U.S. patent application number 12/682238 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-25 for balustrades.
This patent application is currently assigned to Arena IP International Pty Ltd as Trustee of the IP Discretionary Trust. Invention is credited to Michael Arena.
Application Number | 20100295008 12/682238 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40548878 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100295008 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Arena; Michael |
November 25, 2010 |
BALUSTRADES
Abstract
A connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail, the
connector comprising: a tubular body for receipt therein of a wire
end portion and for positioning in the rail through a rail
aperture; an opening in the tubular body for the wire to extend
from the connector when the wire end portion is located in the
tubular body; and a deflector for deflecting the wire at an angle
to the wire end portion which is held in the tubular body, when the
wire is under tension.
Inventors: |
Arena; Michael; (Garbutt,
AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTENSEN, O'CONNOR, JOHNSON, KINDNESS, PLLC
1420 FIFTH AVENUE, SUITE 2800
SEATTLE
WA
98101-2347
US
|
Assignee: |
Arena IP International Pty Ltd as
Trustee of the IP Discretionary Trust
Townsville, Queensland
AU
|
Family ID: |
40548878 |
Appl. No.: |
12/682238 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
October 8, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2008/001487 |
371 Date: |
August 11, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/47 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16G 11/10 20130101;
E04F 2011/1882 20130101; E04F 11/1817 20130101; F16G 11/02
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/47 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/12 20060101
E04H017/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 8, 2007 |
AU |
2007905482 |
Nov 9, 2007 |
AU |
2007906188 |
Mar 13, 2008 |
AU |
2008901212 |
Claims
1-47. (canceled)
48. A connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail, the
connector comprising: a tubular body for receipt therein of a wire
end portion and for positioning in the rail through a rail
aperture; an opening in the tubular body for the wire to extend
from the connector when the wire end portion is located in the
tubular body; and a deflector for deflecting the wire at an angle
to the wire end portion which is held in the tubular body, when the
wire is under tension.
49. A connector as claimed in claim 48, wherein the opening is a
lateral opening in the tubular body.
50. A connector as claimed in claim 48, wherein the opening
comprises an aperture formed in a middle portion of the tubular
body.
51. A connector as claimed in claim 48, wherein the opening
comprises a cut-away portion of the tubular body.
52. A connector as claimed in claim 48, wherein the deflector
deflects the wire at least 30.degree. to the wire end portion when
the wire is under tension.
53. A connector as claimed in claim 48, wherein the deflector
comprises the edge of the opening.
54. A connector as claimed in claim 48, wherein the connector also
comprises a retainer for retaining the wire end portion in the
tubular body.
55. A connector as claimed in claim 52, wherein the retainer
comprises a deformable portion of the tubular body, enabled to
deform about the wire end portion.
56. A connector as claimed in claim 48, wherein the deflector also
comprises a guide for guiding deflection of the wire by the
deflector, when the wire is under tension, the guide comprising a
projection, projecting from the tubular body, the projection
providing a surface along which a portion of the wire which is
adjacent to the wire end portion abuts when the wire is under
tension.
57. A connector as claimed in claim 56, wherein the surface of the
projection along which the wire abuts is at least in part
curved.
58. A connector as claimed in claim 56, wherein the projection is
locatable in the rail aperture after the tubular body has been
positioned in the rail.
59. A connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail, the
connector comprising: a tubular body for receipt therein of a wire
end portion and for positioning in the rail through a rail
aperture; an opening in the tubular body for the wire to extend
from the connector when the wire end portion is located in the
tubular body; and at least one protrusion, protruding from the
tubular body for abutting an internal surface of the rail to act
against the connector being removed from the rail when the wire is
under tension.
60. A connector as claimed in claim 59, wherein the at least one
protrusion is located toward an end of the tubular body.
61. A connector as claimed in claim 59, wherein the at least one
protrusion protrudes laterally from the tubular body.
62. A connector as claimed in claim 59, wherein the opening
comprises an end aperture located in an end of the tubular
body.
63. A connector as claimed in claim 59, wherein the opening is a
lateral opening in the tubular body.
64. A connector as claimed in claim 59, wherein the connector also
comprises a projection, projecting from the tubular body and
locatable in the rail aperture after the tubular body has been
positioned in the rail.
65. A connector as claimed in claim 64, wherein the projection has
a curved inner surface against which the wire under tension may
abut.
66. A connector as claimed in claim 59, wherein the connector also
comprises a retainer for retaining the wire end portion in the
tubular body.
67. A connector as claimed in claim 66, wherein the retainer
comprises a deformable portion of the tubular body, enabled to
deform about the wire end portion.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a connector for connecting
a wire to a balustrade rail. The present invention also relates to
a method for forming balustrades and a balustrade kit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Balustrades may be formed with tensioned wires (usually of a
high tensile strength metal such as stainless steel) extending
vertically or horizontally between top and bottom rails or side
rails respectively. Constructing the balustrades with the tensioned
wires is a time consuming process. Typically it requires pushing
one wire at a time trough an aperture in the upper rail or one of
the side rails until the wire extends out the end of that rail,
attaching a connector to the end of the wire having a head portion
of greater diameter than the diameter of the aperture and drawing
the wire back through the aperture until the connector head portion
abuts the inner surface of the rail about the aperture. This
process is repeated for all the wires. The wires are then each cut
to length and connected to the opposing bottom or side rail in a
similar manner. Once connected to the rails, the wires are
subsequently tensioned by spacing apart the rails.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail,
the connector comprising:
[0004] a tubular body for receipt therein of a wire end portion and
for positioning in the rail through a rail aperture;
[0005] an opening in the tubular body for the wire to extend from
the connector when the wire end portion is located in the tubular
body; and
[0006] a deflector for deflecting the wire at an angle to the wire
end portion which is held in the tubular body, when the wire is
under tension.
[0007] In an embodiment, the tubular body is cylindrical.
[0008] However, in other embodiments, the tubular body may be
square or rectangular in cross-section or any other shape as
desired.
[0009] The tubular body may be open or may be closed at its
ends.
[0010] Preferably, the tubular body has a diameter which is less
than the diameter of the rail aperture.
[0011] Preferably, the tubular body has a length which is greater
than the diameter of the rail aperture.
[0012] In an embodiment, the tubular body is straight.
[0013] In another embodiment, the tubular body is bent.
[0014] In an embodiment, the tubular body comprises a first portion
and a second portion.
[0015] In an embodiment, the first and second portions are axially
aligned.
[0016] In another embodiment, the second portion is bent with
respect to the first portion.
[0017] In an embodiment, the second portion is curved.
[0018] In an embodiment, the tubular body also comprises a middle
portion, the first and second portions arranged either side of the
middle portion.
[0019] In an embodiment, the first portion defines a closed space
in which the wire end portion may be received.
[0020] The opening is preferably a lateral opening in the tubular
body.
[0021] In an embodiment, the opening is formed at least in part, in
the middle portion.
[0022] In an embodiment, the opening comprises an aperture.
[0023] In an embodiment, the connector aperture is formed in a
middle portion of the tubular body.
[0024] In an embodiment, the first and second portions of the
tubular body are located on either side of the connector
aperture.
[0025] In another embodiment, the opening comprises a cut-away
portion of the tubular body.
[0026] In an embodiment, the cut-away portion extends between an
end of the tubular body and the middle portion of the tubular
body.
[0027] In an embodiment, the cut-away portion is formed at least in
part in the second portion of the tubular body.
[0028] In an embodiment, the deflector deflects the wire at least
30.degree., more preferably at least 60.degree., more preferably
approximately perpendicular to the wire end portion when the wire
is under tension.
[0029] In an embodiment, the deflector also deflects the wire at an
angle which is preferably at least 30.degree., more preferably at
least 60.degree., more preferably approximately perpendicular to
the first portion of the tubular body when the wire is under
tension.
[0030] In an embodiment, the deflector is located in the middle
portion of the tubular body.
[0031] In an embodiment, the deflector comprises the edge of the
opening.
[0032] In an embodiment, the deflector comprises the rim of the
connector aperture.
[0033] In another embodiment, the deflector comprises the edge of
the cut-away portion at the middle portion of the tubular body.
[0034] In an embodiment, the connector also comprises a retainer
for retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body.
[0035] In an embodiment, the retainer comprises a deformable
portion of the tubular body.
[0036] Preferably, the deformable portion is enabled to deform
about the wire end portion.
[0037] In an embodiment, at least a part of the first portion of
the tubular body comprises the deformable portion.
[0038] In an embodiment, the deformable portion is deformable under
a crimping action.
[0039] In another embodiment, the wire end portion is retained in
the tubular body by formation of a bond between the wire end
portion and the tubular body.
[0040] The bond may be formed by application of an adhesive,
welding, brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or by any
other suitable method.
[0041] In an embodiment, the bond may be formed by deforming,
preferably by crimping, a deformable portion of the tubular
body.
[0042] Application of an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering may
occur in combination with deformation of the deformable portion of
the tubular body.
[0043] In an embodiment, the deflector also comprises a guide for
guiding deflection of the wire by the deflector, when the wire is
under tension.
[0044] In an embodiment, the guide is located proximate to the
opening in the tubular body.
[0045] In an embodiment, the guide comprises a projection,
projecting from the tubular body.
[0046] Preferably, the projection provides a surface along which a
portion of the wire which is adjacent to the wire end portion may
abut when the wire is under tension.
[0047] In an embodiment, the surface of the projection along which
the wire abuts is at least in part curved, preferably in the
direction of deflection.
[0048] In an embodiment, the projection is locatable in the rail
aperture after the tubular body has been positioned in the
rail.
[0049] In an embodiment, the connector is formed of a metal, such
as steel, stainless steel, aluminium or any other suitable
metal.
[0050] In another embodiment, the connector is formed of a plastic,
preferably a hard plastic.
[0051] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail,
the connector comprising:
[0052] a tubular body for receipt therein of a wire end portion and
for positioning in the rail through a rail aperture;
[0053] an opening in the tubular body for the wire to extend from
the connector when the wire end portion is located in the tubular
body; and
[0054] at least one protrusion, protruding from the tubular body
for abutting an internal surface of the rail to act against the
connector being removed from the rail when the wire is under
tension.
[0055] In an embodiment, the at least one protrusion protrudes
laterally from the tubular body.
[0056] In another embodiment, the connector comprises one
protrusion which protrudes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
tubular body.
[0057] In an embodiment, the connector comprises two protrusions,
protruding laterally from either side of the tubular body,
preferably perpendicular to the tubular body.
[0058] The at least one protrusion may be of any shape as
desired.
[0059] Where the connector comprises more than one protrusion, they
may have the same shape and size, but may not be.
[0060] The at least one protrusion is located toward an end of the
tubular body.
[0061] In an embodiment, the opening is a lateral opening in the
tubular body.
[0062] In another embodiment, the opening comprises an end aperture
located in an end of the tubular body.
[0063] In this embodiment, the at least one protrusion is
preferably located towards the opening.
[0064] In an embodiment, the connector also comprises a projection,
projecting from the tubular body and locatable in the rail aperture
after the tubular body has been positioned in the rail.
[0065] In an embodiment, the projection is formed proximate to the
opening.
[0066] In an embodiment, the projection projects laterally from the
tubular body.
[0067] In another embodiment, the projection projects parallel to
the longitudinal axis of the tubular body.
[0068] In an embodiment, the projection has a curved inner surface
against which the wire under tension may abut. In this embodiment,
the projection provides a guide for guiding any deflection of the
wire, when the wire is under tension.
[0069] In an embodiment, the connector also comprises a retainer
for retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body.
[0070] In an embodiment, the retainer comprises a deformable
portion of the tubular body.
[0071] Preferably, the deformable portion is enabled to deform
about the wire end portion.
[0072] In another embodiment, the wire end portion is retained in
the tubular body by formation of a bond between the wire end
portion and the tubular body.
[0073] The bond may be formed by application of an adhesive,
welding, brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or by any
other suitable method.
[0074] In an embodiment, the bond may be formed by deforming,
preferably by crimping, a deformable portion of the tubular
body.
[0075] Application of an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering may
occur in combination with deformation of the deformable portion of
the tubular body.
[0076] In an embodiment, the connector is formed of a metal, such
as steel, stainless steel, aluminium or any other suitable
metal.
[0077] In another embodiment, the connector is formed of a plastic,
preferably a hard plastic.
[0078] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a balustrade kit comprising:
[0079] at least two rails;
[0080] a plurality of wires for extending between the rails;
and
[0081] a plurality of connectors for connecting the wires to the
rails, wherein at least one of the connectors is a connector
according to either the first or second aspect of the present
invention.
[0082] Preferably, some of the connectors are connectors according
to the first and/or second aspects, more preferably most of the
connectors, most preferably all of the connectors.
[0083] In an embodiment, the rails are top and bottom rails. Thus,
in this embodiment, the wires are arranged vertically when the
balustrade is formed.
[0084] In another embodiment, the rails are opposing side rails.
Thus, this embodiment, the wires are arranged horizontally when the
balustrade is formed.
[0085] In an embodiment, each rail has a plurality of apertures
formed therein.
[0086] Preferably, each connector is to be inserted through one of
the rail apertures to connect one of the wires to one of the
rails.
[0087] In an embodiment, each rail has a space therein for receipt
of the connectors through the rail apertures, and preferably with
one of the wires connected to each of the connectors.
[0088] In an embodiment, each rail comprises a tubular member. The
tubular members may be circular, square, rectangular or any other
shape as desired in cross-section.
[0089] In another embodiment, each rail comprises a U-shaped
member, wherein the space in which the connectors are received is
readily accessible.
[0090] In this embodiment, each rail also comprises a cover plate
for engaging the U-shaped member to form a tube.
[0091] Each cover plate may slideably engage its respective
U-shaped member.
[0092] Each cover plate may have a snap-fit engagement with its
respective U-shaped member.
[0093] In an embodiment, the balustrade kit also comprises at least
one post for the rails to be mounted to.
[0094] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method for forming a balustrade, the method
comprising the steps of:
[0095] (a) inserting a wire end portion into the tubular body of a
connector according to the first aspect of the present invention
prior to;
[0096] (b) retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body prior
to;
[0097] (c) inserting the tubular body, with the wire end portion
inserted and retained therein, into a balustrade rail through an
aperture in the rail prior to;
[0098] (d) providing a tensioning force on the wire.
[0099] In an embodiment, the step of inserting the wire end portion
into the tubular body comprises inserting the wire end portion
through the lateral opening in the tubular body.
[0100] In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises using the
retainer to retain the wire end portion in the tubular body.
[0101] In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises deforming
the deformable portion of the tubular body about the wire end
portion.
[0102] In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises crimping a
portion of the tubular body about the wire end portion, preferably
the deformable portion.
[0103] In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises forming a
bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body.
[0104] Forming the bond may involve applying an adhesive, welding,
brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or any other suitable
method.
[0105] In an embodiment, forming the bond comprises deforming the
deformable portion of the tubular body.
[0106] In an embodiment, forming the bond comprises deforming the
deformable portion of the tubular body in combination with any one
or more of applying an adhesive, welding, brazing or soldering.
[0107] In an embodiment, the step of inserting the tubular body
into the balustrade rail comprises inserting the tubular body into
a space in the rail.
[0108] Preferably, the space in the rail is of sufficient size to
enable the length of the tubular body to be inserted into the rail
through the rail aperture.
[0109] In an embodiment, during the step of inserting the tubular
body into the balustrade rail, the longitudinal extent of the wire
is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the tubular
body, in particular the first portion of the tubular body.
[0110] In an embodiment, during the step of inserting the tubular
body into the balustrade rail, the longitudinal extent of the wire
is substantially axially aligned with the longitudinal extent of
the tubular body, in particular the first portion of the tubular
body.
[0111] In the embodiment where the opening in the tubular body
comprises an aperture, the step of inserting the tubular body into
the balustrade rail may comprise holding a portion of the wire
against an outer surface of a portion of the tubular body during
this step.
[0112] In the embodiment where the opening comprises a cut-away
portion of the tubular body, the step of inserting the tubular body
into the balustrade rail may comprise holding a portion of the wire
against a surface of the cut-away portion during this step.
[0113] In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force
on the wire causes portions of the tubular body to abut an inner
surface of the rail, preferably the first and second portions
either side of the rail aperture, respectively.
[0114] In another embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning
force on the wire causes the second portion to abut an inner
surface of the rail, either side of the rail aperture.
[0115] In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force
on the wire causes the wire to be deflected by the deflector at an
angle to the wire end portion.
[0116] In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force
on the wire causes the wire to be deflected by the deflector at an
angle to the longitudinal extent of the tubular body.
[0117] In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force
on the wire causes the guide to be located in the rail
aperture.
[0118] In an embodiment, the method also comprises the step of
adjusting the length of the wire.
[0119] In an embodiment, the step of adjusting the length of the
wire comprises cutting the wire to the required length.
[0120] The step of adjusting the length of the wire may occur
before or after steps (a) to (d).
[0121] In an embodiment, the method also comprises repeating steps
(a) to (d) for a plurality of wires and for two or more rails,
using a plurality of connectors according to the first aspect of
the present invention to form the balustrade.
[0122] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method for forming a balustrade, the method
comprising the steps of:
[0123] (a) inserting a wire end portion into the tubular body of a
connector according to the second aspect of the present invention
prior to;
[0124] (b) retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body prior
to;
[0125] (c) inserting the tubular body, with the wire end portion
inserted and retained therein, into a balustrade rail through an
aperture in the rail prior to;
[0126] (d) providing a tensioning force on the wire.
[0127] In an embodiment, the step of inserting the wire end portion
into the tubular body comprises inserting the wire end portion
through the opening in the tubular body.
[0128] In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises using the
retainer to retain the wire end portion in the tubular body.
[0129] In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises deforming
the deformable portion of the tubular body about the wire end
portion.
[0130] In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises crimping a
portion of the tubular body about the wire end portion, preferably
the deformable portion.
[0131] In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises forming a
bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body.
[0132] Forming the bond may involve applying an adhesive, welding,
brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or any other suitable
method.
[0133] In an embodiment, forming the bond comprises deforming the
deformable portion of the tubular body.
[0134] In an embodiment, forming the bond comprises deforming the
deformable portion of the tubular body in combination with any one
or more of applying an adhesive, welding, brazing or soldering.
[0135] In an embodiment, the step of inserting the tubular body
into the balustrade rail comprises inserting the tubular body into
a space in the rail.
[0136] Preferably, the space in the rail is of sufficient size to
enable the length of the tubular body to be inserted into the rail
through the rail aperture.
[0137] In an embodiment, the step of inserting comprises rotating
the tubular body to enable the at least one protrusion to clear the
rail aperture.
[0138] Rotating the tubular body may cause bending of the wire end
portion with respect to the wire.
[0139] In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force
on the wire causes the at least one protrusion to abut an inner
surface of the rail, preferably close to the rail aperture.
[0140] Where the connector comprises two protrusions, the step of
providing a tensioning force on the wire preferably cause the
protrusions to abut the inner surface of the rail either side of
the rail aperture.
[0141] In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force
on the wire causes the projection to be located in the rail
aperture.
[0142] In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force
on the wire causes the tubular body to be moved such that its
longitudinal extent is substantially aligned with the longitudinal
extent of the wire.
[0143] In an embodiment, the method also comprises the step of
adjusting the length of the wire.
[0144] In an embodiment, the step of adjusting the length of the
wire comprises cutting the wire to the required length.
[0145] The step of adjusting the length of the wire may occur
before or after steps (a) to (d).
[0146] In an embodiment, the method also comprises repeating steps
(a) to (d) for a plurality of wires and for two or more rails,
using a plurality of connectors according to the first aspect of
the present invention to form the balustrade.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0147] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, which:
[0148] FIGS. 1 to 4 are schematic views of a connector for
connecting a wire to a balustrade rail according to an embodiment
of the invention shown sequentially through FIGS. 1 to 4 in a
method for forming a balustrade;
[0149] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a connector for connecting a
wire to a balustrade rail according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0150] FIGS. 6 to 9 are schematic views of a connector for
connecting a wire to a balustrade rail according to a further
embodiment of the invention shown sequentially through FIGS. 6 to 9
in a method for forming a balustrade;
[0151] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a connector for connecting
a wire to a balustrade rail according to yet another embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0152] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a connector for connecting
a wire to a balustrade rail according to a still further embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0153] Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 to 4, a connector 10 for
connecting a wire 11 to a balustrade rail 12 according to an
embodiment of the present invention is shown. The connector 10
comprises a tubular body 13 for receipt therein of a wire end
portion. The tubular body 13 as shown in the Figures is cylindrical
and has open ends. However, the tubular body may be square or
rectangular in cross-section or any other shape as desired and may
be closed at its ends.
[0154] Notably, the tubular body 13 has a diameter which is less
than the diameter of a rail aperture 30, but a length which is
greater than the diameter of the rail aperture 30. This enables the
tubular body 13 to be positioned in the rail 12 through the rail
aperture 30 as shown in particular in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0155] The tubular body 13 comprises first and second portions 15,
16 respectively and a middle portion 17. The first and second
portions 15, 16 are arranged either side of the middle portion 17,
with the first portion 15 being arranged to receive therein the
wire end portion as shown in FIG. 2 for example. The first and
second portions 15, 16 are axially aligned, providing for a
straight tubular body 13. The second portion 16 may be considered
to be a protrusion from the first portion 15 (or more particularly
from the middle portion 17).
[0156] The wire end portion is retained in the tubular body 13,
preferably by forming a bond between the wire end portion and the
tubular body 13. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the
connector 10 comprises a retainer in the form of a deformable
portion 21 for retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body
13. The deformable portion 21 is enabled to deform about the wire
end portion, typically by crimping the deformable portion 21. The
deformable portion 21 is generally formed, at least in part, by the
first portion 15 of the tubular body 13. Deformation of the
deformable portion 21 in this way creates a strong mechanical
interlock between the tubular body 13 and the wire end portion.
This may occur in combination with the application of an adhesive,
welding, brazing or soldering such as silver soldering or any other
suitable method. In other embodiments not shown in the Figures, the
bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body may be
formed by the application of an adhesive, welding, brazing or
soldering without any deformation of the tubular body.
[0157] The connector 10 also comprises an opening in the tubular
body 13, shown in the Figures in the form of a lateral cut-away
portion 20, for the wire 11 to extend from the connector 10 when
the wire end portion is located in the tubular body 13. The
cut-away portion 20 is formed in the second portion 16 of the
tubular body 13, extending between an end of the tubular body 13
and the middle portion 17 of the tubular body.
[0158] In a variation not shown in the Figures, the opening may be
in the form of an aperture. The aperture is formed laterally in the
middle portion 17 of the tubular body 13 and the first and second
portions 15, 16 of the tubular body 13 are located on either side
of the aperture.
[0159] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 4, the connector 10 also
comprises a deflector 22 for deflecting the wire 11 at an angle
which is approximately perpendicular to the wire end portion when
the wire 11 is under tension (as shown in FIG. 4). The wire 11 is
also deflected at an angle which is approximately perpendicular to
the tubular body 13 by the deflector 22, when the wire 11 is under
tension. The deflector 22 is located in the middle portion 17 of
the tubular body 1. and comprises the edge of the opening. Thus,
the deflector 22 as shown in the Figures comprises the edge of the
cut-away portion 20 at the middle portion 17 of the tubular body
13. However, in the variation discussed above where the opening is
in the form of an aperture, the deflector comprises the rim of the
aperture.
[0160] The connector 10 is typically formed of a metal, such as
steel, stainless steel, aluminium or any other suitable metal.
However, the connector 10 may be formed of a plastic, preferably a
hard plastic.
[0161] Referring now to FIG. 5, a connector 110 according to
another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The connector
110 is similar to the connector shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. Similar
features of the connector 110 have therefore been designated with
the same reference number but have been prefixed with the numeral
1.
[0162] The deflector 122 shown in FIG. 5 also comprises a guide for
guiding deflection of the wire by the deflector 122, when the wire
is under tension. The guide is located proximate to the opening in
the tubular body 113 and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is shown
in the form of a projection 125, projecting from the tubular body
113. The projection 125 provides a surface 126 along which a
portion of the wire which is adjacent to the wire end portion may
abut when the wire is under tension. The surface of the projection
125 along which the wire abuts may be curved in the direction of
deflection of the wire so as to guide bending (ie. deflection) of
the wire in a way which minimises any localised parts of the bent
wire being of increased tensile stress. The projection 125 is also
locatable in the rail aperture after the tubular body 113 has been
positioned in the rail.
[0163] The connectors 10, 110 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 5 may form
part of a balustrade kit. Such a kit may also comprise at least two
rails 12, a plurality of wires 11 for extending between the rails
12 and at least one post for the rails to be mounted to.
[0164] The rails 12 may be arranged as top and bottom rails with
the wires 11 arranged vertically when the balustrade is formed.
However, the rails 12 may also be arranged as opposing side rails
with the wires 11 arranged horizontally when the balustrade is
formed.
[0165] Each rail 12 has a plurality of apertures formed therein
such as the aperture 30 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Each connector 10,
110 in the kit is to be inserted through one of the rail apertures
30 into the rail space 31 to connect one of the wires 11 to one of
the rails 12.
[0166] Each rail 12 comprises a tubular member which may be
circular, square, rectangular or any other shape as desired in
cross-section. In a variation, each rail may comprise a U-shaped
member, wherein the rail space 31 in which the connectors are
received is readily accessible. In this variation, each rail 12
also comprises a cover plate for engaging the U-shaped member to
form a tube. The cover plates may slideably engage their respective
U-shaped member or they may have a snap-fit engagement with their
respective U-shaped member.
[0167] Construction of a balustrade using the connector 10 shown in
FIGS. 1 to 4 will now be described:
[0168] Referring firstly to FIG. 2, the wire end portion of the
wire is inserted into the tubular body 13 of the connector 10 by
inserting the wire end portion through the opening and into the
tubular body 13, specifically the first portion 15 of the tubular
body 13. Subsequent to this the retainer is used to retain the wire
end portion in the tubular body 13. This step generally involves
deforming the deformable portion 21 of the tubular body 13 about
the wire end portion, typically by crimping the deformable portion
21. This deformation of the deformable portion 21 about the wire
end portion forms a strong mechanical interlock between the tubular
body 13 and the wire end portion. In combination or variation to
retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body 13 in this way,
a bond may be formed between the wire end portion and the tubular
body 13 by application of an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering
such as silver soldering or any other suitable method.
[0169] FIG. 3 shows the next step of the method, in which the
tubular body 13, with the wire end portion inserted and retained
therein, is inserted into the balustrade rail 12 through an
aperture 30 in the rail 12 and into the space 31 inside the rail
12. Notably, the space 31 in the rail 12 is of sufficient size to
enable the length of the tubular body 13 to be inserted into the
rail 12 through the rail aperture 30 and to subsequently rotate
into the position shown in FIG. 4.
[0170] During the step of inserting the tubular body 13 into the
balustrade rail 12, the longitudinal extent of the wire 11 is
substantially parallel to and axially aligned with the longitudinal
extent of the tubular body 13. As the tubular body 13 is inserted
into the balustrade rail 12, a portion of the wire is held against
a surface of the cut-away portion 20 of the tubular body 13. This
is to ensure that the tubular body 13 with the wire end portion
inserted and retained therein can pass through the rail aperture
30.
[0171] It is noted that in the variation not shown in Figures but
described above where the opening in the tubular body of the
connector comprises an aperture, the step of inserting the tubular
body into the balustrade rail comprises holding a portion of the
wire against an outer surface of a portion of the tubular body
during this step. This is also to ensure that the tubular body with
the wire end portion inserted and retained therein can pass through
the rail aperture 30.
[0172] Referring now to FIG. 4, once the tubular body 13 of the
connector 10 has been inserted into the balustrade rail 12, a
tensioning force is applied on the wire. This causes the tubular
body 13 to rotate inside the rail space 31 into a position where
the first and second portions 15, 16 of the tubular body 13 abut an
inner surface of the rail, either side of the rail aperture 30. In
doing so, the wire 11 is deflected by the deflector 22
approximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal extent of the
tubular body 13 and to the wire end portion retained therein.
[0173] It is noted that where the connector 110 according to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is used, the step in this method of
providing a tensioning force on the wire also causes the guide 125
to be located in the rail aperture.
[0174] Once the above steps have occurred, the length of the wire
may be adjusted as required, typically by cutting the wire to the
required length. However, it is noted that this step of adjusting
the length of the wire may occur at any suitable point in time
during the method.
[0175] The above steps are repeated for a plurality of wires 11 and
for two or more rails, using a plurality of the connectors 10 (or
110) to form the balustrade.
[0176] Referring now to FIGS. 6 to 9, a connector 210 according to
a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. The
connector 210 is similar to the connector shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.
Similar features of the connector 210 have therefore been
designated with the same reference number but have been prefixed
with the numeral 2.
[0177] A significant difference between the connector 210 shown in
FIGS. 6 to 9 and the connector 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, is that
the second portion 216 of the tubular body 113 of the connector 210
is bent with respect to the first portion 215. The second portion
216 is bent in a curve. The bent second portion 216 is to enable
the connector 210 to be used with less flexible wires. As shown, in
particular in FIG. 9, when the tubular body 213, with the wire end
portion inserted and retained therein, is inserted into the
balustrade rail 212 and a tensioning force is applied to the wire
211, the wire 211 is deflected by the deflector 222 at an angle
which is less than perpendicular to the wire end portion and less
than perpendicular to the first portion 215 of the tubular body
213. The angle at which the wire 211 is deflected is at least
30.degree. with respect to the first portion 215 of the tubular
body 213 and to the wire end portion retained therein but may be
more or less. Notably, as shown in FIG. 9, the step of providing
the tensioning force on the wire causes the second portion 216 to
abut the inner surface of the rail 212, either side of the rail
aperture 230. The first portion 216 when the connector 210 is in
this position projects into the rail space.
[0178] This lesser deflection of the wire 211 when using the
connector 210, advantageously readily enables the connection of
very inflexible wires to balustrade rails without the need for
providing high tensioning forces on the wires which could risk
breaking them.
[0179] Referring now to FIG. 10, a connector 310 according to a yet
further embodiment of the present invention is shown. The connector
310 is similar to the connector shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. Similar
features of the connector 310 have therefore been designated with
the same reference number but have been prefixed with the numeral
3.
[0180] The connector 310 comprises a tubular body 13 for receipt
therein of a wire end portion and which is for positioning in a
rail through a rail aperture. The connector 310 also comprises an
opening in the tubular body for the wire to extend from the
connector 310 when the wire end portion is located in the tubular
body 313. As shown in FIG. 10, the opening is in the form of an end
aperture 340 located in an end of the tubular body 313.
[0181] The connector 310 also comprises at least one protrusion
341. The at least one protrusion 341 protrudes from the tubular
body 313 and is for abutting an internal surface of the rail so as
to act against the connector 310 being removed from the rail when
the wire is under tension. Although the protrusion 341 is shown in
FIG. 10 as having a cut-away hollow cylindrical shape, the
protrusion may be of any shape such as a plate, block or wedge for
example. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the connector 310 has
only one protrusion. In a further embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a
similar connector 410 is shown comprising two protrusions 441.
Notably, the protrusions 441 of the connector 440 shown in FIG. 11
are different in size and shape, although the protrusions in other
embodiments could be the same size and shape. It is also noted that
in further embodiments, the connector may comprise more than two
protrusions.
[0182] The protrusions 341, 441 protrude laterally from the tubular
bodies 313, 413 of the respective connectors 310, 410. In the case
of the connector 410 shown in FIG. 11, the two protrusions 441
protrude from either side of the tubular body 413. The protrusions
341, 441 are located towards the end of the tubular body 313, 413
at which the opening in the form of an end aperture 340, 440 is
located.
[0183] Referring only to FIG. 10 for convenience, the connector 310
also comprises a projection 325 projecting from the tubular body
313. The projection 325 is locatable in the rail aperture after the
tubular body has been positioned in the rail. The projection is
formed proximate to the opening in the form of the end aperture 340
and projects parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body
313. The projection 325 has a curved inner surface against which
the wire under tension may abut. The projection 325 thus provides a
guide for guiding any deflection of the wire, when the wire is
under tension.
[0184] The connectors 310, 410 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are also
particularly advantageous for use with very inflexible wires as in
use, when the wire is under tension, the connectors 310, 410
require minimal or no bending of the wire. Some bending of the wire
may occur when the tubular body 313, 413 is inserted into the rail
as the tubular body is generally required to rotate to enable the
protrusions 341, 441 to clear the rail aperture. However, once a
tensioning force is applied to the wire, the protrusions 341, 441
are caused to abut an inner surface of the rail, generally close to
the rail aperture which subsequently results in the tubular body
313 being moved into a position where its longitudinal extent is
substantially aligned with the longitudinal extent of the wire.
Importantly, providing a tensioning force on the wire also results
in the projection 325, 425 being located in the rail aperture.
Furthermore, if any bending (ie. deflection) of the wire under
tension is required, the curvature of the inner surface of the
projection 325 helps guide this bending, reducing the possibility
of tensile stresses building up in any particular part of the bent
wire.
[0185] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description
of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due
to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise"
or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an
inclusive sense, ie. to specify the presence of the stated features
but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in
various embodiments of the invention.
* * * * *