US20100295008A1 - Balustrades - Google Patents
Balustrades Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100295008A1 US20100295008A1 US12/682,238 US68223808A US2010295008A1 US 20100295008 A1 US20100295008 A1 US 20100295008A1 US 68223808 A US68223808 A US 68223808A US 2010295008 A1 US2010295008 A1 US 2010295008A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tubular body
- wire
- connector
- rail
- end portion
- 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
- E04F11/1817—Connections therefor
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
- F16G11/00—Means for fastening cables or ropes to one another or to other objects; Caps or sleeves for fixing on cables or ropes
- F16G11/02—Means for fastening cables or ropes to one another or to other objects; Caps or sleeves for fixing on cables or ropes with parts deformable to grip the cable or cables; Fastening means which engage a sleeve or the like fixed on the cable
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
- F16G11/00—Means for fastening cables or ropes to one another or to other objects; Caps or sleeves for fixing on cables or ropes
- F16G11/10—Quick-acting fastenings; Clamps holding in one direction only
-
- 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
- E04F2011/1868—Miscellaneous features of handrails not otherwise provided for
- E04F2011/1882—Miscellaneous features of handrails not otherwise provided for with traction cable inside post or rail
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail.
- the present invention also relates to a method for forming balustrades and a balustrade kit.
- Balustrades may be formed with tensioned wires (usually of a high tensile strength metal such as stainless steel) extending vertically or horizontally between top and bottom rails or side rails respectively. Constructing the balustrades with the tensioned wires is a time consuming process. Typically it requires pushing one wire at a time trough an aperture in the upper rail or one of the side rails until the wire extends out the end of that rail, attaching a connector to the end of the wire having a head portion of greater diameter than the diameter of the aperture and drawing the wire back through the aperture until the connector head portion abuts the inner surface of the rail about the aperture. This process is repeated for all the wires. The wires are then each cut to length and connected to the opposing bottom or side rail in a similar manner. Once connected to the rails, the wires are subsequently tensioned by spacing apart the rails.
- tensioned wires usually of a high tensile strength metal such as stainless steel
- a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail comprising:
- tubular body for receipt therein of a wire end portion and for positioning in the rail through a rail aperture
- a deflector for deflecting the wire at an angle to the wire end portion which is held in the tubular body, when the wire is under tension.
- the tubular body is cylindrical.
- tubular body may be square or rectangular in cross-section or any other shape as desired.
- the tubular body may be open or may be closed at its ends.
- the tubular body has a diameter which is less than the diameter of the rail aperture.
- the tubular body has a length which is greater than the diameter of the rail aperture.
- the tubular body is straight.
- the tubular body is bent.
- the tubular body comprises a first portion and a second portion.
- first and second portions are axially aligned.
- the second portion is bent with respect to the first portion.
- the second portion is curved.
- the tubular body also comprises a middle portion, the first and second portions arranged either side of the middle portion.
- the first portion defines a closed space in which the wire end portion may be received.
- the opening is preferably a lateral opening in the tubular body.
- the opening is formed at least in part, in the middle portion.
- the opening comprises an aperture
- the connector aperture is formed in a middle portion of the tubular body.
- first and second portions of the tubular body are located on either side of the connector aperture.
- the opening comprises a cut-away portion of the tubular body.
- the cut-away portion extends between an end of the tubular body and the middle portion of the tubular body.
- the cut-away portion is formed at least in part in the second portion of the tubular body.
- the deflector deflects the wire at least 30°, more preferably at least 60°, more preferably approximately perpendicular to the wire end portion when the wire is under tension.
- the deflector also deflects the wire at an angle which is preferably at least 30°, more preferably at least 60°, more preferably approximately perpendicular to the first portion of the tubular body when the wire is under tension.
- the deflector is located in the middle portion of the tubular body.
- the deflector comprises the edge of the opening.
- the deflector comprises the rim of the connector aperture.
- the deflector comprises the edge of the cut-away portion at the middle portion of the tubular body.
- the connector also comprises a retainer for retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body.
- the retainer comprises a deformable portion of the tubular body.
- the deformable portion is enabled to deform about the wire end portion.
- At least a part of the first portion of the tubular body comprises the deformable portion.
- the deformable portion is deformable under a crimping action.
- the wire end portion is retained in the tubular body by formation of a bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body.
- the bond may be formed by application of an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or by any other suitable method.
- the bond may be formed by deforming, preferably by crimping, a deformable portion of the tubular body.
- Application of an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering may occur in combination with deformation of the deformable portion of the tubular body.
- the deflector also comprises a guide for guiding deflection of the wire by the deflector, when the wire is under tension.
- the guide is located proximate to the opening in the tubular body.
- the guide comprises a projection, projecting from the tubular body.
- the projection provides a surface along which a portion of the wire which is adjacent to the wire end portion may abut when the wire is under tension.
- the surface of the projection along which the wire abuts is at least in part curved, preferably in the direction of deflection.
- the projection is locatable in the rail aperture after the tubular body has been positioned in the rail.
- the connector is formed of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium or any other suitable metal.
- the connector is formed of a plastic, preferably a hard plastic.
- a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail comprising:
- tubular body for receipt therein of a wire end portion and for positioning in the rail through a rail aperture
- At least one protrusion protruding from the tubular body for abutting an internal surface of the rail to act against the connector being removed from the rail when the wire is under tension.
- the at least one protrusion protrudes laterally from the tubular body.
- the connector comprises one protrusion which protrudes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body.
- the connector comprises two protrusions, protruding laterally from either side of the tubular body, preferably perpendicular to the tubular body.
- the at least one protrusion may be of any shape as desired.
- the connector comprises more than one protrusion, they may have the same shape and size, but may not be.
- the at least one protrusion is located toward an end of the tubular body.
- the opening is a lateral opening in the tubular body.
- the opening comprises an end aperture located in an end of the tubular body.
- the at least one protrusion is preferably located towards the opening.
- the connector also comprises a projection, projecting from the tubular body and locatable in the rail aperture after the tubular body has been positioned in the rail.
- the projection is formed proximate to the opening.
- the projection projects laterally from the tubular body.
- the projection projects parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body.
- the projection has a curved inner surface against which the wire under tension may abut.
- the projection provides a guide for guiding any deflection of the wire, when the wire is under tension.
- the connector also comprises a retainer for retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body.
- the retainer comprises a deformable portion of the tubular body.
- the deformable portion is enabled to deform about the wire end portion.
- the wire end portion is retained in the tubular body by formation of a bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body.
- the bond may be formed by application of an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or by any other suitable method.
- the bond may be formed by deforming, preferably by crimping, a deformable portion of the tubular body.
- Application of an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering may occur in combination with deformation of the deformable portion of the tubular body.
- the connector is formed of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium or any other suitable metal.
- the connector is formed of a plastic, preferably a hard plastic.
- balustrade kit comprising:
- the connectors are a connector according to either the first or second aspect of the present invention.
- some of the connectors are connectors according to the first and/or second aspects, more preferably most of the connectors, most preferably all of the connectors.
- the rails are top and bottom rails.
