US20040025452A1 - Baluster retaining member - Google Patents
Baluster retaining member Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040025452A1 US20040025452A1 US10/216,649 US21664902A US2004025452A1 US 20040025452 A1 US20040025452 A1 US 20040025452A1 US 21664902 A US21664902 A US 21664902A US 2004025452 A1 US2004025452 A1 US 2004025452A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- baluster
- section
- opening
- rail
- railing system
- 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
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- 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
- E04F11/1842—Balusters; Grille-type elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
- E04F11/02—Stairways; Layouts thereof
-
- 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
-
- 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
Definitions
- This invention relates to a retaining member for connecting balusters to rails of a railing system and more particularly relates to a system which permits vertical orientation of balusters into rails having openings perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails, where the rails are oriented at an angle from the horizontal when adjacent a stairway.
- the ability to use rails which have an opening perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail permits consumers and contractors to use the same rails for use in a railing system adjacent a set of stairs as are used in a railing system adjacent a horizontal surface.
- the rails may be oriented with a particular end either at the high end of the stairway, or the low end of the stairway, whereas rails having angled openings are required to be oriented in one direction to properly align the openings so that the balusters are oriented vertically.
- This invention provides a railing system for a stairway which includes a pair of rails, each having a plurality of openings extending laterally into one side of the rails in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails.
- a plurality of balusters are provided for extending between the rails and a plurality of retaining members are provided for connecting an end of a baluster to one of the openings.
- the retaining members include a rail section dimensioned to fit within the opening and a baluster section dimensioned to be secured to an end of the baluster.
- the rail and baluster sections are oriented with respect to one another at a predetermined angle so that when the balusters are connected to the rails by the members and the rails are positioned for use adjacent a stairway at an angle from the horizontal, the balusters are oriented vertically.
- the rail section is of an outer diameter and the opening is of a corresponding diameter to provide a friction fit of the rail section within the opening.
- the baluster includes a baluster opening at one end dimensioned to accept the baluster and of the retaining member into the baluster opening.
- the baluster section is of an outer diameter and the baluster opening is of a corresponding diameter to provide a friction fit of the baluster section within the opening.
- the rail section is connected to the opening by a tighter fit resulting in a higher level of friction fit as compared to the baluster section and the baluster opening.
- the predetermined angle is between 30 degrees and 36 degrees.
- the predetermined angle is about 32.5 degrees.
- the baluster section is contoured with a frusto-conical outer periphery with the larger diameter at the end adjacent the rail section.
- the rail section includes a plurality of ribs defining the outer periphery of the rail section.
- the baluster section comprises a plurality of ribs defining the outer periphery of the baluster section.
- the baluster section is of a lesser diameter than the rail section and a lip is formed at the region where the rail and the baluster sections meet.
- the lip defines a lip plane that is perpendicular with the outer periphery of the rail section.
- the lip acts as a contact region contacting the end of the baluster when the baluster is attached to the baluster section, the lip preventing further insertion of the baluster section into the baluster.
- the rail section is dimensioned in length equal to the depth of the opening so that when the rail section is in the opening contacting the end of the opening, the lip plane is coplanar with a plane defined by the side of the rail into which the opening extends so that when the baluster is attached to the baluster section to cover the entire baluster section, the lip acts as a contact region contacting the end of the baluster.
- the ends of the baluster are parallel with one another and form a plane which is at a baluster-end angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of he baluster.
- the baluster end angle is the same as the predetermined angle.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rail system of the present invention, adjacent a stairway;
- FIG. 1A is a close-up view of a section of FIG. 1 showing a retaining member of the present invention connecting a lower end of a baluster to an opening in the lower rail of the railing system;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the railing system of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 2A is a close-up view of a section of FIG. 2 in an exploded view showing a baluster interposed between upper and lower rails with baluster retaining members interposed between each end of the baluster and each rail;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a baluster retaining member of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the baluster retaining member of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is a front view of the baluster retaining member of FIG. 3.
- FIG. 6 is a rear view of the baluster retaining member of FIG. 3.
- Railing system 10 is shown adjacent stairway or set of stairs 12 .
- Railing system 10 includes balusters 14 interposed between upper rail 16 and lower rail 18 .
- Stairway 12 includes a pair of parallel-spaced opposed stringers 20 and 22 attached at an upper end to beam 24 . Lower ends of stringers 20 and 22 rest on a support surface (not shown). A plurality of tread members 26 are positioned horizontally on corresponding plurality of vertical support sections 27 of stringers 20 and 22 .
- a typical stairway 12 has a 7 inch rise 30 and a 111 ⁇ 4 inch run 32 which is equivalent to a rise angle 28 from a horizontal support surface of about 32.5 degrees.
- Railing system 10 includes upper post 34 and lower post 36 .
- Upper post 34 is secured to a top face 38 of beam 24 and lower post 36 is attached to, or rests on, the support surface and is attached to a lower region of stringer 22 .
- Lower post 36 may further be attached to the lowermost tread member 26 at notch 40 .
- Upper and lower rails 16 and 18 are positioned between the posts 34 and 36 and extend downwardly from upper post 34 to lower post 36 at an angle of about 32.5 degrees from the horizontal so as to correspond with rise angle 28 of stairway 12 .
- Upper and lower rails 16 and 18 have parallel ends which are cut at an angle of about 32.5 degrees from that perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of rails 16 and 18 which also corresponds to the rise angle 28 .
- rails 16 and 18 are attached to a side of posts 34 and 36 so that the ends of rails 16 and 18 lie flush with adjacent sides of posts 34 and 36 . This ensures that the angle of rails 16 and 18 from the horizontal, that is angles 80 and 82 shown in FIG. 2A, correspond to rise angle 28 ensuring that rails 16 and 18 are positioned generally at an angle from the horizontal corresponding to rise angle 28 of stairway 12 .
- a plurality of balusters 14 are interposed between rails 16 and 18 and are rigidly secured between those rails in a vertical orientation, while rails 16 and 18 are oriented at an angle from the horizontal as discussed above.
- retaining members 42 are employed to attach balusters 14 to rails 16 and 18 .
- Upper face 44 of rail 18 includes a plurality of openings 46 extending laterally into face 44 , representing a side of rail 18 , in a direction perpendicular to face 44 also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of rail 18 .
- Retaining member 42 fits within opening 46 and includes rail section 64 which is dimensioned in width with respect to the width of opening 46 to provide a friction fit engagement within opening 46 .
- Baluster 14 includes opening 48 in an end of baluster 14 into which baluster section 62 of retaining member 42 may be inserted.
- Baluster section 62 of retaining member 42 is dimensioned in width with respect to opening 48 to provide a friction fit engagement with opening 48 into which baluster section 62 retaining member 42 is inserted. This is best seen in FIG. 2A.
- upper rail 16 includes a lower face 50 into which a plurality of openings 52 are formed. Openings 52 extend laterally into face 50 and thereby into one side of rail 16 . Openings 52 are of the same diameter and length as openings 46 . Openings 52 extend in a direction perpendicular to face 50 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of rail 16 . Rail section 64 of retaining member 42 and opening 52 are dimensioned to provide a friction fit engagement of rail section 64 within opening 52 .
- Baluster 14 includes an opening (not shown) at its upper end 54 , similar to opening 48 in lower end 56 of baluster 14 as described above. Baluster section 62 of retaining member 42 and the opening in end 54 are dimensioned to provide a secure friction fit engagement of baluster section 62 of member 42 within the opening at end 54 .
- Ends 54 and 56 are cut at an angle from the longitudinal axis equal to rise angle 28 of about 32.5 degrees and are parallel with one another. This ensures that upper face 58 and lower face 60 are coplanar with faces 50 and 44 , respectively. Lower face 60 is shown in its assembled position coplanar with face 44 in FIG. 1A.
- Retaining member 42 includes baluster section 62 integrally joined to rail section 64 .
- Baluster section 62 includes four ribs 66 oriented at right angles to one another and extending the length of baluster section 62 .
- Ribs 66 are integrally joined with four ribs 68 oriented at right angles with respect to one another of rail section 64 .
- Ribs 68 of rail section 64 are wider than ribs 66 providing a larger diameter 70 as compared to diameter 72 of baluster section 62 (best seen in FIG. 4).
- ribs 66 may be tapered with a larger diameter adjacent ribs 68 to provide a general frusto-conical outer periphery to facilitate insertion of baluster section 62 into baluster 14 .
- rail section and baluster section are angled with respect to one another at angle 74 which is equivalent to rise angle 28 of about 32.5 degrees.
- rail section 64 may be inserted into opening 46 or opening 52 with baluster section 62 oriented in a vertical direction (see FIG. 1A).
- retaining member 42 is inserted into opening 52 so that baluster section 62 faces vertically as is baluster section 62 of retaining member 42 positioned within opening 46 of rail 18 . This properly orients baluster 14 in a vertical position as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 when attached to both baluster sections 62 of retaining members 42 .
- Rail section 64 is dimensioned at diameter 70 which is generally equivalent to diameter of openings 46 and 52 to provide a friction fit of rail section 64 within either one of openings 46 or 52 .
- the length 76 of rail section 64 is equal to the depth of openings 46 and 52 .
- lip 78 is formed at the inner end of ribs 68 where ribs 68 merge with ribs 66 . Lips 78 on ribs 68 are in coplanar alignment with each other as ribs 68 are all of equal length 76 .
- Length 76 is equal to the depth of openings 46 and 52 and when rail section 64 is positioned within opening 46 or opening 52 with rail section 64 contacting the end of opening 46 or opening 52 , lips 78 are in coplanar alignment with the plane of corresponding face 44 or 50 .
- lips 48 act as a stop contacting corresponding face 58 or 60 which rests against lip 78 , as best depicted in FIG. 1A. This provides additional support to balusters 14 which contacts lips 78 , rather than faces 44 or 50 which are generally made of wood or other soft material, softer than material used to construct retaining members 42 .
- balusters 14 are oriented in a vertical position.
- stair run/rise ratios are: (i) a rise of 61 ⁇ 2 inches and run of 11 inches, resulting in a rise angle of about 30 degrees; (ii) a rise of 71 ⁇ 2 inches and run of 10 inches resulting in a rise angle of about 36 degrees; and a rise of 71 ⁇ 4 inches and a run of 101 ⁇ 4 inches resulting in a rise angle of about 35 degrees.
- a rise of 61 ⁇ 2 inches and a run of 11 inches can be accommodated.
- a rise of 71 ⁇ 2 inches and a run of 10 inches can be accommodated by providing angles 74 , 82 and 80 of 36 degrees and a rise of 71 ⁇ 4 and run of 101 ⁇ 4 accommodated by providing angles 74 , 82 and 80 of 35 degrees.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Bridges Or Land Bridges (AREA)
- Steps, Ramps, And Handrails (AREA)
Abstract
A baluster retaining member for connecting an end of a baluster to an opening in a rail of a railing system includes a rail section dimensioned to fit within the opening and a baluster section dimensioned to be secured to an end of the baluster. The rail and baluster sections are oriented with respect to one another at a predetermined angle so that when the baluster is connected to the rail by the member and the rail is positioned for use adjacent a stairway at an angle from the horizontal, the baluster is oriented vertically.
Description
- i) Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to a retaining member for connecting balusters to rails of a railing system and more particularly relates to a system which permits vertical orientation of balusters into rails having openings perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails, where the rails are oriented at an angle from the horizontal when adjacent a stairway.
- ii) Related Art
- Railing systems which are made up of upper and lower rails with balusters interposed between the rails are well known in the art. As well, a railing system in which the balusters are inserted into openings in a surface of each rail are well known. In those systems, the upper and lower rails are rigidly connected to posts on each end with the balusters interposed between the rails fitted within openings in the lower surface of the upper rail and the upper surface of the lower rail to hold the balusters in place. The balusters are manually oriented in a vertical direction, irrespective of the angle at which the rails are oriented. Because rails positioned adjacent a stairway or set of stairs must be angled downwardly at an angle corresponding to the angle of the stairway (that is the angle corresponding to the “run” and “rise” of the stairway), difficulties can arise in providing a method for orienting the balusters vertically when interposed between rails which are angled from the horizontal.
- In the past, one method of manufacturing rails for this type of railing system was to orient the openings in each rail into which an end of a baluster is inserted at an angle in relation to the longitudinal axis of the rail sufficient to result in a vertical baluster orientation when the rails are angled in use adjacent a stairway. This has meant that special tooling equipment, or time consuming adjustment of existing equipment had to be undertaken to drill these openings at the appropriate angle. Furthermore, some railing systems are sold, without any pre-drilled openings, to consumers and contractors who install these systems. Consumers or contractors are then required to drill openings of appropriate size and orientation in order to accept the balusters between the rails when the railing system is assembled. It is much easier for those consumers or contractors to drill openings in the rails which are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of those rails, as compared to attempting to drill a plurality of openings at the same angle, corresponding to the rise angle of the stairway, to provide a consistent vertical orientation of a plurality of balusters between the rails when those rails are positioned adjacent a stairway at an angle from the horizontal. This difficulty is compounded by the need to ensure that openings in the top rail align with openings in the bottom rail. As well, the ability to use rails which have an opening perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail permits consumers and contractors to use the same rails for use in a railing system adjacent a set of stairs as are used in a railing system adjacent a horizontal surface. In addition, the rails may be oriented with a particular end either at the high end of the stairway, or the low end of the stairway, whereas rails having angled openings are required to be oriented in one direction to properly align the openings so that the balusters are oriented vertically.
- As a consequence, there is a need for a railing system which permits the use of rails having openings to accept balusters between the rails which are formed into the rails in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails and which enables vertical orientation of the balusters interposed between the rails when the rails are oriented at an angle from the horizontal such as when the rails are used adjacent a stairway.
- This invention provides a railing system for a stairway which includes a pair of rails, each having a plurality of openings extending laterally into one side of the rails in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails. A plurality of balusters are provided for extending between the rails and a plurality of retaining members are provided for connecting an end of a baluster to one of the openings. The retaining members include a rail section dimensioned to fit within the opening and a baluster section dimensioned to be secured to an end of the baluster. The rail and baluster sections are oriented with respect to one another at a predetermined angle so that when the balusters are connected to the rails by the members and the rails are positioned for use adjacent a stairway at an angle from the horizontal, the balusters are oriented vertically.
- In a further embodiment, the rail section is of an outer diameter and the opening is of a corresponding diameter to provide a friction fit of the rail section within the opening.
- In a further embodiment, the baluster includes a baluster opening at one end dimensioned to accept the baluster and of the retaining member into the baluster opening.
- In a further embodiment, the baluster section is of an outer diameter and the baluster opening is of a corresponding diameter to provide a friction fit of the baluster section within the opening.
- In a further embodiment, the rail section is connected to the opening by a tighter fit resulting in a higher level of friction fit as compared to the baluster section and the baluster opening.
- In a further embodiment, the predetermined angle is between 30 degrees and 36 degrees.
- In a further embodiment, the predetermined angle is about 32.5 degrees.
- In a further embodiment, the baluster section is contoured with a frusto-conical outer periphery with the larger diameter at the end adjacent the rail section.
- In a further embodiment, the rail section includes a plurality of ribs defining the outer periphery of the rail section.
- In a further embodiment, the baluster section comprises a plurality of ribs defining the outer periphery of the baluster section.
- In a further embodiment, the baluster section is of a lesser diameter than the rail section and a lip is formed at the region where the rail and the baluster sections meet.
- In a further embodiment, the lip defines a lip plane that is perpendicular with the outer periphery of the rail section.
- In a further embodiment, the lip acts as a contact region contacting the end of the baluster when the baluster is attached to the baluster section, the lip preventing further insertion of the baluster section into the baluster.
- In a further embodiment, the rail section is dimensioned in length equal to the depth of the opening so that when the rail section is in the opening contacting the end of the opening, the lip plane is coplanar with a plane defined by the side of the rail into which the opening extends so that when the baluster is attached to the baluster section to cover the entire baluster section, the lip acts as a contact region contacting the end of the baluster.
- In a further embodiment, the ends of the baluster are parallel with one another and form a plane which is at a baluster-end angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of he baluster.
- In a further embodiment, the baluster end angle is the same as the predetermined angle.
- By way of example, specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rail system of the present invention, adjacent a stairway;
- FIG. 1A is a close-up view of a section of FIG. 1 showing a retaining member of the present invention connecting a lower end of a baluster to an opening in the lower rail of the railing system;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the railing system of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 2A is a close-up view of a section of FIG. 2 in an exploded view showing a baluster interposed between upper and lower rails with baluster retaining members interposed between each end of the baluster and each rail;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a baluster retaining member of the present invention;
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the baluster retaining member of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is a front view of the baluster retaining member of FIG. 3; and
- FIG. 6 is a rear view of the baluster retaining member of FIG. 3.
- Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 1A,
railing system 10 is shown adjacent stairway or set ofstairs 12.Railing system 10 includesbalusters 14 interposed betweenupper rail 16 andlower rail 18. - Stairway12 includes a pair of parallel-spaced
opposed stringers beam 24. Lower ends ofstringers tread members 26 are positioned horizontally on corresponding plurality ofvertical support sections 27 ofstringers - A
typical stairway 12 has a 7inch rise 30 and a 11¼inch run 32 which is equivalent to arise angle 28 from a horizontal support surface of about 32.5 degrees. -
Railing system 10 includesupper post 34 andlower post 36.Upper post 34 is secured to atop face 38 ofbeam 24 andlower post 36 is attached to, or rests on, the support surface and is attached to a lower region ofstringer 22.Lower post 36 may further be attached to thelowermost tread member 26 atnotch 40. Upper andlower rails posts upper post 34 to lowerpost 36 at an angle of about 32.5 degrees from the horizontal so as to correspond withrise angle 28 ofstairway 12. Upper andlower rails rails rise angle 28. Whenrailing system 10 is assembledadjacent stairway 12,rails posts rails posts rails angles rise angle 28 ensuring thatrails rise angle 28 ofstairway 12. - A plurality of
balusters 14 are interposed betweenrails rails balusters 14 in conjunction withrails angles members 42 are employed to attachbalusters 14 torails Upper face 44 ofrail 18 includes a plurality of openings 46 extending laterally intoface 44, representing a side ofrail 18, in a direction perpendicular to face 44 also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ofrail 18. - Retaining
member 42 fits within opening 46 and includesrail section 64 which is dimensioned in width with respect to the width of opening 46 to provide a friction fit engagement within opening 46.Baluster 14 includesopening 48 in an end ofbaluster 14 into whichbaluster section 62 of retainingmember 42 may be inserted.Baluster section 62 of retainingmember 42 is dimensioned in width with respect to opening 48 to provide a friction fit engagement withopening 48 into whichbaluster section 62 retainingmember 42 is inserted. This is best seen in FIG. 2A. - As best depicted in FIGS. 2 and 2A,
upper rail 16 includes a lower face 50 into which a plurality ofopenings 52 are formed.Openings 52 extend laterally into face 50 and thereby into one side ofrail 16.Openings 52 are of the same diameter and length as openings 46.Openings 52 extend in a direction perpendicular to face 50 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ofrail 16.Rail section 64 of retainingmember 42 andopening 52 are dimensioned to provide a friction fit engagement ofrail section 64 withinopening 52.Baluster 14 includes an opening (not shown) at itsupper end 54, similar to opening 48 inlower end 56 ofbaluster 14 as described above.Baluster section 62 of retainingmember 42 and the opening inend 54 are dimensioned to provide a secure friction fit engagement ofbaluster section 62 ofmember 42 within the opening atend 54. - Ends54 and 56 are cut at an angle from the longitudinal axis equal to rise
angle 28 of about 32.5 degrees and are parallel with one another. This ensures thatupper face 58 andlower face 60 are coplanar withfaces 50 and 44, respectively.Lower face 60 is shown in its assembled position coplanar withface 44 in FIG. 1A. - Referring to FIGS. 3, 4,5, and 6, retaining
member 42 is depicted in perspective, side, front and rear views. Retainingmember 42 includesbaluster section 62 integrally joined to railsection 64.Baluster section 62 includes fourribs 66 oriented at right angles to one another and extending the length ofbaluster section 62.Ribs 66 are integrally joined with fourribs 68 oriented at right angles with respect to one another ofrail section 64.Ribs 68 ofrail section 64 are wider thanribs 66 providing alarger diameter 70 as compared todiameter 72 of baluster section 62 (best seen in FIG. 4). While not shown,ribs 66 may be tapered with a larger diameteradjacent ribs 68 to provide a general frusto-conical outer periphery to facilitate insertion ofbaluster section 62 intobaluster 14. - As best seen in FIG. 4, rail section and baluster section are angled with respect to one another at
angle 74 which is equivalent to riseangle 28 of about 32.5 degrees. When rails 16 and 18 are oriented at an angle from the horizontal atangles rail section 64 may be inserted into opening 46 oropening 52 withbaluster section 62 oriented in a vertical direction (see FIG. 1A). As depicted in FIG. 2A, retainingmember 42 is inserted into opening 52 so thatbaluster section 62 faces vertically as isbaluster section 62 of retainingmember 42 positioned within opening 46 ofrail 18. This properly orientsbaluster 14 in a vertical position as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 when attached to bothbaluster sections 62 of retainingmembers 42. -
Rail section 64 is dimensioned atdiameter 70 which is generally equivalent to diameter ofopenings 46 and 52 to provide a friction fit ofrail section 64 within either one ofopenings 46 or 52. As well, thelength 76 ofrail section 64 is equal to the depth ofopenings 46 and 52. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, becauseribs 68 are oflarger diameter 70 as compared todiameter 72 ofribs 66,lip 78 is formed at the inner end ofribs 68 whereribs 68 merge withribs 66.Lips 78 onribs 68 are in coplanar alignment with each other asribs 68 are all ofequal length 76. -
Length 76 is equal to the depth ofopenings 46 and 52 and whenrail section 64 is positioned within opening 46 oropening 52 withrail section 64 contacting the end of opening 46 oropening 52,lips 78 are in coplanar alignment with the plane of correspondingface 44 or 50. As a consequence, whenbaluster section 62 is positioned within one ofopening 48 or opening inend 54 ofbaluster 14,lips 48 act as a stop contacting correspondingface lip 78, as best depicted in FIG. 1A. This provides additional support tobalusters 14 whichcontacts lips 78, rather than faces 44 or 50 which are generally made of wood or other soft material, softer than material used to construct retainingmembers 42. - As well, because retaining
members 24 haverail section 64 which is positioned atangle 74 with respect tobaluster section 62, equivalent toangles rails balusters 14 are oriented in a vertical position. - The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment has been directed to the most popular rise and run angle of a stairway, namely a 7 inch rise and an 11¼ inch run, resulting in about a 32.5 degree angle from the horizontal. However, other stair angles may also be accommodated and will similarly provide a vertical baluster interposed between rails angled from the horizontal by changing the predetermined angle of the retaining
member 42. For example, other popular stair run/rise ratios are: (i) a rise of 6½ inches and run of 11 inches, resulting in a rise angle of about 30 degrees; (ii) a rise of 7½ inches and run of 10 inches resulting in a rise angle of about 36 degrees; and a rise of 7¼ inches and a run of 10¼ inches resulting in a rise angle of about 35 degrees. By providing apredetermined angle 74 andpositioning rails angles angles angles - Having thus described preferred embodiments of a railing system for a stairway and a baluster retaining member, it will be apparent by those skilled in the art how certain advantages of the present invention have been achieved. It should also be appreciated that various modifications, adaptations, and alternative embodiments thereof may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, while specific angles associated with certain run/rise ratios have been described, it should be apparent that the inventive concepts described above would be equally applicable to any number of different rise/run ratios by making appropriate adjustment to
angles rise angle 28. Moreover, the words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus, if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself. The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. The described embodiments are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The invention is further defined by the following claims.
Claims (27)
1. A railing system for a stair way, comprising:
(a) a pair of rails each having a plurality of openings extending laterally into one side of the rails in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails;
(b) a plurality of balusters for extending between the rails; and
(c) a plurality of retaining members for connecting an end of a baluster to one of the openings, the retaining members having a rail section dimensioned to fit within the opening and a baluster section dimensioned to be secured to an end of the baluster,
wherein the rail and baluster sections are oriented with respect to one another at a predetermined angle so that when the balusters are connected to the rails by the members and the rails are positioned for use adjacent a stair way at an angle from the horizontal, the balusters are oriented vertically.
2. The railing system of claim 1 , wherein the rail section is of an outer diameter and the opening is of a corresponding diameter to provide a friction fit of the rail section within the opening.
3. The railing system of claim 1 , wherein the baluster comprises a baluster opening at one end dimensioned to accept the baluster end of the retaining member into the baluster opening.
4. The railing system of claim 3 , wherein the baluster section is of an outer diameter and the baluster opening is of a corresponding diameter to provide a friction fit of the baluster section within the opening.
5. The railing system of claim 2 , wherein the baluster comprises a baluster opening at one end dimensioned to accept the baluster end of the retaining member into the baluster opening.
6. The railing system of claim 5 , wherein the baluster section is of an outer diameter and the baluster opening is of a corresponding diameter to provide a friction fit of the baluster section within the baluster opening.
7. The railing system of claim 6 , wherein the rail section is connected to the opening by a tighter fit resulting in a higher level of friction fit as compared to the baluster section in the baluster opening.
8. The railing system of claim 1 wherein the predetermined angle is between 30 degrees and 36 degrees.
9. The railing system of claim 1 wherein the predetermined angle is about 32.5 degrees.
10. The railing system of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined angle is about 30 degrees.
11. The railing system of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined angle is about 36 degrees.
12. The railing system of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined angle is about 35 degrees.
13. The railing system of claim 1 wherein the baluster section is contoured with a frusto-conical outer periphery with the larger diameter at the end adjacent the rail section.
14. The railing system as described in claim 1 wherein the rail section comprises a plurality of ribs defining the outer periphery of the rail section.
15. The railing system as described in claim 1 wherein the baluster section comprises a plurality of ribs defining the outer periphery of the baluster section.
16. The railing system as described in claim 14 wherein the baluster section comprises a plurality of ribs defining the outer periphery of the baluster section.
17. The railing system as described in claim 1 wherein the rail section and baluster section are of unitary construction.
18. The railing system as described in claim 3 wherein the baluster section is of a lesser diameter than the rail section and wherein a lip is formed at the region where the rail and baluster sections meet.
19. The railing system as described in claim 18 wherein the lip defines a lip plane that is perpendicular with the outer periphery of the rail section.
20. The railing system as described in claim 19 wherein the lip acts as a contact region contacting the end of the baluster when the baluster is attached to the baluster section, the lip preventing further insertion of the baluster section into the baluster.
21. The railing system as described in claim 19 wherein the rail section is dimensioned in length equal to the depth of the opening so that when the rail section is in the opening contacting the end of the opening the lip plane is co-planar with a plane defined by the side of the rail into which the opening extends so that when the baluster is attached to the baluster section to cover the entire baluster section the lip acts as a contact region contacting the end of the baluster.
22. The railing system as described in claim 1 wherein the ends of the baluster are parallel with one another and form a plane which is at a baluster end angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the baluster.
23. The railing system as described in claim 22 wherein the baluster end angle is the same as the predetermined angle.
24. The railing system as described in claim 22 wherein the baluster end angle is between 30 degrees and 36 degrees.
25. The railing system as described in claim 22 wherein the baluster end angle is about 32.5 degrees.
26. The railing system as described in claim 1 further comprising waterproofing material positioned in the opening between the rail section and the opening when the rail section is positioned in the opening.
27. A retaining member for connecting a baluster to a rail of a railing system for use adjacent a set of stairs, the rail having an opening perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail, the retaining member comprising:
(a) a first end dimensioned to be attachable to the baluster;
(b) a second end dimensioned to fit within the opening in the rail; and
(c) the first and second ends attached together at an angle so that the baluster is retained by the opening in the rail in a vertical orientation when the rail is positioned adjacent the set of stairs, the rail angled from the horizontal to correspond to the angle of the set of stairs.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/216,649 US20040025452A1 (en) | 2002-08-12 | 2002-08-12 | Baluster retaining member |
CA002436676A CA2436676A1 (en) | 2002-08-12 | 2003-08-07 | Baluster retaining member |
GBGB0318884.4A GB0318884D0 (en) | 2002-08-12 | 2003-08-12 | Baluster retaining member |
US10/653,131 US20040177586A1 (en) | 2002-08-12 | 2003-09-03 | Baluster retaining member |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/216,649 US20040025452A1 (en) | 2002-08-12 | 2002-08-12 | Baluster retaining member |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/653,131 Continuation-In-Part US20040177586A1 (en) | 2002-08-12 | 2003-09-03 | Baluster retaining member |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040025452A1 true US20040025452A1 (en) | 2004-02-12 |
Family
ID=28454357
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/216,649 Abandoned US20040025452A1 (en) | 2002-08-12 | 2002-08-12 | Baluster retaining member |
US10/653,131 Abandoned US20040177586A1 (en) | 2002-08-12 | 2003-09-03 | Baluster retaining member |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/653,131 Abandoned US20040177586A1 (en) | 2002-08-12 | 2003-09-03 | Baluster retaining member |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20040025452A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2436676A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB0318884D0 (en) |
Cited By (22)
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US20070029536A1 (en) * | 2005-08-04 | 2007-02-08 | Garvin Goode | Picket assembly |
US20070282263A1 (en) * | 2004-11-24 | 2007-12-06 | Medrad, Inc. | Devices, systems and methods for determining parameters of one or more phases of an injection procedure |
US20090127533A1 (en) * | 2009-01-16 | 2009-05-21 | Glenn Gorab | Dual use wall mounted child safety banister |
US20090316970A1 (en) * | 2008-06-24 | 2009-12-24 | Medrad, Inc. | Identification of regions of interest and extraction of time value curves in imaging procedures |
US20100204572A1 (en) * | 2007-07-17 | 2010-08-12 | Medrad, Inc. | Devices, Systems and Methods for Determination of Parameters for a Procedure, for Estimation of Cardiopulmonary Function and for Fluid Delivery |
US20110073824A1 (en) * | 2009-09-25 | 2011-03-31 | Lappin Rick A | Railing system and coupling element and methods of assembly |
US8197437B2 (en) | 2004-11-16 | 2012-06-12 | Medrad, Inc. | Systems and methods of modeling pharmaceutical propagation in a patient |
US8608484B2 (en) | 2008-03-04 | 2013-12-17 | Medrad, Inc. | Dynamic anthropomorphic cardiovascular phantom |
US20150115214A1 (en) * | 2013-10-30 | 2015-04-30 | Barrette Outdoor Living, Inc. | Railing and baluster plug system |
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US9421330B2 (en) | 2008-11-03 | 2016-08-23 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | Mitigation of contrast-induced nephropathy |
US9949704B2 (en) | 2012-05-14 | 2018-04-24 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | Systems and methods for determination of pharmaceutical fluid injection protocols based on x-ray tube voltage |
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- 2003-08-12 GB GBGB0318884.4A patent/GB0318884D0/en not_active Ceased
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US20070029536A1 (en) * | 2005-08-04 | 2007-02-08 | Garvin Goode | Picket assembly |
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US9302044B2 (en) | 2006-12-29 | 2016-04-05 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | Patient-based parameter generation systems for medical injection procedures |
US20100204572A1 (en) * | 2007-07-17 | 2010-08-12 | Medrad, Inc. | Devices, Systems and Methods for Determination of Parameters for a Procedure, for Estimation of Cardiopulmonary Function and for Fluid Delivery |
US9008759B2 (en) | 2007-07-17 | 2015-04-14 | Bayer Medical Care Inc. | Devices and systems for determination of parameters for a procedure, for estimation of cardiopulmonary function and for fluid delivery |
US8428694B2 (en) | 2007-07-17 | 2013-04-23 | Medrad, Inc. | Methods for determination of parameters for a procedure, for estimation of cardiopulmonary function and for fluid delivery |
US8608484B2 (en) | 2008-03-04 | 2013-12-17 | Medrad, Inc. | Dynamic anthropomorphic cardiovascular phantom |
US8699770B2 (en) | 2008-06-24 | 2014-04-15 | Bayer Medical Care Inc. | Identification of regions of interest and extraction of time value curves in imaging procedures |
US8315449B2 (en) | 2008-06-24 | 2012-11-20 | Medrad, Inc. | Identification of regions of interest and extraction of time value curves in imaging procedures |
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US20110073824A1 (en) * | 2009-09-25 | 2011-03-31 | Lappin Rick A | Railing system and coupling element and methods of assembly |
US9959389B2 (en) | 2010-06-24 | 2018-05-01 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | Modeling of pharmaceutical propagation and parameter generation for injection protocols |
US9949704B2 (en) | 2012-05-14 | 2018-04-24 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | Systems and methods for determination of pharmaceutical fluid injection protocols based on x-ray tube voltage |
US11191501B2 (en) | 2012-05-14 | 2021-12-07 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | Systems and methods for determination of pharmaceutical fluid injection protocols based on x-ray tube voltage |
US11278853B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2022-03-22 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | Method for controlling fluid accuracy and backflow compensation |
US20150115214A1 (en) * | 2013-10-30 | 2015-04-30 | Barrette Outdoor Living, Inc. | Railing and baluster plug system |
US9637932B2 (en) * | 2013-10-30 | 2017-05-02 | Barrette Outdoor Living, Inc. | Railing and baluster plug system |
US10100527B1 (en) | 2015-10-13 | 2018-10-16 | David W Moeller | Hollow baluster installation system |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2436676A1 (en) | 2004-02-12 |
GB0318884D0 (en) | 2003-09-17 |
US20040177586A1 (en) | 2004-09-16 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: B.W. CREATIVE WOOD INDUSTRIES LTD., CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MCLEAN, FREDERICK BRUCE;REEL/FRAME:013534/0015 Effective date: 20021028 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |