U.S. patent application number 11/105027 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-13 for connector fitting for railing components.
Invention is credited to Terrels, Christopher J..
Application Number | 20050224777 11/105027 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35059658 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050224777 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Terrels, Christopher J. |
October 13, 2005 |
Connector fitting for railing components
Abstract
A fitting for assembling a hollow railing to a generally
cylindrical support structure includes a first end and a second
end. The first end has a generally circular face forming a
concavity that conforms to the curvature of the generally
cylindrical support structure. The second end forms a socket
adapted to receive an end of the railing to connect the railing
with the support structure.
Inventors: |
Terrels, Christopher J.;
(Ocean View, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DANN, DORFMAN, HERRELL & SKILLMAN
1601 MARKET STREET
SUITE 2400
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-2307
US
|
Family ID: |
35059658 |
Appl. No.: |
11/105027 |
Filed: |
April 13, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60561743 |
Apr 13, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
256/65.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 2011/1819 20130101;
E04F 11/1834 20130101; E04F 11/181 20130101; E04F 11/1817
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/065.01 |
International
Class: |
E04H 017/14 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A fitting for connecting a railing to a generally cylindrical
support element, said fitting comprising a one-piece cylindrical
body having a saddle end and a socket end, said saddle end having a
generally circular face forming a concavity that conforms to the
curvature of the cylindrical support element, and said socket end
forming a hollow section surrounded by an inner wall, said
one-piece body further comprising a stud member projecting out of
the hollow section in the socket end to form a circumferential
socket between said stud and the inner wall of the hollow section,
said socket being adapted to receive an end of the railing over the
stud to assemble the railing to the support element.
2. The fitting of claim 1 comprising an anchoring element and an
elongated bore that extends along the longitudinal axis of the
fitting, said anchoring element extending through said elongated
bore.
3. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the one-piece cylindrical body
comprises a fastener and a port extending through the one-piece
body generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the
fitting, said fastener extending through said port and into said
socket.
4. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the saddle end comprises a
chamfered edge adjacent to said generally circular face, said
chamfered edge configured to mate flush with an adjacent fitting on
the support element.
5. The fitting of claim 1 comprising a pair of flanges extending on
opposite sides of the concavity.
6. The fitting of claim 5, wherein the flanges are tapered inwardly
toward the longitudinal axis of the fitting.
7. A fitting for assembling a hollow railing to a generally
cylindrical support structure, said fitting comprising a first end
and a second end, said first end having a generally circular face
forming a concavity that conforms to the curvature of the generally
cylindrical support structure for mounting the fitting flush
against said support structure, said second end forming a socket
adapted to receive an end of the railing to connect the railing
with the support structure.
8. The fitting of claim 7 comprising an anchoring element and an
elongated bore that extends along the longitudinal axis of the
fitting, said anchoring element extending through said elongated
bore.
9. The fitting of claim 7 comprising a cylindrical stud member
projecting out of said second end, said stud member configured for
insertion into the interior of said hollow railing to connect the
railing to the fitting.
10. The fitting of claim 7 wherein the fitting consists of a
one-piece body.
11. The fitting of claim 7 wherein the fitting is formed of
polyvinylchloride or polyethylene.
12. The fitting of claim 7 comprising a first component and a
second component connected with said first component by a pivot
joint, said generally circular face extending from the first
component and said socket extending within the second component,
said first component being configured for attachment to the
cylindrical support element, and said second component being
configured for attachment to said railing to join said railing to
said support structure, said pivot joint being adjustable to change
the orientation of the railing relative to the support
structure.
13. A railing system comprising a generally cylindrical fitting
having a first end and a second end, said first end comprising a
generally circular face forming a cylindrical concavity, and said
second end forming a cylindrical socket, said cylindrical concavity
having a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the fitting, and said socket having a
longitudinal axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of
the fitting.
14. The railing system of claim 13 comprising a cylindrical support
structure having a rounded convex curvature partially extending
within the concavity of the fitting in a flush engagement.
15. The railing system of claim 14 wherein the cylindrical support
structure comprises a cylindrical column or a cylindrical post.
16. The railing system of claim 13 comprising a hollow railing
member having an open end, said socket telescopically receiving the
open end of said railing member.
17. The railing system of claim 16 wherein the end of said railing
is secured in said socket without fasteners or adhesives.
18. The railing system of claim 16 comprising a generally
cylindrical stud member projecting from the interior of the socket,
said stud member extending within the open end of the railing.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119, this application claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/561,743 filed
Apr. 13, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to railing and
fencing assemblies, and specifically to a railing system having a
connector fitting for connecting a tubular rail to a post or other
support structure having a rounded contour.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Extruded plastic pipe is frequently used to manufacture
components for deck railings, including posts and hand rails.
Cylindrical plastic pipe provides a strong, light-weight and
weather-resistant material that is well suited for outdoor railing
installations. Many outdoor railing systems include rails that are
joined to cylindrical posts, columns or other curved support
surfaces. Rounded surfaces present a difficult challenge for
mounting railings. For example, the round curvature of a
cylindrical post does not mate with a straight cut made at the end
of the railing. Many installers address this problem by using a
coping saw or similar tool to cut a circular profile or notch at
the end of the railing.
[0004] Coping cuts are difficult to make, and require considerable
time and labor. Since the required length of railing is frequently
measured at the job site at the time of installation, the coping
cut must be made at the job site. Each coping cut must be done with
a high degree of precision so that the end of the railing mates
tightly against the curved exterior of the support post. If the
radius of curvature of the support structure is not known, the
radius must be determined accurately so that the proper radius is
used on the coping cut. Coping cuts must also be made at the
correct locations on each railing. If the coping cuts are not made
at the proper locations, the finished length of the railing may be
too long or too short. Errors in coping cuts can not be concealed,
since the connection between the coped railings and posts are
exposed on the finished railing. Therefore, coping cuts offer very
little margin for error. Since a railing installation can include
several dozen rails, the step of coping each end of each rail can
add a significant amount of time to a project. Therefore, coping
cuts are not very practical or efficient for joining railings to
rounded support surfaces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The drawbacks of coping cuts are overcome to a large degree
by the present invention, which includes a connector fitting that
eliminates the need to make coping cuts or other labor-intensive
alterations to railings when joining the railings to cylindrical
posts and other rounded surfaces. In a first aspect of the
invention, a fitting for connecting a railing to a generally
cylindrical support element includes a saddle end and a socket end.
The saddle end has a generally circular face forming a concavity
that conforms to the curvature of the cylindrical support element.
The socket end forms a hollow section surrounded by an inner wall.
A stud member projects out of the hollow section in the. socket end
to form a circumferential socket between the stud and the inner
wall of the hollow section. The circumferential socket is adapted
to receive an end of the railing over the stud to connect the
railing to the support element.
[0006] In a second aspect of the invention, a fitting for
assembling a hollow railing to a generally cylindrical support
structure includes a first end and a second end. The first end has
a generally circular face forming a concavity that conforms to the
curvature of the generally cylindrical support structure. The
second end forms a socket adapted to receive an end of the railing
to connect the railing with the support structure.
[0007] In a third aspect of the invention, a railing system
comprises a generally cylindrical fitting having a first end and a
second end. The first end of the fitting comprises a generally
circular face forming a cylindrical concavity. The second end of
the fitting forms a cylindrical socket. The cylindrical concavity
has a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis of the fitting. The socket has a longitudinal axis generally
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fitting.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The foregoing summary and the following description will be
better understood when read in conjunction with the figures in
which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a post and railing structure
in accordance with the present invention, using connector fittings
to join a pair of railings to a pair of posts.
[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a connector
fitting used in the post and railing structure of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the connector fitting of FIG.
2.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a first end view of the connector fitting of FIG.
2.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a second end view of the connector fitting of FIG.
2.
[0014] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of components used to
connect a railing to a post in accordance with the present
invention, where the ends of the post and one end of the railing
are severed for clarity.
[0015] FIG. 7 is an elevation view of a second embodiment of a
connector fitting in accordance with the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a
connector fitting in accordance with the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the connector fitting in
FIG. 8, taken through line 9-9 in FIG. 8.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a top view of a corner post configuration, where
the post is connected to a pair of railings by a pair of fittings
in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] Referring to the drawing figures in general, and to FIGS.
1-2 specifically, a railing system 8 is shown in accordance with
the present invention. The railing system 8 includes a pair of
hollow rails 12 that are supported between a first cylindrical post
14 and a second cylindrical post 14'. Each rail 12 has a first end
13 supported on post 14 and a second end 15 supported on post 14'.
The rails 12 are joined to posts 14, 14' by a plurality of
connector fittings 10. The connector fittings 10 form adapter
couplings that conform to the rounded contour of posts 14, 14',
thereby eliminating the need to make coping cuts or other
labor-intensive alterations to the ends of the rails 12.
[0020] The fittings may be used to connect railings to a variety of
support elements having rounded convex curvatures, including but
not limited to cylindrical columns and newel posts. A variety of
geometrical arrangements may be incorporated into the fitting to
connect the fitting with a rounded support surface. Referring now
to FIGS. 2-5, one possible configuration is shown on fitting 10.
Fitting 10 has a generally cylindrical body that includes a socket
end 20 that connects with the end of a rail. The fitting 10 also
includes a saddle end 30 that connects to the convex curvature of a
rounded support structure. For purposes of this description, the
fitting 10 will be described as it would be used to connect one of
the railings 10 with the post 14 in FIG. 1. It will be understood
that the fitting 10 may be used with other styles of railings and
support structures, and the railing system of the present invention
is not limited to the specific components and styles illustrated in
the drawing figures.
[0021] The saddle end 30 of the fitting 10 has a generally circular
or U-shaped face 32, forming a rounded or cylindrical concavity 33
that conforms to the convex curvature of the post 14. The
longitudinal axis of the concavity 33 is generally perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis of the fitting. The cylindrical concavity 33
has a radius of curvature equal to or substantially equal to the
radius of curvature of the post 14. In this configuration, the
fitting 10 can be used to join the railing 12 to the post 14
without coping or shaping the end of the railing. This arrangement
allows railings to be quickly connected to posts or other
structures in the field without the use of tools.
[0022] The fitting 10 may be molded as one piece formed of a
variety of materials. The material used in forming the fitting may
depend on many variables, including but not limited to the desired
properties of the fitting and the environmental conditions existing
at the site of installation. For example, the fitting 10 may be
formed of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or other thermoplastic
material, which offer strength and durability in outdoor
environments. One-piece construction reduces the cost of
manufacturing the fitting. One-piece construction also minimizes
the number of parts that must be handled and assembled in the
field, decreasing the time and labor required to connect railing
components. The socket end 20 of fitting 10 has a hollow section
with an inner wall 21. A cylindrical hub or stud member 40 projects
outwardly from the hollow section and forms a circular end face 41.
An annular recess or socket 42 extends between the circumference of
the stud 40 and the inner cylinder wall 21.
[0023] The socket end 20 of the fitting 10 is adapted to
telescopically receive the end of a railing. The diameter of the
inner cylinder wall 21 is preferably equal to or substantially
equal to the outer diameter of the railing 12. In addition, the
width of the annular recess 42 is preferably equal to or
substantially equal to the wall thickness of the railing 12. If
desired, the recess 42 may be sized to receive the end of the
railing 12 in a friction fit. For example, the outer surface of the
railing 12 may frictionally engage the inner cylinder wall 21, and
the inner surface of the railing may frictionally engage the outer
circumference of the stud member 40. The frictional engagement
between the fitting 10 and railing 12 allows the railing to be
joined with the fitting without the use of adhesives, which add to
the cost of construction, require dry conditions and clean surfaces
on which to apply the adhesives, and add to the number of
accessories that must be supplied in the field. A frictional
engagement between the fitting 10 and railing 12 also allows the
railing to be joined with the fitting without the use of set
screws, bolts or other fasteners. The ability to avoid using any
fasteners is desirable for individuals who want to eliminate or
minimize the number of fasteners that are visible on the exterior
of the railing assembly. Fasteners also increase the number of
parts that must be handled in the field, increase the time required
to connect fittings to railings, and require the use of additional
hand tools. The frictional connection between fittings and railings
may be established by hand, requiring no use of hand tools.
[0024] Of course, the fitting 10 and railing 12 may be connected by
other means in lieu of, or in addition to, frictional engagement.
For example, a friction fit connection may be reinforced with other
connecting means, including but not limited to adhesives or
fasteners. In FIG. 2, an optional side port 25 extends through the
side of the socket end 20. The side port 25 is sized to receive a
fastener, such as set screw 27. The set screw 27 has threads 28
that engage the inner wall of the side port 25, and an end portion
29. The set screw 27 may be rotated in the port 25 until the end
portion 29 advances through the wall of the socket and bears
against the exterior of a railing inserted in the socket. The
engagement between the screw end 29 and the exterior of the railing
provides resistance to axial and rotational displacement of the
railing end in the socket, in addition to the resistance offered by
the frictional engagement.
[0025] The socket end 20 and saddle end 30 provide several
advantages during assembly of the railing system. The circular face
32 of the saddle end 30 is adapted to fit flush against the side of
the post 14 in a tight joint that creates a smooth and seamless
transition between the post 14 and the fitting 10. Since the saddle
end 30 readily conforms to the curvature of the post 14, the
railing member 12 can be joined to the post without any coping or
other special alterations on the end of the railing. The railing
member 12 is cut to a desired length and immediately inserted into
the socket 42. The fittings 10 may be connected to posts during
fabrication of the railing system and prior to taking the
components to the job site. As a result, the railings may be joined
to posts in the field in fewer steps.
[0026] The socket end 20 extends over a portion of the railing
member 12 in an overlapping manner that covers the cut end of the
railing. The overlap between the socket end 20 and railing end
eliminates any concerns about the appearance or straightness of the
cut end, since the end will be concealed inside the fitting 10.
Since the railing end is concealed in the socket end 20 of the
fitting 10, the fitting decreases the level of accuracy required in
measuring the desired length of a rail. That is, the overlap
between the socket end 20 and railing member 12 allows for some
degree of imprecision when measuring and cutting the railing end.
The depth of the socket is sufficient to extend over the end of a
rail, even if the rail is inadvertently cut shorter than intended.
The margin of error provided by the fitting 10 depends largely on
the depth of the socket, which can conceivably tolerate cutting
errors of one inch or more on a length or railing. This margin of
error reduces the amount of careful preparation and measurement
that must be devoted to each railing, thereby shortening the task
of measuring and cutting railing members.
[0027] The saddle end 30 of the fitting 10 may be attached to the
post 14 using a variety of means, including but not limited to
fasteners, couplings and adhesives. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, the
fitting 10 is joined to the post 14 with an anchoring element 16.
The fitting 10 has an elongated bore 18 that extends along the
longitudinal axis of the fitting. The bore 18 extends between the
saddle end 30 and the end face 41 of the stud member 40,
penetrating through the saddle end and the end face. The bore 18 is
adapted to receive the anchoring element 16 to mount the fitting 10
onto the post 14. The anchoring element 16 has a length greater
than the length of the bore 18, such that an end of the anchoring
element projects outwardly from the arcuate face 32 of the saddle
end 30 when the anchor element 16 is fully inserted into the
bore.
[0028] The fitting 10 is mounted to the side of the post 14 to form
a junction between the post and the railing 12. A post hole 15 is
pre-drilled or punched through the side of the post 14 at the
location where the rail is to be connected. The saddle end 30 of
the fitting 10 engages the side of the post 14 over the post hole
15, with the bore 18 aligned generally coaxially with the post
hole. The bore 18 and the post hole 15 receive the anchoring
element 16 to mount the fitting onto the post. In FIG. 6, the
anchoring element 16 is a long threaded bolt. The bolt 16 is
rotatable in the bore 18 of the fitting 10 to drive the bolt into
the post hole 15. The dimension of the post hole 15 is
substantially equal to or slightly larger than the thread diameter
on the bolt 16. As such, the threads of the bolt 16 engage the wall
of the post hole 15. The bolt 16 has a bolt head that abuts the end
face 41 of the stud member 40 and bears against the stud member
when the bolt is anchored into the post 14. The engagement between
the bolt threads and the post, combined with the engagement between
the bolt head and the end face 41 on stud member 40, forms a tight
connection between the fitting and the post that resists deflection
caused by axial and shear forces on the fitting.
[0029] The rounded concavity 33 at the saddle end 30 of the fitting
10 forms a pair of rounded flanges or extensions 34. The flanges 34
wrap around the exterior of post 14 and overlap a portion of the
post. It may be desirable to limit the amount of area on the post
that is overlapped by the flanges 34, so that the fittings are less
noticeable on the posts. The amount of overlap may be decreased by
decreasing the size of the face 32. Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5,
the flanges 34 include a curvature or taper 35 that flares inwardly
toward the longitudinal axis of the fitting 10. The inward taper 35
decreases the arc length of the circular face 32, which would
otherwise be longer if the saddle end had no taper. Since the arc
length of the circular face 32 is shorter, the saddle end 30
extends around a smaller area on the post. The decreased area of
overlap between the saddle end 30 and the post 14 makes the fitting
less noticeable and provides a more subtle transition between the
railing and post.
[0030] A method for using connector fittings to connect a railing
between two cylindrical posts will now be described in connection
with FIG. 1. Connector fittings 10 are mounted to the posts 14,14'.
If desired, the connector fittings 10 may be mounted to posts
14,14' prior to delivering the components to the job site. The
connector fittings 10 may be joined to the posts 14,14' in a
variety of ways. For example, each connector fitting 10 may be
mounted to the side of a post with an adhesive applied on the
curved face 32 on the saddle end 30. Once the adhesive is applied
to the curved face 32, the saddle end 30 is placed against the post
with the curved face mated with the curvature of the post. Force is
applied to the fitting 10 to press the curved face 32 against the
curvature of the post. The fitting 10 is held in place while
maintaining pressure against the fitting until the adhesive sets,
forming a bond between the fitting and post.
[0031] Alternatively, or in addition to the adhesive, a threaded
bolt 16 may be used to mount the connector fittings 10 to the posts
14, 14' as illustrated in FIG. 6. A post hole 15 is pre-drilled or
punched through the side of the post, at a section on the post
where the fitting is to be mounted. The post hole 15 may be drilled
or punched prior to delivering the components to the job site, or
at the job site. The saddle end 30 of the fitting 10 is placed over
the post hole 15 with the curved face 32 mated with the curvature
of the post. The bore 18 that extends through the longitudinal axis
of the fitting 10 is aligned with the post hole 15. The bolt 16 is
inserted through the bore 18 and into the post hole 15. If desired,
the diameter of the bore 18 may be larger than the thread diameter
on the bolt 16 so that the bolt passes easily through the bore
before reaching the post hole. As the end of the bolt 16 reaches
the post hole 15, torque is applied to the bolt to drive the bolt
threads into the post hole and securely mount the fitting 10 to the
post 14.
[0032] Once the connector fittings 10 are mounted on the posts
14,14' the posts may be mounted on a deck surface or other
foundation. Once post 14 is mounted on its foundation, the first
end 13 of each railing 12 is aligned with one of the fittings 10 on
the post. The railing end 13 is positioned adjacent the socket end
20 of the fitting 10 and advanced fully into the circumferential
socket 42. As the railing end 13 is advanced into the socket 42,
the inner wall of the socket and annular wall of stud member 40 may
frictionally engage the exterior and interior walls of the railing
member 12, providing a frictional connection between the railing 12
and the fitting 10. As described above, the frictional connection
provides a cost effective and time-saving means for attaching the
railing 12 to the fitting 10, and avoids the costs and burdens
associated with handling adhesives or fasteners in the field. Of
course, the frictional connection may be reinforced with an
adhesive or fasteners, if that is desired. The adhesive may be
applied to surfaces on or around the stud member 40, socket 42 and
the interior wall of the railing member, prior to inserting the
railing member into the socket. Alternatively, or in addition to an
adhesive, the friction connection may be reinforced with hardware,
such as a set screw inserted through the side of the fitting to
engage the exterior wall of the railing.
[0033] The above described process is completed for each railing
member 12 being connected to post 14. Once the first end 13 of each
railing 12 is secured to the post 14, the second end 15 of the
railing is prepared for mounting to post 14'. Since the fittings 10
overlap the first and second ends 13, 15 of the railing member 12,
the clearance space between the fittings in the final installation
will be less than the finished length of the railing member.
Therefore, the post 14' is preferably mounted to the deck in an
arrangement that allows the post to be tilted or adjusted. For
example, the post 14' may be mounted with fasteners that are not
completely tightened to allow the post 14' to be tilted or
displaced away from post 14, thereby permitting the railing members
12 to fit between the posts during installation. The second end 15
of railing 12 is maneuvered until the second end is aligned with
one of the fittings 10 on post 14'. If necessary, the railing 12 is
cut to a length that allows the second end of the railing to be
inserted into the socket in the fitting 10.
[0034] It is not critical to make a clean or perfectly straight cut
across the end of the railing 12, as stated earlier, since the
fitting 10 will overlap and conceal the end of the railing. In
addition, it is not critical to measure and cut the end of the
railing 12 with a high degree of accuracy. The finished length of
the railing 12 only needs to be long enough to allow the railing to
extend into the fitting on post 14'. Preferably, the railing 12 is
cut to maximize the amount of overlap between the railing and the
fitting 10. Once the end of the railing is cut, the post 14' is
tilted and maneuvered until the fitting 10 is aligned with cut end
of the railing 12. The cut end of the railing is inserted into the
fitting 10 and advanced until the rim of the socket completely
overlaps and conceals the cut end of the railing. The post 14' is
then adjusted to a vertical or near vertical position and anchored
to the deck surface. The connection between the railing 12 and
fitting 10 may be established by frictional engagement, adhesives,
fasteners, or any combination that includes friction, adhesives or
fasteners.
[0035] The foregoing description is not the only method for
installing railings in accordance with the present invention. The
method of installation may be influenced by many variables,
including site conditions and the size of the railing system. In
some cases, it may be possible to pre-assemble large sections of a
post and railing system prior to installing the sections on a deck
surface or other support structure. For example, the railings 12 in
FIG. 1 may be connected between the posts 14, 14' prior to
installing the posts on the deck surface. In this method, the
connector fittings 10 are mounted on each of the posts 14, 14. The
fittings 10 are aligned with the ends of the railings 12, and
advanced over the ends of the railings to connect the railings
between the posts 14, 14'. The post and railing segment is then
lowered onto a deck surface and secured in place.
[0036] In FIG. 7, a second embodiment of a fitting in accordance
with the present invention is shown and designated generally as
110. The fitting 110 is a corner fitting configured to be attached
to the exterior of a post adjacent to another corner fitting.
Corner fittings permit two railings to be connected in an adjacent
arrangement at the same section of a post. For example, the corner
fittings may be mounted on a vertical post to mount two railings at
the same height on the post, with the railings being separated by a
horizontal angle having an apex at the post. This arrangement
permits railings to be quickly joined to single post. Corner
fittings may be used at any location where two railing segments
intersect, such as the corner of a deck or the corner of a
staircase landing.
[0037] The corner fitting 110 has a socket end 120 and a saddle end
130, similar to the fitting described in connection with FIG. 2.
The saddle end 130 has a chamfered face 150 on one side, which is
oriented at an angle toward the longitudinal axis of the fitting.
The chamfered face 150 is configured to abut a chamfered face on a
second corner fitting to form a horizontal angle between adjacent
railings. The sum of the angles of orientation of the chamfered
faces 150 is equal or substantially equal to the horizontal angle
between the adjacent railings. For example, the angle of
orientation of the chamfered face 150 on each fitting may be one
half of the desired horizontal angle which will separate the
adjacent railings. Where two railings are to be joined to one
corner post to form a horizontal angle of ninety degrees, the
chamfered face 150 on each corner fitting would be oriented at an
angle of 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the
fitting 110. The corner fitting 110 may be mounted to a post using
the same components and methods described previously in connection
with FIGS. 1-6. Once a corner fitting 110 is mounted to a corner
post, a railing end may be inserted into the socket end 120 to
secure the railing to the post. The corner fittings 110 permit
adjacent railings to be quickly and easily joined to the outer
perimeter of corner posts, without making high-precision
measurements and cuts on the ends of the railings.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 10, a corner post arrangement includes
two corner fittings 310, 311 that are joined to a cylindrical
corner post 314. Corner fitting 310 has a socket end 310 that
telescopically receives the end of a first horizontal tubular
railing 316, and corner fitting 311 has a similar socket end 330
that telescopically receives the end of a second horizontal tubular
railing 317. Fittings 310, 311 each have a rounded face 332 that
mates with the rounded exterior of post 314. A chamfered edge 350
extends adjacent to the rounded face 332 on each fitting. Each
chamfered edge 350 is oriented at a 45-degree angle with respect to
the longitudinal axis of its respective fitting. The fittings 310,
311 are attached to the post 314 in a symmetrical arrangement in
which the chamfered edges 350 are mated together. In this
arrangement, the longitudinal axis of fittings 310,311 are
separated by an angle of ninety degrees, permitting the railings to
be joined to the post and spaced apart by an angle of ninety
degrees, or twice the angle of orientation of the chamfered edges
350. The corner fittings of the present invention may be molded
with chamfered edges having a variety of angles to permit different
horizontal angles between adjacent railings. For example, the
corner fittings may manufactured with chamfered edges having a 60
degree orientation to permit adjacent railings to be spaced apart
by a horizontal angle of 120 degrees.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a third embodiment of a
fitting in accordance with the present invention is shown and
designated generally as 210. The fitting 210 is an adjustable pivot
fitting for use on stair railings or other structures where a
railing is mounted at a vertical angle on the side of a post. The
fitting 210 has a first component 211 with a saddle end 230,
similar to the saddle end on the embodiments described above. The
fitting 210 also has a second component 213 with a socket end 220.
The first and second components 211, 213 are pivotally connected to
permit the railing to be mounted to the post and subsequently
adjusted to a desired angle. The first and second components 211,
213 may be joined by a variety of pivoting connections, such as a
pin connection or a bolt. Referring to FIG. 9, the components are
pivotally connected by a hex screw 215. The hex screw 215
cooperates with a nut 216 to loosen or tighten the engagement
between the first and second components 211, 213. The hex screw 215
is loosened to permit the connection to pivot, and tightened to
secure the components at a fixed orientation relative to one
another.
[0040] The first component 211 has a pivot end 212 that mates with
a pivot end 214 on the second component 213. The pivot ends 212,
214 are cut through their center sections, forming a pair of
complementary halves that mate with one another. The first
component 211 has a stepped face 217 having rounded contours, and
the second component 213 has a stepped face 218 having rounded
contours that conform to the rounded contours on stepped face 217.
The stepped faces 217, 218 mate with one another to permit pivoting
of the first component 211 relative to the second component 213,
and vice versa, when the pivot ends are connected. If desired, the
first and second components 211, 213 may be joined so that the
stepped faces 217, 218 slidably engage one another. Alternatively,
the first and second components 211, 213 may be separated by a
small gap or clearance space to minimize the amount of friction
created between the components when the components are pivoted
relative to one another. In either arrangement, the first component
211 may be pivoted in two directions relative to the second
component 213, as illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 5. The dashed
arrow and dashed lines represent one possible position in which the
first component 211 can be pivoted.
[0041] A pivot hole 221 extends through the first component 211,
and a pivot hole 222 extends through the second component 213. The
pivot holes 221, 222 align with one another when the pivot ends are
fitted together, forming a continuous slot through the first and
second components 211, 213. The slot has an inner diameter slightly
larger than the diameter of the body of the hex screw 215,
permitting the slot to receive the hex screw. If desired, the hex
screw 215 and nut 216 may be installed flush with the exterior of
the fitting components 211, 213 to help conceal the hex screw and
nut. For example, the first component 211 may include a shallow
recess 223 that surrounds the head of the screw 215 when the hex
screw is inserted through the slot. Similarly, the second component
213 may include a shallow recess 224 that surrounds the nut 216. In
this arrangement, the hex screw 215 and nut 216 are concealed below
the exterior surface of the fitting 210 so that the hex screw and
nut do not detract from the appearance of the fitting. The recesses
223, 224 also protect the head of the hex screw 215 and nut 216
from excessive exposure to moisture, dust and other potentially
harmful elements.
[0042] The terms and expressions which have been employed are used
as terms of description and not of limitation. There is no
intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any
equivalents of the features shown and described or portions
thereof. It is recognized, therefore, that various modifications
are possible within the scope and spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention incorporates variations that fall within
the scope of the following claims.
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