inner surface of the base portion of the outer ring 101 is 39.2mm, and the diameter 522 and 552 defined by the inner surface of the ends extending from the base portion is 45.3mm in the present example.

[0077] The diameter 521 and 551 defined by the inner surface of the base portion is chosen to substantially correspond to the diameter of the inner tube 102. The difference in diameters 521 and 522 (and similarly 522 and 552) defines the thickness of the recess, and is chosen to substantially correspond to the thickness of a handrail 132.

[0078] The diameter 523 and 553 defined by the outer surface of the outer ring 101 is 47mm in the present example. The difference in diameters 523 and 522 (and similarly 553 and 552) defines the thickness of the ends extending from the base portion, namely 0.8mm.

[0079] The dimensions of outer ring 101 are provided for illustrative purposes only. It would be clear to the skilled person that any choices of lengths and diameters may be used depending on the handrails being designed for and other design constraints. However, the recess defined by the space between the inner surface of an end of the outer ring 101 and the outer surface of the inner tube 102 should be chosen to receive an end of a handrail.

[0080] The example embodiment illustrated in Figure 5 shows an end thickness of 0.8mm. However, this thickness may be larger to provide greater structural support, or may be much thinner. In certain embodiments the thickness of the end decreases further along the end, and in some embodiment the thickness decreases to a negligible amount to produce the smoothest possible transition with a handrail.

[0081] The skilled person may choose any appropriate material for the outer ring 101. For example, the outer ring 101 may be formed of aluminium, more preferably polyester powder coated aluminium or nylon coated aluminium.

[0082] Alternatively, the outer ring 101 may be formed of polished stainless steel, preferably grade 300 series stainless steel, and more preferably grade 304 or 316 stainless steel. The outer ring 101 may be formed from different materials, for example, it may have an external coating suitable for regular human interaction whereas inner layers may be formed of more structurally resilient materials.

[0083] Figure 6 is a sectional side view and end view 650 of an inner tube 102 of a handrail connector 100. The inner tube 102 illustrated in Figure 6 substantially corresponds to the inner tube 102 of Figure 1.

[0084] The inner tube extends along a longitudinal axis by length 611, and has an outer diameter 622 and 651, and an inner diameter 621 and 652. In the present example, the length 611 is 95mm, the outer diameter 622 and 651 is 38.8mm, and the inner diameter 621 and 651 is 34mm.

[0085] The dimensions of inner tube 102 are provided for illustrative purposes only. It would be clear to the skilled person that any choices of lengths and diameters may be used depending on the handrails being designed for and other design constraints. However, the outer diameter 622 and 652 should be chosen so that the inner tube 102 fits within a handrail. Preferably, the outer surface of the inner tube 102 substantially matches the inner surface of a corresponding handrail.

[0086] The inner tube 102 may be referred to as a ferrule, or a protruding spigot, and provides structural support to a handrail with which it engages. The skilled person may choose any appropriate material for the inner tube 102. For example, the inner tube 102 may be formed from aluminium or mild steel.

[0087] Figure 7 is a sectional side view of a handrail connector 701 comprising an outer ring 710, an inner tube 720, and one stem hole 730. The handrail connector 701 substantially corresponds to the handrail connector 100 of Figure 3, but also shows the stem hole 730.

[0088] The stem hole 730 is a hole that passes through the outer ring 710 and inner tube 720, and is used for attaching the handrail connector 701 to a structural mount, such as a wall mount. The stem hole 720 may be a threaded hole for receiving a threaded bolt of screw. For example, the stem hole 720 may be an M8 731 threaded hole for receiving an M8 bolt, and may be positioned at the longitudinal centre of the handrail connector 701.

[0089] The stem hole 720 may be formed into the handrail connector 701 after the outer ring 710 and inner tube 720 have been connected together, or the stem hole may be formed in each of the outer ring 710 and inner tube 720 separately prior to connection, for example.

[0090] Figure 8 is a sectional side view of the handrail connector 701 of Figure 7, comprising an outer ring 810 and inner tube 820, and attached to a stem 840. The stem 840 substantially corresponds to the stem 110 of Figure 1.

[0091] The stem 840 may be fixed to the handrail connector 701 by a bolt 850. In the present example, the stem 840 has an M8 diameter hole through its centre and accepts an M8 countersunk socket head screw which threads that engage with the M8 threaded hole 830 at the handrail connector 701.

[0092] A top end of the stem 840 may be curved so as to engage with the curved surface of the outer ring 810. A bottom end of the stem 840 may be configured to engage with a mount, such as the wall mount 120 of Figure 1.

[0093] Several other means of connecting the handrail connector to a mount are envisioned. For example, Figure 9 shows a sectional view of a handrail connector configured to be attached to a post assembly with two attachments. The outer ring 910 and inner tube 920 are provided with two holes 931 and 932 a distance 943 apart, and these holes 931 and 932 are configured to receive two attachments from a post assembly. Using two holes 931 and 932 allows for a more stable attachment to a post assembly, thereby providing improved structural support. The holes 931 and 932 more have diameters 941 and 942 of 6.05mm, for example, for receiving 6.05mm diameter posts. In the present example, the holes are separated by a length 943 of 20mm, but it would be clear to the skilled person that any dimensions may be used depending on the design requirement of the specific implementation.

[0094] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an assembled handrail connector system with an alternative wall bracket 1020 to the handrail connector system of Figure 2. The handrails 131 and 132 and handrail connector 100 of Figure 10 substantially correspond to those illustrated in Figure 2.

[0095] Figure 10 demonstrates that different mounts and stems may be used for connecting the handrail connector 100 to a support structure, such as a wall. In this example, a flat stem 1010 is used to attach the handrail connector 100 to the wall mount 1020. The flat stem 1010 may provide more than one connection means to attach itself to the handrail connector 100, as in the case of Figure 9, thereby providing a more secure and stable connection.

[0096] In the examples provided herein, the mount has been a wall mount, but it would be clear that the present solution is not limited to a handrail connector being mountable only to wall mounts and only by an underside stem. For example, the handrail connectors may be mounted to stanchions extending from the floor to the handrail connector, and may be used as edge protection in atriums, balconies and within staircases, for example. The mount could be a ceiling mount with a fixed stem or rope extending down from the ceiling mount to the handrail connector, for example.

[0097] It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes permutations of combinations of the optional features set out in the embodiments described above. In particular, it is to be understood that the features set out in the appended dependent claims are disclosed in combination with any other relevant independent claims that may be provided, and that this disclosure is not limited to only the combination of the features of those dependent claims with the independent claim from which they originally depend.

Claims

1. A handrail connector comprising: an inner tube extending along a longitudinal axis; and an outer ring positioned radially outward of the inner tube, the outer ring comprising a distal end extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein a radial space between the inner surface of the distal end and the outer surface of the inner tube defines a recess for receiving a tubular handrail.

2. The handrail connector of claim 1, wherein the distal end extends along the longitudinal axis a shorter distance than the inner tube extends along the longitudinal axis.

3. The handrail connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer ring further comprises a proximal end extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein a further radial space between the inner surface of the proximal end and the outer surface of the inner tubes defines a further recess for receiving another tubular handrail.

4. The handrail connector of an preceding claim, wherein the distal end extends from an annular base portion of the outer ring, the base portion having a greater thickness than the distal end.

5. The handrail connector of claim 4, wherein the base portion is bonded to the outer surface of the inner tube

6. The handrail connector of any preceding claim, wherein the inner tube and outer ring are two separate components coupled together

7. The handrail connector of claim 6, wherein the outer ring is formed from a different type of material to the inner tube.

8. The handrail connector of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inner tube and outer ring are part of a same material.

9. The handrail connector of any preceding claim, wherein the inner tube is hollow.

10. The handrail connector of any preceding claim, wherein the inner tube has a circular cross section.

11. The handrail connector of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the inner tube has a rectangular cross section.

12. The handrail connector of any preceding claim, wherein the distal end has a thickness that decreases distally along the longitudinal axis.

13. The handrail connector of any preceding claim, wherein the inner tube has at least one hole for receiving a connection means to a mount.

14. A handrail connection system comprising: the handrail of any preceding claim and; the tubular handrail, the tubular handrail being configured to slide into the recess.

15. The handrail system of claim 14, wherein the tubular handrail has a circular cross section.

16. The handrail system of claim 14 or 15, wherein when the recess has received the tubular handrail, an outer surface of the tubular handrail is in contact with an inner surface of the distal end.

17. The handrail system of any of claims 14 or 16, wherein when the recess has received the tubular handrail, an inner surface of the tubular handrail is in contact with an outer surface of the inner tube.

18. The handrail system of any of claims 14 to 17, further comprising: a mount connected to the handrail connector, the mount being fixed to a support structure.

19. The handrail system of claim 18, wherein the mount is a wall mount and the support structure is a wall.

20. The handrail system of any of claims 14 to 19, wherein when the recess has received the tubular handrail, the tubular handrail is fixed to the handrail connector by a structural adhesive.