- the wires are arranged vertically when the balustrade is formed.
- the rails are opposing side rails.
- the wires are arranged horizontally when the balustrade is formed.
- each rail has a plurality of apertures formed therein.
- each connector is to be inserted through one of the rail apertures to connect one of the wires to one of the rails.
- each rail has a space therein for receipt of the connectors through the rail apertures, and preferably with one of the wires connected to each of the connectors.
- each rail comprises a tubular member.
- the tubular members may be circular, square, rectangular or any other shape as desired in cross-section.
- each rail comprises a U-shaped member, wherein the space in which the connectors are received is readily accessible.
- each rail also comprises a cover plate for engaging the U-shaped member to form a tube.
- Each cover plate may slideably engage its respective U-shaped member.
- Each cover plate may have a snap-fit engagement with its respective U-shaped member.
- the balustrade kit also comprises at least one post for the rails to be mounted to.
- a balustrade comprising the steps of:
- the step of inserting the wire end portion into the tubular body comprises inserting the wire end portion through the lateral opening in the tubular body.
- the step of retaining comprises using the retainer to retain the wire end portion in the tubular body.
- the step of retaining comprises deforming the deformable portion of the tubular body about the wire end portion.
- the step of retaining comprises crimping a portion of the tubular body about the wire end portion, preferably the deformable portion.
- the step of retaining comprises forming a bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body.
- Forming the bond may involve applying an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or any other suitable method.
- forming the bond comprises deforming the deformable portion of the tubular body.
- forming the bond comprises deforming the deformable portion of the tubular body in combination with any one or more of applying an adhesive, welding, brazing or soldering.
- the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail comprises inserting the tubular body into a space in the rail.
- the space in the rail is of sufficient size to enable the length of the tubular body to be inserted into the rail through the rail aperture.
- the longitudinal extent of the wire is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the tubular body, in particular the first portion of the tubular body.
- the longitudinal extent of the wire is substantially axially aligned with the longitudinal extent of the tubular body, in particular the first portion of the tubular body.
- the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail may comprise holding a portion of the wire against an outer surface of a portion of the tubular body during this step.
- the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail may comprise holding a portion of the wire against a surface of the cut-away portion during this step.
- the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes portions of the tubular body to abut an inner surface of the rail, preferably the first and second portions either side of the rail aperture, respectively.
- the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the second portion to abut an inner surface of the rail, either side of the rail aperture.
- the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the wire to be deflected by the deflector at an angle to the wire end portion.
- the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the wire to be deflected by the deflector at an angle to the longitudinal extent of the tubular body.
- the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the guide to be located in the rail aperture.
- the method also comprises the step of adjusting the length of the wire.
- the step of adjusting the length of the wire comprises cutting the wire to the required length.
- the step of adjusting the length of the wire may occur before or after steps (a) to (d).
- the method also comprises repeating steps (a) to (d) for a plurality of wires and for two or more rails, using a plurality of connectors according to the first aspect of the present invention to form the balustrade.
- a balustrade comprising the steps of:
- the step of inserting the wire end portion into the tubular body comprises inserting the wire end portion through the opening in the tubular body.
- the step of retaining comprises using the retainer to retain the wire end portion in the tubular body.
- the step of retaining comprises deforming the deformable portion of the tubular body about the wire end portion.
- the step of retaining comprises crimping a portion of the tubular body about the wire end portion, preferably the deformable portion.
- the step of retaining comprises forming a bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body.
- Forming the bond may involve applying an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or any other suitable method.
- forming the bond comprises deforming the deformable portion of the tubular body.
- forming the bond comprises deforming the deformable portion of the tubular body in combination with any one or more of applying an adhesive, welding, brazing or soldering.
- the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail comprises inserting the tubular body into a space in the rail.
- the space in the rail is of sufficient size to enable the length of the tubular body to be inserted into the rail through the rail aperture.
- the step of inserting comprises rotating the tubular body to enable the at least one protrusion to clear the rail aperture.
- Rotating the tubular body may cause bending of the wire end portion with respect to the wire.
- the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the at least one protrusion to abut an inner surface of the rail, preferably close to the rail aperture.
- the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire preferably cause the protrusions to abut the inner surface of the rail either side of the rail aperture.
- the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the projection to be located in the rail aperture.
- the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the tubular body to be moved such that its longitudinal extent is substantially aligned with the longitudinal extent of the wire.
- the method also comprises the step of adjusting the length of the wire.
- the step of adjusting the length of the wire comprises cutting the wire to the required length.
- the step of adjusting the length of the wire may occur before or after steps (a) to (d).
- the method also comprises repeating steps (a) to (d) for a plurality of wires and for two or more rails, using a plurality of connectors according to the first aspect of the present invention to form the balustrade.
- FIGS. 1 to 4 are schematic views of a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail according to an embodiment of the invention shown sequentially through FIGS. 1 to 4 in a method for forming a balustrade;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 6 to 9 are schematic views of a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail according to a further embodiment of the invention shown sequentially through FIGS. 6 to 9 in a method for forming a balustrade;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail according to a still further embodiment of the present invention.
- the connector 10 for connecting a wire 11 to a balustrade rail 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
- the connector 10 comprises a tubular body 13 for receipt therein of a wire end portion.
- the tubular body 13 as shown in the Figures is cylindrical and has open ends.
- the tubular body may be square or rectangular in cross-section or any other shape as desired and may be closed at its ends.
- the tubular body 13 has a diameter which is less than the diameter of a rail aperture 30 , but a length which is greater than the diameter of the rail aperture 30 . This enables the tubular body 13 to be positioned in the rail 12 through the rail aperture 30 as shown in particular in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- the tubular body 13 comprises first and second portions 15 , 16 respectively and a middle portion 17 .
- the first and second portions 15 , 16 are arranged either side of the middle portion 17 , with the first portion 15 being arranged to receive therein the wire end portion as shown in FIG. 2 for example.
- the first and second portions 15 , 16 are axially aligned, providing for a straight tubular body 13 .
- the second portion 16 may be considered to be a protrusion from the first portion 15 (or more particularly from the middle portion 17 ).
- the connector 10 comprises a retainer in the form of a deformable portion 21 for retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body 13 .
- the deformable portion 21 is enabled to deform about the wire end portion, typically by crimping the deformable portion 21 .
- the deformable portion 21 is generally formed, at least in part, by the first portion 15 of the tubular body 13 . Deformation of the deformable portion 21 in this way creates a strong mechanical interlock between the tubular body 13 and the wire end portion.
- the bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body may be formed by the application of an adhesive, welding, brazing or soldering without any deformation of the tubular body.
- the connector 10 also comprises an opening in the tubular body 13 , shown in the Figures in the form of a lateral cut-away portion 20 , for the wire 11 to extend from the connector 10 when the wire end portion is located in the tubular body 13 .
- the cut-away portion 20 is formed in the second portion 16 of the tubular body 13 , extending between an end of the tubular body 13 and the middle portion 17 of the tubular body.
- the opening may be in the form of an aperture.
- the aperture is formed laterally in the middle portion 17 of the tubular body 13 and the first and second portions 15 , 16 of the tubular body 13 are located on either side of the aperture.
- the connector 10 also comprises a deflector 22 for deflecting the wire 11 at an angle which is approximately perpendicular to the wire end portion when the wire 11 is under tension (as shown in FIG. 4 ).
- the wire 11 is also deflected at an angle which is approximately perpendicular to the tubular body 13 by the deflector 22 , when the wire 11 is under tension.
- the deflector 22 is located in the middle portion 17 of the tubular body 1 . and comprises the edge of the opening.
- the deflector 22 as shown in the Figures comprises the edge of the cut-away portion 20 at the middle portion 17 of the tubular body 13 .
- the deflector comprises the rim of the aperture.
- the connector 10 is typically formed of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium or any other suitable metal.
- the connector 10 may be formed of a plastic, preferably a hard plastic.
- FIG. 5 a connector 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.
- the connector 110 is similar to the connector shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 . Similar features of the connector 110 have therefore been designated with the same reference number but have been prefixed with the numeral 1 .
- the deflector 122 shown in FIG. 5 also comprises a guide for guiding deflection of the wire by the deflector 122 , when the wire is under tension.
- the guide is located proximate to the opening in the tubular body 113 and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is shown in the form of a projection 125 , projecting from the tubular body 113 .
- the projection 125 provides a surface 126 along which a portion of the wire which is adjacent to the wire end portion may abut when the wire is under tension.
- the surface of the projection 125 along which the wire abuts may be curved in the direction of deflection of the wire so as to guide bending (ie. deflection) of the wire in a way which minimises any localised parts of the bent wire being of increased tensile stress.
- the projection 125 is also locatable in the rail aperture after the tubular body 113 has been positioned in the rail.
- the connectors 10 , 110 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 5 may form part of a balustrade kit.
- a kit may also comprise at least two rails 12 , a plurality of wires 11 for extending between the rails 12 and at least one post for the rails to be mounted to.
- the rails 12 may be arranged as top and bottom rails with the wires 11 arranged vertically when the balustrade is formed. However, the rails 12 may also be arranged as opposing side rails with the wires 11 arranged horizontally when the balustrade is formed.
- Each rail 12 has a plurality of apertures formed therein such as the aperture 30 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- Each connector 10 , 110 in the kit is to be inserted through one of the rail apertures 30 into the rail space 31 to connect one of the wires 11 to one of the rails 12 .
- Each rail 12 comprises a tubular member which may be circular, square, rectangular or any other shape as desired in cross-section.
- each rail may comprise a U-shaped member, wherein the rail space 31 in which the connectors are received is readily accessible.
- each rail 12 also comprises a cover plate for engaging the U-shaped member to form a tube. The cover plates may slideably engage their respective U-shaped member or they may have a snap-fit engagement with their respective U-shaped member.
- the wire end portion of the wire is inserted into the tubular body 13 of the connector 10 by inserting the wire end portion through the opening and into the tubular body 13 , specifically the first portion 15 of the tubular body 13 .
- the retainer is used to retain the wire end portion in the tubular body 13 .
- This step generally involves deforming the deformable portion 21 of the tubular body 13 about the wire end portion, typically by crimping the deformable portion 21 . This deformation of the deformable portion 21 about the wire end portion forms a strong mechanical interlock between the tubular body 13 and the wire end portion.
- a bond may be formed between the wire end portion and the tubular body 13 by application of an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or any other suitable method.
- FIG. 3 shows the next step of the method, in which the tubular body 13 , with the wire end portion inserted and retained therein, is inserted into the balustrade rail 12 through an aperture 30 in the rail 12 and into the space 31 inside the rail 12 .
- the space 31 in the rail 12 is of sufficient size to enable the length of the tubular body 13 to be inserted into the rail 12 through the rail aperture 30 and to subsequently rotate into the position shown in FIG. 4 .
- the longitudinal extent of the wire 11 is substantially parallel to and axially aligned with the longitudinal extent of the tubular body 13 .
- a portion of the wire is held against a surface of the cut-away portion 20 of the tubular body 13 . This is to ensure that the tubular body 13 with the wire end portion inserted and retained therein can pass through the rail aperture 30 .
- the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail comprises holding a portion of the wire against an outer surface of a portion of the tubular body during this step. This is also to ensure that the tubular body with the wire end portion inserted and retained therein can pass through the rail aperture 30 .
- the step in this method of providing a tensioning force on the wire also causes the guide 125 to be located in the rail aperture.
- the length of the wire may be adjusted as required, typically by cutting the wire to the required length. However, it is noted that this step of adjusting the length of the wire may occur at any suitable point in time during the method.
- the above steps are repeated for a plurality of wires 11 and for two or more rails, using a plurality of the connectors 10 (or 110) to form the balustrade.
- FIGS. 6 to 9 a connector 210 according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown.
- the connector 210 is similar to the connector shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 . Similar features of the connector 210 have therefore been designated with the same reference number but have been prefixed with the numeral 2 .
- the second portion 216 is bent in a curve.
- the bent second portion 216 is to enable the connector 210 to be used with less flexible wires. As shown, in particular in FIG.
- the wire 211 is deflected by the deflector 222 at an angle which is less than perpendicular to the wire end portion and less than perpendicular to the first portion 215 of the tubular body 213 .
- the angle at which the wire 211 is deflected is at least 30° with respect to the first portion 215 of the tubular body 213 and to the wire end portion retained therein but may be more or less.
- the step of providing the tensioning force on the wire causes the second portion 216 to abut the inner surface of the rail 212 , either side of the rail aperture 230 .
- the first portion 216 when the connector 210 is in this position projects into the rail space.
- This lesser deflection of the wire 211 when using the connector 210 advantageously readily enables the connection of very inflexible wires to balustrade rails without the need for providing high tensioning forces on the wires which could risk breaking them.
- FIG. 10 a connector 310 according to a yet further embodiment of the present invention is shown.
- the connector 310 is similar to the connector shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 . Similar features of the connector 310 have therefore been designated with the same reference number but have been prefixed with the numeral 3 .
- the connector 310 comprises a tubular body 13 for receipt therein of a wire end portion and which is for positioning in a rail through a rail aperture.
- the connector 310 also comprises an opening in the tubular body for the wire to extend from the connector 310 when the wire end portion is located in the tubular body 313 .
- the opening is in the form of an end aperture 340 located in an end of the tubular body 313 .
- the connector 310 also comprises at least one protrusion 341 .
- the at least one protrusion 341 protrudes from the tubular body 313 and is for abutting an internal surface of the rail so as to act against the connector 310 being removed from the rail when the wire is under tension.
- the protrusion 341 is shown in FIG. 10 as having a cut-away hollow cylindrical shape, the protrusion may be of any shape such as a plate, block or wedge for example.
- the connector 310 has only one protrusion.
- a similar connector 410 is shown comprising two protrusions 441 .
- the protrusions 441 of the connector 440 shown in FIG. 11 are different in size and shape, although the protrusions in other embodiments could be the same size and shape.
- the connector may comprise more than two protrusions.
- the protrusions 341 , 441 protrude laterally from the tubular bodies 313 , 413 of the respective connectors 310 , 410 .
- the two protrusions 441 protrude from either side of the tubular body 413 .
- the protrusions 341 , 441 are located towards the end of the tubular body 313 , 413 at which the opening in the form of an end aperture 340 , 440 is located.
- the connector 310 also comprises a projection 325 projecting from the tubular body 313 .
- the projection 325 is locatable in the rail aperture after the tubular body has been positioned in the rail.
- the projection is formed proximate to the opening in the form of the end aperture 340 and projects parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body 313 .
- the projection 325 has a curved inner surface against which the wire under tension may abut. The projection 325 thus provides a guide for guiding any deflection of the wire, when the wire is under tension.
- the connectors 310 , 410 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are also particularly advantageous for use with very inflexible wires as in use, when the wire is under tension, the connectors 310 , 410 require minimal or no bending of the wire. Some bending of the wire may occur when the tubular body 313 , 413 is inserted into the rail as the tubular body is generally required to rotate to enable the protrusions 341 , 441 to clear the rail aperture. However, once a tensioning force is applied to the wire, the protrusions 341 , 441 are caused to abut an inner surface of the rail, generally close to the rail aperture which subsequently results in the tubular body 313 being moved into a position where its longitudinal extent is substantially aligned with the longitudinal extent of the wire.
- the projection 325 , 425 being located in the rail aperture. Furthermore, if any bending (ie. deflection) of the wire under tension is required, the curvature of the inner surface of the projection 325 helps guide this bending, reducing the possibility of tensile stresses building up in any particular part of the bent wire.
Abstract
A connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail, the connector comprising: a tubular body for receipt therein of a wire end portion and for positioning in the rail through a rail aperture; an opening in the tubular body for the wire to extend from the connector when the wire end portion is located in the tubular body; and a deflector for deflecting the wire at an angle to the wire end portion which is held in the tubular body, when the wire is under tension.
Description
- The present invention relates to a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail. The present invention also relates to a method for forming balustrades and a balustrade kit.
- Balustrades may be formed with tensioned wires (usually of a high tensile strength metal such as stainless steel) extending vertically or horizontally between top and bottom rails or side rails respectively. Constructing the balustrades with the tensioned wires is a time consuming process. Typically it requires pushing one wire at a time trough an aperture in the upper rail or one of the side rails until the wire extends out the end of that rail, attaching a connector to the end of the wire having a head portion of greater diameter than the diameter of the aperture and drawing the wire back through the aperture until the connector head portion abuts the inner surface of the rail about the aperture. This process is repeated for all the wires. The wires are then each cut to length and connected to the opposing bottom or side rail in a similar manner. Once connected to the rails, the wires are subsequently tensioned by spacing apart the rails.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail, the connector comprising:
- a tubular body for receipt therein of a wire end portion and for positioning in the rail through a rail aperture;
- an opening in the tubular body for the wire to extend from the connector when the wire end portion is located in the tubular body; and
- a deflector for deflecting the wire at an angle to the wire end portion which is held in the tubular body, when the wire is under tension.
- In an embodiment, the tubular body is cylindrical.
- However, in other embodiments, the tubular body may be square or rectangular in cross-section or any other shape as desired.
- The tubular body may be open or may be closed at its ends.
- Preferably, the tubular body has a diameter which is less than the diameter of the rail aperture.
- Preferably, the tubular body has a length which is greater than the diameter of the rail aperture.
- In an embodiment, the tubular body is straight.
- In another embodiment, the tubular body is bent.
- In an embodiment, the tubular body comprises a first portion and a second portion.
- In an embodiment, the first and second portions are axially aligned.
- In another embodiment, the second portion is bent with respect to the first portion.
- In an embodiment, the second portion is curved.
- In an embodiment, the tubular body also comprises a middle portion, the first and second portions arranged either side of the middle portion.
- In an embodiment, the first portion defines a closed space in which the wire end portion may be received.
- The opening is preferably a lateral opening in the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the opening is formed at least in part, in the middle portion.
- In an embodiment, the opening comprises an aperture.
- In an embodiment, the connector aperture is formed in a middle portion of the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the first and second portions of the tubular body are located on either side of the connector aperture.
- In another embodiment, the opening comprises a cut-away portion of the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the cut-away portion extends between an end of the tubular body and the middle portion of the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the cut-away portion is formed at least in part in the second portion of the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the deflector deflects the wire at least 30°, more preferably at least 60°, more preferably approximately perpendicular to the wire end portion when the wire is under tension.
- In an embodiment, the deflector also deflects the wire at an angle which is preferably at least 30°, more preferably at least 60°, more preferably approximately perpendicular to the first portion of the tubular body when the wire is under tension.
- In an embodiment, the deflector is located in the middle portion of the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the deflector comprises the edge of the opening.
- In an embodiment, the deflector comprises the rim of the connector aperture.
- In another embodiment, the deflector comprises the edge of the cut-away portion at the middle portion of the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the connector also comprises a retainer for retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the retainer comprises a deformable portion of the tubular body.
- Preferably, the deformable portion is enabled to deform about the wire end portion.
- In an embodiment, at least a part of the first portion of the tubular body comprises the deformable portion.
- In an embodiment, the deformable portion is deformable under a crimping action.
- In another embodiment, the wire end portion is retained in the tubular body by formation of a bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body.
- The bond may be formed by application of an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or by any other suitable method.
- In an embodiment, the bond may be formed by deforming, preferably by crimping, a deformable portion of the tubular body.
- Application of an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering may occur in combination with deformation of the deformable portion of the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the deflector also comprises a guide for guiding deflection of the wire by the deflector, when the wire is under tension.
- In an embodiment, the guide is located proximate to the opening in the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the guide comprises a projection, projecting from the tubular body.
- Preferably, the projection provides a surface along which a portion of the wire which is adjacent to the wire end portion may abut when the wire is under tension.
- In an embodiment, the surface of the projection along which the wire abuts is at least in part curved, preferably in the direction of deflection.
- In an embodiment, the projection is locatable in the rail aperture after the tubular body has been positioned in the rail.
- In an embodiment, the connector is formed of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium or any other suitable metal.
- In another embodiment, the connector is formed of a plastic, preferably a hard plastic.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail, the connector comprising:
- a tubular body for receipt therein of a wire end portion and for positioning in the rail through a rail aperture;
- an opening in the tubular body for the wire to extend from the connector when the wire end portion is located in the tubular body; and
- at least one protrusion, protruding from the tubular body for abutting an internal surface of the rail to act against the connector being removed from the rail when the wire is under tension.
- In an embodiment, the at least one protrusion protrudes laterally from the tubular body.
- In another embodiment, the connector comprises one protrusion which protrudes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the connector comprises two protrusions, protruding laterally from either side of the tubular body, preferably perpendicular to the tubular body.
- The at least one protrusion may be of any shape as desired.
- Where the connector comprises more than one protrusion, they may have the same shape and size, but may not be.
- The at least one protrusion is located toward an end of the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the opening is a lateral opening in the tubular body.
- In another embodiment, the opening comprises an end aperture located in an end of the tubular body.
- In this embodiment, the at least one protrusion is preferably located towards the opening.
- In an embodiment, the connector also comprises a projection, projecting from the tubular body and locatable in the rail aperture after the tubular body has been positioned in the rail.
- In an embodiment, the projection is formed proximate to the opening.
- In an embodiment, the projection projects laterally from the tubular body.
- In another embodiment, the projection projects parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the projection has a curved inner surface against which the wire under tension may abut. In this embodiment, the projection provides a guide for guiding any deflection of the wire, when the wire is under tension.
- In an embodiment, the connector also comprises a retainer for retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the retainer comprises a deformable portion of the tubular body.
- Preferably, the deformable portion is enabled to deform about the wire end portion.
- In another embodiment, the wire end portion is retained in the tubular body by formation of a bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body.
- The bond may be formed by application of an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or by any other suitable method.
- In an embodiment, the bond may be formed by deforming, preferably by crimping, a deformable portion of the tubular body.
- Application of an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering may occur in combination with deformation of the deformable portion of the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the connector is formed of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium or any other suitable metal.
- In another embodiment, the connector is formed of a plastic, preferably a hard plastic.
- According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a balustrade kit comprising:
- at least two rails;
- a plurality of wires for extending between the rails; and
- a plurality of connectors for connecting the wires to the rails, wherein at least one of the connectors is a connector according to either the first or second aspect of the present invention.
- Preferably, some of the connectors are connectors according to the first and/or second aspects, more preferably most of the connectors, most preferably all of the connectors.
- In an embodiment, the rails are top and bottom rails. Thus, in this embodiment, the wires are arranged vertically when the balustrade is formed.
- In another embodiment, the rails are opposing side rails. Thus, this embodiment, the wires are arranged horizontally when the balustrade is formed.
- In an embodiment, each rail has a plurality of apertures formed therein.
- Preferably, each connector is to be inserted through one of the rail apertures to connect one of the wires to one of the rails.
- In an embodiment, each rail has a space therein for receipt of the connectors through the rail apertures, and preferably with one of the wires connected to each of the connectors.
- In an embodiment, each rail comprises a tubular member. The tubular members may be circular, square, rectangular or any other shape as desired in cross-section.
- In another embodiment, each rail comprises a U-shaped member, wherein the space in which the connectors are received is readily accessible.
- In this embodiment, each rail also comprises a cover plate for engaging the U-shaped member to form a tube.
- Each cover plate may slideably engage its respective U-shaped member.
- Each cover plate may have a snap-fit engagement with its respective U-shaped member.
- In an embodiment, the balustrade kit also comprises at least one post for the rails to be mounted to.
- According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for forming a balustrade, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) inserting a wire end portion into the tubular body of a connector according to the first aspect of the present invention prior to;
- (b) retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body prior to;
- (c) inserting the tubular body, with the wire end portion inserted and retained therein, into a balustrade rail through an aperture in the rail prior to;
- (d) providing a tensioning force on the wire.
- In an embodiment, the step of inserting the wire end portion into the tubular body comprises inserting the wire end portion through the lateral opening in the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises using the retainer to retain the wire end portion in the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises deforming the deformable portion of the tubular body about the wire end portion.
- In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises crimping a portion of the tubular body about the wire end portion, preferably the deformable portion.
- In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises forming a bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body.
- Forming the bond may involve applying an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or any other suitable method.
- In an embodiment, forming the bond comprises deforming the deformable portion of the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, forming the bond comprises deforming the deformable portion of the tubular body in combination with any one or more of applying an adhesive, welding, brazing or soldering.
- In an embodiment, the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail comprises inserting the tubular body into a space in the rail.
- Preferably, the space in the rail is of sufficient size to enable the length of the tubular body to be inserted into the rail through the rail aperture.
- In an embodiment, during the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail, the longitudinal extent of the wire is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the tubular body, in particular the first portion of the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, during the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail, the longitudinal extent of the wire is substantially axially aligned with the longitudinal extent of the tubular body, in particular the first portion of the tubular body.
- In the embodiment where the opening in the tubular body comprises an aperture, the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail may comprise holding a portion of the wire against an outer surface of a portion of the tubular body during this step.
- In the embodiment where the opening comprises a cut-away portion of the tubular body, the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail may comprise holding a portion of the wire against a surface of the cut-away portion during this step.
- In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes portions of the tubular body to abut an inner surface of the rail, preferably the first and second portions either side of the rail aperture, respectively.
- In another embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the second portion to abut an inner surface of the rail, either side of the rail aperture.
- In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the wire to be deflected by the deflector at an angle to the wire end portion.
- In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the wire to be deflected by the deflector at an angle to the longitudinal extent of the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the guide to be located in the rail aperture.
- In an embodiment, the method also comprises the step of adjusting the length of the wire.
- In an embodiment, the step of adjusting the length of the wire comprises cutting the wire to the required length.
- The step of adjusting the length of the wire may occur before or after steps (a) to (d).
- In an embodiment, the method also comprises repeating steps (a) to (d) for a plurality of wires and for two or more rails, using a plurality of connectors according to the first aspect of the present invention to form the balustrade.
- According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for forming a balustrade, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) inserting a wire end portion into the tubular body of a connector according to the second aspect of the present invention prior to;
- (b) retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body prior to;
- (c) inserting the tubular body, with the wire end portion inserted and retained therein, into a balustrade rail through an aperture in the rail prior to;
- (d) providing a tensioning force on the wire.
- In an embodiment, the step of inserting the wire end portion into the tubular body comprises inserting the wire end portion through the opening in the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises using the retainer to retain the wire end portion in the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises deforming the deformable portion of the tubular body about the wire end portion.
- In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises crimping a portion of the tubular body about the wire end portion, preferably the deformable portion.
- In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises forming a bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body.
- Forming the bond may involve applying an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or any other suitable method.
- In an embodiment, forming the bond comprises deforming the deformable portion of the tubular body.
- In an embodiment, forming the bond comprises deforming the deformable portion of the tubular body in combination with any one or more of applying an adhesive, welding, brazing or soldering.
- In an embodiment, the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail comprises inserting the tubular body into a space in the rail.
- Preferably, the space in the rail is of sufficient size to enable the length of the tubular body to be inserted into the rail through the rail aperture.
- In an embodiment, the step of inserting comprises rotating the tubular body to enable the at least one protrusion to clear the rail aperture.
- Rotating the tubular body may cause bending of the wire end portion with respect to the wire.
- In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the at least one protrusion to abut an inner surface of the rail, preferably close to the rail aperture.
- Where the connector comprises two protrusions, the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire preferably cause the protrusions to abut the inner surface of the rail either side of the rail aperture.
- In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the projection to be located in the rail aperture.
- In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the tubular body to be moved such that its longitudinal extent is substantially aligned with the longitudinal extent of the wire.
- In an embodiment, the method also comprises the step of adjusting the length of the wire.
- In an embodiment, the step of adjusting the length of the wire comprises cutting the wire to the required length.
- The step of adjusting the length of the wire may occur before or after steps (a) to (d).
- In an embodiment, the method also comprises repeating steps (a) to (d) for a plurality of wires and for two or more rails, using a plurality of connectors according to the first aspect of the present invention to form the balustrade.
- Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which:
-
FIGS. 1 to 4 are schematic views of a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail according to an embodiment of the invention shown sequentially throughFIGS. 1 to 4 in a method for forming a balustrade; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 6 to 9 are schematic views of a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail according to a further embodiment of the invention shown sequentially throughFIGS. 6 to 9 in a method for forming a balustrade; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail according to a still further embodiment of the present invention. - Referring firstly to
FIGS. 1 to 4 , aconnector 10 for connecting awire 11 to abalustrade rail 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Theconnector 10 comprises atubular body 13 for receipt therein of a wire end portion. Thetubular body 13 as shown in the Figures is cylindrical and has open ends. However, the tubular body may be square or rectangular in cross-section or any other shape as desired and may be closed at its ends. - Notably, the
tubular body 13 has a diameter which is less than the diameter of arail aperture 30, but a length which is greater than the diameter of therail aperture 30. This enables thetubular body 13 to be positioned in therail 12 through therail aperture 30 as shown in particular inFIGS. 3 and 4 . - The
tubular body 13 comprises first andsecond portions middle portion 17. The first andsecond portions middle portion 17, with thefirst portion 15 being arranged to receive therein the wire end portion as shown inFIG. 2 for example. The first andsecond portions tubular body 13. Thesecond portion 16 may be considered to be a protrusion from the first portion 15 (or more particularly from the middle portion 17). - The wire end portion is retained in the
tubular body 13, preferably by forming a bond between the wire end portion and thetubular body 13. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 to 4 , theconnector 10 comprises a retainer in the form of adeformable portion 21 for retaining the wire end portion in thetubular body 13. Thedeformable portion 21 is enabled to deform about the wire end portion, typically by crimping thedeformable portion 21. Thedeformable portion 21 is generally formed, at least in part, by thefirst portion 15 of thetubular body 13. Deformation of thedeformable portion 21 in this way creates a strong mechanical interlock between thetubular body 13 and the wire end portion. This may occur in combination with the application of an adhesive, welding, brazing or soldering such as silver soldering or any other suitable method. In other embodiments not shown in the Figures, the bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body may be formed by the application of an adhesive, welding, brazing or soldering without any deformation of the tubular body. - The
connector 10 also comprises an opening in thetubular body 13, shown in the Figures in the form of a lateral cut-awayportion 20, for thewire 11 to extend from theconnector 10 when the wire end portion is located in thetubular body 13. The cut-awayportion 20 is formed in thesecond portion 16 of thetubular body 13, extending between an end of thetubular body 13 and themiddle portion 17 of the tubular body. - In a variation not shown in the Figures, the opening may be in the form of an aperture. The aperture is formed laterally in the
middle portion 17 of thetubular body 13 and the first andsecond portions tubular body 13 are located on either side of the aperture. - Referring again to
FIGS. 1 to 4 , theconnector 10 also comprises adeflector 22 for deflecting thewire 11 at an angle which is approximately perpendicular to the wire end portion when thewire 11 is under tension (as shown inFIG. 4 ). Thewire 11 is also deflected at an angle which is approximately perpendicular to thetubular body 13 by thedeflector 22, when thewire 11 is under tension. Thedeflector 22 is located in themiddle portion 17 of the tubular body 1. and comprises the edge of the opening. Thus, thedeflector 22 as shown in the Figures comprises the edge of the cut-awayportion 20 at themiddle portion 17 of thetubular body 13. However, in the variation discussed above where the opening is in the form of an aperture, the deflector comprises the rim of the aperture. - The
connector 10 is typically formed of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium or any other suitable metal. However, theconnector 10 may be formed of a plastic, preferably a hard plastic. - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , aconnector 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Theconnector 110 is similar to the connector shown inFIGS. 1 to 4 . Similar features of theconnector 110 have therefore been designated with the same reference number but have been prefixed with the numeral 1. - The
deflector 122 shown inFIG. 5 also comprises a guide for guiding deflection of the wire by thedeflector 122, when the wire is under tension. The guide is located proximate to the opening in the tubular body 113 and in the embodiment shown inFIG. 5 is shown in the form of aprojection 125, projecting from the tubular body 113. Theprojection 125 provides asurface 126 along which a portion of the wire which is adjacent to the wire end portion may abut when the wire is under tension. The surface of theprojection 125 along which the wire abuts may be curved in the direction of deflection of the wire so as to guide bending (ie. deflection) of the wire in a way which minimises any localised parts of the bent wire being of increased tensile stress. Theprojection 125 is also locatable in the rail aperture after the tubular body 113 has been positioned in the rail. - The
connectors FIGS. 1 to 4 and 5 may form part of a balustrade kit. Such a kit may also comprise at least tworails 12, a plurality ofwires 11 for extending between therails 12 and at least one post for the rails to be mounted to. - The
rails 12 may be arranged as top and bottom rails with thewires 11 arranged vertically when the balustrade is formed. However, therails 12 may also be arranged as opposing side rails with thewires 11 arranged horizontally when the balustrade is formed. - Each
rail 12 has a plurality of apertures formed therein such as theaperture 30 shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 . Eachconnector rail apertures 30 into therail space 31 to connect one of thewires 11 to one of therails 12. - Each
rail 12 comprises a tubular member which may be circular, square, rectangular or any other shape as desired in cross-section. In a variation, each rail may comprise a U-shaped member, wherein therail space 31 in which the connectors are received is readily accessible. In this variation, eachrail 12 also comprises a cover plate for engaging the U-shaped member to form a tube. The cover plates may slideably engage their respective U-shaped member or they may have a snap-fit engagement with their respective U-shaped member. - Construction of a balustrade using the
connector 10 shown inFIGS. 1 to 4 will now be described: - Referring firstly to
FIG. 2 , the wire end portion of the wire is inserted into thetubular body 13 of theconnector 10 by inserting the wire end portion through the opening and into thetubular body 13, specifically thefirst portion 15 of thetubular body 13. Subsequent to this the retainer is used to retain the wire end portion in thetubular body 13. This step generally involves deforming thedeformable portion 21 of thetubular body 13 about the wire end portion, typically by crimping thedeformable portion 21. This deformation of thedeformable portion 21 about the wire end portion forms a strong mechanical interlock between thetubular body 13 and the wire end portion. In combination or variation to retaining the wire end portion in thetubular body 13 in this way, a bond may be formed between the wire end portion and thetubular body 13 by application of an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or any other suitable method. -
FIG. 3 shows the next step of the method, in which thetubular body 13, with the wire end portion inserted and retained therein, is inserted into thebalustrade rail 12 through anaperture 30 in therail 12 and into thespace 31 inside therail 12. Notably, thespace 31 in therail 12 is of sufficient size to enable the length of thetubular body 13 to be inserted into therail 12 through therail aperture 30 and to subsequently rotate into the position shown inFIG. 4 . - During the step of inserting the
tubular body 13 into thebalustrade rail 12, the longitudinal extent of thewire 11 is substantially parallel to and axially aligned with the longitudinal extent of thetubular body 13. As thetubular body 13 is inserted into thebalustrade rail 12, a portion of the wire is held against a surface of the cut-awayportion 20 of thetubular body 13. This is to ensure that thetubular body 13 with the wire end portion inserted and retained therein can pass through therail aperture 30. - It is noted that in the variation not shown in Figures but described above where the opening in the tubular body of the connector comprises an aperture, the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail comprises holding a portion of the wire against an outer surface of a portion of the tubular body during this step. This is also to ensure that the tubular body with the wire end portion inserted and retained therein can pass through the
rail aperture 30. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , once thetubular body 13 of theconnector 10 has been inserted into thebalustrade rail 12, a tensioning force is applied on the wire. This causes thetubular body 13 to rotate inside therail space 31 into a position where the first andsecond portions tubular body 13 abut an inner surface of the rail, either side of therail aperture 30. In doing so, thewire 11 is deflected by thedeflector 22 approximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal extent of thetubular body 13 and to the wire end portion retained therein. - It is noted that where the
connector 110 according to the embodiment shown inFIG. 5 is used, the step in this method of providing a tensioning force on the wire also causes theguide 125 to be located in the rail aperture. - Once the above steps have occurred, the length of the wire may be adjusted as required, typically by cutting the wire to the required length. However, it is noted that this step of adjusting the length of the wire may occur at any suitable point in time during the method.
- The above steps are repeated for a plurality of
wires 11 and for two or more rails, using a plurality of the connectors 10 (or 110) to form the balustrade. - Referring now to
FIGS. 6 to 9 , aconnector 210 according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. Theconnector 210 is similar to the connector shown inFIGS. 1 to 4 . Similar features of theconnector 210 have therefore been designated with the same reference number but have been prefixed with thenumeral 2. - A significant difference between the
connector 210 shown inFIGS. 6 to 9 and theconnector 10 shown inFIGS. 1 to 4 , is that thesecond portion 216 of the tubular body 113 of theconnector 210 is bent with respect to thefirst portion 215. Thesecond portion 216 is bent in a curve. The bentsecond portion 216 is to enable theconnector 210 to be used with less flexible wires. As shown, in particular inFIG. 9 , when thetubular body 213, with the wire end portion inserted and retained therein, is inserted into thebalustrade rail 212 and a tensioning force is applied to thewire 211, thewire 211 is deflected by the deflector 222 at an angle which is less than perpendicular to the wire end portion and less than perpendicular to thefirst portion 215 of thetubular body 213. The angle at which thewire 211 is deflected is at least 30° with respect to thefirst portion 215 of thetubular body 213 and to the wire end portion retained therein but may be more or less. Notably, as shown inFIG. 9 , the step of providing the tensioning force on the wire causes thesecond portion 216 to abut the inner surface of therail 212, either side of therail aperture 230. Thefirst portion 216 when theconnector 210 is in this position projects into the rail space. - This lesser deflection of the
wire 211 when using theconnector 210, advantageously readily enables the connection of very inflexible wires to balustrade rails without the need for providing high tensioning forces on the wires which could risk breaking them. - Referring now to
FIG. 10 , aconnector 310 according to a yet further embodiment of the present invention is shown. Theconnector 310 is similar to the connector shown inFIGS. 1 to 4 . Similar features of theconnector 310 have therefore been designated with the same reference number but have been prefixed with the numeral 3. - The
connector 310 comprises atubular body 13 for receipt therein of a wire end portion and which is for positioning in a rail through a rail aperture. Theconnector 310 also comprises an opening in the tubular body for the wire to extend from theconnector 310 when the wire end portion is located in thetubular body 313. As shown inFIG. 10 , the opening is in the form of anend aperture 340 located in an end of thetubular body 313. - The
connector 310 also comprises at least oneprotrusion 341. The at least oneprotrusion 341 protrudes from thetubular body 313 and is for abutting an internal surface of the rail so as to act against theconnector 310 being removed from the rail when the wire is under tension. Although theprotrusion 341 is shown inFIG. 10 as having a cut-away hollow cylindrical shape, the protrusion may be of any shape such as a plate, block or wedge for example. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 10 , theconnector 310 has only one protrusion. In a further embodiment shown inFIG. 11 , asimilar connector 410 is shown comprising twoprotrusions 441. Notably, theprotrusions 441 of theconnector 440 shown inFIG. 11 are different in size and shape, although the protrusions in other embodiments could be the same size and shape. It is also noted that in further embodiments, the connector may comprise more than two protrusions. - The
protrusions tubular bodies respective connectors connector 410 shown inFIG. 11 , the twoprotrusions 441 protrude from either side of thetubular body 413. Theprotrusions tubular body end aperture - Referring only to
FIG. 10 for convenience, theconnector 310 also comprises aprojection 325 projecting from thetubular body 313. Theprojection 325 is locatable in the rail aperture after the tubular body has been positioned in the rail. The projection is formed proximate to the opening in the form of theend aperture 340 and projects parallel to the longitudinal axis of thetubular body 313. Theprojection 325 has a curved inner surface against which the wire under tension may abut. Theprojection 325 thus provides a guide for guiding any deflection of the wire, when the wire is under tension. - The
connectors FIGS. 10 and 11 are also particularly advantageous for use with very inflexible wires as in use, when the wire is under tension, theconnectors tubular body protrusions protrusions tubular body 313 being moved into a position where its longitudinal extent is substantially aligned with the longitudinal extent of the wire. Importantly, providing a tensioning force on the wire also results in theprojection projection 325 helps guide this bending, reducing the possibility of tensile stresses building up in any particular part of the bent wire. - In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, ie. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.
Claims (21)
1-47. (canceled)
48. A connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail, the connector comprising:
a tubular body for receipt therein of a wire end portion and for positioning in the rail through a rail aperture;
an opening in the tubular body for the wire to extend from the connector when the wire end portion is located in the tubular body; and
a deflector for deflecting the wire at an angle to the wire end portion which is held in the tubular body, when the wire is under tension.
49. A connector as claimed in claim 48 , wherein the opening is a lateral opening in the tubular body.
50. A connector as claimed in claim 48 , wherein the opening comprises an aperture formed in a middle portion of the tubular body.
51. A connector as claimed in claim 48 , wherein the opening comprises a cut-away portion of the tubular body.
52. A connector as claimed in claim 48 , wherein the deflector deflects the wire at least 30° to the wire end portion when the wire is under tension.
53. A connector as claimed in claim 48 , wherein the deflector comprises the edge of the opening.
54. A connector as claimed in claim 48 , wherein the connector also comprises a retainer for retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body.
55. A connector as claimed in claim 52 , wherein the retainer comprises a deformable portion of the tubular body, enabled to deform about the wire end portion.
56. A connector as claimed in claim 48 , wherein the deflector also comprises a guide for guiding deflection of the wire by the deflector, when the wire is under tension, the guide comprising a projection, projecting from the tubular body, the projection providing a surface along which a portion of the wire which is adjacent to the wire end portion abuts when the wire is under tension.
57. A connector as claimed in claim 56 , wherein the surface of the projection along which the wire abuts is at least in part curved.
58. A connector as claimed in claim 56 , wherein the projection is locatable in the rail aperture after the tubular body has been positioned in the rail.
59. A connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail, the connector comprising:
a tubular body for receipt therein of a wire end portion and for positioning in the rail through a rail aperture;
an opening in the tubular body for the wire to extend from the connector when the wire end portion is located in the tubular body; and
at least one protrusion, protruding from the tubular body for abutting an internal surface of the rail to act against the connector being removed from the rail when the wire is under tension.
60. A connector as claimed in claim 59 , wherein the at least one protrusion is located toward an end of the tubular body.
61. A connector as claimed in claim 59 , wherein the at least one protrusion protrudes laterally from the tubular body.
62. A connector as claimed in claim 59 , wherein the opening comprises an end aperture located in an end of the tubular body.
63. A connector as claimed in claim 59 , wherein the opening is a lateral opening in the tubular body.
64. A connector as claimed in claim 59 , wherein the connector also comprises a projection, projecting from the tubular body and locatable in the rail aperture after the tubular body has been positioned in the rail.
65. A connector as claimed in claim 64 , wherein the projection has a curved inner surface against which the wire under tension may abut.
66. A connector as claimed in claim 59 , wherein the connector also comprises a retainer for retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body.
67. A connector as claimed in claim 66 , wherein the retainer comprises a deformable portion of the tubular body, enabled to deform about the wire end portion.
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2007905482A AU2007905482A0 (en) | 2007-10-08 | Balustrades | |
AU2007905482 | 2007-10-08 | ||
AU2007906188 | 2007-11-09 | ||
AU2007906188A AU2007906188A0 (en) | 2007-11-09 | Balustrades | |
AU2008901212A AU2008901212A0 (en) | 2008-03-13 | Balustrades | |
AU2008901212 | 2008-03-13 | ||
PCT/AU2008/001487 WO2009046487A1 (en) | 2007-10-08 | 2008-10-08 | Balustrades |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100295008A1 true US20100295008A1 (en) | 2010-11-25 |
Family
ID=40548878
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/682,238 Abandoned US20100295008A1 (en) | 2007-10-08 | 2008-10-08 | Balustrades |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100295008A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2209955A1 (en) |
AU (2) | AU2008310302B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2701861A1 (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ584494A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009046487A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090249738A1 (en) * | 2004-10-22 | 2009-10-08 | Keith Anthony Brereton | Toggle pin |
US20180335064A1 (en) * | 2017-05-18 | 2018-11-22 | Erico International Corporation | Cable Toggle |
US11629502B1 (en) * | 2018-10-09 | 2023-04-18 | Daniel J. Smitchko | Cable system for attaching cables between two structures |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US5954306A (en) * | 1998-08-25 | 1999-09-21 | Hoover; Scott A. | Wall bracket having locking rod |
US6135424A (en) * | 1999-03-16 | 2000-10-24 | Bracke; Horst A. | Tensioned cable railing |
US20030110716A1 (en) * | 2001-12-19 | 2003-06-19 | Hansen Randall C. | Grab rail having secure support member connection |
US6810568B1 (en) * | 2003-07-14 | 2004-11-02 | Marvin Lacoste | Refrigerant copper line protector and method of repairing |
US7198253B2 (en) * | 2004-03-17 | 2007-04-03 | Suncor Stainless, Inc. | Wire rope connectors and tensioners for deck railing systems |
US7478799B2 (en) * | 2006-10-19 | 2009-01-20 | Viviano Robert P | Railing system |
US20090050865A1 (en) * | 2005-04-04 | 2009-02-26 | Donald Stewart Napier | Barrier System |
US20090249738A1 (en) * | 2004-10-22 | 2009-10-08 | Keith Anthony Brereton | Toggle pin |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1218188A (en) * | 1967-08-05 | 1971-01-06 | Dell Quay Group Ltd | Improvements in the staying of masts and posts |
DE29503403U1 (en) * | 1995-03-01 | 1995-04-13 | Waltermann Fabrik H | Arrangement for connecting a wire rope to a vertical post or the like. Support part |
DE10300058A1 (en) * | 2003-01-03 | 2004-07-22 | Carl Stahl Gmbh | cable system |
-
2008
- 2008-10-08 EP EP08800122A patent/EP2209955A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2008-10-08 NZ NZ584494A patent/NZ584494A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2008-10-08 WO PCT/AU2008/001487 patent/WO2009046487A1/en active Application Filing
- 2008-10-08 AU AU2008310302A patent/AU2008310302B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2008-10-08 CA CA2701861A patent/CA2701861A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2008-10-08 US US12/682,238 patent/US20100295008A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2009
- 2009-10-22 AU AU2009101073A patent/AU2009101073B4/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5954306A (en) * | 1998-08-25 | 1999-09-21 | Hoover; Scott A. | Wall bracket having locking rod |
US6135424A (en) * | 1999-03-16 | 2000-10-24 | Bracke; Horst A. | Tensioned cable railing |
US20030110716A1 (en) * | 2001-12-19 | 2003-06-19 | Hansen Randall C. | Grab rail having secure support member connection |
US6810568B1 (en) * | 2003-07-14 | 2004-11-02 | Marvin Lacoste | Refrigerant copper line protector and method of repairing |
US7198253B2 (en) * | 2004-03-17 | 2007-04-03 | Suncor Stainless, Inc. | Wire rope connectors and tensioners for deck railing systems |
US20090249738A1 (en) * | 2004-10-22 | 2009-10-08 | Keith Anthony Brereton | Toggle pin |
US20090050865A1 (en) * | 2005-04-04 | 2009-02-26 | Donald Stewart Napier | Barrier System |
US7478799B2 (en) * | 2006-10-19 | 2009-01-20 | Viviano Robert P | Railing system |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090249738A1 (en) * | 2004-10-22 | 2009-10-08 | Keith Anthony Brereton | Toggle pin |
US20180335064A1 (en) * | 2017-05-18 | 2018-11-22 | Erico International Corporation | Cable Toggle |
US10519999B2 (en) * | 2017-05-18 | 2019-12-31 | Erico International Corporation | Cable toggle |
US11629502B1 (en) * | 2018-10-09 | 2023-04-18 | Daniel J. Smitchko | Cable system for attaching cables between two structures |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2701861A1 (en) | 2010-04-16 |
EP2209955A1 (en) | 2010-07-28 |
AU2008310302A1 (en) | 2009-04-16 |
AU2009101073A4 (en) | 2009-11-19 |
NZ584494A (en) | 2012-10-26 |
AU2008310302B2 (en) | 2014-05-15 |
WO2009046487A1 (en) | 2009-04-16 |
AU2009101073B4 (en) | 2010-02-04 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ARENA IP INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD AS TRUSTEE FOR THE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ARENA, MICHAEL;REEL/FRAME:024842/0741 Effective date: 20100810 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |