U.S. patent application number 12/568982 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-01 for rail crossover.
This patent application is currently assigned to DIGGER SPECIALTIES, INC.. Invention is credited to Loren R. Graber.
Application Number | 20100078614 12/568982 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42056390 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100078614 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Graber; Loren R. |
April 1, 2010 |
RAIL CROSSOVER
Abstract
A railing assembly that, in one embodiment, includes a first
rail, a second rail, and a post that are coupled with a rail
crossover assembly. The rail crossover assembly may include a first
end with a first flange configured to be received in a cavity of
the first rail, a second end with a second flange configured to be
received in a cavity of the second rail, and a post coupling member
configured to be received in a cavity of the post. The first end,
the second end and the third end of the rail crossover assembly are
oriented so the post is substantially orthogonal with respect to
the first rail and the second rail.
Inventors: |
Graber; Loren R.; (Nappanee,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARNES & THORNBURG LLP
600 ONE SUMMIT SQUARE
FORT WAYNE
IN
46802
US
|
Assignee: |
DIGGER SPECIALTIES, INC.
Bremen
IN
|
Family ID: |
42056390 |
Appl. No.: |
12/568982 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61100885 |
Sep 29, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/65.08 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 11/1836
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/65.08 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/20 20060101
E04H017/20; E04H 17/14 20060101 E04H017/14 |
Claims
1. A railing assembly comprising: a first rail defining a
longitudinally extending cavity therein; a second rail defining a
longitudinally extending cavity therein; a post defining a
longitudinally extending cavity therein; a rail crossover assembly
including a first end with a first flange configured to be received
in the cavity of the first rail, a second end with a second flange
configured to be received in the cavity of the second rail, and a
post coupling member configured to be received in the cavity of the
post; and wherein the first end, the second end and the third end
of the rail crossover assembly are oriented so the post is
substantially orthogonal with respect to the first rail and the
second rail.
2. The railing assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first
ridge extending into the cavity of the first rail and wherein the
first flange defines a slot dimensioned to receive the first
ridge.
3. The railing assembly of claim 2, further comprising a second
ridge extending into the cavity of the second rail and wherein the
second flange defines a slot dimensioned to receive the second
ridge.
4. The railing assembly of claim 2, further comprising a second
ridge extending into the cavity of the first rail and wherein the
first flange defines a second slot dimensioned to receive the
second ridge.
5. The railing assembly of claim 4, further comprising a third
ridge extending into the cavity of the first rail and wherein the
first flange defines a third slot dimensioned to receive the third
ridge.
6. The railing assembly of claim 1, wherein an exterior surface of
the first rail and the rail crossover assembly has a substantially
uninterrupted exterior surface contour when the first rail and the
rail crossover assembly are coupled together.
7. The railing assembly of claim 6, wherein an exterior surface of
the second rail and the rail crossover assembly has a substantially
uninterrupted exterior surface contour when the second rail and the
rail crossover assembly are coupled together.
8. The railing assembly of claim 1, wherein the rail crossover
assembly includes side walls extending between an upper wall and a
lower wall.
9. The railing assembly of claim 8, wherein a platform extends from
the lower wall for supporting the first rail.
10. The railing assembly of claim 9, wherein the platform defines
an opening dimensioned to receive a fastener for coupling the first
rail to the platform.
11. The railing assembly of claim 8, wherein the upper wall has an
arcuate shape.
12. The railing assembly of claim 11, wherein the side walls and
lower wall have a substantially planar shape.
13. The railing assembly of claim 12, wherein the side walls are
substantially orthogonal with respect to the lower wall and upper
wall.
14. The railing assembly of claim 8, wherein the first flange
includes a first segment extending between a second segment and a
third segment.
15. The railing assembly of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of
the first segment is arcuate in shape.
16. The railing assembly of claim 14, wherein the first segment is
substantially orthogonal with respect to the second segment and the
third segment.
17. The railing assembly of claim 16, wherein the first segment and
at least one of the second segment and the third segment include a
slot for receiving a ridge extending from the first rail.
18. A rail crossover assembly comprising: a rail coupling member
with a first end configured to be coupled with a first rail and an
opposing second end configured to be coupled with a second rail; a
base portion with a platform adapted to support the first rail and
the second rail, wherein the platform extends from the first end
and the second end of the rail coupling member; and a post coupling
member extending from the base portion and adapted to be coupled
with a post.
19. The rail crossover assembly of claim 20, further comprising a
first flange extending from the first end of the rail coupling
member and a second flange extending from the second end of the
rail coupling member.
20. The rail crossover assembly of claim 19, wherein the first
flange includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third
segment.
21. The rail crossover assembly of claim 20, wherein the first
segment is substantially orthogonal with respect to the second
segment and the third segment.
22. The rail crossover assembly of claim 21, wherein at least a
portion of the first segment is arcuate in shape.
23. The rail crossover assembly of claim 22, wherein at least a
portion of the second segment and the third segment are
approximately planar in shape.
24. The rail crossover assembly of claim 20, wherein at least one
of the first segment, the second segment and the third segment
include a slot for receiving a portion of the first rail.
25. The rail crossover assembly of claim 18, further comprising a
collar extending from the platform.
26. The rail crossover assembly of claim 25, wherein the base
portion includes a tapered portion between the platform and the
collar.
27. The rail crossover assembly of claim 18, wherein the platform
defines a hole for receiving a fastener.
28. The rail crossover assembly of claim 18, wherein the post
coupling member includes tapered side walls.
29. The rail crossover assembly of claim 28, wherein the side walls
include a rib for providing a frictional fit with a post.
30. The rail crossover assembly of claim 18, further comprising a
plate received by the post coupling member.
31. A rail crossover assembly comprising: a rail coupling member
with a first end configured to receive a first rail and an opposing
second end configured to receive a second rail, wherein a first
flange extends from the first end of the rail coupling member and a
second flange extends from the second end of the rail coupling
member, wherein the first flange includes an arcuate first segment
that is substantially orthogonal with respect to a second segment
and a third segment; a base portion with a platform adapted to
support the first rail and the second rail, wherein the platform
extends from the first end and the second end of the rail coupling
member, wherein the platform defines a hole for receiving a
fastener; and a post coupling member extending from the base
portion, wherein the post coupling member includes tapered side
walls.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/100,885 filed Sep. 29, 2008, for a "Rail
Crossover," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to fences and
railing assembly and more particularly to a rail crossover that
could be used to couple rails with a post.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Railing assemblies on various structures, such as porches
and decks, act as a boundary to prevent persons from inadvertently
falling off. The railing assembly typically has a plurality of
spaced-apart vertical posts interconnected by rails. Rails and
posts have been secured together using a number of different
techniques. There remains a need, however, for a novel device for
coupling rails and posts in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to one aspect, the invention provides a railing
assembly with a first rail defining a longitudinally extending
cavity, a second rail defining a longitudinally extending cavity,
and a post defining a longitudinally extending cavity. A rail
crossover assembly may be provided for coupling the rails and post
so the post is substantially orthogonal with respect to the first
rail and the second rail. The rail crossover assembly may include a
first end with a first flange configured to be received in the
cavity of the first rail and a second end with a second flange
configured to be received in the cavity of the second rail. A post
coupling member may be provided that is configured to be received
in the cavity of the post.
[0005] In one embodiment, a first ridge may extend into the cavity
of the first rail, which could be received by a slot defined in the
first flange. In some cases, a second ridge may extend into the
cavity of the second rail. The second flange could include a slot
dimensioned to receive the second ridge. Additional ridges could
extend into the cavities of the rails and additional slots could be
provided in the flanges to receive the slots.
[0006] In some embodiments, the exterior surface of the first rail
and the rail crossover assembly could have a substantially
uninterrupted exterior surface contour when they are coupled
together. Likewise, in some embodiments, the exterior surface of
the second rail and the rail crossover assembly could have a
substantially uninterrupted exterior surface contour when coupled
together.
[0007] Embodiments are contemplated in which the rail crossover
assembly may include side walls extending between an upper wall and
a lower wall. In some cases, a platform could extend from the lower
wall for supporting the first rail. Depending on the situation, the
platform may define an opening dimensioned to receive a fastener
for coupling the first rail to the platform. Depending on the
particular application, the upper wall may have an arcuate shape.
In some cases, the side walls and/or the lower wall may have a
substantially planar shape. In one embodiment, the side walls are
substantially orthogonal with respect to the lower wall and upper
wall.
[0008] In one example embodiment, the first flange may include a
first segment extending between a second segment and a third
segment. In some cases, at least a portion of the first segment is
arcuate in shape. Embodiments are contemplated in which the first
segment is substantially orthogonal with respect to the second
segment and the third segment. In some cases, the first segment,
the second segment and/or the third segment include slot(s) for
receiving ridge(s) extending from the first rail.
[0009] According to another aspect, the invention provides a rail
crossover assembly. In some cases, the assembly may include a rail
coupling member with a first end configured to receive a first rail
and an opposing second end configured to receive a second rail. A
base portion may be provided with a platform adapted to support the
first rail and the second rail. Typically, the platform extends
from the first end and the second end of the rail coupling member.
The assembly may include a post coupling member extending from the
base portion and adapted to be coupled with a post.
[0010] Embodiments are contemplated in which the rail crossover
assembly may include a first flange extending from the first end of
the rail coupling member and a second flange extending from the
second end of the rail coupling member. In some cases, the first
flange may include a first segment, a second segment, and a third
segment. Depending on the application, the first segment could be
substantially orthogonal with respect to the second segment and the
third segment. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first
segment is arcuate in shape. The second segment and the third
segment could be approximately planar in shape. In some
embodiments, the first segment, the second segment and/or the third
segment may include slot(s) for receiving a portion of the first
rail.
[0011] Additional features and advantages of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of
the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiment
exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as
presently perceived. It is intended that all such additional
features and advantages be included within this description and be
within the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The present disclosure will be described hereafter with
reference to the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting
examples only, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example crossover
assembly according to an embodiment of the invention that is
coupled with a first rail, a second rail and a post;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing an example embodiment of
a crossover rail prior to mounting with a first rail and a second
rail according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the crossover rail shown in
FIG. 2 in an assembled state prior to mounting a first rail and
second rail; and
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rail crossover shown in
FIG. 2.
[0017] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The components in the figures
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principals of the invention. The exemplification
set out herein illustrates embodiments of the invention, and such
exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible
to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary
embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the
drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be
understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts
of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on
the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope
of the disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of a rail crossover
assembly 10 coupled with a first rail 12, a second rail 14, and a
post 16. As used herein, the term "coupled" is broadly intended to
encompass both direct and indirect connections. As shown, the rails
12, 14 extend orthogonally from the rail crossover assembly 10 with
respect to the post 16. Typically, the post 16 may be oriented
vertically and the rails oriented horizontally. As shown, the rail
crossover assembly and rails 12, 14 are coupled such that their
exterior surface contours are substantially uninterrupted.
Embodiments are contemplated in which the rail crossover assembly
10, rails 12, 14 and post 16 may be formed from a metal including
but not limited to aluminum and/or steel. In some embodiments, the
rail crossover assembly 10, rails 12, 14 and post 16 may be formed
from polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") resin. One skilled in the art
should appreciate that other suitable materials could be used for
the rail crossover assembly 10, rails 12, 14 and post 16.
[0020] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the example rail crossover
assembly 10 and the rails 12, 14, In the example shown, the rail
crossover assembly 10 includes a rail coupling member 18, a base
portion 20, a plate 22, a post coupling member 24, a bolt 26, and a
nut 28. In this example, the rail coupling member 18 includes a tab
30 that is received by an opening 32 in the base portion 18. As
shown, the plate 22 includes a hole 34 that is dimensioned to
receive the bolt 26. Likewise, as shown, the opening 32 is
dimensioned to receive the bolt 26. Additionally, the tab 30 may
include a passage (not shown) through which the bolt 26 may extend.
Typically, the post coupling member 22 would be received by a post
16; in this manner, the rail crossover 10 couples the rails 12, 14
to a post 16. The example construction of the rail crossover
assembly 10 is shown for example purposes only. Although the
example rail crossover assembly 10 has multiple components, it
should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the rail
crossover assembly 10 could be formed from a unitary member;
likewise, multiple components could be combined into a unitary
member and those combined components coupled together. Although the
bolt 26 and nut 28 are shown as example fasteners for purposes of
example, it should be appreciated that other fasteners could be
provided to couple various components of the rail crossover
assembly 10.
[0021] FIGS. 3 and 4 show the example rail crossover assembly 10 in
an assembled state. In the example shown, the rail coupling member
18 includes a first end 36 and a second end 38. As shown, a first
flange 40 extends from the first end 36 and a second flange 42
extends from the second end 38. In this example, the flanges 40, 42
are received in the rails 12, 14, respectively. In the example
shown, the first flange 40 includes a first segment 44, a second
segment 46, and a third segment 48 and the second flange 38
includes a first segment 50, a second segment 52, and a third
segment 54. In this example, the second segment 46 is arcuate in
shape, while the first and third segments 44, 48 are substantially
planar to correspond with the internal periphery of the rails 12,
14. As shown, the second segment is oriented approximately
orthogonal with respect to the first and third segments. It should
be appreciated that the flanges 40, 42 could include a single
segment or more than three segments.
[0022] In one embodiment, the rails 12, 14 may include one or more
internal ridges that are received by one or more corresponding
slots defined in the flanges 40, 42 of the rail coupling member 18.
As shown in the example, the first rail 12 includes a first ridge
56, a second ridge 58, and a third ridge 60 that correspond to and
are received by a first slot 62 defined in the first segment 44, a
second slot 64 defined in the second segment 46, and a third slot
66 defined in the third segment 54.
[0023] As shown, the base portion 20 includes a platform 68
extending from the first and second ends 36, 38 of the rail
coupling member 18. The platform 68 supports the rails 12, 14 when
they are coupled with the rail coupling member 18. In this example,
the platform 68 defines holes 70 through which fasteners, such as
screws, could extend to couple the rails 12, 14 to the base portion
20. As shown the base portion 20, the platform extends through a
tapered portion 72 to a collar 74. In this example, the base
portion 20 includes a reduced dimension lower portion 76 with a
substantially similar exterior dimension as the lower member 22.
The post coupling member 24 extends from the lower portion 76 of
the base portion 20. In the embodiment shown, the post coupling
member 24 has a tapered shape to provide a frictional fit with the
post 16. As shown, the post coupling member 24 includes a rib 76 to
increase friction between the post coupling member 24 and the post
16. The plate 20 is received by the post coupling member 24. In the
example shown, the lower portion includes ridges 80 that suspend
the plate 20 above a bottom wall 82 of the post coupling member 24.
As shown, the post coupling member 24 includes a reduced dimension
area via an internally-extending wall 84 that is configured to hold
the plate 22 substantially in place.
[0024] Although the present disclosure has been described with
reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, from the
foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain
the essential characteristics of the invention and various changes
and modifications may be made to adapt the various uses and
characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *