U.S. patent application number 10/931287 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-23 for multi-position rail for a barrier.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kroy Building Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Forbis, John T., Kaltenbach, Roy H..
Application Number | 20050133777 10/931287 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33457469 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050133777 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Forbis, John T. ; et
al. |
June 23, 2005 |
Multi-position rail for a barrier
Abstract
A rail is disclosed for use in forming a barrier system, such as
a railing for a deck, porch, walkway or fence. The rail has a
versatile configuration in that either a top or bottom side of the
rail may be received in a rail cover. The rail may have side walls
and a cross wall on the top or bottom side of the rail. A channel
may be formed on the side of the rail opposite the cross wall.
Upright members, such as pickets, planks, balusters, or walls may
be received in either the top side or the bottom side of the rail,
in the channel or through the cross wall. A cap having openings for
receiving the upright member may be placed on the channel. The rail
may be positioned on the top or bottom of the barrier system and
the rail may be symmetrical to provide an aesthetically pleasing
appearance.
Inventors: |
Forbis, John T.; (Lincoln,
NE) ; Kaltenbach, Roy H.; (York, NE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KARL R CANNON
PO BOX 1909
SANDY
UT
84091
US
|
Assignee: |
Kroy Building Products,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
33457469 |
Appl. No.: |
10/931287 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10931287 |
Aug 30, 2004 |
|
|
|
10764333 |
Jan 23, 2004 |
|
|
|
60473535 |
May 26, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
256/59 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 2011/1821 20130101;
E04F 2011/1827 20130101; E04F 11/1836 20130101; E04F 2011/1897
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/059 |
International
Class: |
E04H 017/16 |
Claims
1. A rail for use in forming at least part of a barrier system,
said rail comprising: a first side wall forming a first side of
said rail; a second side wall forming a second side of said rail; a
top side; a bottom side; a cross wall formed at one of said top
side and said bottom side; and means for engaging with a cover to
attach said rail to said cover in a first orientation in which said
cover is disposed on said top side, and a second orientation in
which said cover is disposed on said bottom side.
2. The rail of claim 1, wherein said means for engaging are located
toward both said top side and said bottom side.
3. The rail of claim 1, wherein said means for engaging are located
on both said first side and said second side.
4. The rail of claim 1, wherein said first side wall and said
second side wall each define a planar portion.
5. The rail of claim 4, wherein said means for engaging are
configured as protrusions extending away from said rail beyond said
planar portions to attach said cover with an interference fit.
6. The rail of claim 1, wherein said means for engaging form a
curved surface.
7. The rail of claim 6, wherein said means for engaging form a
radiused surface defining a rounded configuration.
8. The rail of claim 1, wherein said rail further comprises a brace
member extending between said first side wall and said second side
wall.
9. The rail of claim 8, wherein said rail defines a chamber between
said first side wall, said second side wall, said brace member and
said cross wall.
10. The rail of claim 8, wherein said brace member comprises at
least one ridge.
11. The rail of claim 1, wherein said rail defines a channel
between said first side wall and said second side wall.
12. The rail of claim 11, wherein said channel is disposed on said
rail on another of said top side and said bottom side opposite said
cross wall.
13. The rail of claim 1, wherein said first side wall and said
second side wall are symmetrical.
14. The rail of claim 1, further comprising a slot for receiving a
portion of a rail cap.
15-30. (canceled)
31. A rail for use in forming at least part of a barrier system,
said rail comprising: a first side wall forming a first side of
said rail; a second side wall forming a second side of said rail; a
top side; a bottom side; a cross wall integrally formed on said
rail at one of said top side and said bottom side; a brace member
extending between said first side wall and said second side wall;
and a protrusion on at least one of said first side wall and said
second side wall, said protrusion extending away from said at least
one of said first side wall and said second side wall and
configured for forming an interference fit with a cover and a
cap.
32. The rail of claim 31, wherein said protrusion forms a curved
surface.
33. The rail of claim 31, wherein said rail defines a chamber
between said first side wall, said second side wall, said brace
member and said cross wall.
34. The rail of claim 31, wherein said rail defines a channel
between said first side wall and said second side wall.
35. The rail of claim 31, wherein said first side wall and said
second side wall are symmetrical.
36. A rail for use in forming at least part of a barrier system,
said rail comprising: a first side wall forming a first side of
said rail; a second side wall forming a second side of said rail; a
top side; a bottom side; a cross wall integrally formed on said
rail at one of said top side and said bottom side, said cross wall
having at least one hole for receiving a boundary-defining barrier
means therethrough; and a brace member extending between said first
side wall and said second side wall.
37. The rail of claim 36, further comprising means for engaging
with a cover to attach said rail to said cover in a first
orientation in which said cover is disposed on said top side, and a
second orientation in which said cover is disposed on said bottom
side.
38. The rail of claim 37, wherein said means for engaging are
located on both said first side of said rail and said second side
of said rail.
39. The rail of claim 37, wherein said means for engaging are
located on both said top side of said rail and said bottom side of
said rail.
40. The rail of claim 37, wherein said means for engaging are
configured as protrusions extending away from said rail to attach
said cover with an interference fit.
41. The rail of claim 36, wherein said rail defines a chamber
between said first side wall, said second side wall, said brace
member and said cross wall.
42. The rail of claim 36, wherein said rail defines a channel
between said first side wall and said second side wall.
43. The rail of claim 36, wherein said brace member comprises at
least one ridge.
44. The rail of claim 36, wherein said brace member comprises a
groove for receiving a fastener or drill bit.
45-83. (canceled)
84. A rail for use in forming at least part of a barrier system,
said rail comprising: a first side wall forming a first side of
said rail; a second side wall forming a second side of said rail; a
top side; a bottom side; a cross wall formed at one of said top
side and said bottom side; and means for engaging with a cover to
attach said rail to said cover; wherein said engaging means are
located at both said top side and said bottom side such that said
rail is configured to be attached to said cover in a first
orientation in which said cover is disposed on said top side, and a
second orientation in which said cover is disposed on said bottom
side; wherein said means for engaging are located on both said
first side and said second side; wherein said first side wall and
said second side wall each define a planar portion; wherein said
means for engaging are configured as protrusions extending away
from said rail beyond said planar portions to attach said cover
with an interference fit; wherein said means for engaging form a
curved surface; wherein said means for engaging form a radiused
surface defining a rounded configuration; wherein said rail further
comprises a brace member extending between said first side wall and
said second side wall; wherein said brace member is a continuous
wall centrally located between the top side of the rail and the
bottom side of the rail; wherein the brace member comprises a
groove for positioning a fastener; wherein said brace member
comprises at least one ridge for locating and supporting a bracket;
wherein said rail defines a chamber between said first side wall,
said second side wall, said brace member and said cross wall;
wherein said rail defines a channel between said first side wall
and said second side wall; wherein said channel is disposed on said
rail on another of said top side and said bottom side opposite said
cross wall; wherein said first side wall and said second side wall
are symmetrical; wherein said first side wall and said second side
wall comprise a slot for receiving a portion of a rail cap.
85-101. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/764,333, filed Jan. 23, 2004, entitled
"MULTI-POSITION RAIL FOR A BARRIER," which claimed the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/473,535, filed May 26,
2003, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference
herein in their entireties, including but not limited to those
portions that specifically appear hereinafter, the incorporation by
reference being made with the following exception: In the event
that any portion of the above-referenced applications is
inconsistent with this application, this application supercedes
said above-referenced applications.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND
[0003] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to rails, and more
particularly, but not exclusively, to rails that can be used in
various positions and orientations as part of a barrier system.
[0005] 2. Description of Related Art
[0006] Rails are known in the art for use in decks, porches,
stairs, and fences for example. Such rails are useful in providing
a secure barrier and adding to the aesthetic appearance of
structures. Rails are commonly used with upright members such as
pickets, planks or balusters of various sizes, configurations and
spacing. Moreover, rails are often used as support members on the
bottom of the barrier and towards the top of the barrier. The
configuration of bottom rails is often different than the
configuration of top rails. Thus, rails of multiple designs are
often required in a single barrier system.
[0007] Also, it is common to use a particular style of rail with
different types of upright members in different settings.
Therefore, manufacturing and installation of barrier systems often
requires the use of tools and machinery to form the rails to the
desired configuration to be compatible with the particular upright
members to be used.
[0008] Rails made of durable materials often have a more attractive
appearance, but may be more difficult to cut or otherwise shape
into condition for use with a particular upright member. Moreover,
cutting of the rails to accommodate the upright members may weaken
the rails.
[0009] The use of a different design for top rails as compared to
bottom rails may increase the difficulty in providing proper
inventory of barrier components. Also, the need to accommodate
upright members of various different shapes and spacings may
increase the amount of inventory of components required, and may
also increase the difficulty and cost of installing the
barrier.
[0010] The prior art is thus characterized by several disadvantages
that are addressed by the present disclosure. The present
disclosure minimizes, and in some aspects eliminates, the
above-mentioned failures, and other problems, by utilizing the
methods and structural features described herein.
[0011] The features and advantages of the disclosure will be set
forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of
the disclosure without undue experimentation. The features and
advantages of the disclosure may be realized and obtained by means
of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The features and advantages of the disclosure will become
apparent from a consideration of the subsequent detailed
description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective break-away view of a barrier system
of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective break-away view of a rail in a first
orientation with a cover attached thereto;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective break-away view of a rail in a
second orientation with a cover attached thereto;
[0016] FIG. 4 is an end view of a rail with a cap attached
thereto;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective break-away view of the rail of FIG.
4;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective break-away view of an alternative
barrier system with the rail of the present disclosure on the
bottom, and an alternative rail on the top;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rail in a first
orientation with an alternative embodiment cover attached
thereto;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a rail in a second
orientation with the alternative embodiment cover of FIG. 7
attached thereto;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rail in a first
orientation with a further alternative embodiment cover attached
thereto;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a rail in a second
orientation with the alternative embodiment cover of FIG. 9
attached thereto;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a rail in a first
orientation with an additional alternative embodiment cover
attached thereto;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a rail in a second
orientation with the alternative embodiment cover of FIG. 11
attached thereto;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a rail in a first
orientation with another alternative embodiment cover attached
thereto;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a rail in a second
orientation with the alternative embodiment cover of FIG. 13
attached thereto;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a perspective break-away view of another
alternative embodiment barrier system; and
[0028] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a rail, rail
cover, and post.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will now be
made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific
language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be
understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is
thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the
inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional
applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated
herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant
art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered
within the scope of the disclosure claimed.
[0030] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0031] In describing and claiming the present disclosure, the
following terminology will be used in accordance with the
definitions set out below.
[0032] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including,"
"containing," "characterized by," and grammatical equivalents
thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude
additional, unrecited elements or method steps.
[0033] "Interference fit" as used herein shall refer to the concept
of a connection between two members in which a portion of one
member abuts some portion of the other member in a manner that
contactibly blocks the separation of the two members.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary perspective break-away
view is shown of a barrier system of the present disclosure,
indicated generally at 10. The barrier system 10 may form a railing
system for use with decks, porches, stairs, or walkway, or a fence
for use in defining a property boundary, for example.
[0035] The barrier system 10 may include one or more rails 12
configured to be supported in a laterally extending orientation.
The rails 12 may be positioned at an upper portion and at a lower
portion of the barrier system 10. Alternatively, it will also be
appreciated that the barrier system 10 may utilize a single rail
12.
[0036] The barrier system 10 may also include a boundary-defining
barrier means 14. The boundary-defining barrier means 14 may
include upright members such as pickets, planks, balusters, or
walls for example, of any of a variety of shapes, sizes and styles,
for defining a boundary. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the
boundary-defining barrier means 14 extends between the rails 12 to
form part of a barrier system 10. It will be understood that the
boundary-defining barrier means 14 may include a plurality of
upright members.
[0037] The barrier system 10 may also include a rail cover 16 for
receiving a rail 12. The rail cover 16 may be positioned on the top
of the barrier system 10 and may be shaped in various different
styles and configurations to provide an aesthetically pleasing
appearance. Examples of some of the various different styles of
covers are depicted in FIGS. 7-14, designated by reference numerals
16a-16d. The rail cover 16 may also be configured so as to provide
a gripping surface such that the rail cover 16 can be grasped to
provide support to a person. Also, the rail cover 16 may have an
exterior appearance similar to a solid wood rail. The rail cover 16
may cover only a portion of the rail 12 such that part of the rail
12 may remain visible even when the rail cover 16 is attached. Ends
of the barrier system 10 may be supported by a structure or post
17, as shown in FIG. 16, for example. It will be appreciated that
the certain embodiments of the barrier system 10 may be formed with
the rail cover 16, whereas other embodiments of the barrier system
10 may be formed without the rail cover 16.
[0038] Details of the rail 12 will now be explained with particular
reference to FIGS. 2-5. The rail 12 may include a first side wall
18 forming a first side of the rail 12, and a second side wall 20
forming a second side of the rail 12. The rail 12 may also have a
cross wall 22 extending between the first side wall 18 and the
second side wall 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the cross wall 22 may
extend between the first side wall 18 and the second side wall 20
at a top side 24 of the rail 12. However, it will be appreciated
that the rail 12 may be oriented such that the cross wall 22 may be
on a bottom side 28 of the rail 12.
[0039] The rail 12 may also have one or more brace members 28
extending between the first side wall 18 and the second side wall
20. The brace member 28 may be a continuous wall or it may be
formed as a series of discrete members positioned along the length
of the rail 12 to help provide strength to the rail 12. The brace
member 28 may be centrally located between the top side 24 and the
bottom side 26 of the rail 12. However, it will be appreciated that
the brace member 28 may be spaced at any distance between the top
side 24 and the bottom side 26, and that any number of brace
members 28 may be used.
[0040] A chamber 30 may be defined by the first side wall 18, the
second side wall 20, the cross wall 22, and the brace member 28.
Similarly, a channel 32 may be defined by the first side wall 18,
the second side wall 20, and the brace member 28. It will be
appreciated that the boundary-defining barrier means 14 may be
received in the chamber 30 or the channel 32 as discussed more
fully below.
[0041] The brace member 28 may have one or more ridges 34 for
providing support to the brace member 28, for contacting the
boundary-defining barrier means 14, or for locating and supporting
brackets 35, as shown in FIG. 16, for attaching the rail 12 to a
post 17 or support structure, for example. The brackets 35 may be
formed in any manner known to those skilled in the art and may be
attached to the rail 12 with screws or any other variety of
fasteners known in the art. The ridges 34 may extend along a length
of the brace member 28. The brace member 28 may also include
grooves 36 for locating a center of the brace member 28 for
receiving the screws or drill bits for making openings for the
screws. The grooves 36 may also extend along the length of the
brace member 28. It will be understood that embodiments of the
brace member 28 may be formed without the ridges 34 or grooves 36,
or that the quantity, shape and location of the ridges 34 and
grooves 36 may vary within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0042] In one embodiment, the rail 12 may be formed in a one-piece
unitary manner such that the cross wall 22 may be formed integrally
with the rail 12 so as to be inseparable from the first side wall
18 and the second side wall 20. Accordingly, no joints or seams may
be formed between the cross wall 22 and the first side wall 18 and
the second side wall 20, or between the brace member 28 and the
first side wall 18 and the second side wall 20, in this embodiment.
It will be appreciated that other embodiments of the rail 12 may be
constructed in separable components within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0043] The rail 12 may also include means 38 for engaging with the
rail cover 16 to attach the rail 12 to the rail cover 16. The
engaging means 38 may be in the form of protrusions extending away
from the rail 12. In one embodiment, the first side wall 18 and the
second side wall 20 may have exterior planar portions 40 and the
engaging means 38 may be formed as protrusions that extend beyond
the plane defined by the planar portions 40. The engaging means 38
may be curved and may have a radius defining a rounded
configuration. However, it will be appreciated that the engaging
means 38 may have various different shapes and configurations
within the scope of the present disclosure. The engaging means 38
may be received in the rail cover 16 to form an interference fit to
prevent the rail 12 from being pulled out of the rail cover 16.
[0044] It will be appreciated that the first side wall 18 and the
second side wall 20 may have various different configurations, such
as curved or angular shapes, and need not have the planar portions
40. The rail 12 may be inserted into an end of the rail cover 16
such that the engaging means 38 may be received in receiving means
42 formed in the rail cover 16. The receiving means 42 may be
shaped to abut with the engaging means 38 to hold the rail 12 in
place with respect to the rail cover 16. However, the rail 12 may
slide with respect to the rail cover 16 in a direction along a
longitudinal axis 44 of the rail 12 to locate the rail 12 in a
desired position.
[0045] Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the rail 12
and/or rail cover 16 may be formed with flexible elastic properties
that allow the rail 12 and/or rail cover 16 to deflect. The rail 12
can therefore be inserted into the rail cover 16 along the length
of the rail cover 16 rather than at the end of the rail cover 16.
The rail 12 and rail cover 16 may thus be configured to be
connected together with a snap fit.
[0046] The engaging means 38 may be formed on both the top side 24
and the bottom side 26 of the rail 12. Accordingly, as can be seen
by inspection of FIGS. 2 and 3, the rail 12 may be attached to the
rail cover 16 such that the cross wall 22 may be positioned within
the rail cover 16, as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the rail 12
may be rotated by substantially 180 degrees with respect to the
rail cover 16, about the longitudinal axis 44, such that the
channel 32 may be positioned within the rail cover 16, as shown in
FIG. 3. In other words, the rail 12 may be placed in a first
orientation, as shown in FIG. 2, or the rail 12 may be inverted to
a second orientation as shown in FIG. 3.
[0047] Attachment of the barrier means 14 to the rail 12 will now
be described. The barrier means 14 may be received within the
channel 32 as shown in FIG. 1. The barrier means 14 may contact the
brace member 28 at the ridges 34 to be supported in an upward
position. The first side wall 18 and the second side wall 20 may
support the barrier means 14 in a lateral direction.
[0048] To further support the barrier means 14 in a lateral
direction along the length of the rail 12, a cap 46 may be placed
over the channel 32 as shown in FIGS. 4-5. The cap 46 may have
openings 48 for receiving the barrier means 14. The openings 48 may
be formed in the cap 46 by any manner known in the art such as
using a router, or punching, stamping or cutting for example. As
such, the openings 48 may be placed in the cap 46 during
manufacturing of the cap 46, such that the openings 48 have
predetermined spacings, sizes and shapes. Alternatively, the
openings 48 may be formed in the cap 46 at the time of assembling
the barrier system 10, such that the spacing, size and shape of the
openings 48 can be custom made. Placing the openings 48 in the cap
46 may provide an advantage in that the openings 48 need not be
formed in the rail 12. Forming openings in the rail 12 may weaken
the rail 12 when the rail 12 is formed of certain composite
materials for example.
[0049] The cap 46 may be made of any suitable material known in the
art such as vinyl, metal, or composite materials, for example. The
cap 46 may have attaching means 50 that may include a shaped
portion of the cap 46 configured for receiving the engaging means
38. Thus, the cap 46 may be attached to the rail 12 with an
interference fit. The shape of the attaching means 50 may
correspond to the shape of the engaging means 38 on the rail 12 to
provide an aesthetically pleasing and tight fitting connection that
may not create a protruding ledge that may be prone to snagging or
accumulating debris. It will be appreciated that other attaching
means such as fasteners or adhesives may also be used to attach the
cap 46 to the rail 12 within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0050] Similar to the rail cover 16, the cap 46 may be attached to
the rail 12 by sliding the cap 46 over an end of the rail 12, or by
deflecting the cap 46 to snap the cap 46 onto the rail 12. The cap
46 may also include ledges,52 to facilitate aligning the cap 46 on
the rail 12, and holding the cap 46 in position with respect to the
rail 12. Moreover, the rail 12 may include slots 54 for receiving
an edge portion of the cap 46 so that the connection between the
cap 46 and the rail 12 may be more secure and aesthetically
pleasing.
[0051] With the cap 46 secured to the rail 12, the barrier means 14
may be placed through the openings 48 such that the cap 46 may
assist in providing proper spacing and support for the barrier
means 14. The position of the cap 46 may be moved with respect to
the rail 12 so that the openings 48 can be positioned as desired
and the orientation of the barrier means 14 may be adjusted. Thus,
assembly of the barrier system may be facilitated.
[0052] In an alternative orientation of the rail 12, as shown in
FIGS. 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14, a portion of the barrier means 14
may be received within the chamber 30. Holes 56 may be formed in
the cross wall 22 to accommodate the barrier means 14, as best
shown in FIG. 6. Similar to the openings 48 in the cap 46, the
holes 56 may be formed in any manner known in the art, either as
the rail 12 is manufactured, or as the barrier system 10 is
assembled. Thus, the cross wall 22 may be used to support the
barrier means 14 when the rail 12 is oriented with the cross wall
22 in contact with the barrier means 14. It will be understood that
in this orientation, the cap 46 may not be required.
[0053] Accordingly, the cross wall 22 and the cap 46 may
collectively form a supporting means for (i) supporting a first
boundary-defining barrier means 14 in position with respect to the
rail 12 when the rail 12 is disposed in a first orientation, and
(ii) supporting a second boundary-defining barrier means 14 in
position with respect to the rail 12 when the rail 12 is disposed
in a second orientation, wherein the second orientation is rotated
about the longitudinal axis 44 by substantially 180 degrees from
the first orientation.
[0054] It will be appreciated that the rail 12 may be configured to
be versatile to be used in various positions and orientations in
the barrier system 10 within the scope of the present disclosure.
For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the rail 12 may be used as part of
the top rail and the bottom rail within the barrier system 10.
Moreover, embodiments of the rail 12 may be positioned in a central
portion of the barrier system 10. Various different shapes and
styles of rail covers 16 may be accommodated by the rail 12. An
alternative embodiment barrier system 10a, is shown in FIG. 6, in
which the rail 12 may be used for only a bottom rail, and a
different variety of rail, such as a connection rail or U-rail 58,
may be used for a top rail. Similarly, the rail 12 may be used for
only the top rail. Also, the rail 12 may be oriented such that the
barrier means 14 may be received in the channel 32, or in the
chamber 30.
[0055] In one embodiment, the U-rail 58 may include recesses 60.
The recesses 60 may be configured to receive fasteners for
attaching the U-rail 58 to the barrier means 14. It will be
understood that the barrier means 14 may be substantially hollow
and may have a central bore extending along a length of the barrier
means 14. The bore may be defined by interior brace structure and
the bore may be used for receiving fasteners to attach the U-rail
to the barrier means 14. Alternatively, the barrier means 14 may be
solid such that fasteners may be located as desired. The recesses
60 may be located in the top of the U-rail 58 and/or the sides of
the U-rail. Accordingly, when a fastener is placed in the recess
60, the cover 16 may slide over the U-rail 58 without the fastener
contacting the cover 16 to interfere with the sliding movement
between the cover 16 and the U-rail 58. It will also be understood
that recesses 60 may be formed in the rail 12 in a similar
manner.
[0056] The engaging means 38 may be configured, in one aspect of
the disclosure, to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The rail 12 may be formed to be symmetrical, such that the external
appearance of the rail 12 may be similar regardless of whether the
rail 12 is oriented with the channel 32 on the top, or the cross
wall 22 on the top.
[0057] The components of the barrier system 10 may be formed of
various different suitable materials within the scope of the
present disclosure. For example, components of the barrier system
10 may be formed of a PVC material, and/or a metal material. Also,
the barrier system may be formed of a composite material made from
materials such as a blend of wood flour and PVC resin, for example,
and the components may have an extruded PVC vinyl top coating. The
components of the present disclosure may also be formed of a
composite of polypropylene or polyethylene and wood. Some
embodiments may include inserts made of metal, such as aluminum,
for added strength. Also, the barrier system components may be made
from a pultrusion process with fiber reinforced material made from
a blend of fiberglass and PVC resin, for example, with an extruded
acrylic top coating, or any other suitable material known in the
art may also be used to form the components of the barrier system
10.
[0058] As used herein, the term "pultrusion" refers to a process
for manufacturing reinforced profiles wherein a set of fibers is
pulled through a resin bath and then through a heated die giving
the profile its shape. After the profile passes through the die the
profile may be cooled by air or water and cut into desired lengths.
The resin used may be of various materials such as polyesters,
vinyl esters, and epoxies for example. Furthermore, various types
of fibers may be added in the pultrusion process to produce
profiles having different characteristics, such as different
strengths, hardnesses, or elasticities. The fiber may be either a
fiber mat or a series of continuous fibers, or any other suitable
fiber reinforcement. The pultruded fiber reinforced material may
provide components having high hardness and strength
characteristics and an attractive high quality appearance.
[0059] Reference will now to made to FIG. 15 to describe another
alternative embodiment barrier system, indicated generally at lob.
As previously discussed, the presently disclosed embodiments
illustrated herein are merely exemplary of the possible embodiments
of the disclosure, including that illustrated in FIG. 15. It will
be appreciated that the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG.
15 contains many of the same structures represented in FIGS. 1-14
and only the new or different structures will be explained to most
succinctly explain the features of the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 15.
[0060] The alternative embodiment barrier system lob may include a
rail 12a. The rail 12a may include a first side wall 18a, a second
side wall 20a, and a cross wall 22a. The first side wall 18a and
the second side wall 20a may be characterized by an absence of
protrusions. Moreover, the rail 12a may not include openings in the
cross wall 22a, and the rail 12a may be utilized without a cap. A
cover 16e may be configured to receive the rail 12a, and the rail
12a may be oriented in two positions. For example, the rail 12a may
be oriented such that the cross wall 22a is be on the top to form a
top rail, or the rail 12a may be oriented such that the cross wall
22a is on the bottom to form a bottom rail.
[0061] It will be appreciated that the structure and apparatus
disclosed herein is merely one example of a means for engaging (or
engaging means), and it should be appreciated that any structure,
apparatus or system for engaging which performs functions the same
as, or equivalent to, those disclosed herein are intended to fall
within the scope of a means for engaging, including those
structures, apparatus or systems for engaging which are presently
known, or which may become available in the future. Anything which
functions the same as, or equivalently to, a means for engaging
falls within the scope of this element.
[0062] Similarly, it will be appreciated that the structures and
apparatus disclosed herein are merely exemplary of a
boundary-defining barrier means, receiving means, supporting means,
and attaching means, and it should be appreciated that any
structure, apparatus or system which performs functions the same
as, or equivalent to, those disclosed herein are intended to fall
within the scope of a boundary-defining barrier means, receiving
means, supporting means, or attaching means, including those
structures, apparatus or systems which are presently known, or
which may become available in the future. Anything which functions
the same as, or equivalently to, a boundary-defining barrier means,
receiving means, supporting means, and attaching means falls within
the scope of these elements, respectively.
[0063] In accordance with the features and combinations described
above, a useful method of forming barriers includes the steps
of:
[0064] (a) providing a plurality of rails each having a
longitudinal axis, a channel on one side and a cross wall on an
opposing side;
[0065] (b) orienting one of the rails in a first orientation and
placing a first boundary-defining barrier means in the channel;
[0066] (c) orienting another of the rails in a second orientation
rotated substantially 180 degrees from the first orientation about
the longitudinal axis;
[0067] (d) forming at least one hole in the cross wall; and
[0068] (e) placing a second boundary-defining barrier means in the
hole.
[0069] Those having ordinary skill in the relevant art will
appreciate the advantages provide by the features of the present
disclosure. For example, it is a feature of the present disclosure
to provide a rail and barrier system that is simple in design and
manufacture. Another feature of the present disclosure is to
provide such a rail that is versatile to be used in various
orientations and positions within the barrier system, such that
inventory of barrier system components may be reduced. It is a
further feature of the present disclosure, in accordance with one
aspect thereof, to provide such a rail that has an aesthetically
pleasing appearance and which allows for assembly with or without
cutting holes in the rail.
[0070] In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features of
the present disclosure are grouped together in single embodiments
for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of
disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that
the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly
recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,
inventive aspects lie in less than all features of the foregoing
disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are hereby
incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with
each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0071] It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements
are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the
present disclosure. Numerous modifications and alternative
arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and
the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and
arrangements. Thus, while the present disclosure has been shown in
the drawings and described above with particularity and detail, it
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that
numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations
in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation,
assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles
and concepts set forth herein.
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