U.S. patent application number 12/324467 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-28 for railing system.
Invention is credited to Rolf J. Ohrstrom, Gabriel Petta.
Application Number | 20090134377 12/324467 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40668922 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090134377 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Petta; Gabriel ; et
al. |
May 28, 2009 |
RAILING SYSTEM
Abstract
A railing apparatus includes an upper rail, a lower rail spaced
below and generally parallel to the upper rail, and a plurality of
balusters extending generally vertically between the upper and
lower rails. Each baluster includes a hollow casing and a brace
extending lengthwise within the casing, the brace having an upper
end secured to the upper rail and a lower end secured to the lower
rail.
Inventors: |
Petta; Gabriel; (Woodbridge,
CA) ; Ohrstrom; Rolf J.; (Toronto, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BERESKIN AND PARR
40 KING STREET WEST, BOX 401
TORONTO
ON
M5H 3Y2
CA
|
Family ID: |
40668922 |
Appl. No.: |
12/324467 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60990208 |
Nov 26, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/65.01 ;
256/59 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 11/1817 20130101;
E04F 2011/1821 20130101; E04F 11/181 20130101; E04F 2011/1827
20130101; E04F 2011/1819 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/65.01 ;
256/59 |
International
Class: |
E04F 11/18 20060101
E04F011/18; E04H 17/14 20060101 E04H017/14 |
Claims
1. A railing apparatus, comprising: a) an upper rail; b) a lower
rail spaced below and generally parallel to the upper rail; c) a
plurality of balusters extending generally vertically between the
upper and lower rails, each baluster including a hollow casing and
a brace extending lengthwise within the casing, the brace having an
upper end secured to the upper rail and a lower end secured to the
lower rail.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each brace is constructed of
metal.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each brace comprises an
extruded lineal cut to length.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper rail comprises an
upper beam and the lower rail comprises a lower beam, each beam
extending lengthwise of the respective rail.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each of the beams is
constructed of metal.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the upper ends of each brace
are secured to the upper beam, and the lower ends of each brace are
secured to the lower beam.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each beam comprises a proximal
face directed towards the balusters, and a distal face opposite the
proximal face.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the upper rail comprises an
upper cover generally covering the distal face of the upper beam,
and the lower rail comprises a lower cover generally covering the
distal face of the lower beam.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the brace
engages an inner surface of the casing such that relative lateral
movement between the casing and the brace is inhibited.
10. A metal-reinforced railing system, comprising: a) an upper rail
including an upper beam and an upper cover coupled to the upper
beam, the upper beam constructed of metal and the upper cover
constructed of plastic, the upper beam having an upwards directed
upper distal face concealed by the upper cover; b) a lower rail
extending generally parallel to the upper rail and spaced
vertically below the upper rail, the lower rail comprising a lower
beam, the lower beam constructed of metal; and c) a plurality of
balusters extending generally vertically between the upper and
lower rails, each baluster including a hollow plastic casing and a
metal brace extending vertically within the casing, each brace
having an upper brace end secured to the upper beam and a lower
brace end secured to the lower beam.
11. The railing system of claim 10, wherein each brace comprises at
least two brace screw bosses at each of the upper and lower brace
ends, and wherein the upper beam and the lower beam have apertures
therethrough in registration with the brace screw bosses.
12. The railing system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality
of fasteners, each fastener extending through one of the apertures
and into a respective one of the brace screw bosses in registration
therewith.
13. The railing system of claim 12 wherein the upper beam has an
upper proximal face opposite the upper distal face and directed
towards the balusters, the upper baluster ends bearing directly
against the upper proximal face.
14. The railing system of claim 12, wherein each brace has
transversely spaced apart contact surfaces that engage opposed
inner surfaces of the casing, wherein lateral movement of the
casing relative to the brace is inhibited.
15. The railing system of claim 10, wherein the upper beam
comprises an extruded beam lineal including laterally spaced-apart
attachment grooves extending lengthwise along the upper beam, and
wherein the upper cover comprises an extruded cover lineal having
sidewalls with laterally spaced apart and inwardly directed barbs
extending lengthwise along the upper cover, the barbs received in
the grooves for coupling the upper cover to the upper beam.
16. The railing system of claim 15, further comprising a mounting
bracket at each longitudinal end of the upper rail, each mounting
bracket including a generally planar first flange oriented parallel
to the upper rail and secured to the upper beam, and a generally
planar second flange joined to the first flange and oriented
vertically for securing the mounting bracket to an upright.
17. The railing system of claim 16, wherein the extruded beam
lineal includes integrally extruded bracket engagement members for
engaging the first flange of the mounting bracket in sliding fit,
the bracket engagement members including a transverse support
surface spaced vertically above a base panel by a vertical web, the
transverse support surface extending across a central portion of
the upper beam, an underside surface of the first flange bearing
against the transverse support surface.
18. The railing system of claim 17, wherein the bracket engagement
member further comprises a pair of top retaining segments extending
horizontally inwardly from opposed sides of the upper beam, each
top retaining segment having a bottom surface spaced vertically
above the transverse support surface and receiving the thickness of
the first flange therebetween in sliding fit.
19. The railing system of claim 18, wherein the bracket engagement
members further comprise a pair of sideways retaining segments each
extending generally downwardly from respective ones of the top
retaining segments, each sideways retaining segment having a side
engagement surface spaced vertically intermediate the bottom
surfaces of the top retaining segments and the transverse support
surface, the side engagement surfaces configured to engage opposed
lateral edges of the first flange, and to receive the lateral
extent of the first flange between the side engagement surfaces in
sliding fit.
20. A baluster assembly for mounting between upper and lower rails
of a railing section, comprising: a) an elongate hollow casing
extending lengthwise between opposed first and second casing ends;
b) a brace extending within the hollow casing and having first and
second brace ends generally coterminous with the first and second
casing ends, the brace having brace screw bosses at each end for
receiving fasteners to secure the brace to said upper and lower
rails.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional
Application No. 60/990,208, filed Nov. 26, 2007, which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The Applicant's teaching disclosed herein relates to railing
systems that can be used with, for example, porches and stairways,
and to components of such railing systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,259 (Pratt) discloses a guard rail
system fabricated from standard-sized components, preferably
extruded, including balusters fastened to a lower rail and to an
upper retainer at fixed intervals. The balusters are provided with
central bores for receiving fasteners such as screws through
predrilled holes in the upper retainer and lower rail. A hand rail
is slip-fitted over the upper retainer in locking relation, to
provide integrated guard rail sections. Guard rail sections so
assembled are fastened to end posts, preferably using mounting
brackets having a flanged arm which nests in grooves or recesses in
the upper retainer and lower rail to provide a safe, secure and
aesthetically appealing guard rail.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,766 (Curatolo) discloses a deck railing
section comprising synthetic posts held spaced from one another by
top and bottom rail members. Each of the rail members has a
multiple piece construction including first and second interlocking
synthetic rail pieces and a metallic reinforcing insert. The insert
has holes at post attachment locations along the insert. Each post
has screw ports to opposite ends of the post. Rail members are
secured to the posts by threaded attachment members passing through
the holes in the inserts and into the screw ports of the posts. The
first rail pieces are trapped between the posts and the inserts.
The second rail pieces lock onto the first rail pieces hiding the
reinforcing inserts internally of the rail members.
SUMMARY
[0005] The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to
the disclosure provided herein but not to define any invention. In
general, this disclosure describes one or more methods or
apparatuses related to railing systems and components thereof, and
which can be used with, for example porches and stairways of homes
or other buildings.
[0006] According to one aspect, a rail for a railing system
comprises an upper rail, a lower rail spaced below and generally
parallel to the upper rail; and a plurality of balusters extending
generally vertically between the upper and lower rails, each
baluster including a hollow casing and a brace extending lengthwise
within the casing, the brace having an upper end secured to the
upper rail and a lower end secured to the lower rail.
[0007] Each brace can be constructed of metal. Each brace can
comprise an extruded lineal cut to length. The upper rail can
comprise an upper beam and the lower rail can comprise a lower
beam, each beam extending lengthwise of the respective rail. Each
of the beams can be constructed of metal. The upper ends of each
brace can be secured to the upper beam, and the lower ends of each
brace can be secured to the lower beam. Each beam can comprise a
proximal face directed towards the balusters, and a distal face
opposite the proximal face. The upper rail can comprise an upper
cover generally covering the distal face of the upper beam, and the
lower rail can comprise a lower cover generally covering the distal
face of the lower beam. The upper rail can comprise an upper
retainer extending lengthwise of the upper rail and disposed
between the upper ends of the balusters and the upper beam, and the
lower rail can comprise a lower retainer extending lengthwise of
the lower rail and disposed between the lower ends of the balusters
and the lower beam. The outer surface of each brace can engage an
inner surface of the casing such that relative lateral movement
between the casing and the brace is inhibited. The brace can have
at least two screw bosses at each end for anchoring a fastener
therein. The screw bosses can be generally vertical. The screw
bosses can comprise vertical channels having open ends adjacent the
proximal surface of the beam. The beam can have apertures in
registration with the open ends of the screw bosses for receiving
fasteners therethrough. The fasteners can comprise screws with
threaded shanks and a head at one end, the head can bear against
distal surface of beam, drawing beam and baluster securely
together.
[0008] According to another aspect, a baluster assembly for a
mounting between upper and lower rails of a railing section
includes an elongate hollow casing extending lengthwise between
opposed first and second casing ends; and a brace extending within
the hollow casing and having first and second brace ends generally
coterminous with the first and second casing ends, the brace having
brace screw bosses at each end for receiving fasteners to secure
the brace to said upper and lower rails. The brace can comprise an
extruded aluminum lineal cut to length, the brace extending
continuously between the first and second ends.
[0009] Each brace can have a transverse extent configured to engage
an inner surface of the casing, so as to inhibit lateral movement
of casing relative to brace. Each brace can have two screw bosses,
laterally spaced apart by a first spacing.
[0010] According to another aspect, a method of reinforcing a
railing system is provided, wherein the railing system including a
plurality of hollow polymeric baluster casings configured for
installation in a generally vertical orientation between upper and
lower rails, the baluster casings having at least two casing screw
bosses at either end for anchoring a fastener, the two casing screw
bosses at each end spaced apart by a first spacing, the upper and
lower rails each having a metal beam extending lengthwise thereof,
the metal beam comprising apertures in registration with the screw
bosses of the baluster casings, and wherein the method includes
providing a plurality of braces each configured for insertion in a
respective casing, each brace having first and second ends and a
length generally equal to the length of the corresponding casing,
and each brace having at least two screw bosses at each of the
first and second ends, the brace screw bosses at each end spaced
apart by a second spacing, the second spacing equal to the first
spacing; inserting a brace in the baluster casings; aligning the
brace screw bosses with the apertures in the beam; and inserting
fasteners through the apertures and into the brace screw
bosses.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various
examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the present
specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is
taught in any way. In the drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a railing system
according to one aspect of the Applicant's teaching;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the railing system of
FIG. 1 taken along the lines 2-2;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the railing system of FIG.
1;
[0015] FIG. 3a is an enlarged portion of the railing system of FIG.
3;
[0016] FIG. 3b is another enlarged portion of the railing system of
FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 4 a cross-sectional view of a baluster portion of the
railing system of FIG. 1 taken along the lines 4-4;
[0018] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a casing portion
of the baluster of FIG. 4;
[0019] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a brace member of
the baluster of FIG. 4;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
baluster;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative
baluster;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative
baluster;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative
baluster;
[0024] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of another example
of a railing system;
[0025] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an upper
railing portion of the system of FIG. 11; and
[0026] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a baluster portion of
the system of FIG. 11; and
[0027] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a brace portion of the upper
railing of FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to
provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No
embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any
claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that are not
described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to
apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one
apparatus or process described below or to features common to
multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible
that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment
of any claimed invention. The applicants, inventors or owners
reserve all rights that they may have in any invention disclosed in
an apparatus or process described below that is not claimed in this
document, for example the right to claim such an invention in a
continuing application and do not intend to abandon, disclaim or
dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this
document.
[0029] A railing system 110 in accordance with an example of one
aspect of the Applicant's teaching can be seen in FIG. 1. The
railing system 110 comprises a pair of rails, (i.e. an upper rail
112a, and a lower rail 112b) and a plurality of balusters 116 each
extending generally vertically between the rails 112a, 112b. In the
example illustrated, the railing system 110 is shown in a
horizontal configuration, with generally horizontal upper and lower
rails 112a, 112b. The railing system 110 can also be configured for
inclined applications, such as along a staircase, with inclined
rails and vertical balusters 116.
[0030] Each of the rails 112a, 112b is generally elongate, having
opposed ends adapted to be secured to uprights 118. The uprights
118 can be in the form of, for example, but not limited to, walls,
columns, or posts. In the example illustrated, the uprights 118 are
in the form of newel posts.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 2, each of the rails 112a, 112b can
comprise a beam extending lengthwise of the respective rail 112a,
112b. In the example illustrated, the upper rail 112a comprises an
upper beam 122a, and the lower rail 112b comprises a lower beam
122b. The beams 122a, 122b can be constructed of a structural
material, the material having properties that are well-known and/or
already accepted by local building codes for use in railing
systems. Additionally or alternatively, the structural material
used to make the beams 122a, 122b can have mechanical properties
that are stable over time and that are consistently reproducible
from one manufacturing lot to another. Examples of structural
materials from which the beams 122a, 122b can be made include metal
(ferrous or non-ferrous), wood, and/or fiberglass. In the example
illustrated, the beams 122a, 122b are made of cold rolled
steel.
[0032] Each beam 122a, 122b comprises a proximal face 124 directed
towards the balusters 116, and a distal face 126 opposite the
proximal face 124. The upper and lower beams 122a, 122b can
optionally have a common profile. In the example illustrated, the
beams 122a, 122b have a common profile and are interchangeable with
each other.
[0033] Each baluster 116 in the embodiment illustrated includes a
hollow casing 130 and a brace 132 extending lengthwise within the
casing 130. The casing 130 can be made of a material that is
generally non-structural, and the casings 130 can provide cosmetic
or other ancillary benefits to the railing system 110, rather than
necessarily satisfying strength and/or other performance
requirements. In the example illustrated, the casings 130 are made
of polymer, such as an extruded vinyl.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the brace 132 of each baluster
116 can be constructed of a structural material that, similar to
the structural material of the beams 122a, 122b, has properties
that are well-known and/or already accepted by local building codes
for use in railing systems. Additionally or alternatively, the
structural material used to make the braces 132 can have mechanical
properties that are stable over time and that are consistently
reproducible from one manufacturing lot to another. In the example
illustrated, the braces 132 are made of extruded aluminum lineals
cut to a desired length to provide each brace 132 with an upper end
132a and a lower end 132b, between which the brace 132 extends
continuously.
[0035] In the railing 110, the upper end 132a of each brace 132 is
secured to the upper rail 112a and the lower end 132b of each brace
132 is secured to the lower rail 112b. In the example illustrated,
the upper ends 132a of each brace 132 are secured to the upper beam
122a of the upper rail 112a, and the lower ends 132b of each brace
132 are secured to the lower beam 122b of the lower rail 112b.
[0036] To facilitate securing the braces 132 to the beams 122a,
122b, each brace 132 can have at least two brace screw bosses 134
at each end for anchoring a fastener 136 therein. More
particularly, in the example illustrated, each brace 132 has two
upper brace screw bosses 134a at the upper end 132a and two lower
brace screw bosses 134b at the lower end 132b. The two screw bosses
134 can be spaced apart laterally by a brace screw boss spacing
137.
[0037] In the example illustrated, the brace screw bosses 122a,
122b are generally vertical and can comprise vertical channels 138
having open ends 138a, 138b adjacent the proximal surface 124 of
the upper and lower beams 122a, 122b, respectively. The vertical
channels 138 can extend continuously along the length of each brace
132.
[0038] Each beam 122a, 122b can have apertures in registration with
the open ends of the brace screw bosses 134 for receiving the
fasteners 136 therethrough. In the example illustrated, the upper
beam 122a has upper apertures 140a and the lower beam 122b has
lower apertures 140b. The apertures 140a, 140b can be spaced apart
lengthwise along the length of the beam 122a, 122b by a lengthwise
spacing 144, which can be selected to match the desired spacing
between adjacent balusters 116. The two apertures in each pair of
apertures can be spaced apart transversely by a transverse aperture
spacing 147 that can be equal to the brace screw boss spacing
137.
[0039] The fasteners 136 can comprise screws with threaded shanks
150 and a head 152 at one end thereof. Upon assembly, the head 152
can bear against the distal face 126 of the beam 122a, 122b,
drawing the beam 122a, 122b and baluster 116 securely together.
[0040] The rails 112a, 112b can be provided with a cover that can
conceal and/or enclose the beam 122a, 122b. In the example
illustrated, the upper rail 112a comprises an upper cover 156a
generally covering the distal face 126 of the upper beam 122a, and
the lower rail 112b comprises a lower cover 156b generally covering
the distal face 126 of the lower beam 112b.
[0041] The covers 156a, 156b can be made of a material that is
generally non-structural, and the covers can provide cosmetic or
other ancillary benefits to the railing system 110, rather than
necessarily satisfying strength and/or other performance
requirements. In the example illustrated, the covers 156a, 156b are
made of polymer, such as an extruded vinyl. The vinyl can provide a
good gripping surface that remains warmer to the touch than would,
for example, a metal cover.
[0042] The upper and lower covers 156a, 156b can optionally have a
common profile. In the example illustrated, the upper cover 156a
has a profile that is distinct from that of the lower cover 156b.
The upper cover 156a has an outer surface 158a that is slightly
more contoured (rounded) with recesses 160 on either side, which
can facilitate being grasped by the hand of a user. The lower cover
156b has an outer surface 158b that is more rectangular (relative
to the upper cover 156a).
[0043] The covers 156a, 156b can be coupled to the beams 122a,
122b, to the ends of the balusters 116, and/or to other elements of
the rails 112a, 112b. In the example illustrated, the rails include
retainers to which the covers 156a, 156b can be coupled. The upper
rail 112a comprises an upper retainer 162a extending lengthwise of
the upper rail 112a and disposed between the upper ends of the
balusters 116 and the proximal surface 124 of the upper beam 122a.
The lower rail 112b in the example illustrated comprises a lower
retainer 162b extending lengthwise of the lower rail 112b and
disposed between the lower ends of the balusters 116 and the
proximal face 124 of the lower beam 122b.
[0044] Further details of the brace 132 will be described, with
reference to FIGS. 4 and 6. In the example illustrated, the brace
132 is generally H-shaped in cross-section, having a two opposed
arms 172 and a central web 174 extending between the arms 172. The
channels 138 forming the brace screw bosses 134 are located
proximate the intersection of the web 174 and the respective arms
172.
[0045] Each brace 132 has an outer surface 176, at least a portion
of which is configured to engage at least a portion of the inner
surface 178 of the casing 130 such that relative lateral movement
between the casing 130 and the brace 132 is inhibited. In the
example illustrated, the opposed ends 180 of the arms 172 provide a
portion of the outer surface 176 of the brace 132 that engages an
the inner surface 178 of a first pair of opposed sidewalls 182 of
the casing, to inhibit motion in a first lateral direction (up-down
direction in FIG. 4). The brace screw bosses 134 have laterally
outermost surfaces 184 that form a portion of the outer surface 176
that engages the inner surface 178 of a second pair of opposed
sidewalls 186 of the casing 130, to inhibit motion in a second
lateral direction (left-right in FIG. 4), normal to the first
direction.
[0046] The casing 130 can be provided with optional casing screw
bosses 188 at each end, which can be engageable with the fastener
136 (or another fastener) to secure the casings 116 to the rails
112a, 112b. In the example illustrated, each casing 130 has two
upper brace screw bosses 188a at the upper end and two lower casing
screw bosses 188b at the lower end. The two screw bosses 188 at
each end can be spaced apart by a casing screw boss spacing 187.
The casing screw boss spacing 187 can be equal to the brace screw
boss spacing 137. Providing equal screw boss spacing 137, 187 can
facilitate installation of casings 130 without braces 132 in cases
where braces are not required (for example, on ground floor railing
installations). The casings 130 can then be universal, in the sense
that the same extrusion can be used with or without braces 132.
Rotating the casing 130 by 90 degrees (or inverting the casing 130
end-over-end by 180 degrees) can provide aligned registration of
the casing screw bosses 188 with the apertures 140a, 140b in the
beam 122a, 122b.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 7, another example of a baluster 216 is
illustrated. The baluster 216 is similar to the baluster 116, and
like features are identified by like reference characters,
incremented by 100. The baluster 216 can generally be interchanged
with the baluster 116 in the railing 110, with some changes
required such as, for example, the quantity and relative
positioning of the apertures 140a, 140b in the beams 122a,
122b.
[0048] The baluster 216 has a casing 230 and a brace 232. The brace
232 comprises, in the example illustrated, a generally planar
central web 274 with brace screw bosses 234 extending along each
opposed side edge. The brace 232 is sized to fit snugly within the
casing on a diagonal, between opposed first and second corners
231a, 231b. The other two opposed interior corners 231c, 231d of
the casing 230 are provided with casing screw bosses 288. The
casing screw bosses 288 are spaced apart from each other by a
casing screw boss spacing 287 which is equal to the casing boss
spacing 237, and which defines a common screw boss diameter
centered about a central longitudinal axis of the baluster 216, and
about which the four screw bosses are equally spaced at 90 degree
increments.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 8, another example of a baluster 316 is
illustrated. The baluster 316 is similar to the baluster 116, and
like features are identified by like reference characters,
incremented by 200. The baluster 316 can generally be interchanged
with the baluster 116 in the railing 110, with some changes
required such as, for example, the quantity and relative
positioning of the apertures 140a, 140b in the beams 122a,
122b.
[0050] In the baluster 316, the casing screw bosses 388 and the
brace screw bosses 334 are not spaced equally apart. Installing the
balusters 316 with the brace 332 requires a distinct aperture
spacing 147 in the beam 122a, 122b to match the spacing 337 between
the brace bosses 332. This can provide a failsafe and/or a visual
indication as to whether or not a baluster 316 has been installed
with or without a brace 332 in the casing 330.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 9, another example of a baluster 416 is
illustrated. The baluster 416 is similar to the baluster 116, and
like features are identified by like reference characters,
incremented by 300. The baluster 416 can generally be interchanged
with the baluster 116 in the railing 110, with some changes
required such as, for example, the quantity and relative
positioning of the apertures 140a, 140b in the beams 122a,
122b.
[0052] In the baluster 416, the casing 430 is provided with
interior supports 491 for engaging the outer surface of the brace
432. In the example illustrated, the interior supports 491 have
inner surfaces that engage opposing outer surfaces of each of the
brace screw bosses 434, to inhibit lateral motion in one direction
(left-right in FIG. 9). The inner surfaces of the sidewalls 486
from which the supports 491 extend inhibit lateral motion in a
second direction (up down in FIG. 9), normal to the first
direction.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 10, another example of a baluster 516 is
illustrated. The baluster 516 is similar to the baluster 116, and
like features are identified by like reference characters,
incremented by 400. The baluster 516 can generally be interchanged
with the baluster 116 in the railing 110, with some changes
required such as, for example, the quantity and relative
positioning of the apertures 140a, 140b in the beams 122a,
122b.
[0054] In the baluster 516, the casing 530 is free of any casing
screw bosses. The brace 532 has a web structure that is X-shaped in
cross section, with four web segments 474a, 474b, 474c and 474d
extending from a central axis 475, and a respective brace screw
boss 434 provided along the side edge of each web segment. [0055]
Another example of a railing system 610 is shown in FIG. 11. The
railings system 610 is similar to the railing system 110, with like
features identified by like reference characters, incremented by
500.
[0055] Referring also to FIG. 11, the railing system 610 includes
an upper rail 612a including an upper beam 622a and an upper cover
656a coupled to the upper beam 622a. In FIG. 11, plastic covers 656
and casings 630 have not been shown, so as to more clearly reveal
the metal skeletal structure. The upper beam 622a can be
constructed of metal and the upper cover 656a (see FIG. 12) can be
constructed of plastic. In the example illustrated, the upper beam
622a is constructed of aluminum. At least a portion of the outer
surface of the aluminum beam 622a (including the proximal face 624)
can be painted to notch the colour of the cover 656a and/or casings
630.
[0056] The railing system 610 further includes a lower rail 612b
extending generally parallel to the upper rail 612a and spaced
vertically below the upper rail 612b. The lower rail 612b includes
a lower beam 622b constructed of metal. The lower beam 622b is, in
the example illustrated, constructed of aluminum.
[0057] With reference also to FIG. 13, a plurality of balusters 616
are provided, each baluster 616 extending generally vertically
between the upper and lower rails 612a, 612b, and each baluster 616
including a hollow plastic casing 630 and a metal brace 632
extending vertically within the casing 630. Each brace 632 has an
upper brace end 632a secured to the upper beam 622a and a lower
brace end 632b secured to the lower beam 622b. In the example
illustrated, each brace 632 is constructed of aluminum.
[0058] Each brace 632 has at least two brace screw bosses 634 at
each of the upper and lower brace ends 632a, 632b. The upper beam
622a and the lower beam 622b have apertures 640a, 640b therethrough
in registration with the brace screw bosses 634. A plurality of
brace fasteners 636 are provided for securing the braces 632 to the
beams 622a, 622b, each fastener 636 extending through one of the
apertures 640a, 640b and into a respective one of the brace screw
bosses 634 in registration therewith.
[0059] Each brace 632 has transversely spaced apart contact
surfaces 676 that engage opposed inner surfaces 678 of the casing
630, wherein lateral movement of the casing 630 relative to the
brace 632 is inhibited.
[0060] With reference also to FIG. 14, the upper beam 622a has an
upwardly directed upper distal face 626 concealed by the upper
cover 656a, and the upper beam 622a has an upper proximal face 624
opposite the upper distal face 626 and directed towards the
balusters 616, the upper baluster ends 632a bearing directly
against the proximal face 624 (FIG. 12).
[0061] The upper beam 622a comprises an extruded beam lineal
including laterally spaced-apart attachment grooves 701 (FIG. 14)
extending lengthwise along the upper beam 622a. The upper cover
656a comprises an extruded cover lineal having sidewalls 703 with
laterally spaced apart and inwardly directed barbs 705 (FIG. 12)
extending lengthwise along the upper cover 656a. The barbs 705 are
received in the grooves 701 for coupling the upper cover 656a to
the upper beam 622a.
[0062] The railing system 610 can further include a mounting
bracket 707 (FIG. 11) at one or both longitudinal ends of the upper
rail and/or the lower rail 612a, 612b for securing the rails to an
upright 618. The upright 618 can be, for example, a wall, column,
or newel post.
[0063] In the example illustrated, and with reference to attachment
of the upper rail 612a, one mounting bracket 707 is provided at
each end of the upper rail. Each mounting bracket includes a
generally planar first flange 711 oriented parallel to the upper
rail 612a and secured to the upper beam 622a, and a generally
planar second flange 713 joined to the first flange and oriented
vertically for securing the mounting bracket 707 to the upright
618.
[0064] The extruded beam lineal can include integrally extruded
bracket engagement members for engaging the first flange 711 of the
mounting bracket 707 in sliding fit. In the example illustrated,
bracket engagement members are provided, including a transverse
support surface 717 (FIG. 14) spaced vertically above a base panel
719 of the beam 622a by a vertical web 721. The transverse support
surface 717 extends across a central portion of the upper beam
622a, and an underside surface 723 of the first flange 711 bears
against the transverse support surface 717 (FIG. 12).
[0065] A bracket fastener 725 can be passed through an aperture in
the first flange 711 and anchored in the transverse support surface
717 for fixing the first flange 711 to the upper rail 612a. The
transverse support surface 717 can be provided with an integrally
extruded central score line 727 (FIG. 14) to identify a desired
lateral position of the fastener 725. The vertical spacing between
the transverse support surface and the base panel of the beam is,
in the example illustrated, sized to accommodate the length of the
fastener 725 so that the fastener 725 does not protrude through the
proximal face 624 of the beam 622a.
[0066] In the example illustrated, the bracket engagement members
further comprise a pair of top retaining segments 731 extending
horizontally inwardly from opposed sides of the upper beam 622a
(FIG. 14). Each top retaining segment 731 has a bottom surface 733
spaced at a greater elevation than the transverse support surface
717 to receive the thickness of the first flange 711 therebetween
(i.e. between the vertical position of the bottom surface 733 and
that of the transverse support surface 717) in sliding fit.
[0067] The bracket engagement members can further include a pair of
sideways retaining segments 735 each extending generally downwardly
from respective ones of the top retaining segments 731. Each
sideways retaining segment 735 can have a side engagement surface
737 spaced vertically intermediate the bottom surfaces 733 of the
top retaining segments 731 and the transverse support surface 717.
The side engagement surfaces 737 are, in the example illustrated,
configured to engage opposed lateral edges 739 of the first flange
711, and to receive the lateral extent of the first flange 711
between the laterally opposed side engagement surfaces 737 in
sliding fit.
[0068] While the above description provides examples of one or more
processes or apparatuses, it will be appreciated that other
processes or apparatuses may be within the scope of the
accompanying claims.
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